Yorkshire summer events for your diary [2026 guide]

Looking for a family-friendly event in Yorkshire this summer? Explore 10 varied events in our guide.



Summer is coming – and it's going to be a hot one. What better way to soak up the sunshine than with a family-friendly event in Yorkshire?

This summer, the region is spoilt for choice, with everything from hot-air balloons to agricultural shows, from music festivals to summer solstice parties.

Let's take a whistle-stop tour of 10 family-friendly events in Yorkshire this summer, all designed to inspire and entertain.

Balloon Festival, Rotherman

Saturday 6 June

Taking place in Wentworth Woodhouse, a stately home near Rotherham, this family-friendly event showcases hot-air balloon tethering and displays.

The schedule, however, isn't just about balloons. It's packed to the gills with everything from civil war reenactments to foam parties, from face painting to funfairs. Get involved with the action – the sky, as they say, is the limit.

LCS Solstice Festival

Sunday 21 June

This year, 21 June is a special day. As well as being the summer solstice, it's also Father's Day. Why not celebrate one or both of these occasions at LCS (Leeds Community Sauna) Solstice Festival?

Hosted in Kirkstall Valley Farm in Leeds, it's a family-friendly outdoor event featuring food, dancing, live music and DJs.

Spread across two locations, it's bound to be a fun and vibrant event. Stay until sunset to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Harrogate Food and Drink Festival

Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June

Want to spend a weekend exploring locally produced street food, chef demos and live entertainment? Look no further than Harrogate Food and Drink Festival.

Expect a weekend of live music, performing arts, comedy and plenty of food and drink. Dogs are welcome, and there's a range of activities to keep the little ones happy and engaged.

Skipton Sheep Day

Sunday 28 June

The market town of Skipton in North Yorkshire is synonymous with sheep. It's no wonder, given that the word "Skipton" derives from the Old English for "sheep town".

Once home to a sheep market, the town's ovine past is celebrated each year at Skipton Sheep Day. Taking place on the high street and canal basin, the event will feature sheep displays, racing, petting zoos, falconry, tractors and lots of dining options.

Great Yorkshire Show

Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 July

The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the biggest and best agricultural events in the UK. It takes place annually at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

This year, the event organisers promise "the best of British farming, food and agriculture", TV stars and acrobatic FMX motocross. 

If you're interested, make sure to book ahead as tickets aren't available on the day.

Summer of Play at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Sunday 19 July to Monday 31 August

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are historic sites worth visiting all year round. This summer, they're home to a festival of fun and games spread across the six-week school holiday.

Kids can learn diabolo, plate spinning and juggling in the circus tents. They can meet players from Harrogate Town AFC. And they can learn crafts and take part in a teddy bears' picnic.

There's so much on offer you may well find yourself heading back for more. Even better, all these activities are included in a standard ticket.

Deer Shed Festival, Topcliffe

Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July

Billed as a "wonderland of creativity", Deer Shed Festival returns this July for a long weekend of music, comedy and spoken word. Acts such as Sleaford Mods and Everything Everything are headlining an extensive and varied bill.

Deer Shed has always been family-focused, providing safe spaces for kids and adults alike. At the time of writing, tickets are running low – so book while you can.

Scargill Summerfest

Saturday 25 to Thursday 30 July

Scargill Summerfest is an annual summer family holiday event that offers a mixture of Christian worship, teaching and holiday activities.

There are three events in July and August, all held in Scargill House, Kettlewell. Summerfest 2 and Summerfest 3 are now fully booked with a waiting list, but at the time of writing, tickets are available for Summerfest 1.

Whitby Folk Week

Saturday 22 to Friday 28 August 2026

Lovers of traditional British song, dance and storytelling should be sure to check out Whitby Folk Week.

Taking place in the picture-postcard coastal town of Whitby, it's a smorgasbord of daily dances, parades, workshops, ceilidhs, storytellers, shanty sessions and more.

Stump Cross Caverns

Open all summer

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, visitors come from across the world to explore our glitteringly beautiful prehistoric chambers and passageways.

The caves are brimming with enchanting stalactites, stalagmites and weird, wonderful rock formations. It's always an adventure – and a great way to escape the summer heat. Our caves stay at a cool 7°C (45°F), all year round!

And while you're here, why not check out some of our fun family activities? There's something for every little explorer. You can join an interactive fossil dig, try your hand at panning for gems or crack open a sparkly geode at Geode James's Geode Shack.

Keep an eye on our events calendar, too – we regularly host workshops and experiences that are as fun as they are educational.

Summer is one of our most popular seasons, so booking ahead is strongly advised. The good news is that it's quick and easy to book tickets online.