From iconic food festivals and music weekends to heritage celebrations and coastal fun, 2026 is packed with brilliant events across North Yorkshire - there’s something for every taste and every season. Here's a taste of what's to come this year...

Spring: A Highlight for Foodies

Filey Food Festivals – April, June & August
A favourite for foodies, the Filey International Food Festival brings together over 60 local and regional producers - enjoy street food, cookery demos, drinks, music and family entertainment with sea views from Evron and Crescent Gardens. Dates include 4–5 April, 7–8 June, and 9–10 August.

Scarborough Food & Drink Festival | 11th & 12th April
Held at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre, this vibrant festival offers delicious local food, drink, live music and family activities - great for a spring coastal day out. The festival launched in 2025 and was a huge success with both locals and vistors alike.

Whitby Fish & Ships Festival | 16th & 17th May
Celebrate Whitby’s maritime heritage with cookery demos, seafood tastings, live music, children’s activities and coastal fun right by the harbour. The festival is a yearly tribute to the local fishing community, highlighting the work of the fisherman, sustainable practices and the town's maritime heritage, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far every year.

Malton Food Lovers Festival | 24th - 26th May
Often dubbed one of Yorkshire’s best food events, this festival showcases local producers, celebrity chefs, tastings, live music and family entertainment in the heart of Malton - Yorkshire’s food capital. Visit the town's picturesque square and tour the huge array of stalls for locally-made jams, gins, fresh produce and much more. And don't worry if you miss out on anything or just couldn't get enough - the Food Lovers Festival returns to the town in summer too!

Summer: Fairs & Festivals for Everyone

Agricultural Shows | June, July & August

A highlight for families and agriculture enthusiasts, North Yorkshire's array of traditional shows includes livestock displays, craft stalls, vintage tractors, trade villages and entertainment for all ages. Visit Malton Show on the 28th June for all this and more, or Thornton-le-Dale Show on the 5th August for a quintessential North Yorkshire setting. Pickering's Country Fair on the 21st - 24th August is one of the region's biggest and makes an entire weekend of their yearly show with a combination of exhibits, shopping, livestock and family entertainment.

Whitby Soul Weekender | 3rd - 5th July
Enjoy a great weekend of soul and Motown hits at Whitby Pavilion - rhythmic live music, dancing and a lively atmosphere make this a summer favourite.

Staxtonbury Music Festival | First Weekend in July
A long-running family-friendly music event near Scarborough, featuring live bands, local and from afar, and community vibes over a few big summer days. The festival also has family events and entertainment across all three days and lots of food and drink options.

Pickering Motor Show | 27th July
Held at the Galtres Pickering Showground, this motoring event showcases classic, American and modified vehicles with food stalls, entertainment and attractions for all ages.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre Concerts
Throughout the summer, this iconic outdoor venue hosts major music acts (including big names in June and July), making it one of the coast’s top live entertainment spots. The 2026 lineup at the Open Air Theatre is looking to be one of their biggest yet, with huge acts already announced including Michael Bublé, Bastille and James Arthur.

Autumn: A Spooky & Sparkly Season

Whitby Goth Weekend | 30th October - 1st November
Whitby’s world-famous festival returns over the Halloween weekend in 2026, drawing music lovers, creative fashion fans and alternative culture enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. Expect live bands, street markets and gothic fun set against historic Whitby Abbey's haunting ruins. The event also runs earlier in the year on the 1st - 3rd May for those visiting in the Spring.

Scarborough Sparkle | 28th - 30th November
Get into the festive spirit with this joyful Christmas lights and maker market weekend at Scarborough Open Air Theatre - complete with a lantern parade, music, crafts and festive treats. Scarborough Sparkle is a fun and festive event that has been taking place in the town for the last several years, bringing hundreds of visitors to see the bright lights and begin the festive season.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

• Book tickets early - popular festivals like Whitby Soul Weekender and Staxtonbury, as well as gigs at the Open Air Theatre, sell out fast.

• Check dates locally - event listings can update through the year as organisers announce full programmes.

• Combine nearby day trips - explore the coast, historic towns and food markets while you’re here.

Whether you’re here to savour food festivals in Filey and Malton, soak up seaside music in Scarborough and Whitby, or dive into the local culture in Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale, 2026 has a fantastic calendar of events to explore during your stay at High Oaks Grange. Book your weekend escapes now and make the most of what North Yorkshire has to offer!