A packed programme of festivals, food and family-friendly events is set to bring North Yorkshire’s coast to life this summer.

From arts and culture to local cuisine and seaside traditions, communities along the coast are preparing for a busy and vibrant season.

This year’s Scarborough Fair programme - The Scarborough Fair - features more than 250 events across 74 locations, offering everything from pop-up performances to comedy, music and creative workshops. More information is available on the Scarborough Fair website.

Image

It begins with Scarborough Streets, which runs to Sunday 1 June, which will bring entertainers and artists into the heart of the town.

This summer also sees major acts like the Human League and Will Smith take to the stage at Scarborough Open Air Theatre adding headline gigs to an already packed calendar. More information is available on the Scarborough Open Air Theatre website.

The momentum continues with Scarborough Fringe from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 June, when established acts and emerging talent will take over theatres, cafés and outdoor spaces with a diverse mix of performances.

Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day - Armed Forces Day Scarborough 2025 - on Saturday 28 June, will pay tribute to service personnel past and present. The day promises a spectacular mix of air displays, military parades, vintage vehicles and family activities, drawing thousands to the seafront. More information is available on the Scarborough Armed Forces Day website.

Further down the coast, the ever-popular Filey Food Festival returns on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June. Set against the scenic backdrop of Filey Bay, the event will showcase more than 80 stalls filled with local produce and global flavours - making it a must for food lovers and families alike. More information on the Filey Food Festival is available on the Visit North Yorkshire website.

In Whitby, the season began with a strong start as thousands of people turned out for the annual Fish and Ships Festival. Held over two days, the event celebrates the town’s deep-rooted maritime heritage and its reputation for world-class seafood.

Image

This year’s festival included live cooking and fish craft demonstrations, creative workshops hosted by local cultural organisations and performances from folk musicians and sea balladeers. For the first time, fishing crews competed in a light-hearted Olympic-style tournament featuring rope-splicing, pot-stacking and tug-of-war.

Our executive member for culture and arts, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “I’m delighted that the Fish and Ships Festival was an overwhelming success, and it was great to see so many families celebrating Whitby’s rich maritime heritage.

“Each year, this event provides a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the town’s fishing traditions, while supporting local businesses and driving tourism.

“I would like to thank everyone who played their part in what was a memorable weekend.”

Paul Gildroy, head chef of The Magpie Café, was involved in cooking demonstrations at the festival.

He added: “This festival is one of the flagship events in Whitby’s calendar and it was another brilliant weekend enjoyed by all.

“It was fantastic to talk to so many people about the town’s long association with fishing, and how we are working together to keep this special art alive for the future.

“I’d like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the feel-good atmosphere, and I’m really excited to see the event continue to grow over the coming years.”