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You are here > Home > What's On > Summer Highlights

Summer Highlights

From festivals and fetes to vintage vehicles and open air theatre, enjoy a packed summer of fun in Durham with events to enthral and excite the whole family.

Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer in Durham with our curated guide to seasonal highlights. Discover a plethora of events, from lively festivals and outdoor performances to family-friendly activities and cultural showcases. Immerse yourself in the richness of summer arts, enjoy open-air concerts, and savor culinary delights at seasonal workshops. Whether it's nature excursions or festive celebrations, Durham's summer highlights offer a diverse array of experiences for all. Stay connected with the latest happenings and make the most of your summer in Durham, where every moment becomes a highlight.

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  1. Orchestra North East Ann Dobson Hall, Van Mildert College. July 5th, 3pm. Graphic image of cello.

    Add Orchestra North East Concert - Ann Dobson Hall to your Itinerary

    Orchestra North East Concert - Ann Dobson Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Millhill Lane,, Durham

    Orchestra North East will be performing on Sunday July 5th 2026 at 3pm in the Ann Dobson Hall, Van Mildert College, Millhill Lane, Durham DH1 3LH.

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:30
    More info for Orchestra North East Concert - Ann Dobson Hall
  2. Musicians dancing and playing for the crowd at Seaham Brass Bash - Durham Brass Festival in 2025.

    Durham Brass Festival’s Big and Little Brass Bashes

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham

    Durham Brass Festival’s Big and Little Brass Bashes are going on tour again this year, bringing free concerts to towns and communities across County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    13 July 2026to17 July 2026
    More info for Durham Brass Festival’s Big and Little Brass Bashes
  3. Image of a group of people at a Durham Book Festival event who are seated and clapping.

    Durham Book Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Durham Book Festival

    Durham

    The Durham Book Festival takes place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, celebrating the power of the written word.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
    More info for Durham Book Festival 2026
  4. Saturday Outdoor Market Vintage Stall

    Add Saturday Outdoor Market to your Itinerary

    Saturday Outdoor Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Durham

    Every Saturday, the Market Place is transformed by up to 30 small independent traders…it becomes a traditional, bustling, fresh air market and a great shopping experience.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Saturday Outdoor Market
  5. Isabel Maria.

    Add Brassed On featuring Dilettante, Vice Killer & Isabel Maria alongside brass to your Itinerary

    Brassed On featuring Dilettante, Vice Killer & Isabel Maria alongside brass

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham City

    Celebrating the incredible versatility of brass, Brassed On will perform a show featuring North East local artists.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Brassed On featuring Dilettante, Vice Killer & Isabel Maria alongside brass
  6. Two men playing cricket

    Add Durham Cricket - England Men v India Men T20 International to your Itinerary

    Durham Cricket - England Men v India Men T20 International

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Chester le Street

    England Men take on India Men in an exciting T20 International on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026
    More info for Durham Cricket - England Men v India Men T20 International
  7. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add Live Music at Crook Hall Gardens - Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Live Music at Crook Hall Gardens - Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham

    Local musicians make a visit extra special.

    Dates

    From:
    15 June 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    21 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    19 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    More info for Live Music at Crook Hall Gardens - Crook Hall Gardens
  8. Guided walk in Wolsingham: a group of walkers and a dog on a scenic woodland trail.

    Add Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham to your Itinerary

    Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland

    Our monthly guided walks take place on the 2nd Saturday of every month leaving Wolsingham Town Hall in the Market Place at 10am.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Jan 2026to12 Dec 2026
    More info for Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham
  9. Club Member with her flower arrangement.

    Add Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Workshop to your Itinerary

    Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Sedgefield

    A flower club workshop where participants make a flower arrangement led by area demonstrator Val Guest, of 40 years experience. Refreshments provided and you can take home your creation.

    Dates

    From:
    21 July 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    More info for Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Workshop
  10. People enjoy tours at Auckland Gardens.

    Add Auckland Gardens: Weekly Tours - Auckland Gardens to your Itinerary

    Auckland Gardens: Weekly Tours - Auckland Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Bishop Auckland ,

    Uncover the stories behind the gardens, from hidden details to standout features.

    Dates

    From:
    19 May 2026to30 June 2026
    More info for Auckland Gardens: Weekly Tours - Auckland Gardens
  11. Photograph of two people holding drinks and observing framed paintings displayed on a gallery wall. The setting includes a grand piano and art.

    Add Bowes Lates - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Bowes Lates - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Barnard Castle

    The Bowes Museum opens its doors for an evening of culture, with after-hours gallery access, live performances and a programme of hands-on activities. Highlights include curator-led Spotlight Tours, Silver Swan performances, a silent disco and…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 18:00 - 21:00
    More info for Bowes Lates - The Bowes Museum
  12. People outside Brancepeth Castle on a sunny day enjoying the Summer Craft Fair.

    Add Brancepeth Castle Summer Craft Fair 2026 to your Itinerary

    Brancepeth Castle Summer Craft Fair 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Durham

    A spectacular three -day craft fair in a country castle! 70 stalls of unique crafts. Cafes open serving delicious home made food and cakes. Craft workshops and activities.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    26 July 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
    More info for Brancepeth Castle Summer Craft Fair 2026
  13. Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa exterior view of entrance. Logo celebrating their 25th Anniversary top right.

    Add 25 Years in the Making - A Celebration, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa to your Itinerary

    25 Years in the Making - A Celebration, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Summer Event

    Seaham

    This year, Seaham Hall celebrates 25 years as one of the UK’s most iconic five-star hotel and spa destinations. Our 25 Years in the Making celebrations will honour the people, moments, and memories that shaped Seaham Hall—and we invite you to be…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026
    More info for 25 Years in the Making - A Celebration, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa
  14. A group of performers singing.

    Add Ensemble 84 to your Itinerary

    Ensemble 84

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Peterlee

    Shakespeare - 28th May to 6th June followed by Pits, People and Players - 9th to 13th June, 125 years of Horden's history.

    Dates

    From:
    9 June 2026to13 June 2026
    More info for Ensemble 84
  15. Yellow classic car at Raby Castle.

    Add Classic Car Show - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Classic Car Show - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Staindrop

    Classic Car Show – a Raby Castle collaboration with Durham Automobile Club.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Classic Car Show - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  16. Stanley Front Street will turn into a sea of colours and the smells and tastes of world cuisines at a World Cup football-themed street food market on

    Add Stanley Street Food Market to your Itinerary

    Stanley Street Food Market

    Type

    Type:

    Food Events

    Stanley

    Street food, sweet treats, face painting, football kit colouring in competition and entertainment.

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026Open 15:00 - 19:30
    More info for Stanley Street Food Market
  17. Tibetan and crystal singing bowls

    Add Sound Bath & Meditation Session - Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Sound Bath & Meditation Session - Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Staindrop

    Experience a profound and restorative Sound Bath & Meditation session under the expert guidance of Stephen, a highly qualified meditation instructor, set within the tranquil and historic surroundings of Raby Castle. This one-hour session offers an…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026
    More info for Sound Bath & Meditation Session - Raby Castle
  18. Durham City Run Festival

    Add Durham City Run Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham City Run Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Durham City

    Ten years after the first Durham City Run in 2016, the 5K and 10K races return to the historic city centre this July!
    Experience a midsummer evening of running around some of Durham’s most iconic historic landmarks, and collect a medal and goody bag…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026to18 July 2026
    More info for Durham City Run Festival
  19. Durham Miners' Gala. Crowds enjoying the Gala outside of the County Hotel. Colliery Banners can be seen as the Bands march through the streets.

    Add Durham Miners' Gala 2026 to your Itinerary

    Durham Miners' Gala 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Durham City

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns on 11th July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
    More info for Durham Miners' Gala 2026
  20. Trader at Barnard Castle Farmer's Market at stall taking money from customer

    Add Barnard Castle Farmers' Market to your Itinerary

    Barnard Castle Farmers' Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Barnard Castle

    Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market is one of the North East’s most popular markets featuring a wide range of artisan food and crafts from the region. Open 9:00 to 14:00 on the first Saturday of each month.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Barnard Castle Farmers' Market
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