North York Moors

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Major festivals and events

Thank you for social distancingThank you for social distancing
Due to COVID-19, this section of our website may not have the latest updates regarding externally-run events. Most events in the near future have been cancelled, although some are now adapting to Government guidelines and are able to go ahead.

While the majority of our ticketed events and activities have been cancelled or postponed, we are now able to go ahead with some events and workshops, following Government guidelines. Please check our events calendar for details. However our guided walks programme has been cancelled for 2020 and will return in spring 2021.

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.

The National Park has been here waiting for you and we're delighted to give you a warm welcome. If you are thinking of visiting the North York Moors, please follow our guidelines for accessing the National Park safely.

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 2020/21

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.

September
October

For other half-term events at our Sutton Bank and The Moors National Park Centres, please see our full Event calendar.

November
December
  • Christmas Lights, Thornton le Dale - the popular 'switch on' event has been cancelled for 2020, however it is hoped that the lights will still be on display.
February 2021