Durham Fringe Festival – 29 July to 2 August

The Durham Fringe Festival is a five-day celebration of performing arts held each summer in Durham City. From 29 July to 2 August, theatres, pubs, historic venues and outdoor spaces across the city come alive with comedy, theatre, music, storytelling, dance and creative performances.

A Festival Full of Variety

What makes the Fringe special is the range of acts and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy:

• Stand-up comedy and late-night shows

• Live music and acoustic performances

• Theatre and drama productions

• Spoken word, poetry and storytelling

• Circus, cabaret and experimental art

The programme changes every day, meaning there’s always something new to discover — whether you’re looking for a family show, a quirky one-person performance or a big crowd-pleaser.

Explore Durham in Summer

The Fringe Festival spreads across multiple venues in Durham, including small theatres, intimate performance spaces and pop-up stages. It’s a fantastic way to explore the city during the summer, with cafés, restaurants, riverside walks and historic architecture all within easy reach of the festival sites.

Stay Near Durham Fringe Festival

If you’re planning to visit the festival, The Barn Oakenshaw offers peaceful countryside accommodation close to Durham City. After a day (or evening) of performances, you can return to a quiet, comfortable space away from the bustle of the festival.

Our location is ideal for:

• Couples enjoying a summer arts break

• Friends exploring different shows across the weekend

• Visitors who want to balance culture and relaxation

Travel Tips

• Some shows are ticketed separately, so it’s worth checking the programme in advance.

• Durham city parking can be busy during festival evenings — public transport or park-and-ride can be useful options.

• If you’re staying for more than one day, plan to see different styles of performances to get the full Fringe experience.

A Creative Highlight in County Durham

The Durham Fringe Festival is a growing event with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a diverse mix of talent. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy live performance, discover new artists and make the most of summer in the North East.

For a relaxed and comfortable base near Durham, book your stay at The Barn Oakenshaw and enjoy a culture-filled short break close to the city.

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