August Bank Holiday events
August Bank Holiday events. Discover live comedy, music, family attractions, racing, art and outdoor adventures across the district. From Harrogate Theatre and Knaresborough’s riverside attractions to Ripon Racecourse and Nidderdale, there’s something for everyone. Plan a family day out, enjoy an evening show or use the long weekend to explore somewhere new in North Yorkshire.
August Bank Holiday 2026: The best things to do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon
Wondering what to do this August Bank Holiday? Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding district are packed with live music, comedy, family entertainment, racing, art and days out worth discovering.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a night with friends or simply fancy exploring somewhere different, we’ve picked out some of the highlights.
The Bank Holiday weekend runs from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August 2026, but the fun starts early.
😂 HARROGATE – Fancy a laugh?
Hyena Lounge Comedy Club
Saturday 29 August – Harrogate Theatre
If you haven’t been to a Hyena Lounge night before, Bank Holiday Saturday could be the perfect excuse.
The comedy line-up includes Paul Tonkinson, Matt Richardson and Jack Carroll, with Kieran Lawless hosting.
It’s an easy choice if you’re looking for a lively Saturday night in Harrogate — and you can make an evening of it with dinner or drinks in the town centre beforehand.
🎸 Love live music? Harrogate has you covered
The Blues Bar has live music throughout the weekend:
- Thursday 27 August: Hot Sauce – 9pm
- Friday 28 August: The Harry Mason Project – 9pm
- Sunday 30 August: Supercharged – 9pm
Or head to The Bilton Club on Skipton Road on Saturday evening for The Prince Experience, starting at 7.30pm.
🏰 KNARESBOROUGH – Take the family somewhere magical
A Summer in Oz at Mother Shipton’s
Follow the yellow brick road to one of Knaresborough’s best-known attractions this Bank Holiday.
A Summer in Oz transforms Mother Shipton’s woodland into a Wizard of Oz-inspired adventure, giving families another reason to explore the historic riverside attraction.
But don’t rush home afterwards.
Take a walk along Waterside, explore Knaresborough Castle, grab an ice cream and enjoy the famous view across the River Nidd.
Top tip: Turn the attraction into a full Knaresborough day out rather than visiting for just a couple of hours.
🏇 RIPON – Make Bank Holiday Monday a family day out
Curtains Up at the Races – Monday 31 August
If the children need entertaining on Bank Holiday Monday, Ripon Racecourse could be one of the weekend’s biggest family options.
Alongside seven horse races, Curtains Up at the Races promises a packed programme of children’s entertainment.
Expect plenty of fun alongside the racing, with attractions including circus-style entertainment, magic, traditional family shows and activities.
Under-18s can attend free when accompanied by an adult.
🐾 Could your child win the Onesie Derby?
Yes, this really is a thing.
Children aged five to eight can race down the final furlong at Ripon Racecourse wearing an animal onesie.
It could produce some of the funniest photographs of your Bank Holiday weekend.
August Bank Holiday events
🎨 PATELEY BRIDGE – Discover something creative
Want to escape the busiest spots?
Head into Nidderdale and explore the Nidd Art Trail.
On Saturday and Sunday, Pateley Bridge and Bewerley Memorial Hall will showcase work from local artists and makers, including:
- Paintings
- Photography
- Jewellery
- Crafts
- Needlework
Then on Bank Holiday Monday, families can paint their own fairy door to become part of the Fishpond Wood Fairy Door Trail.
It’s something a little different — and a good excuse to combine the activity with a day exploring Pateley Bridge.
🎶 RIPLEY – A night of British rhythm and blues
For music lovers, Ripley Live brings Paul Jones and Dave Kelly to Ripley Town Hall on Saturday 29 August from 7pm.
Why not arrive earlier and explore Ripley before the show?
📅 YOUR BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
THURSDAY 27 AUGUST
🎨 Free art session – Harrogate
🎸 Desperados – Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough
🎵 Hot Sauce – Blues Bar, Harrogate
FRIDAY 28 AUGUST
🧙 A Summer in Oz – Knaresborough
🎵 The Harry Mason Project – Blues Bar, Harrogate
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST
😂 Hyena Lounge Comedy Club – Harrogate
🎤 The Prince Experience – Harrogate
🎸 Paul Jones & Dave Kelly – Ripley
🎨 Nidd Art Trail – Pateley Bridge
🧙 A Summer in Oz – Knaresborough
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST
🎨 Nidd Art Trail – Pateley Bridge
🧙 A Summer in Oz – Knaresborough
🎵 Supercharged – Blues Bar, Harrogate
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY – 31 AUGUST
🏇 Curtains Up Family Day – Ripon Racecourse
🧚 Fairy Door Workshop – Pateley Bridge
🌞 Don’t just visit an event — explore the area
One of the best things about a long weekend is having time to slow down and discover somewhere you might normally rush past.
Take a stroll through Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, walk beside the River Nidd in Knaresborough, explore Ripon’s historic streets, or head further into Nidderdale for spectacular Yorkshire countryside.
Stop for coffee. Find a pub you’ve never tried. Browse the independent shops. Stay for dinner.
Sometimes the best bank holiday memories aren’t the things you planned.
❤️ So, what are you doing this Bank Holiday?
Whether you’re after big laughs in Harrogate, family adventures in Knaresborough, racing in Ripon or art and countryside in Nidderdale, there’s plenty happening close to home.
Pick an event, make a day of it and use the August Bank Holiday to explore more of Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the beautiful surrounding district.
August Bank Holiday events
