What’s on in the North York Moors National Park?

Check out the events calendar to plan a trip and meet the locals at one of the friendly festivals 

Whatever time of year you visit, there’s always something going on, whether for adventure, families, guided walks, music or art and culture. 

One of the most exciting events is the Dark Skies Festival, which takes place 9-25 February 2024.  The big open skies of the North York Moors are breath-taking by day, but also by night when the dark sky panorama is revealed, showcasing a magnitude of stars, planets, moons and more. 

In December 2020, the North York Moors National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky, one of only 21 in the world. This is officially one of the best places in the country to see stars, because of the low light pollution levels and clear horizons. In the darkest areas of the National Park, you can spy up to 2,000 at any one time. 

During the festival you can join in night walks, daytime adventures and craft activities such as bat-box making, tune into mindful experiences, night-time bike rides and much more.  

Better still, book a stay-and-gaze package spending a night at a dark skies friendly business who offer telescopes or binoculars, reclining chairs and blankets so you can snuggle down for hours of heavenward gazing. Some offer stay and gaze packages with an expert on site for the ultimate experience. 

If you can’t make the Dark Skies Festival in February, check out the Dark Skies Fringe Festival in October or any one of the other Dark Skies events held throughout the year. 

Looking for more high-energy action? There are lots of exciting cycling and mountain bike events in the North York Moors area for all ages, whether you're a seasoned cyclist, a beginner looking to improve your skills or just looking for a great family activity. If you like to combine mountain biking with trail running, take a look at Adventure racing events too. 

Choose from mountain biking, cyclocross, gravel biking and enduro events taking place throughout 2024. Discover more here

No holiday is complete without sampling the local food and drink 

Local food takes centre stage in North Yorkshire, there’s a growing microbrewery scene and a great line-up of food, beer and artisan gin festivals. 

Take your pick from Filey International Food Festival with local chefs, live music, cookery demonstrations and beer or visit Fish & Ships in Whitby for seafood dressing and fish filleting by local fishermen, music and children’s activities or head to Scarborough Seafest, celebrating all things seafood, sample the food stalls and meet Yorkshire chefs. 

With a strong line-up of monthly farmers markets, the North York Moors National Park is perfect for stocking up on presents to take home. Depending on the season, you'll find a wide range of homemade produce, sometimes organic, from lamb, pork, beef, poultry and game to fruit and vegetables, beer and cider, pies, cakes, biscuits, artisan bread, honey, jams, oils, chutneys, sauces, soups, chocolate and more. 

Visit markets at Saltburn, Malton, Stokesley and beyond and don’t miss the farmer’s shops selling the freshest produce. 

Learn more here

Perhaps you’d like to check out the local art and music scene? 

Look no further than the lovely coastal town of Robin Hood’s Bay! 

The Bay Hotel is home to The Bay Folk Club which meets first and third Friday evenings while Steve Philips plays live in the Grosvenor most Tuesdays. You may also come across impromptu music sessions in the streets and other venues. Check out Robin Hood’s Bay’s events calendar for details. 

And don’t miss the annual Folk Weekend in the summer. This free festival is packed with music sessions, traditional dance and sing-arounds at numerous locations. Not to be missed either is December's Victorian Weekend where traditional Victorian costume is de rigueur and craft fairs, music, street performers, traditional Victorian games will keep you entertained. 

What better way to celebrate the year!