Events & Days Out in May in Yorkshire
Spring is turning to summer, it's a great time to experience Yorkshire indoors and outdoors. Experience delicious Yorkshire food, wonderful county shows and celebrations of local art, music and dance.
May Half Term
Springbank Holiday family days out and events for the school May half term 2024, outdoor and indoor fun, just in case summer hasn't quite arrived.
Bluebell Woods in Yorkshire
Bluebell Woods of Yorkshire, enjoy a spring day out enjoying one of the most spectacular natural sights. Natural family days out in Yorkshire.
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28th April to 4th May
Hambleton Brewery Open Day: A Day of Great Beer, Food and Music.
4th May 2024
Raise a glass and enjoy a day of family fun at Hambleton Brewery's Open Day on Saturday May 4th. Sample the best beers, indulge in delicious street food, and groove to live music by The Bootleggers. Admission to the event is free
Saltaire Arts Trail
4th to 6th May 2024
The residents of homes, creative spaces and businesses in Saltaire and Shipley play host to over 60 artists, displaying an eclectic range of artwork.
Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival
4th May 2024
80+ fantastic stalls, world food caterers and free samples running throughout the day from 10.30am – 4.00pm at South Leeds Stadium.
Ilkley Carnival
6th May 2024
A one day celebration in the centre of Ilkley, with a community parade throughout the town, followed by shows, carnivals and stalls.
Open Up Sheffield
4th to 6th, 11th & 12th May 2024
A fantastic opportunity to visit artists and makers at their studios in and around Sheffield
Open Up festival takes place over the following five days, but please check individual artist profile pages as not all artists open for the full five days
Todmorden Folk Festival
3rd to 5th May 2024
Todmorden Folk Festival is an annual festival of music, singing, dancing and folky family fun in the heart of the Calderdale valley.
Tulip Festival at Burnby Hall
27th April to 11th May 2024
Burnby Hall Gardens’ annual Tulip Festival is a very popular annual event and provides a colourful and vibrant beginning to our new season. This year, there is a cascade of colours throughout the Gardens, featuring over 15000 tulips, with 130 varieties on display.
May Day! May Day! at National Emergency Services Museum
4th, 5th and 6th May 2024
Explore the history of air sea rescue. Get crafty and make a helicopter, jump on board our RNLI lifeboat, plan a rescue with HM Coastguard.
Are We There Yet? at Ferens Art Gallery
24th February to 2nd June 2024
A colourful journey into the imagination and experiences of disabled artist Jason Wilsher-Mills! Jason’s theatrical portraits and sculptures reflect aspects of his personality, memory, and disability. This family friendly exhibition is suitable for all ages and includes Augmented Reality (AR) and interactive experiences.
Displayful at Scarborough Art Gallery
20th January to 7th May 2024
Celebrating happy accidents and joyful mess, Displayful invites visitors to enjoy contemporary artistic responses to objects from the collection.
Phlegm: Pandemic Diary at Millenium Gallery
13th January to 7th July 2024
At the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, artist Phlegm started to document his observations of daily life in lockdown in the form of an ongoing series of artworks.
Fagile Microbiomes at Thackray Museum
24th Feb to 23rd June 2024
Fragile Microbiomes, an exhibition by internationally renowned British artist Anna Dumitriu, exploring our relationship to the complex ecosystem of microbes that live in us and around us.
Tudor Weekend at Bolton Castle
4th, 5th and 6th May 2024
Come and join our ‘Living Historians’ and find out how life would have differed between 1485, the beginning of the reign of King Henry V11, and 1603 with the death of Henry’s granddaughter, the last Tudor monarch, Elizabeth 1.
Return of the 175 - William's Den
4th, 5th and 6th May 2024
Jump Into The Bank Holiday Weekend In The Bounciest Way Ever! With The Return Of The 175 - One Of The Longest Inflatables In The North!
Festival of Debate
16th April to 25th May 2024
The largest annual non-partisan politics festival in the UK! Expect another challenging and diverse programme of events, featuring an array of well-known keynote speakers
Medieval Re-enactment Weekend at Sewerby Hall
4th and 5th May 2024
meet curious characters in medieval living encampments, marvel at medieval soldiers preparing for combat and watch thrilling battle sequences.
Richmond May Fest
3rd to 6th May 2024
Richmond MayFest takes place every early May Bank Holiday with loads of great music, dancing and storytelling in and around Richmond Castle and Richmond town centre.
Wetherby Beer Festival
3rd and 4th May 2024
50+Ales, Cider, Lager. Gin & Champagne, Street food, kids' entertainment and 6 tribute acts performing live.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Sewerby Hall
4th May to 14th July 2024
Experience the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
UK Martial Arts Show
4th and 5th May 2024
American martial art stars Cynthia Rothrock , Bill Wallace and Don ' The Dragon ' Wilson will be appearing at the UKMAS 2024 . Also this year we have Cobra from the gladiators making an appearance, held at Doncaster Dome.
Ravens Morris at Burnby Hall Gardens
6th May 2024
Ravens Morris return to the Gardens to celebrate May Day!
Steampunk Morris dancing for all the family to enjoy.
Dino Breakout at Lightwater Valley
4th to 6th May 2024
Be enthralled in your very own pre-historic expedition as you get up close and personal with a whole host of Jurassic giants including a T-rex, Velociraptor, and a Triceratops.
Scarborough Streets
4th to 6th May 2024
A three-day festival of outdoor events, murals, street art and performances, backed up with workshops leading up to the festival. This brand new and inclusive community event taking place in Scarborough Town Centre
Teddy Bears Special at Middleton Railway
4th to 6th May 2024
Children with a teddy bear travel for free, with the opportunity for all to go for a picnic in Middleton Park. If the Child doesn’t have a bear with them, they will be charged for a ticket, but will receive a bear of their own.
Haworth Steampunk Weekend
4th and 5th May 2024
See spectacular steampunk attire, meet delightful people, enjoy tempting shops, restaurants, crown bowling, dancers, singers, fun dog show, steam trains, museums, cafés and market stalls, in historic Haworth
Bradford Soapbox Challenge
5th May 2024
Free family day out with viewing on big screens showing all the excitement on the course itself, plus there’ll be a funfair and live music.
5th to 11th May
Tudor Weekend at Bolton Castle
4th, 5th and 6th May 2024
Tudor England was a time of great change. Come and join our ‘Living Historians’ and find out how life would have differed between 1485, the beginning of the reign of King Henry V11, and 1603 with the death of Henry’s granddaughter, the last Tudor monarch, Elizabeth 1.
Phlegm: Pandemic Diary at Millenium Gallery
13th January to 7th July 2024
At the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, artist Phlegm started to document his observations of daily life in lockdown in the form of an ongoing series of artworks.
Savour The Coast
10th to 12th May 2024
Tasty food, fabulous drinks, and great music is what Savour the Yorkshire Coast is bringing to the Scarborough Spa Sun Court for one weekend in May. An Eco Food & Drink Festival with FREE entry.
Paw Patrol at Whistlestop Valley
6th May 2024
Get ready for an action packed day of steam trains, jumping pillow, crazy golf, plus appearances from your favourite PAW Patrol heroes at intervals throughout the day.
Open Up Sheffield
4th to 6th, 11th & 12th May 2024
A fantastic opportunity to visit artists and makers at their studios in and around Sheffield
Open Up festival takes place over the following five days, but please check individual artist profile pages as not all artists open for the full five days
Horror Con UK
11th and 12th May 2024
The original horror convention in the UK. If you're a horror geek, this is going to be the best way to do Something Wicked. At Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Filey Literature Festival
8th to 12th May 2024
Community festival to celebrate the spoken word.
North Leeds Food Festival
11th and 12th May 2024
A celebration of International Influence and Local Talent, expressed through International Food, Independent Drink, Music and Arts. Family Friendly with activities for all ages.
Bridlington Steampunk Weekend
11th and 12th May 2024
Market - actvitites - fashion - entertainment and more.
Priory Rose Vintage Tractor Run
12th May 2024
30 mile Tractor Run starting and ending at Farmer Copleys all in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Tulip Festival at Burnby Hall
27th April to 11th May 2024
Burnby Hall Gardens’ annual Tulip Festival is a very popular annual event and provides a colourful and vibrant beginning to our new season. This year, there is a cascade of colours throughout the Gardens, featuring over 15000 tulips, with 130 varieties on display.
Duncombe Park Country Fair
6th May 2024
Established in 1982 - the original country fair of North Yorkshire in the beautiful grounds of Duncombe Park. Attractions include, trade stands, craft fair marquee, farmers market, static engines, vintage cars, tractors and motorcycles.
Open Up Sheffield
4th to 6th, 11th & 12th May 2024
A fantastic opportunity to visit artists and makers at their studios in and around Sheffield
Open Up festival takes place over the following five days, but please check individual artist profile pages as not all artists open for the full five days
Holmfirth Festival of Folk
10th to 12th May 2024
Holmfirth Festival of Folk will return for a full weekend in 2024, more details coming soon
Race The Waves Steampunk Festival
11th and 12th May 2024
Enjoy the spectacular Race The Waves event and Car and Bike Display outside, or to peruse the fabulous Retail Emporium, Entertainment and Vintage Motorbike Exhibition inside, what's not to love!All for free
Fagile Microbiomes at Thackray Museum
24th Feb to 23rd June 2024
Fragile Microbiomes, an exhibition by internationally renowned British artist Anna Dumitriu, exploring our relationship to the complex ecosystem of microbes that live in us and around us.
Todmorden Folk Festival
3rd to 5th May 2024
Todmorden Folk Festival is an annual festival of music, singing, dancing and folky family fun in the heart of the Calderdale valley.
Summer Fete at East Riddlesden Hall
5th May 2024
celebrate local products and craftmanship this summer.
With over twenty local suppliers in the Airedale Barn, you're sure to find some lovely homemade treats and treasures.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Sewerby Hall
4th May to 14th July 2024
Experience the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Family Open Day
11th May 2024
At Hull Truck Theatre and the Albemarle Music Centre. This is an amazing opportunity for you to get a behind-the-scenes look at two of Hull's most iconic cultural venues.
At Hull Truck Theatre, you can explore how a show comes to life, see backstage, get involved in sound and lighting demonstrations.
We'll Meet Again
10th to 12th May 2024
Celebrating the 1940s and marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day with reenactors, displays vintage vehicles, music and dance on the site of an original WW2 RAF bomber base, Yorkshire Air Museum
Are We There Yet? at Ferens Art Gallery
24th February to 2nd June 2024
A colourful journey into the imagination and experiences of disabled artist Jason Wilsher-Mills! Jason’s theatrical portraits and sculptures reflect aspects of his personality, memory, and disability. This family friendly exhibition is suitable for all ages and includes Augmented Reality (AR) and interactive experiences.
999 Fun Day on the Moor
12th May 2024
Fire your imagination with a jam-packed schedule of engaging free activities. Come face-to-face with front line firefighters, police officers, ambulance personnel and volunteers of the RNLI.
Monet In York
10th May to 8th September 2024
Monet’s ‘The Water-Lily Pond’ will be the central feature of a major new exhibition at York Art Gallery to mark the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery.
Project Eight
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12th to 18th May
Yorkshire Game and Country Fair
18th and 19th May 2024
The Yorkshire Country & Game Fair is held at Scampston Hall. There is a vast array of country sports with loads of ‘have-a-go’ opportunities, to fine foods and animals – all this and lots more.
Sheffield Chamber Music Festival
17th to 25th May 2024
Join Music in the Round & Ensemble 360 as they welcome some of the world's finest musicians and stellar guest artists.
Filey Steampunk Festival
18th and 19th May 2024
This inclusive festival will celebrate all things steampunk alongside diverse entertainment, music, stalls, and burlesque acts.
Haworth 1940's Weekend
18th and 19th May 2024
A weekend of living history and re-enactments in the beautiful village of Haworth, parades, dances, military and wartime civilian activities.
Otley Show
18th May 2024
The oldest one day agricultural show in the country, with approx 15000 visitors. Classes are held in Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Ponies, Dogs, Poultry, Pigeons, Waterfowl, Produce, Handicraft and Floral.
Bridlington Kite Festival
18th and 19th May 2024
The Bridlington Kite Festival is a vast array of giant inflatable kites, street food stalls, fairground rides and children's entertainment. It's fun for all the family and a great opportunity to see kite flyers from all over the world in action.
Whitby Fish and Ships Festival
18th and 19th May 2024
A celebration of Whitby’s fishing heritage including live cookery demonstrations throughout the weekend in the seafood kitchen on Dock End, Endeavour Wharf & Fish Quay.
Whitby Sea Festival will entertain us with sea balladeers and shantymen as well as local bands, a special concert, song competition and much more!
Phlegm: Pandemic Diary at Millenium Gallery
13th January to 7th July 2024
At the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, artist Phlegm started to document his observations of daily life in lockdown in the form of an ongoing series of artworks.
Weston Park May Fayre
19th May 2024
The event is free entry and there will be lots of attractions and entertainment between 11am and 5pm to suit all of the family.
Festival of Debate
16th April to 25th May 2024
The largest annual non-partisan politics festival in the UK! Expect another challenging and diverse programme of events, featuring an array of well-known keynote speakers
Lord Scropes Household Medieval Weekend at Bolton Castle
18th and 19th May 2024
Experience the sights and sounds of a busy Medieval kitchen responsible for feeding the garrison, see the work of the tradespeople who kept the castle running day in day out and learn how you would fight and survive as a common soldier during the Wars of the Roses.
Sheffield Chamber Music Festival
17th to 25th May 2024
Music in the Round hosts Sheffield Chamber Music Festival, an annual festival of classical music each May, as well as star-studded seasons each spring and autumn.
Get Together 2024
18th May 2024
Get Together is a mult-venue festival of music, arts, food and drink. The festival celebrates the very best in new and independent artists, DJs, creators, breweries and food traders.
Murder at Harewood House
16th May 2024
Murder is in our midst as the State Dining Room of Harewood House takes centre stage for mysterious evening to remember. Don your detective hats as you embark on an adventure to solve a murder that’s taken place at the House.
Fagile Microbiomes at Thackray Museum
24th Feb to 23rd June 2024
Fragile Microbiomes, an exhibition by internationally renowned British artist Anna Dumitriu, exploring our relationship to the complex ecosystem of microbes that live in us and around us.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Sewerby Hall
4th May to 14th July 2024
Experience the 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Makers Mill Art Fair at The Leadmill
19th May 2024
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration at the Makers Mill Art Fair! A showcase of unique, handmade artworks and crafts that capture the essence of our community’s artistic spirit.
Be Curious
18th May 2024
University of Leeds annual family open day. The campus tunrs into a hive of free family-friendly activities. Come along and get hands on with the research that happens right here in Leeds.
Pudsey Carnival
18th May 2024
The popular community event is being held on Saturday, 18 May 2024, with the popular parade through Pudsey town centre, followed by stalls, funfair and arena attractions at Queens Park.
Self Made: Derek Santini
18th May to 1st September 2024
Come face-to-face with some of the most famous people from the worlds of art, fashion, music and stage. Self Made is an exhibition of portraits of cultural icons from different generations and backgrounds, by Scarborough-born photographer Derrick Santini.
At Scarborough Art Gallery.
19th to 25th May
May Half Term
Springbank Holiday family days out and events for the school May half term 2024, outdoor and indoor fun, just in case summer hasn't quite arrived.
Sheffield Food Festival
25th to 27th May 2024
Sheffield Food Festival is a celebration of the city’s vibrant food scene, showcasing our great local produce, talented chefs, mouthwatering street food and outstanding brewers and distillers.
Malton Food Lovers Festival
25th and 26th May 2024
Expect artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, festival bar, live music & much, much more!
Live At Leeds
25th May 2024
Live at Leeds in the Park is a brand new, one day festival held at Temple Newsam, Leeds.
Swaledale Festival
25th May to 8th June 2024
Swaledale Festival returns in 2024 with a broad selection of the finest musicians and artists from Yorkshire, elsewhere in the country and around the world. There will be a large number of hands-on events such as workshops, walks and craft demonstrations, with a focus on participation, landscape and climate change.
Leeds Jazz Festival
23rd to 28th May 2024
The event aims to unite and celebrate the musicians, venues, promoters, audiences and organisations who are part of the Leeds Jazz tapestry - whilst showcasing the best of local, national and international music.
Great British Food Festival at Harewood House
25th to 27th May 2023
Combining the nation's love of great food and drink with some of the country's most treasured locations. GBFF offers a chance to enjoy some very special time together.
Challenge Festival
Cancelled 2024
Three days of arts and cultrue in Bingley. Featuring outdoor cinema, live music, theatre and performance, markets and more.
Festival of Debate
16th April to 25th May 2024
The largest annual non-partisan politics festival in the UK! Expect another challenging and diverse programme of events, featuring an array of well-known keynote speakers
Phlegm: Pandemic Diary at Millenium Gallery
13th January to 7th July 2024
At the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, artist Phlegm started to document his observations of daily life in lockdown in the form of an ongoing series of artworks.
Gin Train with Wensleydale Railway
25th May 2024
All aboard The Gin Train Experience! Enjoy a full range of their award winning Gin & Tonics by Taplin & Mageean from the comfort of a private carriage travelling through the spectacular Yorkshire Dales scenery on our Railway!
Civil War Weekend at Bolton Castle
26th and 27th May 2024
Our ‘Living Historians’ are on hand to tell you more about the war of the ‘Three kingdoms’, and to give you the opportunity to handle the arms and armour of the period. In a war that split families in their loyalties, who would you have fought for?
Fagile Microbiomes at Thackray Museum
24th Feb to 23rd June 2024
Fragile Microbiomes, an exhibition by internationally renowned British artist Anna Dumitriu, exploring our relationship to the complex ecosystem of microbes that live in us and around us.
Are We There Yet? at Ferens Art Gallery
24th February to 2nd June 2024
A colourful journey into the imagination and experiences of disabled artist Jason Wilsher-Mills! Jason’s theatrical portraits and sculptures reflect aspects of his personality, memory, and disability. This family friendly exhibition is suitable for all ages and includes Augmented Reality (AR) and interactive experiences.
Sheffield Chamber Music Festival
17th to 25th May 2024
Music in the Round hosts Sheffield Chamber Music Festival, an annual festival of classical music each May, as well as star-studded seasons each spring and autumn.
Keppel's Column Tour
23rd May 2024
Keppel’s Column was built between 1773 and 1781. This 115 ft (35 metre) grade II* listed building is situated in Scholes Coppice, an area of ancient woodland.
Craft Fayre at Abbey House Museum
25th to 27th May 2024
Browse a range of art and craft stalls from local makers and creatives, showcasing handmade items including homewares, accessories and natural beauty products.
Vintage Cars at Wassand Hall
26th May 2024
Vintage Car Rally in the Park at Wassand. Hall, Gardens and Tea Room also open.
Self Made: Derek Santini
18th May to 1st September 2024
Come face-to-face with some of the most famous people from the worlds of art, fashion, music and stage. Self Made is an exhibition of portraits of cultural icons from different generations and backgrounds, by Scarborough-born photographer Derrick Santini.
At Scarborough Art Gallery.
May Half Term
Springbank Holiday family days out and events for the school May half term 2024, outdoor and indoor fun, just in case summer hasn't quite arrived.
British Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition
19th May to 7th July 2024
Exhibition is held at Nunnington Hall. The British Wildlife Photography Awards celebrates the diversity of British wildlife and wild spaces through a collection of inspirational photographs and films.
Rural Arts Summer Series
24th May, 7th June and 30th August 2024
Rural Arts is teaming up with Thirsk-based music curators, De Mowbray Music, to present three laid-back Friday evening concerts.
Escape The Gardens At Wentworth Castle Gardens
25th May to 30th June 2024
Crack the code to find your way around the gardens, you could even race your friends! Who will be the first to find the final location? This clue solving trail is fun for all the family; with riddles to crack for older children and adults, and an eye spy activity for younger explorers.
Monet In York
10th May to 8th September 2024
Monet’s ‘The Water-Lily Pond’ will be the central feature of a major new exhibition at York Art Gallery to mark the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery.
Abbey House Craft Fair
25th to 27th May 2024
Browse a range of art and craft stalls from local makers and creatives, showcasing handmade items including homewares, accessories and natural beauty products..