Whats on This Weekend 23/10/26

Harrogate Guide – What’s On This Weekend: 23–25 October 2026

Live Music, Halloween Adventures, Theatre, Comedy, Family Days Out and Autumn Events Across Harrogate and North Yorkshire

Friday 23 October – Sunday 25 October 2026

Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a night of live music, an evening at the theatre or a relaxing autumn day out, there’s plenty to discover across Harrogate, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Masham, Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge and Ripon.

With October half-term beginning, local attractions and entertainment venues are preparing for a busy weekend. From Queen’s greatest hits at Harrogate Theatre and candlelit concerts at Ripon Cathedral to spooky Halloween trails and countryside walks, there’s something for all ages.

Harrogate Guide brings together the weekend’s advertised events, including dates, times, addresses and clickable website links to help you plan your visit.

What’s On This Weekend – At a Glance

• Love live music? Enjoy blues and rock at Harrogate’s Blues Bar, acoustic music near Masham and a candlelit Adele tribute in Ripon.

• Planning a family day out? Discover Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Cave, Ripon’s Pumpkin Trail and seasonal entertainment at Lightwater Valley.

• Fancy a night at the theatre? See We Will Rock You, enjoy stand-up comedy or discover live performances at the Royal Hall.

• Looking for something free? Explore Ripon’s Halloween window displays, family trails and local community activities.

• Prefer the countryside? Discover Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Deer Park and the autumn landscapes of Nidderdale.

Friday 23 October – Live Music, Theatre and Evening Entertainment

1. We Will Rock You – Harrogate Theatre

Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October

Get ready for an evening of Queen’s greatest hits in this energetic stage musical. A great choice for music lovers and anyone planning a Friday or Saturday night out in Harrogate.

Venue: Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.

Website: Harrogate Theatre

2. Julian Clary – Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival

Friday 23 October, 8pm

Comedian, entertainer and author Julian Clary brings The Midmorning Murders to the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival. Expect humour, storytelling and an entertaining literary evening.

Venue: The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.

Website: Harrogate International Festivals

3. Mick McConnell and the Blue Thunder – Live Music

Friday 23 October, 9pm

Start your weekend with live blues and rock at one of Harrogate’s best-known independent music venues.

Venue: Blues Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, HG1 2TJ.

Website: Blues Bar

4. The Song Collectives – Live Music

Friday 23 October, 7.30pm

Enjoy an evening of live music at Bilton Club, a popular Harrogate venue for local entertainment and community events.

Venue: Bilton Club, Skipton Road, Harrogate, HG1 4LL.

Website: Bilton Club

5. Silent Disco – Ripon Cathedral

Friday 23 October – Family session 6.30pm; adults session 9pm

Fancy something different? Dance beneath the magnificent architecture of Ripon Cathedral with music delivered through wireless headphones.

Venue: Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.

Website: Ripon Cathedral

6. Street Food Fest Nights – Ripon

Friday 23 October, 4pm–9.30pm

Gather friends or family for a relaxed evening of street food and informal dining in the countryside near Fountains Abbey.

Venue: Mallard Grange Farm, Aldfield, near Ripon.

Website: Visit Ripon Events

7. John Sergeant – Strictly Speaking

Friday 23 October, 5pm

Broadcaster John Sergeant shares stories and experiences from his career in journalism, politics and television.

Venue: The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.

Website: Harrogate International Festivals

8. Close Knit – Musical Theatre

Friday 23 October, 7.30pm

Enjoy a live musical theatre performance at Knaresborough’s intimate Frazer Theatre.

Venue: Frazer Theatre, Off High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0EQ.

Website: Frazer Theatre

9. Karaoke at The South Lodge – Ripon

Friday 23 October, 8pm–11pm

Enjoy an informal evening of karaoke, music and entertainment.

Venue: The South Lodge, 61 Harrogate Road, Ripon.

Website: Visit Ripon Events

10. Royal Hall Open Day – Harrogate

Friday 23 October, 11am

Explore one of Harrogate’s architectural treasures. The beautifully restored Edwardian Royal Hall is celebrated for its ornate interiors and fascinating theatrical history.

Venue: Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SY.

Website: Harrogate Convention Centre

Saturday 24 October – Halloween Adventures, Music and Family Fun

11. Hocus Pocus Halloween – Mother Shipton’s Cave

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October – continuing until 1 November

One of the weekend’s standout family attractions. Explore the woodland surroundings of Mother Shipton’s Cave, transformed with spooky decorations, witch-themed displays and seasonal surprises.

Venue: Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD.

Website: Mother Shipton’s Cave

12. Queen of the Night – Whitney Houston Tribute

Saturday 24 October, 7.30pm

Enjoy an evening celebrating Whitney Houston’s greatest hits, featuring memorable songs and powerful vocal performances.

Venue: Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SY.

Website: Royal Hall Events

13. Community Apple Day – Staveley Nature Reserve

Saturday 24 October, 10am–3pm

Celebrate autumn with apple pressing, orchard games, crafts, wildlife activities and community stalls. An appealing choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Venue: Staveley Nature Reserve, Staveley, near Boroughbridge, HG5 9LQ.

Website: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

14. The Music of Adele – Candlelight Concert

Saturday 24 October, 6.30pm–9.30pm

Experience a candlelit tribute to Adele in the atmospheric surroundings of Ripon Cathedral.

Venue: Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.

Website: Ripon Cathedral

15. Richard Pulsford – Gold Fashioned Comedy

Saturday 24 October, 7.30pm

Looking for a good laugh? Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy at Knaresborough’s Frazer Theatre.

Venue: Frazer Theatre, Off High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0EQ.

Website: Frazer Theatre

16. Mambo Jambo – Live Acoustic Roots Music

Saturday 24 October, evening performance

Enjoy acoustic music combining folk, blues, jazz and world-music influences.

Venue: Grewelthorpe Village Hall, Grewelthorpe, near Masham and Ripon, HG4 3BU.

Website: Grewelthorpe Concert Tickets

17. Ripon After Dark – Window Wanderland

Saturday 24 October, 5.30pm–9pm

Explore Ripon after sunset and discover illuminated windows celebrating local stories, creativity, wildlife and community spirit.

Location: Various locations around Ripon city centre.

Website: Visit Ripon

18. Girls on 45 – Vinyl Social

Saturday 24 October, 8.30pm–11pm

Enjoy a lively evening celebrating vinyl music and a relaxed social atmosphere.

Venue: The Water Rat, 24 Bondgate Green, Ripon, HG4 1QW.

Website: Visit Ripon Events

19. Karaoke Night – The Black Swan

Saturday 24 October, 7.30pm–11.30pm

Join DJ Hirsty for a Saturday night of karaoke and entertainment.

Venue: The Black Swan, 21 Westgate, Ripon.

Website: Visit Ripon Events

20. Studley Royal Deer Walk

Saturday 24 October, 1.30pm–3.30pm

Discover the wildlife and beautiful autumn landscapes of Studley Royal Deer Park with knowledgeable volunteers.

Venue: Studley Royal Deer Park, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

Website: National Trust

21. Raworths Family Literature Festival

Saturday 24 October

A programme of family storytelling, children’s literature, creative activities and outdoor experiences.

Venues: The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ, and Pinewoods, Harrogate.

Website: Harrogate International Festivals

Sunday 25 October – Relax, Explore and Enjoy

22. Kate Mosse – Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival

Sunday 25 October, 12.30pm

Spend part of Sunday with bestselling author Kate Mosse at this popular literary festival.

Venue: The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.

Website: Harrogate International Festivals

23. John Bramwell – Live Acoustic Music

Sunday 25 October, 7pm

Singer-songwriter John Bramwell, best known for his work with I Am Kloot, performs at the Frazer Theatre.

Venue: Frazer Theatre, Off High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0EQ.

Website: Frazer Theatre

24. Black Ice – Live Rock at the Blues Bar

Sunday 25 October, 9pm

Round off the weekend with live rock music in the lively atmosphere of Harrogate’s Blues Bar.

Venue: Blues Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, HG1 2TJ.

Website: Blues Bar

25. Things I Took From the Dark – Reece Shearsmith

Sunday 25 October

Actor and writer Reece Shearsmith explores unusual artefacts, creative influences and darker themes in a live presentation.

Venue: Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SY.

Website: Harrogate Convention Centre

26. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – Autumn Walks

Sunday 25 October, during opening hours

Few places capture the beauty of a Yorkshire autumn quite like Fountains Abbey. Explore the historic ruins, admire the changing colours and enjoy a walk through Studley Royal.

Venue: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

Website: National Trust – Fountains Abbey

More Halloween and Half-Term Activities – All Weekend

27. Harrogate Halloween Potion Trail

Saturday 24–Sunday 25 October

Follow a Halloween-themed trail around Harrogate town centre and discover participating locations.

Starting point: The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.

Website: Harrogate BID

28. Harrogate Indoor Funfair

From Saturday 24 October, advertised 10am–5pm

Enjoy indoor rides, traditional fairground attractions and family entertainment during October half-term.

Venue: Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ.

Website: Great Yorkshire Events Centre

29. Ripon BID Pumpkin Trail

Friday 23–Sunday 25 October, continuing until 30 October

Explore Ripon city centre and discover pumpkin-themed displays at participating local businesses.

Location: Ripon city centre, HG4.

Website: Visit Ripon

30. Frightwater Valley – Movie Mayhem

Saturday 24–Sunday 25 October, continuing until 31 October

Enjoy Halloween-themed attractions, spooky entertainment and seasonal family activities.

Venue: Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, North Stainley, Ripon, HG4 3HT.

Website: Lightwater Valley

31. Fountains by Floodlight

Friday 23 October, 5pm–8pm

Explore the atmospheric ruins of Fountains Abbey illuminated after dark.

Venue: Fountains Abbey, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

Website: National Trust

32. Ripon Spooky Windows Competition

Friday 23–Sunday 25 October, continuing until 31 October

Discover Halloween-inspired shopfront displays around Ripon city centre.

Location: Ripon city centre.

Website: Visit Ripon

33. Pumpkin Patch at Ripon Walled Garden

Friday 23–Sunday 25 October

Enjoy seasonal pumpkins and autumn activities at Ripon Walled Garden.

Venue: Ripon Walled Garden, Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HN.

Website: Ripon Walled Garden

34. Stories of Colour & Light – Family Trail

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October

Explore Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on a family trail inspired by colour, light and the changing seasons.

Venue: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

Website: National Trust

35. Harrogate Ghost Walk

Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October

Discover Harrogate’s mysterious past with stories of local legends, historic buildings and supernatural encounters.

Meeting area: Royal Pump Room Museum, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY.

Website: Visit North Yorkshire

36. LEGO Club at Ripon Library

Saturday 24 October, 11am–noon

A creative activity for children who enjoy building and designing with LEGO.

Venue: Ripon Library, The Arcade, Ripon.

Website: North Yorkshire Libraries

37. Sugar Rush – Nicholas Jolly Art Exhibition

Friday 23–Sunday 25 October, subject to gallery opening hours

Discover contemporary artwork at one of Harrogate’s independent art galleries.

Venue: 108 Fine Art, 16 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate.

Website: 108 Fine Art

Masham, Nidderdale and Pateley Bridge – Explore Further

Not every enjoyable weekend needs a ticketed event. If you prefer discovering the countryside, local shops and independent cafés, these areas offer excellent opportunities to explore.

Masham: Explore the market town, independent shops and cafés, and check Masham Town Hall for further performances.

Pateley Bridge: Enjoy the historic high street, riverside walks and surrounding Nidderdale countryside. Find local activities through Nidderdale Plus.

Nidderdale: Discover autumn scenery, peaceful villages and dark-sky landscapes. Check Nidderdale National Landscape for countryside information and organised activities.

More Live Music Venues in Harrogate

Looking for a last-minute gig? These established venues are worth checking for additional live music and entertainment. Individual performances are not confirmed here unless listed above.

Make the Most of Your Weekend with Harrogate Guide

Whether you’re planning a lively Friday night, a Saturday Halloween adventure with the children or a relaxing Sunday in the Yorkshire countryside, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend.

Why not explore somewhere different? Combine a visit to Knaresborough with Mother Shipton’s Cave, discover Ripon’s historic streets and Halloween displays, or take an autumn walk around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

For music lovers, Harrogate’s live venues, the Royal Hall and Ripon Cathedral provide opportunities to enjoy a memorable evening, while the district’s theatres and festivals offer comedy, storytelling and live performances.

Support local businesses, discover new places and enjoy everything the Harrogate district has to offer this weekend.

Editor’s note: This guide is based on previously supplied event listings, not a fresh independent verification of every event. Dates, times, admission prices and programmes may change. Check the organiser’s website before travelling or booking.

Disclaimer – A friendly note: Listings are independently researched and provided for general information only. Inclusion does not mean we recommend or endorse a particular business, product or service. As details can change, please check prices, availability and other important information directly with the provider before booking or purchasing.

If you have a query, need help, or cannot find what you require, email info@harrogateuk.co.uk and we will try to help you