Festivals and Key Events in Yorkshire 2025 

Festival of British Railway Modelling 

Doncaster | 8th – 9th February

The perfect opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts as well as fun for all ages, the Festival of British Railway Modelling makes its triumphant return to Doncaster. It’s the biggest show of its kind in the area with intricate displays and more than 30 layouts – many of which you may recognise from the British Railway Modelling Magazine. A whole host of clubs & societies will be in attendance to enjoy live demonstrations of the best model railway layouts from around the country. There is something for everyone thanks to the array of different scales, gauges and eras on show in addition to the numerous workshops and talks from experts in the field. You can count on exhibitors and retailers selling brand-new and hard-to-find products as well as high-quality, second-hand models.

Dark Skies Festival

Yorkshire Dales National Park & North York Moors various Locations | 14th February – 2nd March

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Dark Skies Festival where the star of the show is the beauty of the night sky. Enjoy the simplicity of stargazing in two designated Dark Sky Reserves in Yorkshire (Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors) take part in night-time fell running and canoeing in the dark, photography classes and so much more. You can also learn about the universe thanks to fascinating talks from astronomers and by following self-guided Planet and Constellation Trails at Buckden and Aysgarth Falls and other locations throughout the county.

York Blues Festival 

York | 5th April

York Blues Festival is a wonderful opportunity to discover new music and appreciate home-grown talent from around the country. Brought to you by Jorvik Radio’s award-nominated show, Blues from the Ouse, the event boasts a fantastic line-up brimming with award-winning and -nominated artists. Music lovers will be welcomed to the Crescent Community Venue where food and drink will be served while acts like The James Oliver Band and Stompin’ Dave & Lucy Piper Electric Duo transport you to the blissful world of blues.  

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Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Harrogate | 24th – 27th April

For UK gardeners, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show is the first major event in the calendar and where better to celebrate all things horticulture? The event prides itself on showcasing colourful displays in the Grand Floral Hall to delight your senses and inspire budding gardening enthusiasts. There will be live talks and demonstrations from experienced florists and flower arrangers as well as never-ending expert tips from the gardening advice bureau. Make use of the plant & product crèche to store your new projects while taking advantage of the plentiful opportunities to do some garden, home and gift shopping. Visitors can also relax and enjoy food, drink and live music.

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Whitby Goth Weekend

Multiple Venues, Whitby | 24th – 27th April & 30th October – 2nd November

The 2025 instalments of the Whitby Goth Weekends, which date back to 1994, are sure to cater to Goth, Alternative and Bohemian subcultures. The 4-day events will showcase the best of gothic and alternative music, literature, fashion and art. Spread across two venues, the Bizarre Bazaar has more than 100 stalls and traders selling anything from food and drink to crystals and collectables. Revellers should be sure not to miss the 3-night Revenant music event at the Royal Hotel and DJ nights at the Abbey Wharf. 

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Malton Food Lovers Festival 

Malton | 24th – 26th May

Malton, or perhaps better known as ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’, is set to host its much-loved Food Lovers Festival with over 120 stalls and vendors. There will be artisan stalls and the chance to make the most of tempting food and drink tastings. Catering to your dietary requirements are street food vendors serving a range of culinary delights including experimental vegan cuisine. Follow a programme of celebrity chefs and book signings as well as demonstrations and talks to inspire you. Live music and entertainment will be on all weekend and an exciting selection of family-friendly activities will keep your little ones busy and wanting to come back for more!

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Ryedale Festival 

Ryedale | 21st – 29th March & 11th – 27th July & 21st – 23rd November

The Ryedale Festival brings music and entertainment to Yorkshire three times a year – once in spring, summer and winter. The events not only showcase and promote the region’s musical talent but also the stunning venues of the surrounding area. Performers range from amateur choirs and to orchestral ensembles and the festival aims to make live music accessible to all and especially to provide young people with a unique opportunity to appreciate the art of music. 

North Yorkshire Open Studios 

Multiple Venues, North Yorkshire | 7th– 8th & 14th – 15th June & 1st – 2nd November

Across the Dales, Central, Moors & Coast areas of North Yorkshire County will be the summer and winter editions of the North Yorkshire Open Studios event. Allowing and encouraging artists of all kinds to showcase and promote their work, there are opportunities to sell pieces and meet likeminded people. There’s no shortage of talent here with plenty of unique artists confirmed and more to be announced, displaying everything from ceramics to paintings and jewellery to printmaking. 

The Great Yorkshire Show

Harrogate | 8th – 11th July

Be sure not to miss out on the 166th annual instalment of the Great Yorkshire Show – a competition proudly showcasing the best animals in the country. You won’t want to miss the national breed shows, especially since this year marks the return of the Atkinson Action Horses and their magnificent equestrian performances spanning all four days. This goal of this unmissable event is to celebrate all things farming and food as well as the glorious landscapes of God’s Own Country.

Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival 

Skipton | 18th – 20th July

Truly a foodie’s paradise, the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival is bringing together over 250 traders from across the country but not only those of food and drink – there will also be artisans and crafters with unique offerings. Learn from the best celebrity chefs or take part in tasting classes, cooking demonstrations and cocktail masterclasses. Not to mention the first-class entertainment and live music including popular bands, DJs, and tribute acts. On-site camping and caravaning allows you to make the most of your visit.

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Whitby Regatta 

Whitby | 9th – 11th August

A fun-filled weekend is waiting for you in one of the Yorkshire Coast’s most beautiful destinations. Claiming to be the oldest sea Regatta in the area, the Whitby Regatta is so much more than that. With fireworks displays, fun runs, and rowing races, there’s plenty to do on land and at sea. A non-stop events programme includes exciting classic car, Japanese motorcycle, and scooter rallies, to name but a few.

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Women’s Rugby World Cup 

York | 22nd August – 7th September

With York being chosen as a host city for the group stages of the prestigious tournament, the Women’s Rugby World Cup is coming to Yorkshire this summer. The York Community Stadium will host some of the best teams in the sport, from five different continents, and inspire existing rugby fans as well as a whole new generation. At the same time, the beauty of the area will be highlighted to visiting fans who’ve yet to experience Yorkshire in all its glory.

Ilkley Literature Festival 

Multiple Venues, Ilkley | 3rd – 19th October

Offering the perfect chance to discover new ideas and enjoy delving into something new, the Ilkley Literature Festival is sure to pique your interest. Inspiring writers will be there to encourage conversations around popular and out-of-the-ordinary topics in the world of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry at insightful talks and workshops. Meet likeminded individuals and fellow bookworms at this wonderfully enlightening festival which has been running for over 50 years.

Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 

Multiple Venues, Yorkshire Dales National Park| 11th – 14th October

Can you really talk about Yorkshire without mentioning cheese? Thanks to the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival, you don’t have to! Spread across the Yorkshire Dales National Park area, local businesses will be relishing in the joy of all things cheese and offering dishes and experiences unique to this event. There will be demonstrations, classes and tasters at some of Yorkshires most enticing eateries and establishments. For those less keen on cheese, there will be a selection of specially created delicacies including local meats, alcoholic beverages and ice creams. 

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Leeds International Film Festival

Leeds | 6th – 23rd November

This annual event has been running for 38 years and is proudly an Oscar- and BAFTA-Qualifying Festival in several categories. The largest film festival in England outside of London, it will be hosts to expert talks and provide the perfect place for networking within the industry. Undoubtedly, there will be screenings you won’t want to miss of short films that could go on to win prestigious awards from up-and-coming filmmakers. Come along and support the untapped potential of lesser-known, modern films or simply enjoy the classics.