YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
What’s On in North Yorkshire: Summer Events, Family Days Out & September 2026
Don’t miss out on the best things to do this July, August, and September.
From summer holiday adventures and family days out to live music, workshops, festivals, markets, shows, and seasonal celebrations, there’s plenty happening across North Yorkshire and beyond over the coming weeks. Whether you’re looking for something to keep the children entertained, a creative workshop, a day at the races, local food and drink, live entertainment, or something a little different, our latest Ure Life What’s On guide brings together events across Boroughbridge, Ripon, Thirsk, Easingwold, Masham, Bedale, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Leyburn, Harrogate, York, and the wider region. From Brick Explorers at RHS Harlow Carr, Newby Hall Summer, Summer at Piglets, Stockeld Park, and Pokemon at Fountains, to Monk Fest, York Maze, Little Farmers Quest, and the Summer Fairytale Trail, there are plenty of family-friendly options throughout the holidays. As August unfolds, look out for St Wilfrid’s Day, Wilfrid’s Mini Music Fest, the Thirsk and Sowerby Festival, workshops, forest school, live music, scarecrow festivals, food and drink events, fireworks, and agricultural shows, before September brings the Tour of Britain, music and concerts, markets, flower shows, workshops, kite festivals, and autumn events. Whatever you fancy doing, there’s plenty to discover close to home.
Brick Explorers
RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Follow a LEGO sculpture trail around the gardens. Free with admission.
Newby Hall Summer
Newby Hall, Ripon
Explore the hall and gardens, outdoor play area, exhibitions, train rides and boat rides. Admission applies.
Summer at Piglets
Piglets Adventure Farm, York
Enjoy rides, animals, outdoor play areas, beach area, maze and more. Admission applies.
Summer Adventures
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Outdoor adventure playgrounds, woodland trails and family attractions throughout the summer holidays. Admission applies.
Mini and Junior Chef Cookery Courses
Swinton Park, Masham
Tailored one-off cookery experiences for children running on various dates. From £65 per person.
Summer of Play
Beningbrough Hall, York
National Trust summer family trail, crafts, gardens and historic house. Entrance applies.
Pokemon at Fountains
Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, collect Mega Evolution stickers and try archery and space hopper racing. Admission applies.
Late Hours at Forbidden Corner
Forbidden Corner, Leyburn
Explore the mysterious folly and gardens into the golden hour. Admission applies.
Pirate Ship & Beach
Bolton Abbey, Skipton
Discover a real pirate ship, riverside beach and plenty of outdoor adventures. Admission applies.
Monk Fest
Monk Park Farm, Thirsk
Games, music, glitter, rides, animals, outdoor play areas, foam party and more. Admission applies.
Summer at York Maze
York Maze
Enjoy more than 20 rides, a themed maze, shows and a foam party. Admission applies.
Bug Fest
Ripon Walled Garden
Meet Yorkshire Rotters, enjoy Hungry Caterpillar storytelling, bug games, crafts and a bug trail.
Little Farmers Quest
Yolk Farm, Boroughbridge
A 60-minute guided adventure around the farm, starting at 10am on Wednesdays. £11.50 per person.
Summer Fairytale Trail
Swinton Bivouac, Masham
Follow a character-filled forest trail through the summer. £5 per child.
A Lotherton Summer
Lotherton Hall, Aberford
Seaside-themed family activities including entertainment and sand play. Admission applies.
Summer at The Web
Web Adventure Park, York
Indoor and outdoor adventure play, splash park, funfair, activities and entertainment. Admission applies.
The Spirit of Oz
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
Meet the Good Witch of the Glade and explore the magical cave and surrounding attractions. Admission applies.
Great British Summer
Lightwater Valley, Ripon
Enjoy rides, circus skills, giant inflatables, splash attractions, adventure play and family entertainment. Admission applies.
Summer Holiday Fun
The World of James Herriot, Thirsk
Interactive family activities and trails celebrating the famous veterinary practice and James Herriot. Admission applies.
Goldilocks & the Three Bears
The Forum, Northallerton
Family-friendly theatre show. Admission applies.
St. Wilfrid’s Day
The Magdalens, Ripon
Live music, food vans and an outside bar from 12pm until late.
Ceramic Poppies Workshop
Himalayan Gardens, Masham
Creative ceramic poppy workshops at 10am and 1pm. £70 per person.
Wilfrid’s Mini Music Fest
Trinity Lane, Ripon
Live folk music, stalls and food from 12pm to 5pm.
Thirsk and Sowerby Festival on the Flats
Flatts Fields, Thirsk YO7 1LY
A community festival with 80 stalls, bouncy castles, archery, mini golf, classic vehicles, soap box race, rides and dog show from 1pm.
Masham Sunday Market
Masham Town Square
Traditional Sunday market featuring stalls, local produce and food.
Watercolour Workshop
Boroughbridge Methodist Church
Creative watercolour workshop running from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Admission applies.
Family Forest School
In the Greenwoods, Kirby Malzeard
Nature activities and outdoor exploration suitable for children aged 0–9. 10.30am–12pm. Admission applies.
The Dinosaur That Pooped!
Scarborough Spa
Live children’s show based on the bestselling Dinosaur That Pooped books. Admission applies.
That 80’s Thing
Thorp Perrow, Bedale
Live music from That 80’s Thing from 6pm. Admission applies.
Naked Heart Walk 2026
Himalayan Gardens, Masham
A scenic nature stroll with a clothing-optional format. Starts at 10am. Admission applies.
Kids Days
Yorkshire Lavender, York
Dinosaur meet and greet, petting zoo, mini golf, face painting, inflatables, pottery painting and garden games. Admission applies.
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival
Kettlewell, Near Skipton
Explore the Yorkshire Dales village filled with imaginative scarecrows throughout the festival.
Women in the Greenwoods
In the Greenwoods, Kirby Malzeard
An evening of pressed flowers, stick weaving, campfire and brews from 7pm to 8.30pm. Admission applies.
70’s and Motown Night
The Engine Shed, Wetherby
A DJ plays all the hits from the 1970s and Motown from 7.30pm until late. £7 per person. Fancy dress encouraged.
Family Fun Weekend
Thorp Perrow, Bedale
Giant inflatable assault course, bouncy castle, mini golf, garden games, crafts and archery. Admission applies.
Fireworks Championships
Newby Hall, Ripon
Watch a spectacular choreographed fireworks display competition. Admission applies.
CBeebies House Party Live!
York Barbican
Justin Fletcher and crew star in this interactive family stage show. Admission applies.
Little Bird Artisan Market
Sutton Bank, Thirsk
Browse handmade goods and products from independent retailers.
Jolly Fest 2026
Ye Jolly Farmer Inn, Thirsk
Charity beer and live music festival.
Living History Weekend
Eden Camp, Malton
Experience re-enactments, historic vehicles, displays and family activities.
Reeth Show
Reeth, Swaledale
A well-loved agricultural show celebrating rural life with livestock, crafts, food, displays and entertainment.
Making Waves: A Closing Celebration
York Art Gallery
Festival of music, workshops, creative activities, food and drink celebrating the exhibition’s closing weekend.
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
Ripley Castle, Near Harrogate
Street food, artisan producers, live music, demonstrations, children’s entertainment and craft drinks.
Charity Fun Day
The Ripon Inn, Ripon
A family-friendly fundraiser with music, bouncy castle, farm animals, games, raffle, silent auction and more.
Summer Party
The Fox and Hounds, Boroughbridge
Live music, duck hunt, bouncy castle, face painting and raffle.
Mini National Day
Newby Hall, Ripon
Displays of Mini vehicles alongside family attractions and entertainment.
Little 3 Beer Festival
Finkle Street, Thirsk
Annual local pub beer festival celebrating a selection of beers in the heart of Thirsk.
August Bank Holiday Racing
Ripon Racecourse
Bank Holiday horse racing with food and drink available throughout the day.
Bank Holiday Family Fun
Castle Howard, Near Malton
Family trail and seasonal activities in the grounds of the historic estate.
Summer Plant Fair
Newburgh Priory, Coxwold
Browse specialist nurseries and garden stalls at this summer plant fair.
Great British Summer
Whitby Abbey
Family activities and entertainment celebrating the Great British summer.
Summer of Play
Nunnington Hall, York
Family activities and entertainment throughout the final week of the summer holidays.
Tour of Britain – Stage 4
Ripon, Boroughbridge & Easingwold
The UK’s professional cycle race passes through the area as part of Stage 4.
Mindful on the Moor Festival
Danby Lodge, Whitby
A day of art, wellbeing workshops and nature activities.
Forest of Mythical Breezes
Markington Hall, Near Ripon
A classical music concert in a beautiful North Yorkshire setting.
Music of ABBA by Candlelight
Ripon Cathedral
ABBA Reunion performs a live tribute to ABBA’s biggest hits by candlelight.
Race Night
The Crown Inn, Boroughbridge
A fundraising race night supporting the Christmas lights, with horse racing and supper.
Pick Your Own Apples
Ampleforth Abbey, Helmsley
Harvest apples at the abbey and enjoy a traditional autumn orchard experience.
Barn Dance & Ceilidh
Yolk Farm, Boroughbridge
A lively social evening with live music from The Dark Horse Ceilidh Band.
Filey Kite Festival
Filey Brigg
Spectacular giant kites, family entertainment, food stalls and children’s activities.
Autumn Flower Show
Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon
Award-winning floral displays, gardening inspiration, talks and workshops.
Autumn Wreath Workshop
Yorkshire Lavender, York
Create an autumn wreath using dried flowers and seed heads in this seasonal workshop.
Sunday Band Concert
Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Free afternoon brass band performance in the beautiful Valley Gardens.
Wetherby Artisan Market
Market Place, Wetherby
Independent makers, artisan food, gifts and live entertainment in the market square.
Library of the Four Winds
Castle Howard, York
An immersive art installation by Es Devlin set within the historic Castle Howard estate.
Apple Day & Apple Throwing Championships
Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon
Enjoy apple pressing, face painting, an apple display, apple throwing contest and themed menu.
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