Celebrate culture in North Yorkshire
From stage plays to summer festivals
- Stories & Inspiration
- Celebrate Culture In North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire's cultural scene
We are shining a spotlight on North Yorkshire's cultural scene with stunning historic theatres, concert halls and music venues plus outdoor art and music festivals. Discover North Yorkshire’s cultural heritage and its exciting and colourful events.
Many of the theatres in North Yorkshire date from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras and these grand buildings with their opulent interiors are the perfect venue for an evening of music, drama or comedy.
Harrogate Theatre boasts a full season of co-productions, touring companies and one night only events. With theatrical productions taking place all year round, there is always something new to discover. The theatre is also home to the annual Harrogate Comedy Festival, a popular panto and even a resident ghost.
The Royal Hall, originally the Kursaal (German for cure hall), was restored to its original grandeur in the 2000s and is where you can watch the ballet and listen to concerts and talks.
On the west cliff of Whitby you’ll find the iconic Whitby Pavilion Cinema & Theatre with incredible views overlooking the sea. The theatre is home to a mix of entertainment including plays, traditional drama, pantomimes, musicals and comedy, so audiences of all ages will find something to enjoy.
The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough was originally an Odeon cinema and this beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco building is now home to the world-famous theatre-in-the-round, the first of its kind in the world. Indulge in a diverse array of theatrical performances and cinema screenings throughout the year.
Skipton Town Hall is a modern multi-art cultural hub with a concert hall which has a mixed programme including live theatre, music and family shows.
Europe’s largest open-air theatre brings big names to Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast and previous performers include Will Smith and Kylie. Enjoy a festival-like atmosphere in the amphitheatre-style venue.
Book seats or go for standing tickets where you can really get close to the stage and catch all the musical vibes.
Opened as an arts centre in 2003, Selby Town Hall has since established itself as a cultural gem. Renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the venue offers a diverse range of performances, from bluegrass and stand-up comedy to contemporary dance and world music.
Cultural Festivals
The Ripon Theatre Festival (5-12 July) offers lots of free and 'pay what you can' events at venues across Ripon. Choose from dramatic performances, circus or dance plus there is lots of street theatre, puppetry and storytelling.
The Big Family Weekend (11-12 July) is full of family events and kids can try different activities including puppet making, stage combat and singing in the participation zone.
Image credit: Helen Tabor Photography
2026 sees Harrogate International Festivals celebrate 60 years of bringing exciting and dynamic events to Harrogate. The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July sees crime fiction fans from all over the world descend on Harrogate for four days of talks and events featuring some of the leading names of the genre.
The HACS Harrogate Music Festival in June and July features classical concerts and outdoor theatre. The mirrored Speigeltent also returns with some great musical and family events happening inside.
North Yorkshire is home to lots of amazing cultural festivals including the Whitby Lit Fest 2026, FEVA in Knaresborough, Swaledale Festival, Ryedale Festival, the Filey Folk Festival, plus many more.
Find out more about the festivals taking place this year on our festivals page and plan your break in North Yorkshire.
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