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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. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026 to your Itinerary

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Bishop Auckland

    Step into Kynren, a live action outdoor theatre spectacular that immerses you in 2000 years of history on an epic scale.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026
  2. Crowds of people enjoying a cricket match at Durham Cricket's Banks Homes Riverside Stadium

    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
  3. 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
  4. Gavin Webster

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Gavin Webster - The Gathering Of The Gav to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Gavin Webster - The Gathering Of The Gav

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Gavin Webster is back on tour again, this time with his acclaimed Edinburgh show 'The Gathering Of The Gav' with brand new routines added to it to make it an unforgettable theatre experience.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Gavin Webster - The Gathering Of The Gav
  5. Crowds of people at Seaham Food Festival

    Add Seaham Food Festival 2026 to your Itinerary

    Seaham Food Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Seaham

    The festival welcomes thousands of visitors each year for two days of sun, sea, family fun and, of course, food. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to2 Aug 2026
    More info for Seaham Food Festival 2026
  6. A woman leans over a table helping two young children with an arts-and-crafts activity. The children sit at a bright yellow table covered with paper,

    Add Family Open Day - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Family Open Day - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Join us for a free day of family-friendly activities. Inspired by the museum's Pippa Hale: Pet Project exhibition, enjoy a variety of activities as we celebrate all things pets at the museum.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Family Open Day - The Bowes Museum
  7. Tracks of Change - Perfume by Yann Nguema Exhibition, part of the S&DR200 festival.

    Add S&DR200 - Tracks of Change - Perfume by Yann Nguema to your Itinerary

    S&DR200 - Tracks of Change - Perfume by Yann Nguema

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees

    S&DR200 culminates with Perfume, a free exhibition at Preston Park by world-renowned, visionary projection artist Yann Nguema. 

    Dates

    From:
    17 Jan 2026to10 May 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for S&DR200 - Tracks of Change - Perfume by Yann Nguema
  8. People wearing gloves, and mixing purple bath bombs at Lanchester Garden Centre.

    Add Children's Easter Bath Bomb Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Children's Easter Bath Bomb Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Easter

    Lanchester

    Easter Bath Bomb Workshop – Creative Fun for Kids!

    Dates

    From:
    7 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    More info for Children's Easter Bath Bomb Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  9. Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion

    Add Spotlight Tour - Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Spotlight Tour - Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Join Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion & Textiles for an insightful introduction to the new Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion exhibition.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 11:30
    More info for Spotlight Tour - Joséphine, A Woman of Taste and Fashion - The Bowes Museum
  10. Phil Ellis

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Phil Ellis - Bath Mat to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Phil Ellis - Bath Mat

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Following his three big award wins at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, Phil, the very definition of funny bones, presents his brand-new show.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Phil Ellis - Bath Mat
  11. Silhouette of a person photographing The Milky Way from the hillside

    Add Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory to your Itinerary

    Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    nr Mickleton

    Due to popular demand, we have laid on this exclusive event to educate the little ones on all things spacey!

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    More info for Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory
  12. Durham Jazz Festival Logo

    Durham Jazz Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Old Cinema Launderette in Gilesgate,

    The 2026 Durham Jazz Festival will run from Friday 23rd October through to Sunday 25th October.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026
    More info for Durham Jazz Festival
  13. 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
  14. The Bowes Museum at night

    Add Bowes Lates to your Itinerary

    Bowes Lates

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    The Bowes Museum is inviting visitors to step inside after hours for the first in a series of Bowes Lates, a new way to enjoy a cultural evening of art, food and more in a relaxed atmosphere. The event takes place on Saturday, 14 February 2026, from…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026
    More info for Bowes Lates
  15. 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 2026to30 Aug 2026
    More info for 150 Years of Wedding Dresses at Ushaw
  16. Poster showing details of the event

    Add Folly and Bird Book Craft Workshop to your Itinerary

    Folly and Bird Book Craft Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Alnwick Road, Newton Hall

    Folly and Bird book craft workshop with Fiona McKeown, Monday 23rd February 10am-12pm.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Folly and Bird Book Craft Workshop
  17. A fairground on the street.

    Add Sacriston Party in the Park to your Itinerary

    Sacriston Party in the Park

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Sacriston

    Free community fun day including fairground rides, inflatables, climbing wall, face-painting & much more!

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    More info for Sacriston Party in the Park
  18. South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Add South Causey Monthly Dog Walk to your Itinerary

    South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Dog-Friendly

    STANLEY

    Join the South Causey Dog Walking Club every 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am for a picturesque stroll through the beautiful Beamish Valley. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for South Causey Monthly Dog Walk
  19. 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
  20. An ornate 19th-century lace parasol with an intricately patterned cream lace canopy. The handle is made of ivory or bone with a decorative metal finia

    Add Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection to your Itinerary

    Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection marks 20 years since the landmark exhibition Fine & Fashionable: Lace from the Blackborne Collection and commemorates the gift of the Blackborne lace collection to The Bowes Museum.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to11 Apr 2027Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection
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