Looking for free events? We've pulled together the best ticketless events this week, August 12-18 2019.
While there's always plenty happening in Durham, some free events help to take the pressure off your wallet - especially during the school holidays. Here's what's on for free in Durham this week.
#1: Wharton Brass Concert, Wharton Park
The series of Wharton Park brass concerts continues on Sunday August 18 at 1-3pm. Simply head down to the amphitheatre in Wharton Park (behind Durham railway station) for this free concert.
Read next: Music concerts in Durham this week
#2: Killhope - Kids Go Free Days
Killhope Lead Mining Museum at Cowshill, Bishop Auckland, gives free entry to children on Mondays during school holidays (admission fees apply for all others).
Call 01388 537505 for more information.
#3: Live InDurham, Durham city centre
The free Live InDurham event is back on Thursday August 15, with an evening of free live music across the city. Keep an eye out on the Live inDurham Facebook page for details.
Don't forget about the free Derwentside parking which is nearby too.
#4: Flower Pounding Craft Workshop, Ushaw
For all ages and led by artist Dawn Belshaw, collect examples of the shapes, colours and intricate patterns present in the natural world and then turn the things that you have found into beautiful gifts by smashing them with a hammer.
The Ushaw Flower Pounding Craft Workshop is on Wednesday August 14, 11am to 4pm, and it's free.
On August 15-16 11am to 4pm is Science at Ushaw, a free robotics workshop where you can try coding and build a scribble bot.
Call Ushaw on 0191 373 850 for more information.
Read next: Durham County Council begins work on new offices on the Sands car park
#5: Ferny Rigg Alpacas, Derwent Waterside Park
Head to Derwent Waterside Park on Wednesday August 14 10am to 2pm for a chance to meet some alpacas. There will also be appearances from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Police's Dog Section and Northumbria Police's Marine Unit, plus Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol. You can also park for free at Derwent Reservoir.
#6: Late Summer Lectures, Durham University
Durham University's English department is holding a series of free late summer lectures. The public talks will share the latest research on the theme of 'Time and Place' in literature.
This week the Durham University late summer lecture is Wandering Across Scandinavia in Egils Saga. It's on Wednesday August 14 at 5.30-6.30pm, and is held at Alington House Community Association, on North Bailey near to Palace Green (postcode DH1 3ET). Call 0191 334 2500 for more information.
Read next: The bands and DJs playing at Hardwick Live this weekend
#7: Ferryhill Summer Fayre, Ferryhill
Held in Ferryhill Market Place, the Ferryhill Summer Fayre has children's entertainment, show rides, stalls, refreshments, an ice cream van and a dog show. The annual art and photography exhibition will also be open in the town hall.
The Ferryhill Summer Fayre is on Saturday and Sunday August 17-18 from 11am to 5pm.
#8: Art Exhibition, Byers Green
Thomas Wright House guesthouse is holding a free art exhibition of local artists in the first floor Dorado function room. Refreshments available. It's on Saturday and Sunday August 17-18 from 11am to 4pm.
Read next: The best family events in Durham this week
#9: Ranger Fun, Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park is holding free Ranger Fun events every Sunday afternoon, 1-3pm. You can take part in den building, pond dipping and bug hunting. No booking is required. Call 0300 026 2899 for more information.
#10: Crafts In Durham, Durham Marketplace
A craft fair in Durham Marketplace with an assortment of artisan and handcrafted items. It's on Sunday August 18 - call 0191 384 1212 for more information.
#11: Story Busking Sessions, Witham Arts Centre
Town crier Ian Kirkbride is at the Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle to read stories, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow. The Witham storytelling is on Saturday August 17 at 10am.
Read next: Durham Cathedral packed events calendar throughout August