WHITBY – NORTH YORKSHIRE
What’s going on
What's going on in 2026!
The Whitby calendar is packed with events throughout the year. The towns multiple unique venues hosts a wide variety of music, culture and food festivals, gigs and events. Have a look at some of the key ones below and start planning your visit now. We’ve included some other events going on in the surrounding area which are also worth attending.
February
7th - 8th Steampunk Weekend. Along with another in July this is one of the biggest steampunk gatherings in the UK with music, events and retailers centred around the Whitby pavilion.
13th - 15th Whitby Pirate Festival. Sharpen yer cutlasses and lace up yer boots, Whitby pirates are back in Whitby for a weekend of shenanigans.
14th Feb - 1st March North York Moors Dark Skies Event. Multiple events and workshops organised across the National Park
April
3rd - 6th Made in Whitby Krampus Easter Festival, Whitby Abbey
23rd - 26th Gothic Gathering. 4 Days of Vampiric Events in the home of Dracula. Check website for details of planned events https://www.thegothicgathering.com
May
1st - 3rd Whitby Goth Weekend. One of two goth weekends happening each year. Always a special event with music, events and sellers at the pavilion and many other venues across town.
16th - 17th Fish and Ships Festival. An annual event celebrating Whitby's maritime heritage, with lots of fun events being held around the harbour.
June
5th - 7th 60's Weekend. The ever popular bi-annual event is back with three days of gigs at the pavilion.
July
2nd - 3rd Made in Whitby Summer Festival, Whitby Brewery
3rd - 5th Soul Weekend. One of the most popular events of the calendar with the main ticketed event being held at the pavilion and pubs around the town hosting DJs throughout the day and well into the night.
24th - 26th Whitby Steampunk Weekend.
25th - 26th Whitby RNLI Lifeboat Flag Weekend. This major annual fundraiser features lifeboat displays, crew meets, stalls, and family activities near the Bandstand and Lifeboat Museum to support vital lifesaving training and equipment.
August
31st July - 2nd Traction Engine Rally Weekend. The Whitby Traction Engine Rally boasts a spectacular live stunt show. A busy weekend with dancers, musicians, entertainers, and a fantastic firework display on Saturday evening.
8th - 10th Whitby Regatta. Drawing large crowds every year this popular event centred around the rowing and yatch races with lots of entertainment thrown in. Ending on Monday with a fair on the pier and the most spectacular firework display of the year.
14th - 16th Staithes Lifeboat Weekend.
22nd - 28th Folk Week. Comprising a diverse programme of exciting events and activities across the town.
28th - 31st It kid of feels like it's pirate weekend every weekend, but this is the official!
TBA Egton Show. The largest agricultural show of the year and definitely worth a visit.
September
TBA Motown & Soul Weekend
TBA 60's Weekend. The ever popular bi-annual event is back with three days of gigs at the pavilion.
TBA Whitby 70s Music Weekend at the Pavillion
October
23rd - 25th Musicport. Long running three day international music festival.
25th Oct - 2nd Nov (TBC). Illuminated Abbey. Always a great week of events held at the Abbey with it dominating the skyline int he evenings draped in an entrancing light show. Dates TBC
30th - 1st Nov Halloween Goth Weekend. The big one!
November/December
13th - 15th Nov (TBC) Whitby Christmas Markets
5th - 6th Dec Whitby Krampus Run. Featuring a parade of horned, masked characters, drummers, and fire performers through the streets of Whitby. Weekend events include a Ball, market stall and family activities.
12th - 13th Dec Made in Whitby Christmas Festival, Whitby Brewery