What's On in 2026
Discover the best events, festivals, and activities in Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coast
February 2026
Scarborough Pancake Races & Skipping Day 2026
One of Scarborough's most charming traditions — pancake races on Aberdeen Walk followed by an afternoon of communal skipping on Foreshore Road, a custom that dates back centuries. A wonderful free family event that captures the spirit of old Scarborough.
March 2026
Spring Daze at Peasholm Park 2026
A nature-themed family fun day at the beautiful Peasholm Park, featuring hands-on bushcraft, fire-lighting, leaf rubbing, sunflower potting, live music, birds of prey displays and children's entertainment. A perfect spring outing for families staying at Castle Sunset.
April 2026
National Scooter Rally
The National Scooter Rally brings hundreds of classic scooters to Scarborough for a weekend of rides, displays, and celebrations along the foreshore.
Scarborough Food & Drink Festival 2026
A vibrant two-day festival at the iconic Scarborough Open Air Theatre blending culinary delights with family-friendly entertainment. Expect a huge variety of cuisines, sweet treats, craft gins, vodkas, rums, fruit ciders, fairground rides, craft sellers and unique stalls.
May 2026
Big Ideas by the Sea 2026
An environmental and arts festival bringing together concerts, exhibitions, workshops, guided walks, and the popular Scarborough Big Dig — a community archaeology project where visitors can uncover the town's fascinating past. One of Scarborough's most beloved annual events, with something for every age.
Whitby Fish & Ships Festival 2026
A free two-day festival celebrating Whitby's proud fishing heritage, featuring seafood cookery demonstrations, live music, maritime arts and crafts, the famous Fisherman's Olympics, RNLI lifeboat tours and baby lobster releases. A uniquely Whitby experience, just 20 miles up the coast.
Scarborough Streets Festival 2026
A free three-day burst of street theatre, live music, art installations and family fun across Scarborough town centre. One of the highlights of the early summer calendar, transforming the streets into an open-air stage.
June 2026
Scarborough Cricket Festival — Yorkshire vs Warwickshire
County Championship cricket at its finest — Yorkshire host Warwickshire at the legendary North Marine Road ground, one of England's most atmospheric cricket venues. A quintessentially English summer experience just minutes from Cayton Bay.
Scarborough Fringe 2026
An open-access arts festival across multiple venues in Scarborough, featuring theatre, music, comedy, dance, spoken word and children's shows. Includes a free street event on Saturday 13 June. A fantastic cultural programme for guests of all tastes.
Armed Forces Day
A day of celebration honoring the Armed Forces with displays, parades, family activities, and entertainment along the South Bay foreshore.
Peasholm Park Naval Warfare 2026
War breaks out on the lake at Peasholm Park as 20-foot replica warships recreate famous naval battles in spectacular fashion. Running every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 3pm from late June through August — a uniquely Scarborough spectacle that children absolutely love.
July 2026
Scarborough Art Festival 2026
A month-long celebration of visual arts, with exhibitions, open studios and creative talent from across the region. Explore galleries, meet artists and discover the thriving creative scene that makes Scarborough one of Yorkshire's most culturally rich towns.
Great North Folk Fest 2026
A friendly and intimate gathering for lovers of great acoustic music, set in the beautiful North York Moors. Featuring concerts, informal sessions, workshops and a warm community atmosphere. Perfect for a day trip from Cayton Bay.
Staxtonbury Family Music Festival
A family-friendly music festival near Scarborough featuring live bands, kids activities, food vendors, and camping in a relaxed atmosphere.
Scarborough Cricket Festival — Yorkshire vs Hampshire (One Day Cup)
Fast-paced one-day cricket as Yorkshire take on Hampshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. Scarborough's compact boundaries make for big hitting and thrilling finishes. Early bird tickets from just £16 adults, £5 juniors.
Scarborough Seafest
A celebration of Scarborough maritime heritage with boat displays, seafood stalls, live music, and family entertainment along the foreshore.
Kirkbymoorside Music Festival 2026
Three days of music and dance across multiple venues in the charming market town of Kirkbymoorside. Folk, acoustic, rock, country, jazz and dance — with workshops, a children's disco and a relaxed festival atmosphere. A great family day out from Scarborough.
August 2026
Scarborough Cricket Festival — Yorkshire vs Derbyshire Falcons
A popular summer fixture in the Metro Bank One Day Cup — expect fast scoring, big hits and a lively atmosphere as Yorkshire face the Derbyshire Falcons at the iconic North Marine Road ground.
Scarborough Cricket Festival — Yorkshire vs Leicestershire
The second County Championship match of the season at Scarborough, traditionally drawing one of the biggest crowds of the summer. A must for any cricket fan staying on the Yorkshire Coast.
September 2026
Goldwing Light Parade
Spectacular illuminated motorcycle parade along South Bay. Hundreds of Honda Goldwing bikes decorated with thousands of lights create a magical display.
October 2026
Filey Food Festival — Autumn 2026
The autumn edition of Filey's popular food festival, with over 80 stalls of Yorkshire food and drink. A perfect outing for guests staying at Castle Sunset during the October half-term period.
Yorkshire Coast 10K & Fun Run 2026
A coastal running event through Scarborough, starting and finishing at the Scarborough Spa. The 10K follows a stunning coastal route, while the Fun Run welcomes participants of all abilities — walkers, joggers and runners alike. A brilliant way to see the coastline.
November 2026
Whitby Christmas Market & Festival 2026
A magical free Christmas market on Whitby's atmospheric marina front, with unique gifts, local vendors, delicious festive food, live music and a spectacular fireworks display. The perfect way to start the Christmas season, just 20 miles up the coast from Cayton Bay.
Scarborough Lights Festival 2026
Beautiful light installations from local and international artists illuminate Scarborough's most iconic landmarks, culminating in a spectacular drone display over Scarborough Castle. Running from mid-November through December, this is a magical winter experience on the Yorkshire Coast.
Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair 2026
Discover 180 unique gifting, food and fashion stalls at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate — one of the North's premier Christmas shopping events. Sensational decorations, gorgeous gifts, festive food and stunning stocking fillers. Well worth the drive for a special day out.
Scarborough Sparkle
Scarborough magical Christmas market returns to the Open Air Theatre with festive stalls, food, drinks, and entertainment for all the family.
December 2026
Plan Your Visit to Scarborough
Book your stay at Castle Sunset and experience all these amazing events on the Yorkshire Coast
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