What's On in Yorkshire This Weekend – 17–18 October 2026
What's On in Yorkshire This Weekend – 17–18 October 2026
20 Yorkshire events, community markets, family activities and live performances across West, North, South and East Yorkshire.
Looking for something to do in Yorkshire this weekend? Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026 bring local apple celebrations, village markets, family theatre, Halloween experiences and live music from every corner of the county.
At The White Shire we believe community occasions deserve as much attention as major attractions. We've chosen five events in each Yorkshire region, all already listed on our website and linked to the organiser's information. Some run on Saturday only, so check the dates for each entry.
West Yorkshire
1. Action for Nature Day – Huddersfield
Sunday 18 October, 11.30am–4pm | Greenhead Park, Huddersfield | Free; no booking needed
Join Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and local groups for a welcoming community event with wildlife talks, guided walks, practical workshops and family activities. A chance to explore ways to help wildlife close to home.
2. Pumpkin Picking and Painting at Blacker Hall Farm
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, 10am–4pm | Blacker Hall Farm, Calder Grove, Wakefield | £6.95 per person; pumpkins £2–£15 extra; under-ones free
Choose your perfect pumpkin and decorate it at the painting station. Entry also includes the Little Farmers Trail, a lovely opportunity to meet farm animals and enjoy an autumn outing together.
3. Ilkley Literature Festival – Closing Saturday
Saturday 17 October, final day | Venues around Ilkley | Prices vary by event
Catch the closing day of Ilkley's much-loved festival of books, writers and conversation. Browse the official programme for talks, poetry, performances and workshops. This event ends Saturday, not Sunday.
4. The Pikachu Art Adventure at Nostell
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October | Nostell, near Wakefield | Art activity included; normal estate admission may apply
Follow a creative family art adventure featuring Pikachu illustrations, fun facts and a trading-card activity on a visit to the National Trust estate.
5. Seattle Thrift Store – A Tribute to Grunge
Saturday 17 October, evening | Nightrain, Bradford | Ticket prices from the organiser
A tribute evening for fans of the Seattle grunge sound, with music celebrating Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.
North Yorkshire
6. Goathland Farmers Market
Saturday 17 October, 10am–2pm | The Hut, Goathland | Check organiser for any charges
Browse local food, drink and independent produce at a friendly village market in the North York Moors. A worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the area and keen to support local traders.
7. Sheriff Hutton Village Market
Sunday 18 October, 10.30am–1.30pm | Sheriff Hutton Village Hall | Check market for details
Independent traders, locally grown produce, homemade food and crafts come together at this volunteer-led village market. The friendly market café also supports local community groups.
8. Northern Soul Weekender at Scarborough Spa
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October | Scarborough Spa | £40 weekend pass
Two rooms of Northern Soul, Motown and classic dance-floor favourites, with a packed programme of DJs and an extensive Sunday session at the Spa.
9. Fairport Convention – Settle
Saturday 17 October, evening | Victoria Hall, Settle | See venue for tickets
British folk-rock favourites bring their distinctive blend of traditional music and contemporary songwriting to the historic Settle Victoria Hall.
10. Mad Alice's Ghost Train – Pickering
Sunday 18 October, evening | North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering | Adults £35–£40; minimum age 14
An immersive Halloween journey on the heritage railway, featuring costumed storytelling and ghostly atmosphere. The first of three special Sunday evenings, designed for older teenagers and adults.
South Yorkshire
11. Stannington Apple Day – Sheffield
Saturday 17 October, 12.30pm–4.30pm | Deer Park, Stannington, Sheffield | Free
A genuine community celebration of the humble apple, with pressing, creative apple science, orchard activities, music and food. An easygoing free event for all ages.
12. Flock & Find Halloween Craft Market – Doncaster
Saturday 17 October, 9am–3pm | Doncaster Corn Exchange | Check organiser for admission
Independent makers bring handmade gifts, creative work and seasonal craft stalls to Doncaster's atmospheric Corn Exchange for a Halloween-themed market.
13. The Gruffalo – Barnsley Civic
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October; several performances | Barnsley Civic | Tickets £14–£16
Tall Stories' musical stage adaptation of the classic picture book celebrates 25 years on stage. Follow Mouse into the deep dark wood in this lively family theatre show recommended for ages three and up.
14. Hoyland Great Autumn Market
Saturday 17 October, 8.30am–2.30pm | Hoyland, Barnsley | Check market details
Support independent stallholders and local businesses at Hoyland's autumn market, bringing a bigger market-day atmosphere to the town centre.
15. Halloween Pumpkin Patch at Boston Park Farm
Sunday 18 October, 10am–4pm | Boston Park Farm, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster | Children 3–12 £10.75; adults and toddlers £8.75; under-ones free; pumpkins extra
The farm's seasonal family event includes a pumpkin hunt, maize maze, play and Halloween fun. Pick a pumpkin to take home, and book ahead to secure entry.
East Yorkshire
16. Hull Fair – Final Saturday
Saturday 17 October, noon–11pm | Walton Street, Hull | Pay per attraction
Enjoy the final day of one of Europe's largest travelling fairs, with rides, traditional attractions and food stalls. The fair is not open on Sunday 18 October.
17. Red Hot Chilli Pipers – Bridlington Spa
Saturday 17 October, evening | Bridlington Spa | Tickets from the venue
Bagpipes, drums and rock anthems combine in a high-energy performance from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers on the Yorkshire coast.
18. Butt Farm Pumpkin Patch – Beverley
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October | Butt Farm, near Beverley | See farm for booking and pumpkin prices
Get ready for Halloween at the family-run farm with pick-your-own pumpkins and autumn photo opportunities. Check the official farm website for the latest activities and availability.
19. Howl Autumnal Matinee – Hull
Sunday 18 October, doors 3pm | The New Adelphi Club, Hull | £5 or pay what you can
A welcoming and affordable Sunday afternoon of live music with Empty Banner, Slowdaze, Chris Hardy and El Whaeko at Hull's independent Adelphi Club.
20. Oktoberfest Beverley
Saturday 17 October | Beverley Racecourse | Ticketed; prices from organiser
A lively Bavarian-themed day with German-style bands, food, games and entertainment at Beverley Racecourse. See the official website for tickets and access information.
Discover More Yorkshire Events
These 20 picks are only a taste of what's on in Yorkshire. Our regional What's On guides and monthly listings cover many more community events, markets, family days out and performances throughout the county.
Event information, prices, opening times and availability may change. Please check the official organiser's page before travelling.
Don't Miss Yorkshire
The White Shire is an independent guide to Yorkshire, created by Mick and Lyn. We share walks, events, places to visit and independent businesses across West, North, East and South Yorkshire.
Subscribe to our weekly blog updates to discover what's happening, find somewhere new to visit and support the people and communities that make Yorkshire special.
Please note: Event times, ticket prices and availability can change. Always check the organiser's official information before travelling.
DON'T MISS YORKSHIRE
Get new walks, places to visit, What's On picks and Yorkshire discoveries from Mick & Lyn at The White Shire.
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