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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. A small group of adults and children walking away along a leafy forest path in dappled sunlight

    Add Family Friendly Bird Trail at Bowlees - Bowlees Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Family Friendly Bird Trail at Bowlees - Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Nature

    Newbiggin-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Self-guided, family-friendly, bird-themed treasure trail, during North Pennines NatureFest.

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to7 June 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Family Friendly Bird Trail at Bowlees - Bowlees Visitor Centre
  2. Brass band members with their instruments lining up for a photo at Beamish.

    Add Brass at Beamish - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Brass at Beamish - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Beamish

    Organised by the Durham County Brass Band Association, the museum will play host as competing bands perform a hymn and a march for an independent adjudicator who will judge the performances. A short awards ceremony will follow.

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Brass at Beamish - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  3. Five people enjoying a coastal walk along the grassy cliffs.

    Add Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa to your Itinerary

    Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Seaham

    Step beyond the gates of Seaham Hall and discover the stories, heritage, and coastal beauty that have shaped Seaham through the years, guided by those who know it best.

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 13:15 -
    More info for Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa
  4. Declan Poole at the Wurlitzer organ (Milwaukee USA)

    Add Music from the Mighty Wurlitzer with award winning young organist Declan Poole to your Itinerary

    Music from the Mighty Wurlitzer with award winning young organist Declan Poole

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Howden le Wear, Crook

    Winner of the U.S. and U.K. Young Theatre Organist of the Year Award DECLAN POOLE plays a concert of favourite music at the mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ in the New Victoria Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    More info for Music from the Mighty Wurlitzer with award winning young organist Declan Poole
  5. Four women lying on grass in a circle with heads close together, viewed from above. They wear casual clothing in black, white, and patterned fabrics.

    Add Marshall Gilmour Webbs in Concert - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Marshall Gilmour Webbs in Concert - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Barnard Castle

    Experience an unforgettable evening of live music as Marshall Gilmour Webbs perform in concert at the Bowes Museum.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:30
    More info for Marshall Gilmour Webbs in Concert - The Bowes Museum
  6. Woman and man smiling next to vegetable stall of market. Woman holding vegetables.

    Add Bishop Auckland Market to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Bishop Auckland

    Stroll through the stalls, savour delicious local treats, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Every Thursday and Saturday 8:00-17:00

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Bishop Auckland Market
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Durham Opera Ensemble performing to an audience.

    Add Gilbert & Sullivan in Concert - Redhills Miners' Hall to your Itinerary

    Gilbert & Sullivan in Concert - Redhills Miners' Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham

    Join Durham Opera Ensemble for an evening celebrating the music of Gilbert and Sullivan. This third-term concert brings together a lively performance of their most popular works, performed by a company of current members and alumni. With plenty of…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Gilbert & Sullivan in Concert - Redhills Miners' Hall
  10. People enjoying Adventure Cinema at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens on a summer evening.

    Add Adventure Cinema – Dirty Dancing - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Adventure Cinema – Dirty Dancing - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Dirty Dancing Outdoor Cinema at Raby Castle. The perfect family day out! Join us for an incredible open-air cinema experience at Raby Castle with a screening of the fantastic Dirty Dancing. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or camping chairs, and enjoy…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026Open 18:00 - 22:00
    More info for Adventure Cinema – Dirty Dancing - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  11. 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
  12. Hector Gannet performing.

    Add HECTOR GANNET "Talking In The Mother Tongue" with Durham Miners' Association Brass Band to your Itinerary

    HECTOR GANNET "Talking In The Mother Tongue" with Durham Miners' Association Brass Band

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Flass Street, Durham City

    Hector Gannet returns to Durham Brass Festival, ahead of their forthcoming third album, The Great Shakedown, due later in this year.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for HECTOR GANNET "Talking In The Mother Tongue" with Durham Miners' Association Brass Band
  13. 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
  14. Trains at Locomotion

    Add Yesterbus Classic Bus Gathering - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Yesterbus Classic Bus Gathering - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Shildon

    Featuring a display of classic buses from across the region.

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
    More info for Yesterbus Classic Bus Gathering - Locomotion
  15. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add North East Festival of Blossom 2026: Art and photography student exhibition to your Itinerary

    North East Festival of Blossom 2026: Art and photography student exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Durham

    Students from the University of Sunderland’s Art and Photography departments have worked with us to create an immersive response to blossom in and around Crook Hall Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    19 May 2026to12 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for North East Festival of Blossom 2026: Art and photography student exhibition
  16. Audience enjoying Adventure cinema on a sunny day at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Adventure Cinema – Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Adventure Cinema – Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza Outdoor Cinema at Raby Castle

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 18:00 - 22:00
    More info for Adventure Cinema – Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
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