As summer arrives, it’s time to start looking forward to one of the Lake District’s most cherished traditions – the vibrant calendar of summer shows and country fairs. A familiar fixture for generations, these events began as small agricultural gatherings where local farmers showcased their finest livestock. Today, they have grown into lively celebrations of Cumbrian rural life, attracting visitors from near and far.

From prize-winning livestock competitions and thrilling traditional Lakeland sports to artisan crafts, local produce and delicious food, these much-loved events offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic character, heritage and community spirit of the Lake District. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, there’s no better way to soak up the sights, sounds and flavours of a Cumbrian summer.

Skelton Show: Saturday 4 July

The Skelton Show has grown from a small local show held in the village to one of the county’s major agricultural shows. It’s held on the first Saturday in July in the picturesque setting of the Old Park at Hutton in the Forest near Penrith.

Along with traditional livestock judging, the show also features live music, trade stands, a crafts tent, vintage vehicles and wrestling. This is a great day out in the country for all the family.

For more details, please visit the Skelton Show website.

Penrith Agricultural Show: Saturday 18 July

The Penrith Agricultural Show is steeped in history. First run by The Penrith Agricultural Society in 1834, the event now attracts large crowds who enjoy the wide variety of livestock competition classes and show jumping, as well as local trade stands, food hall and rural craft tent.

The show will take place on Saturday 18 July, and while the organisers have maintained an emphasis on agriculture, there is so much more to appeal to a wider audience. From vintage vehicles to dry stone walling, wrestling to rabbit shows, there’s something for everyone.

For more details or to buy tickets, visit the Penrith Agricultural Show website.

Coniston Country Fair: Sunday 19 July

Coniston Country Fair is a must-visit event not least for its stunning setting on the shores of Coniston Water. It also offers visitors an enthralling insight in traditional Cumbrian life.

Fell foxhounds, dry stone walling, terrier racing and Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling are just a few of the competitions taking place throughout the day. And there’s the famous fell race – a six mile route to the top of Coniston Old Man and back. This route would take the average walker a day to complete – some of these athletes are there and back in under an hour.

There’s also a superb craft marquee offering the best of Lakeland crafts and food, as well as trade stands, refreshments and amusements.

For more information, visit the Coniston Country Fair website.

Ambleside Sports, Rydal Park: Thursday 30 July

This is the Lake District’s oldest and most traditional sporting event and will take place at Rydal Park in Ambleside on Thursday 30 July.

The first event will be the Rydal Round, a tough nine mile fell race around one of Lakeland’s best-known walks, the Fairfield Horseshoe. Among the other events are track cycling, running, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hound trails and children’s sports. There will also be lots of craft stalls, fairground rides, side-shows and refreshments across the site.

Tickets are available from the Ambleside Sports website.

Cartmel Show: Wednesday 5 August

Apart from sticky toffee pudding, Cartmel is best-known for horse racing, so it will come as no surprise that horses are one of the main features at the Cartmel Show. There’s showjumping, carriage driving and show classes for visitors to enjoy, as well as a host of other activities. There’s also wrestling, live food demonstrations and plenty of entertainment for children. In short, the Cartmel Show is a fabulous family day out.

Click here to visit the website

Rydal Show: Thursday 13 August

The 122nd Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show will take place on Thursday 13th August 2026. Set in the picturesque Rydal Valley, this popular event offers a charming mix of sheepdog trials, hound shows, livestock competitions and rural displays. Surrounded by stunning Lakeland scenery, it provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

For more information about the Rydal Show, click here.

Hawkshead Show: Tuesday 18 August

Founded with the help of Beatrix Potter, the Hawkshead Show is a traditional event that captures the spirit of Lakeland farming and village life. Highlights include private driving and jumping classes; sheep, cattle and dog competitions; and horticultural exhibits.

Click here for visitor information.

Grasmere Sports: Sunday 30 August

Dating from 1868, Grasmere Sports was originally the annual Grasmere Sheep Fair. Nowadays, it’s a notable community event welcoming visitors and locals alike.

This event is one of the most popular events in the Lake District, a true celebration of Cumbrian tradition, with gruelling fell racing, sheepdog displays, terrier shows and traditional Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. 

For more details, visit the Grasmere Sports website.

Keswick Show: Monday 31 August

A fantastic day of family entertainment awaits at the Keswick Show on Monday 31 August, with something to delight visitors of all ages. The show will feature a wide range of horse, sheep and dog classes, alongside an impressive display of vintage vehicles and machinery.

Thrilling attractions throughout the day include traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, the challenging Barrow Fell Race, sheep clipping demonstrations and fast-paced terrier racing.

The afternoon programme is packed with entertainment, including the ever-popular Novelty Dog and Pet Classes and the colourful Horse and Pony Fancy Dress Parade.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Cockermouth Mechanics Brass Band will perform a varied programme of music throughout the afternoon, ensuring a memorable day out for the whole family.

For more information, click here.

With their exciting displays, delicious food, friendly atmosphere, Lake District summer shows and fairs make a fantastic day out for the whole family. Offering a quintessential Lakeland experience, these much-loved events attract visitors from far and wide each year.

For cottage availability, please click here.