As Yorkshire summers go, this one is an absolute scorcher, that’s for sure! And, you wouldn’t want to waste all this beautiful sunshine, would you? No, of course not! If you manage to pull yourself away from the many beer gardens across Yorkshire, you may want to try one of the many music festivals, food festivals and more happening in Yorkshire. We’ve put together all the best things to do in Yorkshire in August, for you to enjoy. Let’s just pray the weather stays good so we can get out and enjoy ourselves – yeah?
From dancing the day away at a music festival like Hull’s most popular Humber Street Sesh, or the biggest Yorkshire musical weekend Leeds Festival, to stuffing your face at the Great British Food Festival, there’s plenty of opportunities to make the most of the summer sun across Yorkshire. We love taking in the more summer sun with friends, family or just a date day with the wife.
If you’re not heading to one of Yorkshire’s top lidos this summer, or heading on one of the many lovely walks that his county has to offer then make sure you plan one of these in for August. We are sure you won’t feel disappointed.
So, what are the top things to do in August, according to The Yorkshireman?
1. Watch grassroots music bands at Humber Street Sesh, Hull
Hull’s biggest music festival offers live music, DJs, dancing and more at Hull Marina this August, giving a platform to local musicians as part of the Humber Street Sesh. An extension of The Polar Bear pub’s ‘The Sesh’, Hull visitors will be able to enjoy more than 100 bands performing across 10 different stages whilst soaking up the vibes, while enjoying all that Humber Street’s businesses have to offer this August, including street food, beer, and so much more. Gates open at 11:15, with the first acts taking the stage at 12:00, and the whole event should be wrapped up by 23:00.
2. Grab a bite to eat at the Great British Food Festival
On its tour across the UK, the Great British Food Festival is set to land at Harewood House August 16th to August 17th. In its 15th year, the popular foodie festival is coming to Rotherham’s Wentworth Woodhouse, with plenty of street food on offer, chef demonstrations, live music and much, much more. It’s dog friendly as well as so the whole family can come along. Whether you’re a foodie, or just fancy a family day out with a difference in South Yorkshire, this is one event not ot be missed.
3. Leeds Festival 2025, Bramham Park
Taking ploace over August bank holiday, the festival lineup for 2025 has some huge names playing. The big weekend will feature the likes of Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, modern-day starlet Chappell Roan & Grammy-nominated, award-winning multi-platinum singer and songwriter Hozier. Notably, Bring Me The Horizon will be bringing the Yorkshire vibes with them. The Sheffield boys are known to be raucous, just what Leeds Fest 2025 needs.
4. Car nuts won’t want to miss VW Fest
Car nuts get this one in the diary if you haven’t already. It’s the event in August Yorkshire car folk won’t want to miss. Harewood House is once again host to the UK’s largest family-friendly VW show. You can enjoy live entertainment, live music, some fantastic VWs and more in a laidback atmosphere. There is also the option to stay over and camp in a tent or via camper. The two day event takes place from Saturday the 9th to Sunday the 1oth Augus,t and you can come on the Friday from midday.
5. Railway Children
An enchanting stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic novel is visiting Yorkshire for the first time, offering a unique one of experience. Until the 7th September, you can board a steam train and ride along the iconic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, familiar to millions from the film adaptation of The Railway Children. When you reach the end of the line at Oxenhope, you’ll find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed – and a new version of the production, which tells the story of three children forced to move from London to Yorkshire after their father is falsely imprisoned exclusively made for Bradford 2025.
6. York Maze
Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York maze is an award-winning fun-filled family day out. As well as housing the largest maze in the UK, it has 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy with your family. You can get bouncing on their huge popcorn pillow and have a laugh on their Crowmania ride before taking in a show at the KerNoel’s House Party. There is a fun sand and water play area as well as much more! Head over to the coffee shop to grab a drink and a snack before heading back out to enjoy the grand activities in the UK’s largest maize maze.
7. Explore WWI & WWII history at the Yorkshire Wartime Event
This family day out is the ultimate celebration of those who gave their lives for their country during the Great Wars of World War One and World War Two. Held on 30 acres of land just 10 miles north of Doncaster, the Yorkshire Wartime Event 2025 offers an interactive and immersive way for both children and adults to learn about past conflicts.
The North of England’s largest WWI and WWII military vehicle and living history event features over 400 military vehicles and some incredible battle re-enactments, designed to celebrate, commemorate, and educate visitors about the wars that shaped the 20th century.
8. Enjoy scented wild flowers experiences in North Yorkshire
Fancy enjoying the scents of wild flowers in North Yorkshire, The Flower Belt in Ryedale offers a pick-your-own flower experience offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience with nature. And if that wasn’t enough you can head to Yorkshire Lavender and enjoy the heady scent and heavenly colour palette of lavender flowers nestled in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 60-acre, the perfect family day out.
9. Fancy vintage motors? Then Whitby Traction Rally is for you
This spectacular traction engine rally is held next to the iconic ruins of the Abbey in the popular tourist resort of Whitby and is only a 15-minute walk from the town centre and the harbour. Performing in the main arena will be the Jez Avery Stunt Show. An amazing show on four wheels, two wheels, one wheel and no wheels, plus the ROLLOVER QUAD. The show features wheelies, stoppies, two-wheel driving, drifting, doughnuts and precision driving. 3rd August
10. Enjoy a wild day out before live music @ Yorkshire Wildlife Park
That’s right! Sam Ryder, Russell Watson, ABBA tribute Bjorn Again and Taylor Swift tribute Taylor Fever are all playing at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park over the weekend on the 23rd, 24th and 30th and 31st ofAugust. Enjoy a wild day out at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park before enjoying an evening of live music with the iconic band. Get your tickets here.
11. Who needs the real acts when you’ve got Tribfest 2025, East Yorkshire
The world’s biggest tribute band festival takes place in East Yorkshire every single year, and it’s back again at Sledmere for 2025 with over 170 bands playing over six stages. Taking place from the 14th to the 17th of August, now in its 18th year, the festival will have cover bands spanning every decade, with bands like The Beatles, The Killers, Madness and more covered! The family Festival has day tickets along with camping for family-friendly fun. Find out more here.
12. And maybe try out the Harrogate Food Festival
The family-friendly food festival at Ripley Castle is set to be a delightful event, hosting a variety of activities and attractions. Expect an array of street food and great drink options in one of Yorkshire’s favourite towns. You can enjoy international cuisine, independent drinks, live music, arts, and charity activities—all at one fun-filled festival from August 23rd to 25th, 2025.
13. Big fan of LEGO? Hull Brick Festival 2025 is for you
The Hull Brick Festival, the ultimate event for LEGO enthusiasts, will be held at the Allam Sport Centre at the University of Hull. Established in 2018, it showcases unique and impressive displays, including a large-scale Mos Eisley Spaceport diorama and a massive Great Ball Contraption. This year promises even more extraordinary builds. Perfect for collectors and builders, the festival offers speed building competitions, large-scale LEGO displays, and numerous traders selling everything from loose bricks to retired sets and minifigures. With a dedicated building area, visitors of all ages can unleash their creativity.
Read More: 17 Of The Most Fantastic Food Festivals Happening In Yorkshire This Summer
