Planning your Yorkshire Coast holiday in 2026? Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing seaside break, exploring the North York Moors, or looking to experience some of the region’s most popular festivals and events, there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the year.
From Whitby’s famous Goth Weekend to Scarborough’s vibrant food festivals and live music concerts, here are some of the top events to add to your holiday itinerary.
Whitby Events 2026
Whitby hosts a fantastic calendar of events throughout the year, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend
6–8 February 2026
Step into a world of Victorian-inspired fashion, creativity, and entertainment. This unique event brings together steampunk enthusiasts for live music, markets, costumes, and themed activities across the town.
Whitby Restaurant Week
2–8 March 2026
Food lovers won’t want to miss Whitby Restaurant Week. Local restaurants, cafés, and pubs offer special menus and promotional deals, making it the perfect opportunity to sample some of the town’s best food and drink.
Whitby Goth Weekend – Spring Edition
1–3 May 2026
One of the world’s most famous alternative culture festivals, Whitby Goth Weekend attracts thousands of visitors with live music, gothic fashion, themed events, and specialist markets.
Whitby Fish & Ships Festival
16–17 May 2026
Celebrate Whitby’s rich fishing heritage at this popular family-friendly event. Enjoy fresh seafood, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, local produce, and activities for all ages.
Whitby 60s Festival
Early June 2026
Take a nostalgic journey back to the swinging sixties with live music, tribute acts, dancing, vintage vehicles, and themed entertainment throughout the weekend.
Made in Whitby Summer Festival
2–3 July 2026
This community-focused event showcases local talent, artisan producers, live music, and family entertainment, creating a fantastic summer atmosphere in Whitby.
Whitby Regatta
8–10 August 2026
One of the oldest sea regattas in the country, Whitby Regatta combines rowing and sailing competitions with funfair attractions, family entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Whitby Folk Week
22–28 August 2026
A much-loved celebration of traditional music, dance, workshops, and performances. The town comes alive with folk culture and community spirit throughout the week.
Whitby Goth Weekend – Autumn Edition
30 October – 1 November 2026
The autumn edition of Whitby’s famous Goth Weekend returns with live music, markets, alternative fashion, and a unique atmosphere that perfectly suits the town’s historic setting.
Scarborough Events 2026
Scarborough offers a packed calendar of entertainment, festivals, sporting events, and family attractions throughout the year.
Scarborough Food & Drink Festival
11–12 April 2026
Celebrate Yorkshire’s thriving food scene with artisan producers, street food vendors, craft drinks, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment.
Sci-Fi Scarborough
18–19 April 2026
One of the UK’s most popular science fiction conventions, featuring celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, exhibitions, talks, and memorabilia.
Scarborough Fringe Festival
12–21 June 2026
Enjoy a diverse programme of theatre, comedy, music, spoken word performances, and family shows at venues throughout Scarborough.
Armed Forces Day
Late June 2026
A popular annual event featuring military displays, parades, live entertainment, and family activities along Scarborough’s seafront.
Scarborough Seafest
17–19 July 2026
Celebrating the town’s fishing and maritime heritage, Seafest offers seafood, cookery demonstrations, maritime displays, live music, and activities for all ages.
Yorkshire Day Celebrations
1 August 2026
Join local communities in celebrating Yorkshire’s culture, heritage, and traditions with special events and activities throughout the town.
Scarborough Cricket Festival
August 2026
One of England’s oldest cricket festivals, bringing county cricket to the stunning North Marine Road ground during the height of summer.
Goldwing Light Parade
Late Summer 2026
A spectacular evening parade featuring illuminated motorcycles travelling along the seafront, creating a memorable display for visitors and residents alike.
Scarborough Jazz Festival
September 2026
Enjoy performances from talented UK and international jazz artists in a relaxed seaside setting.
Scarborough Sparkle & Christmas Lights
Late November – December 2026
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas lights, seasonal markets, family attractions, and winter entertainment throughout Scarborough.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea Events
Saltburn Folk Festival
7–9 August 2026
A lively celebration of folk music, dance, workshops, and community spirit in one of the Yorkshire Coast’s most charming seaside towns.
North York Moors & Regional Events
North York Moors Dark Skies Festival
13 February – 1 March 2026
Experience some of England’s darkest skies through guided stargazing sessions, astronomy talks, photography workshops, and outdoor adventures.
Charm Bracelet Marathon & Half Marathon
12 April 2026
A scenic running event along the stunning Cleveland Way coastal route, finishing in historic Whitby.
Great Yorkshire Show
14–17 July 2026
One of the UK’s largest agricultural events, featuring livestock competitions, countryside demonstrations, local food, shopping, and entertainment.
Local Agricultural & Country Shows
Throughout the summer months, visitors can enjoy traditional agricultural shows across North Yorkshire, showcasing rural life, local produce, livestock, crafts, and family entertainment.
Plan Your Yorkshire Coast Adventure
Whether you’re visiting for a major festival, a live music concert, a sporting event, or simply to enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors, 2026 promises an exciting calendar of events.
Many of our Yorkshire Coast Holiday Lets properties are ideally located for exploring Whitby, Scarborough, Sandsend, Robin Hood’s Bay, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and the surrounding countryside.
If you’re planning to visit during one of these popular events, we recommend booking your accommodation early to secure your preferred dates.
Browse our holiday cottages and apartments today and start planning your perfect Yorkshire Coast getaway.
