County Durham Events
Past Events In County Durham
Past events by date
Old Quarrington Gardens - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 28 Jun 26
Old Quarrington Gardens, Durham DH6 5NN
Three very distinct gardens in the hamlet of Old Quarrington. The Stables is a large family garden full of hidden surprises and extensive views...
FREE CARNIVAL and MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sat 27 Jun 26
Heighington Village Green DL5 6LX
Fantastic FREE Carnival and Music Festival on this beautiful village green-bring a picnic-ice Cream-Carnival Fun Fairs- Free bands and DJ-All day bar...
Peterlee Comic Con
Sat 27 Jun 26
The Depot SR8, 1/a Mill Hill, Peterlee SR8 2HR
Peterlee Comic Con is taking place on Saturday 27th June at The Depot SR8 on Mill Hill (former CTD Tiles warehouse) from 10am til 5pm...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Christian Reilly & Sam Serrano
Fri 26 Jun 26
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on June 26th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Classic Car Day by NECPWA 2026
Sun 21 Jun 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
We’ll be joined by The North of England Classic & Pre-War Automobiles Club with an incredible display of classic vehicles on our Events Field near...
Beamish 53rd Reliability Run 2026
Sun 21 Jun 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
It’s time for the 53rd annual Beamish Reliability Run!
This challenging 150-mile run will see cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles registered...
Brass at Beamish 2026
Sun 21 Jun 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
It’s the battle of the brass bands, as groups from the North East compete to be determined the best.
Organised by the Durham County Brass Band...
Brancepeth Village Gardens - Open Garden for NGS
Sat 20 Jun 26
Brancepeth Village Gardens, Durham DH7 8EN
A variety of village gardens spread out over ½ mile in a picturesque historic setting. Refreshments will be available in the Village Hall...
Summer Vegan Eco-& Wellness Festival
Fri 19 Jun 26
Dalton Moor Farm, Seaham SR7 9JY
Join us in the Embrace of Nature, at Dalton Moor Farm and School of Sustainable Living & Wellbeing, for a whole weekend of kindness and family fun...
Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight
Fri 19 Jun 26
Durham Cathedral, Durham DH1 3EH
Step into the tranquil glow of candlelight and enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Durham...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club presents Rachel Fairburn and Chris Cantrill
Thu 18 Jun 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on June 18th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club presents Rachel Fairburn and Chris Cantrill:...
Burn the Floor: Supernova
Wed 17 Jun 26
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR DL1 1RR
Following his show-stopping partnerships on Strictly Come Dancing, Nikita Kuzmin will take centre stage in the high-octane new dance spectacular Burn...
Northumbrian Pipers Gathering
Sun 14 Jun 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
We’re hosting a gathering of the region’s small pipe players to showcase the music and the sound of this extra-ordinary instrument...
Teesdale Quilters show
Sat 13 Jun 26
Gainford Village Hall DL2 3DY
Teesdale Quilters invite you their 30th anniversary year show
We are displaying quilts and hand made crafts made by our members...
Join our choir in Chester le Street for a FREE taster session
Tue 9 Jun 26
Cornerstones Centre for the Community, North Burns, Chester le Street, Durham DH3 3TF
If you have always wanted to join a choir locally, you can!
The Chester le Street Rock Choir is led by Durham based musician Rob Slater...
Oliver Ford Garden - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 7 Jun 26
Oliver Ford Garden, Consett DH8 9HG
A peaceful, contemplative 3 acre garden developed and planted by the owner and BBC Gardener of the Year as a space for quiet reflection...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Michael Legge & Aidan Jones
Sat 6 Jun 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at the Forum in Darlington on June 6th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Chris Washington & Anth Young
Fri 5 Jun 26
Shildon Railway Institute, 78 Redworth Road, Shildon DL4 2JJ
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Shildon Railway Institute on June 5th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Join our choir in Chester le Street for a FREE taster session
Tue 2 Jun 26
Cornerstones Centre for the Community, North Burns, Chester le Street, Durham DH3 3TF
If you have always wanted to join a choir locally, you can!
The Chester le Street Rock Choir is led by Durham based musician Rob Slater...
Truckfest North East 2026
Sat 30 May 26
Wolsingham Showground, Wolsingham DL13 3JF
Join us for Truckfest North East and be amazed by monster trucks and arena stunt shows. Take part in exhilarating rides and see some incredible,...
Festival of Transport 2026
Sat 23 May 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Join us for a Festival of Transport as part of May Half Term!
As with all daytime events, you can use your Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Louise Young & David Eagle
Fri 22 May 26
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on May 22nd 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Napoleonic Muster 2026
Sat 16 May 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Enjoy an impressive Napoleonic muster as we are joined by The Old 68th Durham Light Infantry Society and Display Team!...
Cilla & The Swinging 60s
Sat 16 May 26
Spennymoor Settlement Everyman's Theatre
O'Hanlan Street, Spennymoor, Co Durham DL16 6RY
SURPRISE SURPRISE… CILLA IS COMING TO SPENNYMOOR!
Get ready for a fabulous night of nostalgia as CILLA & THE SWINGING SIXTIES arrives at
...
Hilarity Bites presents Elaine Robertson: Delulu
Thu 14 May 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on May 14th 2026:
Hilarity Bites presents Elaine Robertson: Delulu
Show details:
Elaine...
Centenary of the General Strike
Sat 9 May 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Join us in The 1900s Colliery as we mark the centenary of the General Strike.
As with all daytime events, you can use your Unlimited Pass or...
May Day Celebrations 2026
Sun 3 May 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Did you know that, historically, May Day was one of the biggest celebrations of the year? Come along and find out why as we celebrate a traditional...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Christian Reilly & Peter Brush
Sat 2 May 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on May 2nd 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Durham Photographic Society Exhibition 2026
Fri 1 May 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Durham Photographic Society will be putting on a fantastic display of their work.
Entrance included in museum admission and is free to Beamish...
Let Me Entertain You A Tribute to Robbie Williams
Sat 25 Apr 26
Forum Theatre Billingham
The Causeway, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS23 2LJ
This is a brand new unforgettable concert show celebrating the music and energy of the UK's biggest selling artist of the 90s: Robbie...
Horses in Harness 2026
Sat 25 Apr 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Hold your horses, there’s neigh chance you’ll want to miss this exciting equine event!
For more information keep checking back here or follow us...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Tom Houghton & Sammy Dobson
Fri 24 Apr 26
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on April 24th 2026:
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Sunderland & District Classic Vehicle Society Car Show 2026
Sun 19 Apr 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Start your engines and get to Beamish to see Sunderland & District Classic Vehicle Society’s fantastic display of cars on the museum’s Events...
The Detective Dog
Sat 18 Apr 26
Gala Durham
1 Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WA
Tiny & Tall Productions, formerly Tessa Bide Productions, brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog on stage...
The Detective Dog
Sat 18 Apr 26
Gala Durham
Millennium Place
Durham DH1 1WA
Tiny & Tall Productions, formerly Tessa Bide Productions, brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie's well-loved story, The Detective Dog on...
April Meccano Exhibition 2026
Sat 11 Apr 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Visit the 1950s welfare hall to see marvellous Meccano creations. There’ll be a selection of construction sets on display dating from the early 1900s...
Sunny Side
Fri 10 Apr 26
ARC, Stockton Arts Centre
Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1LL
K is struggling. At 18, he’s living in a world where everyone is rushing full-steam ahead but himself...
The Shoop Shoop Show
Thu 9 Apr 26
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR
Rachael Hawnt, the winner of ITV’s Starstruck, is leading a brand-new theatre show celebrating the incredible music of Cher...
Mythos: Ragnarök
Tue 7 Apr 26
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR
Following four sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe and performances all across the world, Mythos: Ragnarök will finally tour the UK in 2026 - including...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. David Hadingham & Mike Milligan
Sat 4 Apr 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on April 4th 2026
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Easter Celebrations
Fri 3 Apr 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Enjoy an Egg-cellent Easter at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Travel back in time at Beamish Museum to discover how Easter was celebrated...
Carlin Sunday 2026
Sun 22 Mar 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
Discover the story of Carlin Sunday across the museum.
While the tradition of cooking carlin peas is no longer as popular as it once was, it’s one...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Freddy Quinne & Louise Leigh
Fri 20 Mar 26
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on March 20th 2026
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Come and Play Trains
Sun 8 Mar 26
St David's Church Hall, Tudhoe Lane, Tudhoe, County Durham DL16 6LL
Join us for an hour of train filled fun.
We’ll be filling the main hall with a giant hands-on train track, electric trains, a ride on train and a...
International Women's Day 2026
Sat 7 Mar 26
Beamish Museum
Beamish DH9 0RG
International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th March each year and we will be showing our support with a celebration throughout the weekend...
Holi Festival
Sat 7 Mar 26
Oriental Museum Elvet Hill Road & South Road, Durham DH1 3TH
Holi is the Indian Spring Festival, also known as the Festival of Colours, because one of the ways to celebrate is to throw brightly coloured powders...
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Joe McTernan & Clayton Jones
Sat 7 Mar 26
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG
Coming to Hilarity Bites at The Forum in Darlington on March 7th 2026
Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat...
Later Life Letter
Thu 5 Mar 26
ARC - Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL
Later Life Letter tells the story of Luke Wright’s adoption – the life he leads, and the one he might have done...
Hilarity Bites presents Al Murray: All You Need Is Guv
Sun 1 Mar 26
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington DL1 1RR
Coming to Hilarity Bites at Darlington Hippodrome on March 1st 2026:
Hilarity Bites presents Al Murray: All You Need Is Guv
Show...
Spring Festival Spectacular
Sat 28 Feb 26
Oriental Museum Elvet Hill Road & South Road, Durham DH1 3TH
You are all warmly invited to attend the annual Spring Festival Spectacular celebration on Saturday 28 February, 6-8pm...
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Things to do around County Durham
If you're planning a day out in County Durham, this northernmost county in England offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Here are some delightful activities to consider:
1. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle:
- Durham Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its stunning design and explore the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Don't miss the Chapel of the Nine Altars. While in Durham, visit Durham Castle, occupied by University College since 1840. Take a guided tour to explore its medieval great hall, Norman Chapel, and Tunstall Chapel with intricate carvings.
2. Barnard Castle:
- Despite its recent notoriety, Barnard Castle remains a top attraction in County Durham. Visit the Bowes Museum, home to the largest art collection in northern England. Explore the 12th-century Norman castle perched high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. Look for King Richard III's boar emblem carved into the castle wall.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and High Force Waterfall:
- Discover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB. Enjoy scenic walks, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls.
4. Beamish Museum:
- Step back in time at the Beamish Museum, an open-air living museum near Stanley. Explore historic buildings, ride vintage trams, and immerse yourself in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
5. Raby Castle:
- Visit Raby Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and deer parks. Explore its grand rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy the picturesque setting. Don't miss the views from the castle's towers.
Remember, County Durham offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites – perfect for an enriching and memorable day out!
:
1. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle:
- Durham Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its stunning design and explore the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Don't miss the Chapel of the Nine Altars. While in Durham, visit Durham Castle, occupied by University College since 1840. Take a guided tour to explore its medieval great hall, Norman Chapel, and Tunstall Chapel with intricate carvings.
2. Barnard Castle:
- Despite its recent notoriety, Barnard Castle remains a top attraction in County Durham. Visit the Bowes Museum, home to the largest art collection in northern England. Explore the 12th-century Norman castle perched high on a rock overlooking the River Tees. Look for King Richard III's boar emblem carved into the castle wall.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and High Force Waterfall:
- Discover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines AONB. Enjoy scenic walks, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls.
4. Beamish Museum:
- Step back in time at the Beamish Museum, an open-air living museum near Stanley. Explore historic buildings, ride vintage trams, and immerse yourself in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial heritage.
5. Raby Castle:
- Visit Raby Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and deer parks. Explore its grand rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy the picturesque setting. Don't miss the views from the castle's towers.
Remember, County Durham offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and historic sites – perfect for an enriching and memorable day out!