What’s On in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon This Weekend

Your Guide to the Best Events and Things To Do | May 15–17, 2026

Looking for the best things to do in Harrogate this weekend? From live music and theatre to family fun, food events, charity walks and fascinating talks, there’s plenty happening across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Nidderdale between Friday, May 15 and Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, searching for live entertainment, or exploring North Yorkshire’s beautiful towns and countryside, here’s your complete weekend guide.

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Harrogate Events This Weekend

Trading Cards, Collectibles and Pop Culture at The Card Expo

Fans of Pokémon, sports cards, collectibles and trading card games are expected to descend on the Great Yorkshire Events Centre this Saturday for The Card Expo – Harrogate.

The event promises stalls packed with rare cards, graded collectibles, memorabilia, gaming accessories and opportunities to buy, sell and trade with collectors from across the UK. It’s expected to attract everyone from serious investors to families and younger fans discovering the hobby for the first time.

Event Details

• Saturday, May 16, 2026
• 10am onwards
• Great Yorkshire Events Centre

Perfect for:

• Pokémon collectors
• Sports card enthusiasts
• Family-friendly indoor activities
• Weekend shopping and gaming fans

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Hamza Yassin Brings Wildlife Stories to Harrogate Royal Hall

Wildlife cameraman and television favourite Hamza Yassin arrives in Harrogate this weekend with his inspiring live show, My Life Behind the Lens.

Best known for his wildlife photography and television appearances, Hamza will share stories from behind the camera, adventures in nature and insights into filming some of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife moments.

The event at the stunning Royal Hall is expected to be one of the weekend’s most popular talks.

Event Details

• Sunday, May 17, 2026
• 1pm
• Royal Hall, Harrogate

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Murder, Mystery and Dining at The Old Swan Hotel

Guests can put their detective skills to the test this Sunday during Murder On The Menu at Old Swan Hotel.

The immersive dining experience combines comedy theatre, mystery-solving and a meal in one of Harrogate’s most iconic historic hotels. Visitors are encouraged to follow clues, interrogate suspects and solve the fictional crime before dessert arrives.

Event Details

• Sunday, May 17, 2026
• 2pm
• The Old Swan Hotel

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Step Back in Time with the Ready Steady 60s Show

Music lovers can relive the soundtrack of the swinging sixties at Harrogate Theatre this Saturday night.

The Ready Steady 60s Show celebrates the era’s legendary hits with live performances, colourful costumes and nostalgic entertainment featuring songs from some of the decade’s biggest stars.

Event Details

• Saturday, May 16, 2026
• 7.30pm
• Harrogate Theatre

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Live Music at The Blues Bar

One of Harrogate’s favourite nightlife venues, The Blues Bar continues its packed programme of live performances this weekend.

Expect a lively atmosphere, local musicians and late-night entertainment in the heart of the town centre.

Event Details

• Sunday, May 17, 2026
• From 8pm

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Ashville Ceilidh Night Brings Traditional Dancing to Harrogate

Traditional music and energetic dancing take centre stage on Friday evening during the Ashville Ceilidh Night at The Church of St Wilfrid.

Perfect for groups, couples and anyone looking for a fun social evening, ceilidh dancing remains one of Yorkshire’s most enjoyable community traditions.

Event Details

• Friday, May 15, 2026
• Evening event

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Flower Festival at St Robert’s Church in Pannal

Visitors can enjoy floral displays, creative arrangements and community celebrations at the Flower Festival taking place at St Robert’s Church.

The exhibition promises beautifully decorated displays throughout the church and is expected to attract gardening enthusiasts and visitors from across the area.

Event Details

• Friday, May 15, 2026
• From 7pm

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Ripon and Nidderdale Events

Grewelthorpe School Celebrates 150 Years

Families are invited to a major community celebration as Grewelthorpe Church of England Primary School marks its 150th anniversary.

The event includes:

• Live music
• Food stalls
• Bouncy castles
• Community activities
• Family entertainment

Organisers say the celebration is designed to bring together former pupils, local families and residents for a memorable afternoon in the village.

Event Details

• Saturday, May 16, 2026
• 12pm–3pm

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Thousands Expected for Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run

One of Yorkshire’s best-known fundraising events returns this Sunday as the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run takes place for the 32nd year.

Participants can choose from multiple scenic routes through the beautiful Nidderdale countryside, helping raise money for charities while enjoying some of North Yorkshire’s finest landscapes.

Event Details

• Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Starts from 7am

Perfect for:

• Walkers
• Runners
• Charity supporters
• Outdoor enthusiasts

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Traditional Family Fun at Ripley Castle

Families visiting Ripley Castle this weekend can enjoy an Old School Sports Day packed with traditional games and activities.

Expect sack races, tug of war, obstacle courses and classic family-friendly entertainment in the castle grounds.

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Knaresborough Weekend Guide

Explore Knaresborough’s Famous Riverside and Viaduct

While no major festival dominates the town this weekend, Knaresborough Viaduct and the riverside remain among North Yorkshire’s most picturesque spots for a weekend visit.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Riverside walks
• Independent cafés
• Boutique shopping
• Scenic photography
• Rowing boats on the River Nidd

Knaresborough continues to attract visitors looking for a relaxed North Yorkshire day out with historic charm and spectacular views.

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Mindfulness Meditation Course in Knaresborough

Those looking for a calmer pace this weekend can attend a mindfulness meditation course at the Church Hall on Windsor Lane.

The sessions focus on relaxation, wellbeing and mindfulness techniques designed to help reduce stress and improve focus.

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Best Things To Do in Harrogate This Weekend

If you’re planning a last-minute weekend itinerary, some of the standout events include:

• The Card Expo for collectors and families
• Hamza Yassin at the Royal Hall
• Murder mystery dining at The Old Swan
• Live music across Harrogate venues
• Family celebrations in Grewelthorpe
• Outdoor charity walks in Nidderdale
• Traditional games at Ripley Castle
• Scenic days out in Knaresborough

With sunshine forecast across parts of North Yorkshire, it could be one of the busiest weekends of the spring season across Harrogate, Ripon and the surrounding villages.