What’s On This Weekend in Yorkshire
- Michael Palmer
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
What’s On This Weekend in Yorkshire – 12 & 13 September 2026
Looking for things to do in Yorkshire this weekend? Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September bring a good mix of local festivals, heritage days, markets, family events, motoring and traditional Yorkshire celebrations across all four regions.
Here are some of the events taking place across West, North, East and South Yorkshire this weekend. As always, check the organiser’s website before travelling in case times, availability or arrangements change.
West Yorkshire
1. Saltaire Festival
Saturday 12 September onwards – Saltaire, Bradford
Saltaire Festival gets under way this weekend with arts, music, performances, markets, family activities and community events around the World Heritage village. The wider festival continues through the following week.
Find out more: https://saltairefestival.co.uk/
2. YardFest Saltaire
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September – Upper Ada Street, Saltaire
One of the smaller events within Saltaire Festival, YardFest returns with live music, food, drink and a relaxed community atmosphere. Performances run across both Saturday and Sunday from around midday.
Find out more: https://saltairefestival.co.uk/events/yardfest-saltaire/
3. Dead Plants Discovery Day
Saturday 12 September – Leeds Discovery Centre, Leeds
A rather unusual chance to explore part of Leeds Discovery Centre’s natural science collection, with short tours focusing on preserved plants and botanical specimens normally kept behind the scenes.
4. Leeds Industrial Museum Heritage Open Day
Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September – Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley
A free Heritage Open Days event giving visitors the chance to explore Leeds’ industrial past and the historic former Armley Mills site.
5. Steam & Diesel Gala Weekend
Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September – Whistlestop Valley, Clayton West
A three-day railway gala with steam and diesel locomotives and special services. It should be a good choice for railway enthusiasts as well as families looking for something different this weekend.
Find out more: https://www.whistlestopvalley.co.uk/steam-and-diesel-gala
North Yorkshire
6. Castleton Show
Saturday 12 September – Castleton, North York Moors
A traditional local agricultural and horticultural show celebrating rural life, local produce, skills and the community of the North York Moors.
7. Wensleydale Craft Fair
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September – Market Place, Hawes
A free craft fair in the centre of Hawes featuring handmade arts, crafts and gifts from independent exhibitors.
Find out more: https://wensleyfairs.co.uk/event/
8. Autumn Market at Nunnington Hall
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September – Nunnington Hall
Local artists, makers and charities come together for an autumn market at Nunnington Hall, with handmade gifts, artwork, artisan food and seasonal produce.
9. Scarborough Pride 2026
Saturday 12 September – Scarborough Spa
Scarborough Pride returns for its fourth year, with the parade beginning in the town before entertainment at Scarborough Spa. Entry to the main event is free, with a suggested donation.
East Yorkshire
10. Race the Waves 2026
Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September – Bridlington South Beach
One of the biggest spectacles of the weekend. Vintage cars, hot rods and motorcycles take to Bridlington South Beach for a celebration of old-school motoring and seaside racing, with food, drink and entertainment alongside the action.
Find out more: https://www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk/race-the-waves/
11. Great Bridlington Steampunk Weekend
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September – Bridlington Spa
Bridlington Spa hosts a free, family-friendly weekend of steampunk entertainment, traders, workshops and displays. It takes place alongside Race the Waves, making Bridlington particularly worth a visit this weekend.
Find out more: https://www.bridlingtonspa.co.uk/
12. Walking East Yorkshire Festival
Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September – Across East Yorkshire
The Walking East Yorkshire Festival begins this Saturday with a programme of guided walks, outdoor adventures, heritage experiences and activities taking place across the Yorkshire Wolds, coast and surrounding countryside.
Some activities can be joined on the day, while others need to be booked in advance.
South Yorkshire
13. Betfred St Leger Festival
Friday 11 & Saturday 12 September – Doncaster Racecourse
The historic St Leger takes centre stage at Doncaster Racecourse, with the famous race celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Find out more: https://www.visitdoncaster.com/whats-on/heritage/betfred-250th-st-leger-festival-gents-day
14. Heritage Open Days – Doncaster
Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September – Various locations around Doncaster
Free events, guided walks, exhibitions and special openings reveal some of Doncaster’s historic buildings, stories and places that visitors do not always get the chance to see.
15. Quayside Market – September
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September – Victoria Quays, Sheffield
A free Sheffield market bringing together independent traders, street food, crafts, live music and DJs around Victoria Quays.
Find out more: https://www.quaysidemarket.co.uk/
16. Castlegate Festival 2026
From Saturday 12 September – Castlegate, Sheffield
The festival celebrates one of Sheffield’s oldest areas through heritage, arts, music and outdoor events, with activities continuing through the following week.
17. Pooches in the Park
Sunday 13 September – Millhouses Park, Sheffield
A dog-friendly community fundraiser with stalls, activities and plenty for local dog owners and their four-legged companions.
More Things to Do in Yorkshire
This is only a selection of what is happening around Yorkshire this weekend. The White Shire’s regional What’s On guides are updated regularly with more local events, community days, markets, festivals and things to do.
Browse What’s On in West Yorkshire, What’s On in North Yorkshire, What’s On in East Yorkshire and What’s On in South Yorkshire, or visit our main What’s On in Yorkshire guide for events coming up over the next few weeks.
If you fancy getting outdoors instead, explore our Yorkshire Walks, find somewhere new in Places to Visit, or discover independent Yorkshire businesses through The White Shire Business Listings.
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