Experience some of the Peak District events and festivals that go on every year. There are festivals unique to the Peak District and events with an international reputation.
This guide doesn’t include Christmas which you can find out about on our Christmas in the Peak District page.
Well Dressings
From mid May to end of September
Dressing wells is a tradition almost exclusive to Derbyshire and much about its origins remains a mystery. It’s thought that well dressing was originally a pagan custom to ensure the continued supply of fresh water. The Christian Church later adopted the custom as a way of giving thanks to God for the supply of water.
Between May and September each year, many villages will decorate their village wells with large panels that depict a theme. Elaborate pictures are designed and marked out on wet clay that has been pressed into a wooden frame. The pictures are then ‘coloured in’ using natural materials including flower petals, berries and seeds. The choice of material depends on what is in season. The pictures last about a week before they dry out and crack, to be dismantled and the boards stored away until the following year.
Read more about the tradition and find out how to see one
Bakewell Country Festival and other agricultural shows
Throughout the summer
Being in the heart of the countryside, it is not surprising to find many agricultural shows throughout the summer. At the shows you’ll find traditional displays, retail opportunities and competitions. There’ll be poultry, cattle, sheep, dogs and horses alongside tractors and other motorised vehicles. To keep little ones happy you’ll usually find craft and play areas as well as food and beverage outlets.
Apart from Bakewell (12th July 2026), shows are held in; Ashbourne (15th August 2026), Ashover (12th August 2026), Hope Valley (31st August 2026), Manifold Valley (8th Aug 2026).
Carnivals
Tideswell – 27th June 2026
Bakewell – 4th July 2026
Buxton – 11th July 2026
Buxton International Festival and Buxton Festival Fringe
9th – 26th July 2026
The Buxton Festival is recognised internationally as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals. It is a celebration of opera, dance, music and literature.
Read more about the Buxton Festival
Chatsworth Country Fair
4th – 6th September 2026
The Chatsworth Country Fair is a spectacular celebration of everything country and some! There is grand ring entertainment every day over the three days. There’ll be a vintage fairground including helter-skelter, a cookery theatre and food village. On top of all that there’ll also be dog displays, vintage and military vehicles to look at as well as lots of shopping opportunities. You’ll also be able to try your hand at country sports and country crafts.
Weather permitting, Chatsworth is also the place to see an amazing display of hot air balloons, both at the beginning and at the end of each day.
Farmers Market
A great opportunity to try some fabulous local produce (or just browse the market stalls if you can resist!) from this award winning farmers market. At the Agricultural Business Centre (ABC) in Bakewell – 9am to 2pm on the last Saturday of every month (December is slightly different) Don’t these mushrooms look amazing – and sooo pretty!
Y Not
30th July – 2nd August 2026
One of the smaller music festivals in the UK, it is now beginning to draw some bigger acts. The Kaiser Chiefs and Dizzee Rascal are due to appear in 2026. Several stages and a wide variety of musical genres.
Chatsworth Horse Trials
Not expected to run in 2026 – hopefully see it again in 2027!
One of the world-class three day eventing horse trials to be held in the UK. In the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth. See the horses and riders take part in dressage, show jumping and cross country.
Eat in the Park – Buxton
Not expected to run in 2026
Music and Food Festival with lots of other acts and entertainment too
Stay with us
Stay in one of our two self catering holiday cottages and enjoy the best of the Peak District. Each sleeps 4
