With just a few short days left until we say a fond farewell to 2025, it’s time to start looking forward to all the fun available for us in the new year!
2026 in Yorkshire promises an unforgettable calendar of events – from world‑class foodie festivals to sporting spectacles and the now-famous gardening shows. So, whether you have already booked a luxury staycation with Yorkshire Escapes or are in the midst of researching your trip, we’ve included a selection below of some of the must-attend events that are shaping up the year so far.
Food & Drink Events in Yorkshire
York Chocolate Festival
Where? York City Centre
When? Wednesday 1st – 5th April 2026
What? A celebration of everything sweet and velvety! Perfect for chocolate lovers, families, and foodies looking for a fun, flavour‑filled experience.
Ilkley Food Festival
Where? East Holmes Field, Ilkley
When? 13 – 14th June 2026
What? A relaxed and friendly riverside celebration featuring artisan food stalls, live music, entertainment, and drinks from local producers.
Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival
Where? Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, Nun Monkton, York
When? 27th June 2026
What? Celebrating local wines and The Yorkshire Vineyard Community. Enjoy a real festival atmosphere with tasting sessions, live music, and food pairing.
Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
Where? The Stray, Harrogate
When? 27th – 28th June 2026
What? A lively and popular weekend of food stalls, top chef appearances and family dining experiences. Plus music, comedy and a good old fashioned fun fair.
Leeds Gin & Rum Festival
Where? Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
When? Saturday, 11th July 2026
What? Love spirits? Welcome to one of the UK’s largest spirit festivals – Just one day to choose from over 120+ gins, rums and tequilas!
Family Events in Yorkshire
Living North LIVE Yorkshire
Where? York Racecourse
When? 20 – 22 March 2026
What? A homes, gardens, food and lifestyle spectacle event, brought to you by the publishers of Living North Magazine. Expect artisan shopping, demos, talks and tastings galore!
Scarborough Food & Drink Festival
Where? Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
When? 11 – 12th April 2026
What? A seaside celebration of international flavours with cuisines represented from around the world including Greece, Germany, Mexico, India, Asia, Portugal and the Caribbean.
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race
Where? Knaresborough
When? 13th June 2026
What? A wonderfully quirky event that sees decorated wheeled beds racing across the town! Plus, expect extravagant costumes and lively performances at the town parade before the start of the race. You have to be there to experience the magic!
Driffield Steam Fair
Where? Driffield Showground
When? 8th – 9th August 2026 Driffield
What? A nostalgic weekend of traction engines, steam rollers, classic cars, tractors, stationary engines, agricultural, military, construction vehicles, vintage motorcycles, bicycles, vintage prams and much more.
Whitby Regatta
Where? Whitby
When? 8th – 10th August 2026
What? The oldest sea regatta on the North coast – this is a traditional coastal festival with yacht racing, rowing events, family entertainment and firework display.
VW Festival at Harewood House
Where? Harewood House, Near Leeds
When? 8th – 9th August 2026
What? A family‑friendly weekend for lovers of Volkswagens! With VW displays, live music, and car-themed entertainment all in the grounds of beautiful Harwood House.
Harrogate Spring Flower Show
Where? Newby Hall & Gardens near Ripon
When? 23rd – 26th April 2026
What? A hugely popular annual floral showcase with expert displays and gardening inspiration for all ages.
Music & Culture Events in Yorkshire
Beverley Folk Festival
Where? Beverley Racecourse
When? 19th – 21st June 2026
What? Three days of folk music, storytelling, comedy and cultural performances celebrating acoustic and roots music traditions.
York Mystery Plays Festival
Where? York City Centre
When? 26 June – 5 July 2026
What? Medieval mystery plays performed, with sunset shows and a new fringe arts programme – all from the historic streets of York.
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
Where? Harrogate
When? 23 – 26 July 2026
What? A world‑class literary event for crime and thriller fans with author talks, panels and signings.
Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show
Where? Egton Bridge, North York Moors
When? 4 August 2026
What? The UK’s oldest surviving gooseberry event – it’s quirky, local, and perfect for families.
Sporting Events in Yorkshire
Harrogate Triathlon & Junior Aquathlon
Where? Ashville College, Harrogate
When? 26 April 2026
What? A great swim, bike and run challenge for adults and juniors. Great for those with a competitive streak!
Ilkley Tennis Open
Where: Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
When: June 7th – June 14th 2026
What? A combined ATP Challenger and WTA 125 event, attracting both men’s and women’s international players.
Great Yorkshire Show
Where? Harrogate Showground
When? 14th – 17th July 2026
What? Yorkshire’s favourite countryside and rural showcase – featuring livestock, equestrian events and agricultural competitions. Plus, a selection of the best local food, drink and lifestyle stalls.
Tour of Britain Stages (regional)
Where? Various UK locations (including Yorkshire stages)
When? 19 – 23 August 2026 (women) & 2–6 September 2026 (men)
What? The UK’s premier road cycling race with stages across England – detailed routes will be announced closer to the date by British Cycling.
Time to book your Yorkshire staycation!
So as you can see, from epicurean delights and family‑friendly fun to exhilarating sporting challenges, Yorkshire is set to be a great place to holiday in 2026! A luxury stay with Yorkshire Escapes ensures you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy all these experiences in comfort and style – offering you the perfect base to create memories that last a lifetime.
View our Yorkshire holiday homes now to start your exciting journey in 2026.
