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
      • 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
      • Free Events
      • Festive Fun
      • Twixmas 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
      • Classic Christmas
      • 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
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • A couple looking at High Force Waterfall

    Next Stop, Durham

  • Santa and elves at Raby Castle

    Classic Christmas

  • Durham's 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

    Durham's Advent Calendar

  • Durham Cathedral and riverbanks in the snow

    Winter Breaks

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: 258

, currently showing 181 to 200.

  • Previous Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Child holding a crayon, sitting with other children at Little Dragons.

    Add Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham City

    Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2025to17 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum
  2. Josef's restaurant at the Radisson Blu Durham

    Add Family Santa Sunday Lunch to your Itinerary

    Family Santa Sunday Lunch

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham City

    A relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food and a visit from the main man himself – Santa Claus will be delivering a selection box for the kids!

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2025Open 12:30 - 15:30
    More info for Family Santa Sunday Lunch
  3. A cartoon image of children and adults enjoying an outdoor activity at Auckland Palace Deer Park

    Add Hearth Outdoors at Auckland Palace Deer Park to your Itinerary

    Hearth Outdoors at Auckland Palace Deer Park

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Bishop Auckland

    A free, welcoming programme of nature-based activities designed to help you feel good, connect with others, and explore the green spaces of Auckland Palace Deer Park.

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Hearth Outdoors at Auckland Palace Deer Park
  4. Two girls drawing at the Young Artists' Club - The Auckland Project

    Add No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Local Events

    Bishop Auckland

    Discover the works of great artists throughout history, and create your own pieces of art. Thursdays.

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland Project
  5. Fairylights over South causey Inn

    Add Live Tribute of George Michael at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Live Tribute of George Michael at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    An Unmissable Tribute Night at South Causey Inn...

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2025Open 19:00 -
    More info for Live Tribute of George Michael at South Causey Inn
  6. Party Through the Decades Poster. with baubles, stars and snowflakes.

    Add Christmas Party Through The Decades Disco - Bowburn Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Christmas Party Through The Decades Disco - Bowburn Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Join us for a night of fun and merriment get your dancing shoes on, and party the night away on the dance floor as our resident DJ plays you all the hits all night long.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    20 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    27 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 00:00
    From:
    3 Jan 2026to17 Jan 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Christmas Party Through The Decades Disco - Bowburn Hall Hotel
  7. Epiphany Procession, choir performing at Durham Cathedral

    Add Epiphany Procession  - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Epiphany Procession - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Religious Event

    Durham City

    During the Epiphany season Durham Cathedral holds an Epiphany Procession service.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Jan 2026Open 15:30 -
    More info for Epiphany Procession - Durham Cathedral
  8. Wooden Christmas carol singers.

    Carols in the Chapel - Wynyard Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Wynyard

    Nothing will get you into the spirit of Christmas more than listening to the sound of traditional festive songs performed by exceptional local choir, Cantabile, under the musical direction of Reverend Daniel Ackerley. Finish the evening with mince…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Dec 2025to21 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    From:
    23 Dec 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Carols in the Chapel - Wynyard Hall
  9. Toy.51 Model Train Set c.1840s at The Bowes Museum. Photography by Claire Collinson.

    Add S&DR200 - Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail to your Itinerary

    S&DR200 - Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    An exhibition showcasing historic fashion, toys and artworks that reflect on how the railway reshaped lives and culture.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2025to1 Feb 2026
    More info for S&DR200 - Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail
  10. Cartoon image of a woman, wearing a tiara, sitting on a throne, reading a book

    Add Books at the Hearth - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    Books at the Hearth - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Bishop Auckland

    Take some time out for yourself and get lost in a good book. At this friendly, drop-in book club you can bring something you’re already reading or pick from our shared shelf. Fourth Sunday of every month.

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    13 Oct 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Books at the Hearth - The Auckland Project
  11. Children playing at The Bowes Museum

    Add Stay and Play - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Stay and Play - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Time for The Bowes’ youngest visitors to explore and play in the Conversation Gallery, investigate materials and be creative in this self-led, free-play session.

    Dates

    From:
    2 Jan 2025to8 Jan 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Stay and Play - The Bowes Museum
  12. Fairy lights and warm lighting leading to South Causey Inn's Bar and Restaurant area.

    Add Edible Experience: Home Alone at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Edible Experience: Home Alone at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    This Christmas, step into the world of one of the most beloved festive films of all time as South Causey Inn presents the second in our Edible Experience series – Home Alone, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Dec 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Edible Experience: Home Alone at South Causey Inn
  13. 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
  14. Rob Rouse

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy:  Rob Rouse - Funny Bones to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Rob Rouse - Funny Bones

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Star of BBC's Upstart Crow, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Friday Night Project and Dave's One Night Stand.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Mar 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Rob Rouse - Funny Bones
  15. Disco Motown Party Night. Silhouette of a city skyline

    Add Disco Motown Party Night - Bowburn Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Disco Motown Party Night - Bowburn Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Join us for a night of fun and merriment get your dancing shoes on, and party the night away on the dance floor as our resident DJ plays you all the hits all night long.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2025to21 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Disco Motown Party Night - Bowburn Hall Hotel
  16. Choir performing at Durham Cathedral

    Add Handel's Messiah with Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Handel's Messiah with Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham City

    Durham Cathedral Choir performs Handel’s ever-popular Messiah with acclaimed early music specialists the Avison Ensemble. Enjoy well-loved music retelling the story of Christ, including the majestic ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus, one of the most famous pieces…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2026
    More info for Handel's Messiah with Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble - Durham Cathedral
  17. Mark Simmons dressed in a dinner jacket with Jester's trousers and shoes

    Add Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress" to your Itinerary

    Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress"

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    More expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Mar 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Mark Simmons "Jest to Impress"
  18. Close up of Santa's legs sitting in a chair beside a table with a gold bell

    Add Santa's Enchanted Garden Grotto to your Itinerary

    Santa's Enchanted Garden Grotto

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Lanchester

    Join us, Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus this Christmas in our Enchanted Garden Grotto.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2025to23 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 16:30
    More info for Santa's Enchanted Garden Grotto
  19. Exterior view of St. Brandon's Church.

    Add Echoes of Puebla: Choral Music from Mexico to your Itinerary

    Echoes of Puebla: Choral Music from Mexico

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham

    For their traditional summer concert, the Durham Singers are taking their audiences on a sunny trip to South America. The festive theme for the concert comes from Mexican rhythms and colours of traditional and contemporary choral music.

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Echoes of Puebla: Choral Music from Mexico
  20. Aurora Borealis over Grassholme

    Add Aurora Night - Grassholme Observatory to your Itinerary

    Aurora Night - Grassholme Observatory

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    nr Mickleton

    The event will begin with a personal welcome from our astronomer, Gary Fildes. Gary is a very experienced science communicator and astronomer, and founder of the Kielder Observatory, where he was Director and CEO for over 11 years.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Jan 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    4 Feb 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    22 Feb 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    More info for Aurora Night - Grassholme Observatory
  • Previous Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 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
  • Information Points,
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Publications,
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