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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. Man with flowers at Durham City Farmers' Market

    Add Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market to your Itinerary

    Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Durham city

    Durham’s Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Market is now on the first Thursday of each month – open from 9am until 4.30pm, or until stock has sold out.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market
  2. 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
  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. 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"
  5. 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:
    10 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    From:
    24 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    From:
    7 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    More info for Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. View of the Palace Museum in the 1920s and 2025; Photos: © The Palace Museum; Image designed by Ziyu Zhou

    Add Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Durham City

    Jointly organised by the Palace Museum and the Oriental Museum.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2025to31 May 2026
    More info for Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum - Durham University Oriental Museum
  9. Abstract colourful background with 'Fever presents Candlelight' in the foreground.

    Add Candlelight: Tribute to Ed Sheeran - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Candlelight: Tribute to Ed Sheeran - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham City

    Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to Durham Cathedral. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Ed Sheeran under the gentle glow of candlelight.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Jan 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Candlelight: Tribute to Ed Sheeran - Durham Cathedral
  10. Lucy Pringle sitting in a meditative pose. Credit: Chris Parkinson

    Add The Raby Reset: Wellness Foundations at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    The Raby Reset: Wellness Foundations at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Staindrop

    Founded by Lucy, a holistic counsellor, meditation teacher, and reiki practitioner, Guid-ed offers transformative experiences that blend science with spirituality integrating somatic healing, mindset work, breathwork, and energy alignment.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Jan 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    11 Jan 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    25 Jan 2026
    More info for The Raby Reset: Wellness Foundations at Raby Castle
  11. Rapunzel written in gold on a purple background.

    Add Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime to your Itinerary

    Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime

    Type

    Type:

    Pantomimes

    Durham City

    In the dark, tangled forest of Hamsterley stands a mysterious tower, locals swear they can hear beautiful singing drifting through the trees, a voice so pure it stops even the bravest woodcutter in their tracks.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime
  12. Paul Sinah

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Paul Sinha - 2 Sinha Lifetime to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Paul Sinha - 2 Sinha Lifetime

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Paul celebrated his 30th anniversary in stand-up last year and despite his continued quiz successes, his Radio 4 series, and his decision to write a memoir, rather than a hastily patched together murder mystery, Paul is not ready to exit the stage…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Paul Sinha - 2 Sinha Lifetime
  13. January Available Now - Tom Bolton's Magic Corner

    Add Tom Bolton's The Magic Corner to your Itinerary

    Tom Bolton's The Magic Corner

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Old Elvet, Durham

    Surround yourself in the world of magic in this interactive and immersive show!

    Dates

    From:
    3 Jan 2026to31 Jan 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Tom Bolton's The Magic Corner
  14. Crowds of people attending Bishop Auckland Food Festival, Market Stalls, bunting

    Add Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026 to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Food & Drink Festival

    Bishop Auckland

    A weekend of incredible celebrity chef demonstrations, regional food, drink traders & local entertainers.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026
    More info for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026
  15. 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
  16. Redhills Durham Miners Hall

    Add Stand up for the Miners to your Itinerary

    Stand up for the Miners

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Durham City

    A night of comedy and politics, in support of the Durham Miners Gala.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
    More info for Stand up for the Miners
  17. Carl Hutchinson

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Greatest Hits! to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Greatest Hits!

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Join Carl as he celebrates 10 years of touring as he presents his best and favourite routines from over the years.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Greatest Hits!
  18. Photography by Claire Collinson. Larger-than-life, soft recreations of an animal

    Add Pippa Hale: Pet Project - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Pippa Hale: Pet Project - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    See the museum’s renowned ceramic collection re-imagined into a vibrant and interactive experience for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    26 July 2025to1 Mar 2026
    More info for Pippa Hale: Pet Project - The Bowes Museum
  19. Children and families enjoying the 'Forest of Light' at Beamish Hall Hotel

    Add Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Our Forest of Light is a captivating illuminated experience set within our enchanted ancient woodland.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to4 Jan 2026
    More info for Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel
  20. Close-up of Jodie Fitzgibbon performing

    Add Live Music Nights at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Live Music Nights at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Stanley

    Sit with us and enjoy live music every Friday, where we welcome a brilliant mix of local musicians from all across the North East to our cosy indoor bar - with a roaring log-burning fire.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2025to11 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Live Music Nights at South Causey Inn
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