What’s On in Yorkshire This August

Michael Palmer
1 day ago
4 min read

What’s On in Yorkshire This August

A Month of Summer Events Across the County

August arrives with the familiar rhythm of Yorkshire Day and continues with a programme shaped by heritage, culture and family activity across the county. The month carries a sense of movement as towns, cities and villages host exhibitions, trails, celebrations and historic traditions. This guide sets out what is happening across Yorkshire throughout August, offering a clear view of confirmed events supported by official websites and verified details.

West Yorkshire

Emley Show

Emley Show opens the month on 1 August 2026, bringing livestock displays, rural traditions, food stalls and summer entertainment to one of West Yorkshire’s most established agricultural gatherings. The show reflects the area’s farming heritage and continues to attract visitors from across the region. Website: https://www.emleyshow.co.uk

Yorkshire Day Run, Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park marks Yorkshire Day with a programme of running events on 1 August 2026, offering 5k, 10k and half‑marathon distances. The day forms part of the wider celebrations and brings together runners from across the county. Website: https://www.runforall.com

The White Shire Attractions

Jim Moir: Neo Fauna Exhibition, Cartwright Hall

Cartwright Hall in Bradford presents Jim Moir’s Neo Fauna exhibition throughout August, showcasing contemporary artwork inspired by wildlife themes. The exhibition forms part of the museum’s summer programme and offers a creative exploration of nature. Website: https://www.bradfordmuseums.org

Accommodation in Yorkshire

Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure, National Coal Mining Museum

The National Coal Mining Museum hosts Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure during August, offering a family‑friendly exhibition shaped by mining heritage and storytelling. The programme highlights the region’s industrial past and provides an engaging experience for visitors. Website: https://www.ncm.org.uk

The White Shire Yorkshire walks

On Your Doorstep, Oakwell Hall

Oakwell Hall Country Park continues its On Your Doorstep programme through August, offering heritage‑themed outdoor activities and opportunities for families to explore the historic grounds. The event forms part of the site’s seasonal calendar. Website: https://www.kirklees.gov.uk

North Yorkshire

St Wilfrid’s Procession, Ripon

Ripon hosts the historic St Wilfrid’s Procession on 1 August 2026, a tradition dating back to 1108. The parade features decorated floats, heritage themes and strong community involvement, forming one of the county’s most significant Yorkshire Day celebrations. Website: https://www.stwilfridsprocession.com

Gimme Golfest, Rudding Park

Rudding Park presents Gimme Golfest on 1 August 2026, offering golf‑themed family activities as part of the Yorkshire Day programme. The event takes place within the grounds of the award‑winning estate and contributes to the region’s celebrations. Website: https://www.ruddingpark.co.uk (ruddingpark.co.uk in Bing)

Making Waves: Japanese Woodblock Prints, York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery hosts Making Waves throughout August, an exhibition showcasing Japanese woodblock prints and exploring the craft’s artistic heritage. The display forms part of the gallery’s summer season and continues until 30 August 2026. Website: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk (yorkartgallery.org.uk in Bing)

The White Shire Events

Whitby Folk Week

Whitby Folk Week returns from 6 to 12 August 2026, offering music, dance, workshops and family events across the town. The festival brings together performers and visitors in a celebration of folk traditions set against the coastal backdrop. Website: https://www.whitbyfolk.co.uk

East Yorkshire

Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration, Goole

Goole hosts the official Yorkshire Day civic celebration on 1 August 2026, organised by The Yorkshire Society. The event includes formal proceedings and marks the start of the county’s August programme. Website: https://theyorkshiresociety.org

Yorkshire Day Market, York

York marks Yorkshire Day with a themed market on 1 August 2026, bringing traders and activity into the city centre as part of its summer calendar. The event contributes to the wider celebrations taking place across the region. Website: https://www.visityork.org

The White Shire Business Directory

Yorkshire Day Festival, Carlton Towers

Carlton Towers stages its Yorkshire Day Festival on 1 August 2026, offering food, drink and entertainment within the grounds of the historic estate. The festival provides a relaxed setting for visitors celebrating the day. Website: https://www.carltontowers.co.uk (carltontowers.co.uk in Bing)

Walking East Yorkshire Festival

The Walking East Yorkshire Festival begins on 31 August 2026, opening with guided walks, heritage strolls and family trails across the Wolds and coastal villages. The festival continues into September and forms part of the region’s outdoor programme. Website: https://www.walkingfestivals.org

South Yorkshire

Magical Gnomes Trail, Cusworth Hall

Cusworth Hall hosts the Magical Gnomes Trail throughout August, offering a family‑friendly outdoor trail across the parkland. The event forms part of the site’s summer activities and encourages exploration of the historic grounds. Website: https://www.doncaster.gov.uk

Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt, Experience Barnsley

Experience Barnsley presents Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt throughout August, offering a major exhibition exploring the lives and legacies of Egypt’s historic rulers. The display forms part of the museum’s seasonal programme. Website: https://www.experience-

barnsley.com

Sheffield Fayre

Sheffield Fayre returns on 31 August 2026 at Norfolk Heritage Park, offering family entertainment, themed displays and community involvement. The event remains one of the city’s established summer gatherings. Website: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk