Looking for things to do in Whitby, but want something that’s unconventional and ignites your dark side? Then the Whitby Goth Weekend is for you! In a town known for its haunted reputation and connections with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it is the perfect location for a festival celebrating alternative music, fashion, and culture.
In our guide, we will uncover the history of the festival, from its humble beginnings to a weekend that attracts visitors from around the world. We’ll help you plan your visit by exploring what there is to see and do, and importantly, what time of year it takes place. So, let’s jump into the weird, wonderful, and macabre world of the Whitby Goth Weekend.
When did the Whitby Goth Weekend Begin?
The Whitby Goth Weekend began in 1994, when founder Jo Hampshire organised a small gathering of 40 pen pals at the Elsinore Pub in Whitby, providing a venue for them to meet and share their love of goth music, culture, and aesthetic.
Over the years, it has grown and grown, establishing itself as one of the largest goth events in the world. Whitby was chosen as the host location due to its haunting coastal landscapes and connection with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Today, it draws people of all ages from around the world – goths, emos, punks, rockers, and steampunks, or anyone interested in alternative culture, all celebrating diversity and culture.
What is There to See and Do?
So you can really make the most out of your time at the Whitby Goth Weekend, here are the stand-out attractions to add to your itinerary.
Shop at the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market
The Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market features over 100 stalls spread across three venues – Whitby Leisure Centre, Whitby Brunswick Centre, and The Spa Pavilion. When you visit the market, you will discover a highly unique shopping experience and an incredible range of handcrafted items from both local and international traders, celebrating all things creative and alternative. This includes Gothic jewellery, dark arts, steampunk accessories, and Victorian-inspired clothing.
Entry to the market is free, and it typically opens from 10 am to 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 4.00 pm on Sundays.
Experience Live Performances and Music
At the heart of the Whitby Goth Weekend is live music from local, emerging, and well-established artists in the gothic, industrial, punk, darkwave, and rock genres. Past performances have included iconic artists and bands such as Toyah, The Damned, and Fields of Nephilim. Alongside live music, many events will showcase DJs blasting out dark and ghoulish tunes.
Main music events are usually held in Whitby’s largest venue – the Whitby Pavilion, with bands and artists playing on both Friday and Saturday. However, there are fringe events alongside the main programme, offering intimate performances in smaller venues dotted around the town. These events give you the perfect opportunity to discover emerging artists and bands from a diverse range of genres.
Gaze at a Sea of Mysterious and Alternative Costumes
One of the best things to do in Whitby during the Goth Weekend is to just walk through the town and see the incredible clothes and costumes people wear as they walk around the streets. You’ll see outfits of all styles inspired by the Victorian era, Cybergoth, Steampunk, and Romanticism, turning the streets into a catwalk of the macabre, weird, wild, and wonderful. There’s no dress code for the Whitby Goth Weekend – people dress in what Gothic means to them, and a chance to express themselves freely among like-minded people.
If you want to dress up but don’t have an outfit ready, don’t panic! Whitby is home to some incredible shops, such as Pandemonium and The Great Goth. They stock a wide range of quirky and alternative outfits and accessories so you can have your own gothic glow-up and join in the spirit of the weekend.
Want to capture some memories of the weekend? Iconic landmarks such as St Mary’s Church Graveyard and Whitby Abbey, synonymous with the Dracula and Whitby connection, make ideal haunting backdrops for photos to remember your time at the Whitby Goth Weekend for years to come.
Get Spooked on a Dracula and Ghost Walk
As Whitby is a town with an incredible array of dark and chilling tales from its connection to Dracula to the sightings of ghosts at Whitby Abbey, it is little wonder that local Dracula and ghost tours are very popular. Local guides such as Dr Crank and Gill Locker dive deep into the town’s most haunting tales, from headless horsemen and Dracula’s arrival in Whitby to the witches of Whitby. Walking around Whitby’s eerie streets at night, hearing spooky tales, will only add to your enjoyment at the festival.
Go Sightseeing Around The Town Itself
As well as enjoying specific events for the festival, take the time to look around Whitby itself. This picturesque seaside town is enjoyed by countless visitors each year due to its mix of Gothic influences and historical charm. Some of the key places to add to your itinerary include:
- Whitby Abbey – Discover the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Whitby Abbey, which was first built in the 7th Century.
- 199 Steps – Many visitors to Whitby challenge themselves to climb the 199 Abbey steps, and when you get to the top, there are some breathtaking views of the town.
- Captain Cook Memorial Museum – Step back in time and explore the 17th-century house where Captain Cook stayed as an apprentice.
- Church of St Mary – Sitting high on the East Cliff is Whitby’s Parish Church, St Mary’s, which dates back to 1110. Its stunning interior and famous graveyard are undoubtedly worth a visit.
- Dracula Experience – Love to be spooked? Then visit the Dracula Experience in Whitby, which mixes special effects, live actors, and animated scenes to tell you the tale of the Dracula and Whitby connection.
To learn more about what Whitby has to offer, read our guide – 7 Unusual Things to Do in Whitby You May Not Have Heard Of.
When is Whitby Goth Weekend?
The Whitby Goth Weekend runs twice a year, once in April and again in October. The second instalment this year starts on October 30th and continues until November 2nd. So, spend this year’s Halloween in Whitby and have yourself a frightfully good time!
Want to Discover More About Things to Do in Whitby?
We hope our guide on the Whitby Goth Weekend has inspired you to spend your Halloween in Whitby for a weekend of spooky tales, eerie landscapes and landmarks, weird and wonderful costumes, and a chance for some retail therapy goth-style. If you would like to discover more about what this seaside gem has to offer, then explore our Whitby archives.
If you also want to explore further afield, then check out our travel section for all things Yorkshire.
Read More: 7 Of The Most Haunted Places To Visit In Whitby
Feature Image Credit: Pixabay
