Major festivals and events
Due to COVID-19, this section of our website may not have the latest updates regarding externally-run events. Some events are now looking to go ahead later in the year, subject to the easing of restrictions.
We will endeavour to remove cancelled events and add new dates where events are rearranged as soon as we are made aware of changes. If an event you are due to attend is not run by the National Park Authority, please contact the event organiser directly.
If you're thinking of visiting the North York Moors, please follow our guidelines for accessing the National Park responsibly.
From Railway in Wartime to music, food and art festivals, join in one of the many events held throughout the year across the North York Moors and Yorkshire Coast.
Traditional Yorkshire country shows are an integral part of summer, one of the finest being the Ryedale Show, Kirkbymoorside, always held on the last Tuesday in July. We’re talking sheep-dog trials, shire horses, champion cattle, ferret roulette and improbably large vegetables – with similar events at another dozen or so local shows to follow throughout August and September.
More art than agriculture? Then head to Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage in September, where picturesque fishing cottages become pop-up galleries and cafés for the weekend. Or head into the heart of Dalby Forest for Forest Live, atmospheric summer gigs featuring big names from across the music world, while we play host to a musical programme at the Inspired by… gallery, from chamber concerts to folk-roots rockers.
Major events 2021
Outdoor challenge events are not included below; you'll find walking, cycling and mountain biking, and fell and road running events listed in our Enjoy Outdoors pages. Do also take a look at the monthly farmers' markets in and around the North York Moors, and Food & Beer Festivals for more foodie ideas.
See Discover Yorkshire Coast for more major events in Scarborough, Filey, Whitby and along the coast.
May
- 8 – 7 June Imprints, Inspired by... gallery, The Moors National Park Centre, Danby
- 17 – 11 July Ian Scott Massie's Northern Soul, Ryedale Folk Museum
June
- 11 – 13 Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Weekend, a free weekend of outdoor shanty sessions
- 12 – 18 July Paintings from Wild Places, Inspired by... gallery, The Moors National Park Centre, Danby
- 26 – 27 British Falconry Fair, National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley
- 27 Open Farm Sunday, visit one of a number of farms across the North York Moors (tbc)
July
- 16 – 24 Big Ideas by the Sea, Scarborough
- 16 – 1 August Ryedale Festival
- 23 - 25 SeaFest Maritime Festival, Scarborough
- 31 Meadowfest, Malton
August
- 5 – 28 Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine, Esk Valley Theatre, Glaisdale, near Whitby
- 7 – 21 North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, Wellburn - with renowned classical musicians from around the world
- 7 – 8, 14 – 15 Ryedale Open Studios
- 12 – 15 Saltburn Folk Festival, Saltburn
- 21 Castle Howard Proms, Castle Howard
- 21 – 23 Whitby Regatta, watch yacht and rowing races, Navy displays, fireworks and more set around this ancient port
- 21 – 27 Whitby Folk Week, traditional music and dance with workshops and street entertainment
September
- 10 – 19 Heritage Open Days
- 25 – 26 Festival of Thrift, Kirkleatham
October
- 17 MoorsRun, North York Moors National Park in partnership with Hardmoors Race Series present the Turnpike Trot 10k and the Rabbit Run 5k
- 22 – 31 Dark Skies Fringe Festival, with a stellar line-up of speakers, including top astronomers and scientists
- 29 – 31 Tomorrow's Ghosts Festival, Whitby