Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Redhills Durham Miners Hall
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Durham on Screen
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • Father's Day Events
      • Summer Holidays
      • Free Events
    • 2026 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Geko at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Visitor Guides
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • Kids dressed up as Harry Potter in the cloisters

    Durham On Screen

  • Children playing with sand at Locomotion

    Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham

  • A couple sat at the pool at Seaham Hall

    Summer Breaks

  • Fireworks at Kynren

    Summer Holidays

A German Flag
This is Durham logo
Menu
  • Durham the Culture County logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

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.

Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 160

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. View of Durham Cathedral from St. Margaret's Allotments.

    Add St Margaret's Allotments, Church, Churchyard and Centre Open Day to your Itinerary

    St Margaret's Allotments, Church, Churchyard and Centre Open Day

    Type

    Type:

    Charity event/Fundraiser

    Durham City

    Almost 100 allotments against the spectacular backdrop of Durham Cathedral, with the chance to speak to gardeners, many using organic methods. Six acre churchyard rich in nature and history, with 500 gravestones plus Commonwealth war graves. Norman…

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 11:00 - 17:00
    More info for St Margaret's Allotments, Church, Churchyard and Centre Open Day
  2. Close-up of a mannequin wearing a vibrant, multicoloured fuzzy coat in shades of blue, purple, and yellow. Underneath is a white shirt with a bold pin

    Add Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary at The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary at The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary (28 March 2026 – 6 September 2026) is a multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of fashion's most provocative and imaginative designers.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary at The Bowes Museum
  3. Chutney trader. Woman looking at stall and holding purse.

    Add Barnard Castle Market to your Itinerary

    Barnard Castle Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Barnard Castle

    Stroll through the stalls, savour delicious local treats, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Every Wednesday 8.00am to 16.30

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Barnard Castle Market
  4. 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
  5. Club Night Photograph

    Add Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Demonstration to your Itinerary

    Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Demonstration

    Type

    Type:

    Demonstration

    Sedgefield

    Monthly club night and floral demonstrations, refreshments, club news and a raffle for the flowers made by the demonstrator.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Sept 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    From:
    20 Oct 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    From:
    17 Nov 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    More info for Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club Demonstration
  6. Audience enjoying an evening outdoor theatre performance at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Outdoor Cinema – Jurassic Park - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Outdoor Cinema – Jurassic Park - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Welcome To Jurassic Park! A roarsome outdoor cinema experience at Raby Castle with a screening of Spielberg's dinosaur classic!

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 18:30 - 22:00
    More info for Outdoor Cinema – Jurassic Park - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  7. Sat 5th December 'The Big Top Bonkers Bingo'. Illustration of Bingo Balls.

    Add Bonkers Bingo! Durham Cricket to your Itinerary

    Bonkers Bingo! Durham Cricket

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Riverside, Chester-le-Street

    Bingo, but not as you know it. Expect festive chaos, outrageous prizes, sing-alongs, dance-offs and a night of unforgettable entertainment at Durham Cricket's Christmas Circus.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 18:30 - 00:00
    More info for Bonkers Bingo! Durham Cricket
  8. Ladies Day Sport X Social The Skin Edit. £65. 3rd July 2026, 3pm arrival.

    Add Ladies Day: Sport x Social – The Skin Edit - Durham Cricket to your Itinerary

    Ladies Day: Sport x Social – The Skin Edit - Durham Cricket

    Type

    Type:

    Summer Event

    Chester-le-Street

    Durham Cricket is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new premium event, Ladies Day: Sport x Social – The Skin Edit, taking place on Friday, 3rd July.

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 15:00 -
    More info for Ladies Day: Sport x Social – The Skin Edit - Durham Cricket
  9. Runners partaking in Park Run by the river, with Durham Cathedral in the background.

    Add Durham parkrun to your Itinerary

    Durham parkrun

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Stockton Rd , Durham

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Nearby Sunday 2k junior parkrun events for 4 to 14 year olds and their families can be found here.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Jan 2026to26 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Durham parkrun
  10. View of players on Barnard Castle Golf Course on a sunny day.

    Add Stay and Play at High Force Hotel and Barnard Castle Golf Club to your Itinerary

    Stay and Play at High Force Hotel and Barnard Castle Golf Club

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Events

    Forest-in-Teesdale,

    Nestled in the stunning countryside of Teesdale, Barnard Castle Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of the North East.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Stay and Play at High Force Hotel and Barnard Castle Golf Club
  11. A Witch and a cat riding a broom.  Room on the Broom © 2001 Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

    Add Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. 

    Dates

    From:
    28 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  12. View of Durham Cathedral from Durham Riverbank.

    Add Cake Trails: Early Christianity and the Natural World in Durham Peninsula to your Itinerary

    Cake Trails: Early Christianity and the Natural World in Durham Peninsula

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Durham

    Grab your slice of history! We take you on a guided walk through Durham Peninsula's geology, biodiversity, and historic legacy of Christian belief around the natural world. Cake + Tea/Coffee included.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 11:30 - 14:30
    More info for Cake Trails: Early Christianity and the Natural World in Durham Peninsula
  13. 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
  14. Three wedding dresses, part of the exhibition at Ushaw, Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.

    Add 150 Years of Wedding Dresses at Ushaw to your Itinerary

    150 Years of Wedding Dresses at Ushaw

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Durham

    150 Years of Wedding Dresses showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and evolving trends that have defined one of the most memorable days in countless lives.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for 150 Years of Wedding Dresses at Ushaw
  15. Grimethorpe Colliery Band

    Add Grimethorpe Colliery Band In Concert to your Itinerary

    Grimethorpe Colliery Band In Concert

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham City

    Founded over a century ago in a Yorkshire mining village, Grimethorpe Colliery Band achieved a worldwide reputation from the hit film Brassed Off and are regarded as one of Britain's finest brass bands.

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grimethorpe Colliery Band In Concert
  16. Cartoon image of the performance area with a stage, trees, hills and a yellow aeroplane with a banner with wording Derwent Fest!

    Add Derwent Fest 2026 to your Itinerary

    Derwent Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Edmundbyers

    A weekend festival of live tribute music, food and drink, and children’s activities and entertainment, set in a stunning location, not far from you. Bring all the family, including the dog, and enjoy some fun, quality time together.

    Venue

    Derwent Waterside Park, Shotley Bridge

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026to15 Aug 2026
    More info for Derwent Fest 2026
  17. Toy Story Crafts. Collage of photos showing Toy Story key rings, Etch-A-Sketch and personalised Toy Story room signs.

    Add Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Join us for a Toy Story craft day packed with creativity! Make your own Alien Key Ring, build an Etch‑A‑Sketch–inspired frame, and design a personalised Toy Story Room Sign. Three crafts, endless fun.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre
  18. Durham Cathedral and surrounding countryside.

    Add Ramble Worldwide Celebrates 80 Years with FREE Guided Walks Across England this Summer to your Itinerary

    Ramble Worldwide Celebrates 80 Years with FREE Guided Walks Across England this Summer

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Durham

    This summer, Ramble Worldwide, the original walking holiday specialist with a charitable ethos, is offering a programme of free guided walks across England and Scotland to celebrate its 80th birthday.

    Join us on this free guided sample walk to…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Aug 2026
    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 13:30
    More info for Ramble Worldwide Celebrates 80 Years with FREE Guided Walks Across England this Summer
  19. Rings in the sandpit after a game of Quoits at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North.

    Add Quoits Weekend - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Quoits Weekend - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Competition / Game

    Beamish

    It's competition time as the museum hosts the World Quoits Championship in its 1900s Pit Village. See members of the National Quoits Association compete to be named champion of this traditional sporting event.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026
    More info for Quoits Weekend - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  20. The Female of the Species by Joanne Murray-Smith. 12th - 15th August 2026. Illustration of a woman's hands in cuffs.

    Add The Female of the Species - Comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith - The City Theatre to your Itinerary

    The Female of the Species - Comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith - The City Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Back Silver Street, Durham

    Margaret Mason is a best selling women's lib author with writer block. Will a visit from a fan help or hinder? And why the handcuffs?

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to15 Aug 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for The Female of the Species - Comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith - The City Theatre
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2026 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Visitor Guides,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council