Big Events out of Harrogate
Here you will find some of the biggest events in each of our six towns and city, covering the best of the musical and visual arts, comedy, food and drink, literature and agriculture.
The Landmark Events
If you want to know what the big events are taking place in and around Harrogate look no further, from the biggest of the Festivals to the biggest of the shows, from the most festive of Christmas markets the most unique of town races, be it sheep or beds it’s all here.
In Harrogate these events are often big national festivals that bring together the very best of a genre in one place for a unique showcase of a particular musical or literature style.
In the smaller towns these are large community events that fill the town and show case the surrounding countryside and way of life.
You will also find events celebrating our history and heritage throughout the year including 1940s weekends and Heritage Open Days where you can explore some of the historical gems that usually off limits.
All Year round
From the early spring and the events such as the Tour de Yorkshire and the Harrogate Spring Flower show its all go in the Harrogate District!
So check out the events below and see what you couldn’t bear to miss when you visit.
Harrogate has a strong Festival scene, the most prominent are listed here but you can find the full list on our festivals page.
Through the summer months there are agricultural shows and local fates and fairs almost every weekend, but the big ones are quite spectacular and none is bigger show than the Great Yorkshire Show in July.
As the year draws to a close the festive season gets underway, first with the Harrogate Christmas Market, then following events take place across the district from the late night shopping in the towns to carol services in the Ripon Cathedral and other venues.
Number of items:
Number of items: 6
Great Knaresborough Bed Race
Type
Carnival
Knaresborough
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is one of the most spectacular community events held in the UK.
It was first staged in 1966 and have been never cancelled. 90 teams of six runners and a passenger take part in the glorious fancy dress pageant that comprises the first half of the event, before…
Dates
- From:
- 8 Jun 2020 To 8 Jun 2020
- From:
- 13 Jun 2020 To 13 Jun 2020
Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally
Type
Fete / Fair
Masham
A fabulous celebration of our heritage with over 800 glorious entries. Something for everyone, Children's entertainers, stalls, fair, cookery theatre, displays, arena entertainment and much more.
A festive weekend that takes over the pretty market town of Masham with fun for all the family!
Dates
- From:
- 20 Jul 2020 To 21 Jul 2020
Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend
Type
Historic
Pateley Bridge
Pateley Bridge winds back the clock across the whole area taking you right back to 1940s and war time period. This fun 1940s themed weekend has lots going on for young and old alike in Pateley Bridge, this being the capital of Nidderdale set in the Yorkshire Dales and a designated Area of…
Dates
- From:
- 25 Jul 2020 To 26 Jul 2020
FEVA: Knaresborough's Festival of Visual Arts and Entertainment
Type
Festival
Knaresborough
10-day annual festival of art, entertainment, music, shows, plays, dance performances, children's attractions, a free picnic, exhbitions and other events that turn this market town magenta! See 80 different events, workshops - something for everybody.
More details will made available through…
Dates
- From:
- 9 Aug 2020 To 19 Aug 2020
Nidderdale Agricultural Show
Type
Show / Display
Pateley Bridge
Nidderdale's Big Day Out is a classic and timeless event and includes many varied events such as sheep dog trials, a dog show, show jumping, livestock classes, cookery demonstrations, trade stands and an exhibtion cricket match.
‘Pateley Show’, as the Nidderdale Show is affectionately known,…
Dates
- From:
- 23 Sep 2020 To 23 Sep 2020
Masham Sheep Fair
Type
Agricultural Show
Masham
Masham boasts one of the largest and finest market squares in England, famous for its sheep sales where in the past as many as 70,000 sheep were sold each year.
The popular Masham Sheep Fair commemorates these times, raising much money for Yorkshire charities, and filling the town with sheepy…
Dates
- From:
- 5 Oct 2020 To 6 Oct 2020