6 January to 14 February
WINTER LIGHTS YORK
York City Centre
The Winter Lights adorn more than 50 streets in York. Miles of swags add yet more fairy-tale whimsy to this enchanting city. The Tree of Light captivates with its ever-changing display, using the latest Twinkly LED technology.
Free.
6 January to 14 February.
theyorkbid.com
9 January
LITTLE SCIENTISTS
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Discover Abbey House Museum's three Victorian streets in a new way using the magic of science! Explore Abbey Fold, Harewood Square and Stephen Harding Gate and learn some simple science on the way. This discovery session is perfect for under-5s.
£7.15.
10:00 am to 11:15 am.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
10 January
WINTER ILLUMINATIONS
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln,,
Doncaster
Discover the magic Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations, the most magical winter lantern trail. Winter Illuminations is one of the UK's most magical Christmas light experiences and perfect for all the family or a festive date idea!
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
14 January
BRONTË BABIES – THORNTON
South Square Centre, Thornton,
Bradford
These relaxed sessions for little ones aged 0-walking feature sensory play, song, and stories and a chance to meet other parents and carers. Each session draws inspiration from the Brontë Parsonage Museum’s collection and the lives of the Brontës.
Free.
10:00 am to 11:00 am.
bronte.org.uk
14 January
HAROLD GOSNEY: MATERIALS AND MAKING
York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square,
York
This retrospective celebrates over six decades of creative work by Yorkshire sculptor Harold Gosney (born 1937), an artist renowned for his inventive use of materials and his deep connection to the region.
£8.50.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
yorkartgallery.org.uk
17 January to 25 April
RORY’S SATURDAY CLUB
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square,
Leeds
Come down to Leeds City Museum for our Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. Drop-in, no need to book. Until 25th April. Give what you can.
17 January to 25 April.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
17 January to 28 February
DEMONSTRATIONS OF VICTORIAN HAIRWORK
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park,
Halifax
The Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths.
Free.
17 January to 28 February.
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
19 January
HOME EDUCATION: AMAZING ANIMALS WORKSHOP
Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Rd,
Leeds
Get up close to animals from around the world. In this workshop, you'll learn about adaptations, habitats and evolution by investigating a variety of birds, insects and exotic animal skeletons. Then you'll take a look at the purpose-built collection store, which houses over 800,000 natural science specimens.
£5.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
21 January
WHAT WE WORE
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park,
Halifax
A collaborative exhibition with Calderdale Dementia Hub and Bankfield Museum exploring fashion memories.
Free.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
30 January
MONTHLY KIRKSTALL ABBEY TOURS
Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Explore how different parts of the Abbey were used, touching on how the monks of Kirkstall Abbey lived and a potted history of one of Britain’s most complete Cistercian monasteries from foundation to dissolution and beyond.
£5.
10:30 am to 11:30 am.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
1 February
150th Anniversary Exhibition
The Atkinson, Lord Street,
Southport
This exhibition showcases The Atkinson’s fine art collection in the popular 19th-century ‘Salon Hang’ style, when artworks were arranged from floor to ceiling.
Free.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
https://theatkinson.co.uk/exhibition/150-anniversary-exhibition/
5 February
STUDY AFTERNOON: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Get up close with crime and punishment-related collections, including truncheons, a police lamp, and some of the ephemera collections, with a focus on crime and punishment in Leeds. Why not try out fingerprinting or learning about other crime-fighting techniques? Includes tea, coffee and cake.
£12.50.
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
11 February
YORKSHIRE GAMES FESTIVAL
The National Science and Media Museum, Pictureville,
Bradford
An extravaganza of games, culture, design, and production as the museum celebrates all things gaming across two weeks of exciting activity, including a packed half-term of gaming fun. From developer talks to networking events, to free gameplay and workshops, there’ll be lots for everyone to enjoy.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
12 February
TURNER PRIZE
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park,,
Bradford
The shortlisted artists – Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa – were announced on 23 April 2025, 250 years to the day since the birth of Turner.
Free.
10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
bradford2025.co.uk
13 February
ILKLEY BEER FESTIVAL 2026
King’s Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Rd,
Ilkley
Kings Hall & Winter Gardens for two days of amazing beer, food and entertainment.
£20.
11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
ilkleybeerfestival.org.uk
14 February
FYLDE ICE FESTIVAL
Clifton Square, Lytham
Come and have a go on the ice carving wall in Clifton Square, see a number of pre-carved ice sculptures around town on the ice trail with themes linked to Lytham, plus watch a live carving demonstration take place in front of your very eyes with ice experts Glacial Art Ice Sculptors.
Free.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
discoverfylde.co.uk
14 February
ARMLEY PRINT FEST 2026
Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Rd,
Leeds
From family fun activities to craft workshops with local printmakers and live letterpress printing demonstrations, there’s a whole load of inky greatness to suit every age and interest. Browse the curated print fair to fill your home with beautiful and unique prints from independent local makers.
11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
15 February to 22 February
DARK SKIES FESTIVAL
Forest of Bowland, Various places,
Forest of Bowland
The festival features exciting events such as a live moon watch, bat talk, star gazing, forest moon bathing, smartphone astrophotography, and crafts. Until 22nd Feb. Various times and prices.
15 February to 22 February.
forestofbowland.com
16 February
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL 2026
Jorvik, Jorvik Viking Centre,
19 Coppergate Walk
Travel back to AD 866. Eoforwic has fallen to the Great Heathen Army. Dine with the victors and enjoy a three-course feast worthy of a Jarl as they celebrate their conquest and regale you with tales of their battles and glory.
£100.
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk
17 February
JOURNEYS TO THE MATCH
Lancashire Archives, Bow Lane,
Preston
Journeys to the Match is a community-focused exhibition, exploring the everyday traditions of football fans and what makes their match day special.
Free.
11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
lancashire.gov.uk
24 February
A CREATIVE WORKSHOP: EXPLORE KIRKSTALL ABBEY
Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Explore Kirkstall Abbey, your feelings and experience of it, using textures, nature and words to make an artist's book. With artist Lynette Willoughby and poet Clare Wigzell.
£15.
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
24 February to 28 February
TIME AT BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL
Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close,
Blackburn
Time will transform the entire Cathedral into a fully immersive artwork where you will traverse a series of captivating installations that explore humanity’s evolving relationship with the concept of time.
£10.
24 February to 28 February.
blackburncathedral.com
7 March to 8 March
THE BIG SPRING STEAMPUNK WEEKEND
Heskin Hall, Wood Lane,
Chorley
The Big Spring Steampunk Weekend is our annual spring foray into all things Steampunk. Your chance to join in with your spendiferous attire (or not ). Live entertainment. Alternative, goth & more welcome.
Free.
7 March to 8 March.
heskinhall.com
10 March to 11 March
1984
The Atkinson, Lord Street,
Southport
‘To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free: From the age of uniformity, from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink… greetings!’ Award winning Box Tale Soup present a stunning new adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian classic. Known for their ingenious sets and slick storytelling, Box Tale Soup’s unique puppetry becomes a striking metaphor for Orwell’s chilling vision of power and control. The year is 1984, perhaps – it is impossible to tell for certain. We are being watched, Big Brother is everywhere, truth changes daily, and everyone conforms. But for Winston Smith, insignificant cog in the Party’s vast machine, this half-life is not enough. He dreams of freedom, but is he the only one? Dreams can be deadly when rebellion begins with a thought. Featuring the voices of Sophie Aldred & Joanna Lumley, with Simon Russell Beale as the voice of Big Brother.
£20.
10 March to 11 March.
https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/1984/
13 March to 15 March
Photo North Festival
Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square,
Leeds
Photo North Festival returns to Leeds from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, taking over the Carriageworks Theatre for its seventh edition. This acclaimed photography festival brings together world-renowned artists, emerging talent and passionate enthusiasts for a weekend of exhibitions, talks, screenings and creative connection. With access to all exhibitions and events included in the ticket price, it offers an inspiring cultural experience in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
£28.
13 March to 15 March.
https://www.photonorthfestival.co.uk
28 March to 29 March
Silsden Beer Festival 2026
Silsden Town Hall, Main Street,
Silsden
A day filled with delicious brews and good vibes. Get ready to sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for everyone.
£12.50.
28 March to 29 March.
4 April
CARD FEST 2026
UCLAN Student Union, Flyde Rd,
Preston
Trading card show featuring Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Lorcana and One Piece vendors. Kids Zone, music, food and great cards!
£10.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
https://cardfest.uk
6 April
Hebden Bridge Duck Race
Hebden Bridge
Annual duck race to raise money for The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge.
Free.
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
https://www.hebdenbridgeduckrace.uk
2 May to 3 May
Bloom Festival
Horseshoe Glamping, Back Lane,
Charnock Richard
Celebrate the May bank holiday at Bloom Festival, a weekend of fun, relaxation and trying new experiences. Set in beautiful countryside with glamping.
£150.
2 May to 3 May.
https://www.horseshoeglampingtents.com
4 May
Ilkley Carnival 2026
Ilkley Town Centre, Ilkley Town Centre,
The Grove, Ilkley
The volunteer-run May Day extravaganza over the past four events has raised more than £100,000 for local community groups which supports organisations including schools, sports clubs, scouts and guides and local charities including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Stroke Group and AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource). With a spectacular parade which starts on The Grove and attracts more than 1,000 participants from local schools, organisations and theatre groups, the highlight of every Ilkley Carnival is the day of family fun that unfolds on our fabulous showground which brings something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Ilkley for the day or part of the neighbourhood which makes this wonderful event the success it is today, Ilkley Carnival is a not-to-be-missed annual event which kickstarts a season of festivals and family celebrations in this wonderful town. With all profits made from ticket sales going back into the local community, Ilkley Carnival is so much more than a one-day festival – with your support and that of the teams of volunteers who make it happen, it’s an event that makes a difference to many lives all year, every year.
Free.
11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
https://www.ilkleycarnival.org
6 May to 17 May
HuddLitFest
Huddersfield Town Hall ,
Huddersfield
HuddLitFest is an award-winning Festival taking place annually in May, with community, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart. Join us in venues and online for a celebration of books and authors, poetry and performance – and much more. Meet your favourite authors, discover new talent and hone your own skills. Many free or low-cost events, including some hybrid and online events and some with live subtitling by Stagetext.
6 May to 17 May.
https://www.huddlitfest.org.uk
16 May to 29 May
BLACKPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL
King’s Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Rd,
Ilkley
The Blackpool Dance Festival began in 1920 in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Covering a period of fourteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams. 2026 will see the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Festival.
16 May to 29 May.
https://blackpooldancefestival.com