Kendal Mountain Festival 2026

Worth It

One of Cumbria's strongest multi-day visitor events. Book accommodation early and allow realistic walking time between venues.

Kendal Mountain Festival takes place across Kendal from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2026. The organiser describes the event as the world's largest outdoor cultural festival. The 2026 programme is expected to include more than 200 live sessions, over 300 speakers, at least 150 films, more than 10 parties and over 60 activities and workshops, attracting more than 25,000 outdoor enthusiasts. The festival is spread across multiple Kendal venues. Main locations include Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal Leisure Centre and the free Basecamp Village in Abbot Hall Park, with other town-centre venues used according to the programme. Ticket information checked on 6 August 2026: Festival Weekend Pass: £205. Adult day passes: Thursday £25. Friday £70. Saturday £85. Sunday £45. Two-Together passes: Weekend £360. Thursday £45. Friday £125. Saturday £150. Sunday £80. Under-18 passes: Weekend £130. Thursday £15. Friday £40. Saturday £50. Sunday £35. Individual ticket starting prices: Activities and workshops from £7.50. Film and book events from £10.50. Live sessions and speaker events from £14.50. Music events and parties from £16.50. Premium events and activities from £22. Passes do not provide automatic entry. Pass holders must still reserve a ticket for each event and cannot book overlapping sessions. The 10km, 25km and 50km trail races, SportShoes Quid Games, sauna and cold plunge are excluded from all passes. Basecamp in Abbot Hall Park is free to enter. Its three stages are expected to host more than 70 free, non-ticketed talks. Some other free events still require a free ticket. The film programme is due in mid-October. The full 2026 Festival Programme is due online during the week beginning 2 November. All three Kendal Mountain Trail Runs take place on Saturday 21 November. The official page confirms the returning 10km race, whose route is approximately 11.8km, the 50km Ultra and a new 25km trail race. Entries had not opened when checked on 6 August, and registering interest did not guarantee a place. Parking in Kendal is limited during the festival and public transport is strongly recommended. All main festival venues, including Basecamp, are described as wheelchair accessible. Free carer or companion tickets are available for eligible visitors. Dogs are not permitted in the main festival venues or the tented Basecamp Village. Guide dogs are allowed. Accommodation is not included with festival passes and central Kendal can book up quickly. Programme details, prices, availability and venue allocations can change, so check the official programme before travelling.