Zopa & Friends
Thursday 3 September · 20:00 – 02:00
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
Live Music & Gigs in Kendal
26 events on in Kendal coming up, including Zopa & Friends at Ruskins Bar and Kendal Music Festival: Jon Bowie at Elsewhere Bar.
Kendal Music Festival: Jon Bowie
Friday 4 September · 19:00 – 20:30
Elsewhere Bar, Kendal
First up on our Kendal Music Festival lineup, we have Jon Bowie! Jon will be joining us at Elsewhere for some live acoustic music (Elsewhere unplugged). Come down, grab a drink, settle in and get the weekend started with us. Elsewhere Bar features sports, cocktails, and coffee.
t'anglers
Friday 4 September · 20:00 – 21:30
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
POSTMAN PAT PRODUCTIONS PRESENT AN ECLECTIC MIX OF ROCK BLUES PUNK FUNK SOUL JAZZ & FOLK. RIGGED & READY | CARLSON'S TACKLE SHOP | KENT ANGLING KWAA
KEV KENDAL
Friday 4 September · 20:30 – 20:30
The Barrel House, Kendal
KENDAL MUSIC FESTIVAL brought to you by Kendal BID. Performance by Kev Kendal.
Heavy Energy
Friday 4 September · 22:00 – 00:30
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
CLASSIC ROCK COVERS. www.heavyenergymusic.co.uk
Kendal Music Festival: Johanna Batterby
Saturday 5 September · 19:00 – 20:45
Elsewhere Bar, Kendal
Kicking off day two of Kendal Music Festival at Elsewhere with Johanna Batterby. Elsewhere unplugged. A perfect way to ease into Saturday evening before our second act of the night takes to the stage.
ELECTRIC BOUTIQUE
Saturday 5 September · 20:00 – 03:00
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
KENDAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. LIVE- BOSSYKING, GHOSTFIELD. MAIN ROOM DJ SETS- TWITCHA, SAMMN, DJ COOLHAND, BRAD HODGSON. FRONT ROOM VINYL SOCIAL- CLYDE (THE VINYL CELLAR), ADC. FREE ENTRY.
GOOD TIME THEME TIME MUSIC SESSION: Inappropriate
Sunday 6 September · 16:00 – 19:00
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
Good Times Theme Time is a monthly theme-based music and song session. Join us to sing, play, harmonise and applaud music and songs relating (however tenuously) to this month's theme: Inappropriate. Proceedings finish later on.
Don't Look Back In Anger
Wednesday 9 September · 21:00 – 21:00
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Don’t Look Back In Anger charts Liam and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant reunion tour, Oasis Live ‘25, one of the most anticipated rock ‘n’ roll comebacks of our time. The film is an unapologetically uplifting account of the biggest musical event of 2025, capturing the experience and emotions of the band and their fans across the world. The unique perspective includes rehearsal, backstage, and onstage access as well as the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 20 years. Alongside the band’s sold-out world tour, the film also explores the profound emotional impact of this phenomenal global cultural moment and what their music means to audiences and generations worldwide.
Acoustic Jam Night
Wednesday 9 September · 22:00 – 00:30
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
All Musicians welcome
BEFORE PAUL
Saturday 12 September · 22:30 – 00:30
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
LIVE MUSIC, ROCK - INDIE - POP - PUNK
DISTRACKT Presents BEYOND LIMITS
Saturday 12 September · 23:00 – 04:00
THIRTEEN, Kendal
Newcastle duo Beyond Limits will be bringing their high-energy rolling tech house grooves to The Lake District. Supporting the duo will be DISTRACKT owners Callum Pinder and Jack Gosling, as well as Twenty2 Recs owner Kian Gaitsy. This event will be FREE ENTRY - Make sure you get down early to ensure entry to the venue.
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Sunday 13 September · 21:00 – 12:30
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
All musicians welcome, PA, sound tech, Drum kit and back line provided !
SPUDS
Friday 18 September · 22:00 – 00:00
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
EXPECT A LIVELY & DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE WITH A SIDE OF UNEXPECTED HUMOUR! FREE ENTRY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN! LIVELY • LOUD • A LITTLE BIT NUTS!
THE WARNER E HODGES INTERNATIONAL ALL STARS
Saturday 19 September · 21:00 – 00:59
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
An evening featuring performances by Warner E Hodges (Jason & The Scorchers / Dan Baird & Homemade Sin), Mauro Magellan (Georgia Satellites / Dan Baird & Homemade Sin), Conny Bloom (Electric Boys / Hanoi Rocks / Silver Ginger Five), Keith Voegele (Bottle Rockets), and Pontus Snibb (Bonafide / Jason & The Scorchers). With a very special guest, Stacie Collins. Tickets available from Skiddle.com.
NASSIRA
Wednesday 23 September · 20:30 – 22:30
Ruskins Bar, Kendal
SINGER SONGWRITER. Support by north tree and Rueben Spencer. Tickets £10.
WISHBONE ASH THE TIME WAS TOUR 2026
Wednesday 23 September · 20:30 – 00:15
THIRTEEN, Kendal
Some gigs just mean more — and this is one of them. We’re incredibly honoured to welcome Wishbone Ash to THIRTEEN, returning to the very same Kendal space where they first performed. For music lovers, it’s the kind of full-circle moment you don’t get every day. For over five decades, Wishbone Ash have stood as one of rock’s most enduring and influential forces. Their pioneering twin-lead guitar sound helped shape the blueprint for generations of rock, metal, and progressive artists that followed. With an extensive catalogue, countless miles on the road, and a legacy woven into the fabric of rock history, they continue to inspire audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a band that doesn’t just celebrate an incredible past — they still bring it, live. Schedule Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026 Doors open: 19:30 On stage: 21:00 Curfew: 23:15
DIRTY DC – THE ULTIMATE AC/DC TRIBUTE
Thursday 8 October · 21:30 – 21:30
THIRTEEN, Kendal
THIRTEEN is proud to welcome Dirty DC, one of the UK’s most authentic and electrifying AC/DC tribute bands, for an unforgettable night celebrating the music of one of the greatest rock bands ever to take the stage. Delivering the unmistakable sound, attitude and raw energy that made AC/DC legendary, Dirty DC recreates the full concert experience with stunning attention to detail and enough high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll to shake the walls of THIRTEEN. This special Bon Scott / Brian Johnson Two Singer Show celebrates both iconic eras of AC/DC, featuring all the biggest anthems from across the band’s incredible catalogue.
Toploader
Friday 9 October · 20:00 – 20:00
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Iconic British band Toploader have officially joined Spotify’s exclusive ONE BILLION STREAMS CLUB with their global hit Dancing in the Moonlight and will be touring the UK in October 2026. The band’s new tour announcement comes off the back of a UK-wide arena tour supporting James Blunt and a successful 25th anniversary tour in 2025. The tour will give fans a chance to enjoy hits from their multi Brit-nominated, triple platinum-selling album, Onka’s Big Moka as well as brand new material from their upcoming EP scheduled for release in early 2026. Joe Washbourn, lead singer of Toploader, says: ‘We’re super excited to get back out on tour and to play brand new songs that we’re immensely proud of. We can’t for you to hear them… It’s gonna be a blast!’
Brewery Poets Reading
Friday 9 October · 20:30 – 20:30
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Warehouse Fresh from the pen: Brewery Arts Poets read their latest! Featuring Harriet Frazer and Helena Sanderson and other work so fresh the ink may well be wet on the page. Harriet Fraser lives near Kendal. Her poetic work centres on land and human relationships with place and with other species. She learns from farmers, conservationists, climate modellers and environmental scientists, and from her own walking and slow time outdoors. Poems often roam around. They have appeared on sheep, trees, rocks and water, and in films. She works with her husband, photographer Rob Fraser, through their arts practice Somewhere Nowhere. Helena Sanderson draws inspiration mainly from history, the natural world, and personal experience, either her own or the imagined experiences of others. She is a poet, writer and editor. She facilitated and edited the recent Bolton-based book, Lives and Times of Smithills Estate . A Lancastrian, she grew up on a Scottish island, and currently resides in north west England. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies and literary journals, including the up and coming 25th anniversary anthology from Pushing Out The Boat, north east Scotland’s longstanding literary and arts magazine.
Shooglenifty
Friday 16 October · 21:00 – 21:00
Brewery Arts, Kendal
For more than 35 years, Scottish group Shooglenifty have pioneered their fiery and infectious fusion of traditional Scottish folk music, beats, basslines, electronica and alt rock, creating a distinctive sound they call ‘acid croft’. Across nine studio albums, tours spanning the globe, boundary-pushing collaborations and a reputation for exhilarating live performances, they have amassed a devoted global following and become one of Scotland’s most distinctive musical exports. Following the loss of founding member Angus R. Grant in 2016, Shooglenifty reshaped its line-up with Kaela Rowan (vocals, percussion and ukulele) and Eilidh Shaw (fiddle) becoming integral to the band’s musical chemistry. The subsequent arrival of Ciarán Ryan (banjo and mandolin) and Euan McLaughlin (bass) alongside founding members James Mackintosh (drums) and Malcolm Crosbie (guitar), has helped forge a revitalised line-up that reaches a new creative peak on Stamina Island, the band’s pivotal tenth studio album. Stamina Island is an exuberant celebration of endurance, longevity and joie de vivre. Released on 18 September, the nine original tracks are alive with the band’s trademark vitality and imagination.
Peatbog Faeries
Thursday 22 October · 20:30 – 20:30
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Malt Room Standing Hailing from the Isle of Skye, the legendary Scottish trailblazers have created a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves that have been embraced worldwide. Drawing upon a dazzling myriad of influences from jigs and reels through Dance Music, Jazz, African, and more, they bring the sound of Scotland fresh-faced and breathless to the new audiences around the world. From the moment they take to the stage, the mood is set for a no-nonsense feel-good atmosphere, each number sounding like an encore itself. The traditional styles that influence the musicians are still to be heard and when an unexpected drop-down to those glorious core melodies sneaks in the result is spine-chilling! In short, it rocks, and the audience becomes part of the experience.
Ferocious Dog
Thursday 5 November · 19:30 – 19:30
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Standing Ferocious Dog has emerged as a prominent figure in the music world, renowned for their dynamic and authentic folk-punk sound that echoes the essence of Nottinghamshire. Celebrated for their narrative-driven lyrics addressing social, political, and personal issues, they strike a chord with their audience. The journey began in 2011 with their debut single “Ferocious Dog,” laying the foundation for a diverse and profound discography. Their first album in 2013 showcased their dedication to storytelling, a hallmark of their musical identity. Projects like “Ferocious Dog 3 Piece Acoustic” (2014) and the acoustic version of “From Without” (2017) highlighted their ability to strip back their music while retaining its impactful message. Their albums “From Without” (2015) and “Red” (2017) solidified their status in the folk-punk genre, blending poignant lyrics with engaging melodies. Their 2019 album “Fake News & Propaganda” ventured into introspective and critical territory, reflecting on complex societal themes. In 2021, “The Hope” marked a significant milestone, highlighting the band’s expanding audience and wide-reaching appeal. 2024’s album “Kleptocracy” made #3 in The May Folk Album Chart. “It’s the closest they’ve come to recording their masterpiece,” declared RnR Magazine. “Folk Punk roots rockers Ferocious Dog’s new album is a danceable harsh slap of spirit-raising reality,” praised Vive Le Rock. And check out At The Barrier’s review of this year’s Bearded Theory Festival! Ferocious Dog continues to evolve, producing music that is not just entertaining but also empowering and enlightening. They express sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to their journey and warmly invite fans to join them as they continue to make their mark in the music world.
Cut Capers
Friday 6 November · 20:00 – 20:00
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Malt Room Standing Cut Capers are the explosive 11-piece from Bristol, renowned for their legendary high-energy shows and unstoppable stage presence. Now joined by the sensational vocalists Lady B and Naomi Johnson , the band has elevated their already electrifying live performance to new heights, delivering a bigger, bolder, and more dynamic sound than ever before. With a killer reputation for vibrant and infectious performances, Cut Capers guarantee to get any crowd on their feet. Their signature fusion of funk, soul, hip-hop, and jazz continues to captivate audiences, earning them widespread support from the likes of Jazz FM. The station has previously named one of their albums ‘Album of the Week’, selected their single ‘Home’ as Nigel Williams’ ‘Tune of the Week’, and added multiple tracks to its prestigious A-List playlist. The band now hits the road to celebrate the release of their fourth studio album, Balance , a bold new record packed with special guest appearances and fresh musical explorations. This show will showcase the exciting new material alongside fan favourites from albums one, two, and three, creating a setlist that spans the full spectrum of the band’s evolution. Fresh from a triumphant year of touring, including commanding a crowd of 20,000 at France’s Festival du Bout du Monde, selling out iconic London venues such as The 100 Club and Pizza Express Holborn, and sharing the stage with Acid Jazz legends The Brand New Heavies at the Royal Albert Hall, Cut Capers are bringing their most ambitious live show yet. Get ready for a night where epic arrangements, powerhouse vocals, and scintillating solos collide in a whirlwind of pure live energy. “They’re on their way up!” – Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 6 Music “I am feeling that! Oh my goodness that just had me moving!” – YolanDa Brown OBE, Jazz FM See all live music events here . PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR VISIT
Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet
Saturday 7 November · 19:30 – 19:30
Brewery Arts, Kendal
Malt Room Standing Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet move with ease and confidence between swampy jazz, raucous brass, fractured funk, blues balladry, and gorgeous folkloric textures. Connolly’s powerhouse vocals lead the charge, blending mischief, protest and vulnerability into something fiercely human and utterly live. Honeyfeet holds all of this together with a groove and a commitment to musical freedom. The lineup consists of Lorien Garth Edwards on bass, Ellis Davies on guitar, John Ellis on keyboards, Biff Roxby on brass, and Phill Howley on drums form a fluid and fearless musical unit. At the heart of Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet is the indomitable Ríoghnach Connolly, whose voice is equal parts fierce, tender and fearless, connecting ancestral song traditions with contemporary storytelling. She has won the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award for Best Folk Singer and BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the Year. In early 2025, she joined Annie Lennox on stage at the Royal Albert Hall for “Sisters: Annie Lennox and Friends,” a landmark concert that raised funds for The Circle, Lennox’s global feminist organisation. Sharing the bill with artists including Celeste and Nadine Shah, Connolly brought her singular presence to a night that celebrated the transformative power of music and collective voice. Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet have found themselves on a steady rise. Their They Want What You’ve Got tour featured a string of acclaimed performances, including shows at The Glasshouse in Gateshead and a headline slot at the Albert Hall in Manchester as part of WOMEX 24. Another unforgettable moment came with their performance at the cliffside Minack Theatre in Cornwall, where the band held the audience in thrall beneath the open sky as the sun dropped into the sea. The Heads, Hearts and Hooves Tour widened their reach again alongside other 2025 appearances including Calgary Folk Music Festival, Wilderness, Green Man and Found Festival, and concluding the year with a headline show at Manchester Academy Three.
John Bramwell of I Am Kloot
Wednesday 2 December · 19:30 – 19:30
Brewery Arts, Kendal
As the singer in I Am Kloot from 1999 to 2014, John Bramwell achieved a Mercury Prize nomination for 2010’s The Sky At Night , a Top 10 chart position for 2013’s Let It All In , numerous UK and European tours and a triumphant farewell at the Queen Elizabeth Hall with an orchestra in 2014. Now, as a solo artist, Bramwell travels a very different path, a path that criss-crosses the length and breadth of the UK with a humble agenda of taking his heartwarming songs to the stage and enjoying another moment in time with his devoted fans. The stunning 2023 sophomore solo album, The Light Fantastic was an almost complete u-turn from the I Am Kloot outlook they were known for. Darker clouds banished and in replacement strings, four-part harmonies (a warming development, since Kloot never had any backing vocals) and a dozen gloriously exhilarating, beautifully crafted and observed songs about life, humanity, the universe and everything. As John put it, “It’s been great to find the joy of making music once again. These are the most uplifting songs of my career.” The album received unanimous praise from the UK press but it is the all-encapsulating live show where Bramwell conjures up his true magic as songwriter and performer. Bramwell has been on a never-ending rolling adventure since his workings away from Kloot and in the last three years has visited almost every parish in England, Scotland and Wales to be met with halls, theatres, arts centres, churches, festival tents and folk clubs full with his eager fans waiting to see which direction Bramwell will take the mood of the night – the enriched, wildly playful inter-song banter is so good, a stand up comedy tour has been contemplated. Bramwell’s razor sharp wit, on the line and refreshingly true [and often hilarious] observations and instantly recognisable haunting vocal channelled through some of the most honest and direct songwriting of our times has seen Bramwell championed in rave reviews, time after time. Most recently, God Is In The TV celebrated John’s 2025 Beautiful Days performance as the highlight of the weekend. As Bramwell looks on to another year the 2026 road extends further and wider than before – a much anticipated tour of Ireland awaits as too many of the UK’s finest venues where John’s cultivated audiences will be treated to an unforgettable evening and experience. ‘The regular harmonising with his cast of supporting musicians is especially beautiful’ Clash ‘Wonderfully grown-up pop music delivered by an adept songwriter’ – 4* MOJO ‘This is hazy music, with purpose, and very pretty with it.’ – 4* The Times ‘A splendid solo set of sumptuous vocal harmonies’ – UNCUT