Kendal Mountain Festival

The Kendal Mountain Festival is an annual celebration of adventure, nature, and exploration that takes place in Kendal, United Kingdom. The festival is renowned for its diverse range of activities and events that attract outdoor enthusiasts, filmmakers, and adventurers alike. This year's festival promises to be a vibrant experience, packed with over 200 live sessions, featuring more than 300 speakers, and showcasing 170+ films along with 50+ engaging activities. The event is designed to inspire attendees to explore and respect the natural world, particularly mountains and wilderness cultures.
A highlight of the festival is the Kendal Mountain Player, which offers a rich collection of over 350 films, including award-winning features and beloved favorites from previous festivals. Attendees can immerse themselves in short film collections and life-affirming feature films, all from the comfort of their homes. This year's theme, 'Hope', is beautifully encapsulated in the film montage 'A Little Story About Hope', showcasing accessibility in art through a compilation of over 100 selected films from the festival's program. The trailer features an immersive audio description delivered as a poetic performance by three generations, reflecting the heart and heritage of the festival.
In addition to the main festival weekend, which will be held from November 19 to 22, 2026, the Kendal Mountain Festival also organizes tours across the UK from February to May, bringing the spirit of Kendal to a wider audience. The festival's Basecamp village will host numerous outdoor brands and charities, offering over 70 free talks, further enriching the experience for festival-goers. The event not only celebrates the thrill of adventure but also emphasizes the importance of environmental respect and cultural representation, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about the outdoors.