From the famous Food Festival on the seafront to weekly markets, sea swims, and the world-class events across County Durham — there's always something happening.
The biggest annual event on Seaham's calendar. Spread across the seafront, the Food Festival brings over 120 traders selling street food, local produce, artisan goods, and crafts — all set against the North Sea. Previous years have included cookery theatre with TV chefs, live music, and free family entertainment throughout.
Free to attend. No booking required. The seafront and surrounding car parks fill up fast — arrive early or use the free town centre car parks and walk down.
seahamfoodfestival.co.ukFrom seafront markets to community celebrations — events happening in the town itself.
Browse vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia at this popular event in a ground-floor venue on the seafront. A draw for collectors across the region.
A weekly market running throughout 2026. Local produce, crafts, and goods — a good reason to time your visit for a Friday.
Award-winning peer support open-water swimming community. All abilities and experience levels welcome. A wonderful community initiative on the North Sea.
A free community event for families with children's entertainment, stalls, arts and crafts, and the grand final of Seaham's Got Talent. A great day out for families visiting with children.
seaham.gov.uk for detailsThe big one. Over 120 traders, cookery theatre, TV chefs, live music, and family entertainment across the full seafront. The busiest weekend of the year in Seaham — book accommodation early if you plan to stay over.
seahamfoodfestival.co.ukVolunteer-led beach cleans organised by the Durham Wildlife Trust. Over 300 have taken place since 2021. A great way to give something back to the beach while meeting locals.
durhamheritagecoast.orgPop-up displays from Durham's archive (The Story), featuring local history items for viewing and handling. Family history research assistance available. Theme for 2026: "Everyday Histories". Full programme launches June 2026.
heritageopendays.org.ukSeaham's Remembrance Sunday ceremony takes place at the cenotaph and beside Tommy — one of the most moving memorials in the country. Seaham lost men from every street in the 1914–18 war. A deeply felt event in this community. Local arrangements confirmed by Seaham Town Council each autumn.
seaham.gov.ukCounty Durham has some of the best events in the North of England. These are all within easy reach of Seaham.
The region's biggest food event. Street food, celebrity chef demonstrations, local producers, and family entertainment over two days. One of the highlights of the County Durham calendar.
The world's greatest celebration of community and working-class culture. Brass bands, trade union banners, and tens of thousands on the streets of Durham City. Given Seaham's deep mining heritage, this one carries special significance.
thisisdurham.com20th anniversary year. A week of free concerts, street bands, and community brass events across Durham City. A perfect companion to the Miners' Gala the weekend before.
Award-winning outdoor night-time spectacular telling 2,000 years of English history through the efforts of 2,000 volunteer cast members. Utterly spectacular — book well in advance.
kynren.comTheatre, music, comedy, cabaret, circus, and spoken word across 10+ city centre venues. Overlaps with the Seaham Food Festival weekend — possible to do both.
Three days of author talks, discussions, and literary events in one of England's most beautiful cathedral cities.
Three days of jazz across multiple Durham City venues — a great autumn weekend break to combine with a Seaham sea glass hunt.
Christmas shopping, carol services, live music, and street performers across Durham City, with the Cathedral as its magnificent backdrop. One of the best Christmas events in the North of England.
thisisdurham.comEvents change. If you know of something happening in Seaham that should be on this page, please let us know — we'll add it.
Book accommodation early around the Food Festival weekend — it's the busiest time of year in Seaham.