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29
Oct
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, October 31 - November 2
Art, heart and community unite in this creative showcase
The Big Art Show returns to Queen Mary’s School in Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, promising an inspiring celebration of creativity and community. Running until Saturday, the event gathers over 70 northern artists - both established and emerging - to showcase more than 750 original works ranging from paintings and etchings to sculpture and ceramics.
The Big Art Show. Artwork by North Yorkshire-based Rob Shaw.
With pieces priced from £40 to £5,000, the show offers something for every art lover, whether a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer. Beyond its visual appeal, The Big Art Show carries a charitable heart, raising funds for the Yorkshire Children’s Charity.
Set in a picturesque rural venue, it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity, meet talented local artists, and support a meaningful cause.
Free, open 10am-3pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and 10am-6pm on Thursday, until November 1, Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, YO7 3BZ.
Enjoy bonfires, fireworks and family fun
This weekend, North Yorkshire will light up with a series of bonfire night celebrations.
The fireworks and family LED show at Rudding Park in Harrogate will take place on Saturday, as will Yolk Farm’s, offering a more relaxed bonfire with live music and street food. Lightwater Valley’s synchronised firework display also adds extra sparkle on this date.
On Sunday, November 2, the celebrations continue with the Queen’s Head Inn bonfire in Kettlesing, Harrogate Railway Centre’s fireworks and fair in Starbeck, and Spofforth Village’s bonfire and live music.
From grand displays to local gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For our full Bonfire and Firework event listings, click here.
Garth Bayley painting en plein air
From canvas to ceramics: meet the makers
This weekend visit the Winter Open Studios, where people can explore a wide range of studios across the region, discovering one-of-a-kind artworks that make perfect gifts or subtle hints for loved ones.
Visitors can tour artists’ studios, meet the makers of paintings, ceramics, textiles, and more, and gain insight into their creative processes. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up original gifts for the upcoming festive season or simply to be inspired by the variety of work on display.
With some artists in new locations this year, the event encourages exploration and discovery, offering a fresh experience even for returning visitors, as well as new artists exhibiting for the first time.
Free, 11am to 4pm, November 1-2, various locations; see the website for details.
Spot the stars in the dark skies
As part of the Dark Skies Festival, which runs until November 2, How Stean Gorge near Pateley Bridge is inviting visitors to enjoy night-time adventures under the stars – from instructor-led canoeing to via ferrata experiences that blend excitement with astronomy. The activities continue beyond the main festival, running until November 30.
Over in the North York Moors, the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre is hosting a stargazing evening on November 1, with telescopes, expert guidance, and one of the UK’s clearest dark-sky panoramas.
For those drawn to the coast, the Smugglers’ Paradise Night Walk at Robin Hood’s Bay, also on November 1, offers a magical way to experience Yorkshire’s Dark Skies Fringe Festival. As dusk descends, walkers can enjoy sweeping views of the Milky Way above the North Sea while uncovering tales of smugglers and seafaring intrigue that shaped the bay’s history.
It’s a weekend to wrap up warm, grab a red-light torch, and explore Yorkshire’s star-studded skies — whether by gorge, moor, or sea.
Events take place at various times, dates and locations across Yorkshire; see the Dark Skies Festival website for details.
Head out on a seasonal adventure with Ripon’s Pumpkin Trail
Take an autumnal adventure with Ripon's Pumpkin Trail.
The trail encourages children and their families to wander through Ripon’s historic streets, spotting hidden pumpkins in the windows of participating local businesses.
Organised by Ripon BID, the initiative supports local shops, brings the community together, and offers families a free, memorable half-term experience in the heart of the town.
Free, trail sheets can be picked up in town from participating businesses, until November 3, Ripon Market Square and beyond.
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