Looking for free events happening in Durham to fill the first week of the summer holidays? Take a look through our picks for this week, July 22-28 2019.
There's always plenty to do in Durham and many events won't require you to buy tickets. Here're the best free events in Durham we could find for the next seven days.
#1: Ferny Rigg Alpacas, Derwent Waterside Park
On Wednesday July 24 from 10am-2pm, head to Derwent Waterside Park for a stroll with an alpaca.
There will also be appearances from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Police's Dog Section and Northumbria Police's Marine Unit.
You'll need to pay for parking at Derwent but the event is free - just turn up. For more information phone 0345 1550236 or go to the Derwent Facebook page.
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#2: Summer Exhibition, Bishop Auckland
One for art lovers and artists, No.42 in the Market Place, Bishop Auckland is inviting artists to submit work celebrating the theme of landscapes. It's open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, until August 31. Phone 01388 743 750 for more information.
#3: Durham City Run Festival, Durham
As part of the Durham City Run, there's a three-day festival in Durham city centre. Running from Thursday July 25 to Saturday July 27, the Durham City Run Festival will feature films, talks, book signings, a running expo, free running activities, and a mile challenge, all alongside the Prince Bishops 5K and 10K runs.
Free events at the Durham City Run Festival include talks at the Gala Theatre, such as Ben Smith speaking about 'What Next After 401 Marathons in 401 Days?' on Friday July 26 at noon. The events are free but you'll need to book tickets.
You can book them at the Gala events page.
#4: 'Man Made' Exhibition, Newton Aycliffe
Held at the Greenfield Gallery on Greenfield Way in Newton Aycliffe, this exhibition by artist in residence Richard Bliss exploring identity and masculinity, including work supported by Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid and artist William Titley.
The exhibition runs from Thursday July 25 to Wednesday September 18 from 10am to 9pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 4pm Fridays. Call 01325 379048 for more information.
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#5: Coached Sports Sessions, Wharton Park
Every Thursday throughout the summer holidays there are free drop-in sessions in the lower level of Wharton Park. Children aged four to 11 years who love sports or want to get involved, can join a coach from LK Health and Wellbeing. They run from 1-3pm. The first is on Thursday July 25, and the last is August 29.
#6: IncludFEST 2019, Hardwick Park
IncludFEST is a free, fully inclusive and accessible arts festival for children, young people and families to enjoy a range of arts activities including live music, live outdoor street theatre, participatory workshops, story telling and arts and crafts.
IncludFEST is free and takes place on Saturday July 27 from 1-5pm. For more information phone 0300 124 0448 or visit www.includfest.co.uk.
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#7: Durham Wellness Festival, Meadowfield
The Durham Wellness Festival is run by YogaTherapies and West Barn Co and takes place on Saturday July 27 from 10am to 2pm. Activities and exhibitors include yoga, meditation, massage, facials, plus children's yoga and crafts.
Durham Wellness Festival is free but you need to book tickets on eventbrite.
#8: Ranger Fun, Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park is holding free Ranger Fun events every Sunday afternoon. Starting on Sunday July 28, until September 1, you can take part in den building, pond dipping and bug hunting. No booking is required. Call 0300 026 2899 for more information.
#9: Summer Brass Series, Wharton Park
Enjoy some free brass music at the regular Sunday afternoon Wharton Park brass concerts. They take place in the amphitheatre from 1-3pm - just turn up.
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