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From The Cumbrian Almanac

Things to do with kids in Cumbria and the Lake District this month

Family-friendly events across Cumbria over the next four weeks: trails, shows, farms, forests and half-term ideas, each checked against the organiser's page.

Open this in the Almanac Add to your calendar

Checked 29 September 2026. Every event links to the organiser, where you can book. Times and prices change, so check before you set off.

Thursday 1 October 2026

  • Tessa Bunney: What the Sea Decides to Give You

    The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness · Free

    Photographs taken in Morecambe Bay working with local fishermen, in Tessa Bunney's first exhibition in Barrow. It closes on 4 October and the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Organiser

  • The Brilliance of Birds

    Rheged, Penrith · £3, children 16 and under free

    Work by 57 UK artists celebrating the beauty, behaviour, symbolism and diversity of birds, in Rheged's gallery. It closes on 4 October. Organiser

  • Tiddlers: Museum Explorer Group

    13:00 The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness · Free

    A hands-on group for little ones with crafts, play and gallery exploration, with a different theme each month. It is designed for children from 18 months and younger children are welcome too. Organiser

  • Back to the Moon for Good Planetarium Show

    16:30 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale · £13 adults, £8 children, family £35

    A presentation and planetarium film about returning to the Moon, followed by a look at the observatory's meteorite collection, including lunar samples. Lasts about 1.5 hours. Organiser

  • National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope

    19:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £18.00, £17 concessions, £16 under 26s

    Sandra Oh plays the title role in Martin Crimp's version of Molière's comedy, screened from the National Theatre. Rated 15. Organiser

  • A Brief Case of Crazy

    19:30 Theatre by the Lake, Keswick · £16, £12 under-26s

    A wordless physical comedy of mime, clowning and puppetry about an awkward office worker, his boss and a troublesome briefcase. Also on the evening of 30 September. Organiser

  • Early screening of The Chosen, season 6 episode 1

    19:30 St John the Evangelist Church, Carlisle · Free

    A free early showing of the opening episode of The Chosen season 6, with refreshments and discussion afterwards. Tickets are needed through TryBooking. Organiser

  • Interstellar: The Organ Concert

    19:30 Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle · £25, £20, £15

    Roger Sayer, the organist on the Interstellar soundtrack, plays his arrangements of Hans Zimmer's score, opening with pieces from Holst's The Planets. His playing is projected on big screens and there is a Q&A afterwards. Organiser

Friday 2 October 2026

  • Humphrey the Roman Boar Storytelling

    Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport

    Storytelling with Humphrey the Roman boar at the Senhouse Roman Museum. Organiser

  • Lakes International Comic Arts Festival

    Brewery Arts and venues across Kendal, Kendal · Tickets via TryBooking, prices vary by event

    Three days of comic art in Kendal with exhibitions, talks, live drawing and screenings. Guests include Bill Sienkiewicz, the opening night is Asterix vs. Tintin: The Rematch, and Little LICAF has family activities. Organiser

  • Mini Retreat Break: Recharge Your Batteries

    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Ulverston · £15 event only

    A short weekend break of guided meditation and talks at the Buddhist centre in Conishead Priory, with time for woodland walks and the cafe. Accommodation and meals are booked separately. Organiser

  • Out of Ink: Cumbria Printmakers exhibition

    The Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth

    A weekend exhibition of original prints by members of Cumbria Printmakers. Organiser

  • Backstage Tour

    10:30 Theatre by the Lake, Keswick · £12

    A guided tour of the technical box, wings and stage with a member of theatre staff, lasting about 90 minutes. Groups are limited to 12 and children under 16 need an adult. Organiser

  • Early screening of The Chosen, season 6 episode 1

    13:30 St John the Evangelist Church, Carlisle · Free

    A free early showing of the opening episode of The Chosen season 6, with refreshments and discussion afterwards. Tickets are needed through TryBooking. Organiser

  • Maryport Mussels Wildlife Watch Group

    16:00 Maryport Harbour, Maryport

    A meeting of the Maryport Mussels Wildlife Watch group, Cumbria Wildlife Trust's local nature club for children and families, based at the harbour. Organiser

  • Muncaster Open Mic Night

    18:30 Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass

    A Friday evening open mic session at Muncaster Castle for local performers and anyone who fancies an evening of live music. Organiser

  • 67,000 Barrovians Can't Be Wrong

    19:00 Cooke's Studios, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness · Free

    A Theatre Factory production of stories old and new celebrating Barrow and its people. Free or pay by donation, but seats must be booked in advance through TicketSource. Organiser

  • A Brief Case of Crazy

    19:30 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £16, children £12

    A silent physical comedy of mime, clowning and puppetry in the style of the old silent film stars, about a shy office worker and a troublesome briefcase. Runs for an hour with no interval. Organiser

  • Showaddywaddy

    19:30 The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £29.70

    Showaddywaddy play The Sands Centre. Organiser

Saturday 3 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Carlisle Cathedral Farmers' and Makers' Market

    Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle · Free

    Local food producers, crafts and charity stalls in the cathedral grounds and the Fratry. A good one to pair with a look at Museum of the Moon. Organiser

  • Dinosaur World Live

    The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £16.01

    An interactive family show with life-like dinosaurs including T-Rex and Triceratops, lasting 50 minutes plus a 15-minute meet and greet. It won the 2024 Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment. Organiser

  • Kirkby Stephen Craft and Food Producers Market

    09:00 Masonic Hall and Silver Street Gardens, Kirkby Stephen · Free

    The first-Saturday market of local food, jams, plants and crafts, mostly indoors. Organiser

  • Marine Survey Day: Shoresearch

    09:30 St Bees Beach, beachfront car park, St Bees

    Volunteer Marine Champions lead one of their monthly survey days on the shore at St Bees, finding and recording marine life. Meet at the beachfront car park. Organiser

  • Lakeland Motor Museum Monthly Morning Meet

    10:00 Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow

    The museum's monthly morning meet, 10am to 12.30pm. Organiser

  • Ford Park Apple Day

    11:00 Ford Park, Ulverston · Free

    A free community day with apple pressing, an Apple Day bake off, children's crafts, traditional games, plant and apple sales and a makers market. Drop in, no booking needed. Organiser

  • Gosling Sike Apple Day

    11:00 Gosling Sike, Houghton, Carlisle · Free

    Cumbria Wildlife Trust opens its community orchard for apple picking. Bring bags or baskets and take home as much fruit as you like; dogs on leads are welcome. Organiser

  • Dalton Castle Open Afternoon

    14:00 Dalton Castle, Dalton-in-Furness · Free

    Friends of Dalton Castle open the castle for the last time this season, so you can climb the spiral staircase, see the dungeon and dress up. It opens on the first Saturday afternoon of each month until October. Organiser

  • A Brief History of Music (Arts Out West)

    19:00 Bassenthwaite Parish Room, Bassenthwaite

    GreenMatthews take a 90-minute comic tour through 600 years of music on instruments such as the virginal, lute and rauschpfeife. Doors 6.30pm. Organiser

  • An Evening of Flanders & Swan and Hinge & Bracket

    19:30 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £16 adults, £14 Friends of the theatre

    A tribute evening of witty songs and sketches from two much-loved British comedy double acts. Runs for 1 hour 50 minutes. Organiser

  • Monstering the Rocketman

    19:30 The Beggar's Theatre, Millom

    A touring stage show at the Beggar's Theatre in Millom. Organiser

Sunday 4 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Charity Wagon Pull

    08:30 Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale · Free

    A team of 78 pulls an 11.5 ton wagon 10.5 miles from Devil's Bridge to Sedbergh, raising money for the Samaritans, Cancer Research and the Rawthey Project. Come and cheer them on. Organiser

  • Mystery Apple Identification Day

    11:00 Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Bring up to three apples for Acorn Bank's gardener and the North Cumbrian Orchard Group to identify. Slots are handed out on arrival, and there is free apple tasting in the courtyard the same day. Organiser

  • Free Tours of Acorn Bank's Orchard

    12:00 Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free with normal Acorn Bank admission

    A volunteer-led walk through the orchard covering its history, the 165 varieties and how they are looked after. Ten places per tour, first come first served at the Shepherd's Hut; a second tour runs at 2pm. Organiser

Monday 5 October 2026

  • Keeping Up Appearances (the stage play)

    West Walls Theatre, Carlisle

    A stage adaptation of the Roy Clarke sitcom, with Hyacinth trying to win a leading role in the church hall's amateur production. Directed by Jason Munn at the Carlisle Green Room. Organiser

  • Guided Walk: Prehistoric Sizergh

    11:00 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led two hour walk up Sizergh Fell past prehistoric burial sites and Roman traces, with views over Morecambe Bay. Booking is essential on 015395 69818; wear boots and waterproofs. Organiser

  • Guided Walk: Ancient Trees and Magnificent Murals

    13:30 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led walk of about two hours through farmland and ancient limestone woodland to see a historic mural, with views across the Lyth Valley. Booking is essential on 015395 69818. Organiser

Tuesday 6 October 2026

  • Nature Tots at Foulshaw Moss

    10:00 Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, Witherslack · Free

    Themed play in nature and a craft out on the reserve for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups. Buggy friendly, with undercover areas if it rains. Organiser

  • The Great British Bake Off Musical

    19:30 The Coro, Ulverston · £15 to £17

    A stage musical set in the baking tent, with bakers facing buttercream disasters and piping challenges. Doors open at 6.45pm and there is a 20 minute interval. Organiser

Thursday 8 October 2026

Friday 9 October 2026

  • Historic Hawkshead Guided Walk

    10:00 Hawkshead National Park car park, Hawkshead · Free

    A 2.6 mile volunteer-led stroll past the Old Grammar School where Wordsworth studied, St Michael's Church and Ann Tyson's cottage. Grade 2, on pavements and good paths. Organiser

  • Industrial Heritage of Acorn Bank Guided Tour

    12:00 Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby · Free with normal Acorn Bank admission

    A volunteer-led tour through the woods and the watermill to uncover the estate's industrial past. Paths are rooty and steep and the mill has steep steps; meet at the Shepherd's Hut. Organiser

  • PAVÉ with Mindskrew and Ant1-T4nk

    19:00 Barrow Town Hall Banqueting Hall, Barrow-in-Furness · £10, £5 students and unwaged

    A gig by PAVÉ with local support acts, part of Barrow Music Week. A mixer for young musicians and bands runs from 6pm. Organiser

  • Elvis Returns

    19:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    An evening of Elvis songs at Rosehill Theatre. Organiser

  • Dark Sky Astronomy

    20:00 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale

    A three-hour evening on moonless nights at Grizedale Observatory, with hands-on use of telescopes, the planetarium, meteorites and a robotic telescope, and a complimentary hot drink. Book through the observatory. Organiser

Saturday 10 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Orton Farmers' Market

    Orton village, Orton · Free

    The monthly farmers' market in Orton, free to visit. Organiser

  • Wasdale Head Show and Shepherds' Meet

    Show Field, Wasdale Head, Wasdale Head

    A traditional fell-farming show at the head of England's deepest lake, with Herdwick sheep, shepherds' crooks, hound trails and a fell race. Organiser

  • Lakes Deer Fest

    09:30 Rheged, Penrith · Free

    A free day celebrating Cumbria's red and roe deer, with cookery and butchery demonstrations, free venison burgers, films, talks, willow weaving and family activities. Organiser

  • Lakes Deer Fest

    10:30 Rheged, Penrith · Most talks free

    A day of talks about deer and the Lake District landscape, from a Behind the Lens session at 10.30am to films from the landscape at 4.15pm. Five of the talks are listed as free; check the Rheged page for the ticketing on each. Organiser

  • Industrial Heritage of Acorn Bank Guided Tour

    12:00 Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby · Free with normal Acorn Bank admission

    A volunteer-led tour through the woods and the watermill to uncover the estate's industrial past. Paths are rooty and steep and the mill has steep steps; meet at the Shepherd's Hut. Organiser

  • Family Silent Disco at the Dock Museum

    14:00 The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness · £7.50, £5 children

    A family silent disco at the museum, part of the Barrow Music Weekender. There are two sessions, at 2pm and 3.30pm, and under 16s pay a lower price. Organiser

  • RLPO: Pops Goes Classical

    18:00 Barrow Town Hall Banqueting Hall, Barrow-in-Furness · £25, £23 concessions, £10 under 25s

    The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra plays popular classical favourites on The Forum on Tour. There are two performances, at 6pm and 8pm. Organiser

Sunday 11 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Tour of Acorn Bank's Orchard

    12:00 Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby · Free with normal Acorn Bank admission

    A volunteer-led walk through the orchard covering its history, the 165 varieties and how they are looked after. Ten places per tour, first come first served at the Shepherd's Hut; a second tour runs at 2pm. Organiser

  • Holker Hosts the Roast

    13:30 Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel

    A Sunday roast in the Ilex room at the cafe during Wild Venison Week, with roast venison haunch, turkey or a nut roast and all the trimmings. Garden entry is included with pre-booked tickets. Organiser

  • The Big Bike Film Night

    16:00 Rheged, Penrith

    A touring programme of short bike films, about two and a half hours long. Organiser

Monday 12 October 2026

  • Guided Walk: Prehistoric Sizergh

    11:00 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led two hour walk up Sizergh Fell past prehistoric burial sites and Roman traces, with views over Morecambe Bay. Booking is essential on 015395 69818; wear boots and waterproofs. Organiser

  • Guided Walk: Ancient Trees and Magnificent Murals

    13:30 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led walk of about two hours through farmland and ancient limestone woodland to see a historic mural, with views across the Lyth Valley. Booking is essential on 015395 69818. Organiser

Tuesday 13 October 2026

  • Yew Beauty! Guided Walk in Yewdale

    10:00 Coniston Tourist Information Centre car park, Coniston · Free

    A 2.7 mile National Park guided walk through the Yewdale valley past a limekiln, a bank barn, a 17th century cottage and a Victorian folly. Paths can be uneven or muddy. Organiser

  • Harps North West

    11:00 Allan Bank, Grasmere · Free with normal Allan Bank admission

    A harp quartet plays folk, arranged pop, classics and new pieces in the Wordsworth study, with a chance to chat and try the instruments. Pop-up performances between 11am and 1pm; the room is on the ground floor. Organiser

  • Funny Girl on Screen

    19:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £15.50, £13.50 under 16s

    Sheridan Smith stars as Fanny Brice in the musical, filmed on its national tour at Manchester's Palace Theatre. Rated 12A. Organiser

Wednesday 14 October 2026

  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

    Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre, Workington

    The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical comes to the Carnegie Theatre for four days. Organiser

  • Back to the Moon for Good Planetarium Show

    16:30 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale · £13 adults, £8 children, family £35

    A presentation and planetarium film about returning to the Moon, followed by a look at the observatory's meteorite collection, including lunar samples. Lasts about 1.5 hours. Organiser

  • Paddling Film Festival 2026

    19:00 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £16, under 18s and students £8

    Lakeland Canoe Club presents an evening of paddling adventure films, from jungle rivers in Gabon to a 1,000-mile canoe expedition. Organiser

Friday 16 October 2026

  • Hudson and Hudson: Married at First Sleight

    19:00 The Royalty, Bowness-on-Windermere

    A comedy and magic show from married couple Alan and Kat Hudson, mixing stand-up, sketches, magic and mind reading. Alan won Penn and Teller: Fool Us; both have appeared on Britain's Got Talent. Organiser

  • Postcards from the Peaks and We Wild Camp

    19:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £10.50, £9.50 concessions, £7.50 under 26s

    Two adventure films, one following Stu Skinner's postbox journey through UK national parks and one on wild camping, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. Organiser

  • Legend: The Music of Bob Marley

    19:30 The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £30.80

    A live tribute concert to the music of Bob Marley. Organiser

  • Norrie MacIver

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £21.50, £19.70 under 25s

    A Gaelic singer-songwriter from the Isle of Lewis and former Skipinnish singer. Doors open at 7.30pm; under 16s need an adult at evening events. Organiser

  • Dark Sky Astronomy

    20:00 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale

    A three-hour evening on moonless nights at Grizedale Observatory, with hands-on use of telescopes, the planetarium, meteorites and a robotic telescope, and a complimentary hot drink. Book through the observatory. Organiser

Saturday 17 October 2026

Sunday 18 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Indoor Car Boot Sale

    Penrith Leisure Centre, Penrith

    An indoor car boot sale at Penrith Leisure Centre, so it goes ahead whatever the weather. Organiser

  • Tour of Acorn Bank's Orchard

    12:00 Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby · Free with normal Acorn Bank admission

    A volunteer-led walk through the orchard covering its history, the 165 varieties and how they are looked after. Ten places per tour, first come first served at the Shepherd's Hut; a second tour runs at 2pm. Organiser

  • Hadestown: The Musical

    13:30 Rheged, Penrith

    A screening of the Hadestown stage musical, rated 12A and running for about 2 hours 37 minutes. Organiser

  • Beyond The Barricade

    19:30 The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £26.95

    A musical theatre concert at The Sands Centre. Organiser

Monday 19 October 2026

  • Guided Walk: Prehistoric Sizergh

    11:00 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led two hour walk up Sizergh Fell past prehistoric burial sites and Roman traces, with views over Morecambe Bay. Booking is essential on 015395 69818; wear boots and waterproofs. Organiser

  • Guided Walk: Ancient Trees and Magnificent Murals

    13:30 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led walk of about two hours through farmland and ancient limestone woodland to see a historic mural, with views across the Lyth Valley. Booking is essential on 015395 69818. Organiser

Tuesday 20 October 2026

  • Northern Quilts

    Tullie, Carlisle · Included with museum admission

    Three days only to see 16 quilts from the Tullie collection that have not been on public display for over 20 years, including a wedding quilt from 1790 by Betty Ballas of Appleby. Organiser

  • Penrith Farmers' Market

    Market Square, Penrith · Free

    The third-Tuesday farmers' market, with local producers selling seasonal food and crafts in the town centre. Organiser

  • The Gruffalo

    The Coro, Ulverston · £15.50, £13.50, including booking fee

    Tall Stories' musical adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book, in four performances over two days. Doors open 45 minutes before each show and there is no interval. Organiser

  • Cantate Showcase Under the Moon

    18:30 Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle · £15 adults, £7.50 children

    The cathedral's Cantate children's choir sings beneath Museum of the Moon. Ticket money goes to the cathedral's organ restoration project. Organiser

  • Macbeth: The Met Opera

    18:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £19.00, £18 concessions, £17 under 26s

    Verdi's Macbeth from the Metropolitan Opera with Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen, screened live to cinema. Rated 12A. Organiser

  • Darol Anger and Bruce Molsky

    19:00 Malt Kiln Village Hall, Bardsea · £20

    Fiddlers Darol Anger and Bruce Molsky play together at Bardsea's village hall. Tickets are sold through TryBooking. Organiser

Wednesday 21 October 2026

  • Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage

    16:00 Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere · Children £10, adults £5

    A Halloween family session with hot chocolate, gingerbread and crafts, then Georgian dress-up and a chance to hear the Wordsworths' writing. At dusk the group moves into Dove Cottage for spooky Cumbrian stories. Book through Wordsworth Grasmere. Organiser

  • Family Dark Sky Canoeing on Coniston Water

    17:10 Brown Howe Car Park, Coniston · £57 adults (14+), £52 children

    Paddle rafted canoes across Coniston Water at dusk, stop in a quiet bay for hot drinks and stargazing, then return by glow-stick light. Part of the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival; also on 28 Oct. Organiser

  • Martin Simpson: Some Kind of Jubilee Tour

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £25.50, £23.30 concessions

    The folk guitarist marks 50 years since his debut with songs from his latest album. Doors open at 7.30pm. Organiser

  • Royal Northern Sinfonia: Vivaldi's Four Seasons

    19:30 The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £11

    The Royal Northern Sinfonia plays Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Tickets start at £11, which makes it a good first orchestral concert. Organiser

Thursday 22 October 2026

  • Jump Season Opener

    11:52 Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle · From £15.30, under 18s free

    The return of jump racing at Carlisle, with hurdles and fences on the card. Gates open 11.52am, first race 1.52pm. Organiser

  • Planetarium Show: Messengers of Space and Time

    16:30 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale

    A talk in the lounge followed by a planetarium film on how real-time data is changing our view of the universe. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Organiser

  • Burneside Brass and Burneside Training Band

    19:00 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £10 adults, £7.50 seniors and children

    A concert of film and television favourites from a local brass band and its training band. Runs for 1 hour 50 minutes. Organiser

  • Hadestown: The Musical on Screen

    19:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £15.00, £14 concessions, £13 under 26s

    The Tony-winning musical filmed live in London's West End. Rated 12A. Organiser

Friday 23 October 2026

  • Potfest in the Pens

    Cumberland Auction Mart, Penrith

    The annual Potfest in the Pens, a selling show of contemporary ceramics, held over three days. Organiser

  • Backstage Tour

    10:30 Theatre by the Lake, Keswick · £12

    A guided tour of the technical box, wings and stage with a member of theatre staff, lasting about 90 minutes. Groups are limited to 12 and children under 16 need an adult. Organiser

  • Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins

    16:00 Gleaston Village Hall, Gleaston · £5

    A silly and spooky storytelling show from Gav Cross, aimed at ages 6 and over with their families. It lasts about an hour. Organiser

  • Back to the Moon for Good Planetarium Show

    16:30 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale Forest, Grizedale · £13 adults, £8 children, family £35

    A presentation and planetarium film about returning to the Moon, followed by a look at the observatory's meteorite collection, including lunar samples. Lasts about 1.5 hours; also on 1 and 14 Oct and 5, 18 and 27 Nov. Organiser

  • Cosmic Cumbria Evening: Talk, Film and Exhibition Launch

    19:00 Rheged, Penrith

    An evening of talk and film that also launches the Cosmic Cumbria exhibition. Check the Rheged page for the running order. Organiser

  • Mark Borthwick: The War of the Birds

    19:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A live music evening with Mark Borthwick at Rosehill Theatre. Organiser

Saturday 24 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Carlisle Carnivale and The Winter Droving

    Carlisle city centre, Carlisle · Free

    Eden Arts moves its Winter Droving from Penrith to Carlisle this year, bringing the Drovers Cup, dog fancy dress, music, street theatre and a twilight procession. Timings and route are still to be confirmed. Organiser

  • Northern Crafts: Appleby Makers Market

    Public Hall, Appleby-in-Westmorland · Free

    A makers market at Appleby Public Hall with free entry. Organiser

  • Shap Farmers' and Makers' Market

    Shap village, Shap · Free

    The monthly farmers' and makers' market in Shap, free to visit. Organiser

  • Storytime with Gruffalo Granny

    Grizedale Forest, Grizedale · Free

    Hear the brand-new Gruffalo story and meet the Gruffalo, with forest crafts and games. Meet-and-greets are first come, first served, so arrive early. Organiser

  • Life as a Spiritual Journey

    09:00 Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Ulverston · £30 event only

    A day retreat of teachings and guided meditations on finding meaning in everyday life. It suits beginners and experienced meditators, with three sessions through the day. Organiser

  • Barrow Autumn Fest

    10:00 Barrow town centre, Barrow-in-Furness · Free

    A free family day in the town centre with pumpkin picking, craft workshops, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, face painting and alpacas to meet. The Pumpkin Patch returns for 2026. Organiser

  • Royal Ballet and Opera: Macbeth

    13:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A cinema screening of the Royal Ballet and Opera's Macbeth, shown at Rosehill Theatre. Organiser

  • Frightful Family Halloween Crafts

    14:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £6.50 per person (£12 with the Hocus Pocus screening)

    A Halloween craft session making spooky decorations, with costumes welcome and all materials provided. Wear clothes that can get messy. Organiser

  • Hocus Pocus (PG) Halloween Screening

    16:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £7.50

    The Halloween family favourite on the big screen, and it pairs neatly with the crafts session beforehand for a combined £12 ticket. Organiser

  • Meet the Moon: children's talk with Stuart Atkinson

    17:00 Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle

    Astronomy writer Stuart Atkinson takes young stargazers on a tour of the lunar surface, with real moon rock to look at. More sessions run from 23 to 25 October, including informal drop-in talks for all ages and an adults' evening. Organiser

  • Appleby Festival of Remembrance

    19:00 Appleby Market Hall, Appleby-in-Westmorland · £10 adults, under 16s free

    An evening of music, remembrance and community, with the money raised shared between the poppy appeal and the town band. Organiser

  • Iolanthe: A Concert Performance

    19:30 St Mark's Church, Barrow-in-Furness · Free

    A concert performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe, with free entry and a collection for St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston. Singers can join optional daytime chorus rehearsals from 2pm for £5, with scores to borrow. Organiser

  • The Legends in Vegas: After Hours

    19:30 The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £33 including booking fee

    A ballroom and commercial dance show at the Sands Centre. Organiser

Sunday 25 October 2026

  • Apple Tasting Weekends at Acorn Bank

    Acorn Bank (National Trust), Temple Sowerby · Free event, normal admission applies

    Every October weekend you can taste apples from Acorn Bank's orchard of 165 varieties, some with hints of pineapple, aniseed or strawberry. Meet in the courtyard by the café; sessions may end early if the crop runs out. Organiser

  • Arachnophobia at Zip World Windermere

    Zip World Windermere, Windermere · From £23, plus a £5 booking fee per order

    The Treetop Nets get a Halloween makeover for a two-hour family adventure with spooky theming. Parking charges apply. Organiser

  • Buttermere Shepherds' Meet and Show

    Field next to Croft House Café, Buttermere · Free

    A small traditional meet with Herdwick sheep from the local parishes, working sheepdog competitions and fell races. Organiser

  • Half-Term Pumpkin Carving at Allan Bank

    Allan Bank, Grasmere · £5 per child plus admission

    Short carving sessions with pumpkins prepared for you, sharp plastic tools and a tea light to take home. Sessions run through the day, 30 minutes each; children must be accompanied. Organiser

  • Halloween at Kirkby Stephen East Station

    Kirkby Stephen East Station, Kirkby Stephen

    A diesel service runs from 10.30am to 4pm and is open to the public, with a ticketed evening ghost train run with Kirkby Stephen Town Council. More details were still to follow when checked. Organiser

  • The Stars from The Commitments

    The Beggar's Theatre, Millom

    Members of the cast of The Commitments perform live at the Beggar's Theatre. Organiser

  • Trick or Treat Cartoon Circus

    11:00 Rheged, Penrith · £10 per person

    An hour of clowns, slapstick, magic, plate spinning and puppets for half term. There is a second show at 1.30pm. Organiser

  • Top Secret: The Magic of Science

    14:00 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · Adults £15, children £12

    A family show of science experiments and magic tricks that turns the theatre into a laboratory. Runs for 1 hour 40 minutes including an interval, and can be booked with a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter. Organiser

  • Eddi Reader

    19:30 The Coro, Ulverston · £31 including booking fee

    The Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader marks over 40 years as a live performer. Doors open at 6.45pm and there is a 20 minute interval. Organiser

  • The Amy Winehouse Band

    19:30 The Sands Centre, Carlisle · From £32.45

    The band play the songs of Amy Winehouse live. Organiser

Monday 26 October 2026

  • Halloween Crafting at Windermere Jetty Museum

    Windermere Jetty Museum, Windermere · Free

    A free drop-in half-term craft in the Learning Centre where children make a fish mask to take home. Also running on Saturday 24 October. Organiser

  • Halloween Pet Encounters

    The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven · £9 per child, £5.50 per adult

    Children can meet and interact with animals in a half-term session, with sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on both days. Organiser

  • Guided Walk: Prehistoric Sizergh

    11:00 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led two hour walk up Sizergh Fell past prehistoric burial sites and Roman traces, with views over Morecambe Bay. Booking is essential on 015395 69818; wear boots and waterproofs. Organiser

  • On Your Bike Baffo

    11:00 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · Show only: £10 adults, £8 children

    A cycle-themed clown show with silly stunts and live music, aimed at young children. Two shows, at 11am and 2pm. Runs for 45 minutes. Organiser

  • Guided Walk: Ancient Trees and Magnificent Murals

    13:30 Sizergh, Sizergh, near Kendal · Free

    A volunteer-led walk of about two hours through farmland and ancient limestone woodland to see a historic mural, with views across the Lyth Valley. Booking is essential on 015395 69818. Organiser

  • Gaby Gulliver's Travels

    14:00 Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven · £12 / £10

    A 45-minute family puppet show, followed by a chance to meet the puppets. Organiser

  • Gaby Gulliver's Travels

    14:00 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A family theatre show at Rosehill Theatre during the October half-term. Organiser

  • Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage

    16:00 Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere · Children £10, adults £5

    A Halloween family session with hot chocolate, gingerbread and crafts, then Georgian dress-up and a chance to hear the Wordsworths' writing. At dusk the group moves into Dove Cottage for spooky Cumbrian stories. Book through Wordsworth Grasmere. Organiser

  • Monster Mash Kids' Halloween Party

    17:00 The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge · £12 per child, adults free

    A Halloween party for children with a UV mini disco, themed treats, games and challenges, and pizza and chips for the children. Costumes are encouraged and adults can buy cocktails. Organiser

  • Nature's Nightlife Family Walk at Grizedale

    17:00 Grizedale Forest, Grizedale · £8 per person

    A guided evening walk listening for owls and learning about the forest's night-time wildlife, ending with hot chocolate and marshmallows round a campfire. Bring torches and warm clothes; no dogs. Also on 29 Oct. Organiser

  • Talk at the School: Folklore and Spooky Tales

    17:30 Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Hawkshead

    The director of Hawkshead's ghost tours, Tallow Tales, shares the village's horrifying tales, folklore and legends in a talk of about 40 minutes with time for questions. Refreshments provided; tickets at the door or on Eventbrite. The schoolroom is often cold. Organiser

Tuesday 27 October 2026

  • Astro Norma

    11:00 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · Show only: £10 adults, £8 children

    A musical quest with a piano and a lot of cosmic silliness to find Grandpa's lost star. Two shows, at 11am and 2pm. Runs for 45 minutes with no interval. Organiser

  • Halloween Ceramic Painting

    11:00 Levens Hall, Levens · £20 pumpkin lantern, £23 star jar lantern

    Paint a spooky ceramic pumpkin lantern or star jar, with glazes and kiln firing included. Tickets are sold through Paint Pot Barn. Organiser

  • Ghost Stories with Tallow Tales

    15:00 Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop (National Trust), Hawkshead · Adults £6, children £4

    Spooky stories and folklore told by candlelight in the upstairs room of the bookshop, with some audience participation and scares suitable for families. Book by phone on 0344 249 1895; the room is upstairs and not accessible, and the tales may start outside in fair weather. Organiser

  • Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage

    16:00 Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere · Children £10, adults £5

    A Halloween family session with hot chocolate, gingerbread and crafts, then Georgian dress-up and a chance to hear the Wordsworths' writing. At dusk the group moves into Dove Cottage for spooky Cumbrian stories. Book through Wordsworth Grasmere. Organiser

By area

Carlisle and the northEden and PenrithKeswick and the northern LakesSouth LakesKendal and Kirkby LonsdaleFurness and CartmelWest coast

By month

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