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15
Oct
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, October 17-19
Catch Educating Rita at Fraser Theatre
The Knaresborough Players return to the stage this weekend with Willy Russell’s beloved classic Educating Rita. The production runs from Wednesday, October 15 to Saturday, October 18 at The Fraser Theatre, Knaresborough.
This witty and heartwarming two-hander follows the unlikely bond between Rita, a spirited hairdresser seeking education, and Frank, a jaded academic with a love of poetry and drink.
As their worlds collide, both discover unexpected lessons about life, ambition and self-worth.
Tickets £10 (£8 concessions), evening performances are at 7.30pm from October 15 to 18, with a matinee at 2.30pm on October 16. The Fraser Theatre, Park Crescent, Knaresborough, HG5 0EQ.
Watch stand-up comedy
In his show Daddy Autism, comedian Joe Wells delivers a poignant and sharply funny exploration of impending fatherhood through the lens of neurodiversity.
Performing at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, Joe – known for his honest and incisive takes on autism and mental health – confronts the realities, fears and joys of becoming a parent while autistic, with his trademark blend of wit and vulnerability.
With the likelihood that his child may also be neurodivergent, Wells offers a refreshing and necessary perspective rarely seen on stage. The show continues Wells' vital work in breaking down stigma and celebrating difference – all while making audiences laugh.
From £18.15 each, from 7.30pm, October 17, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL.
Go to a folk concert
Folk-rock band Fairport Convention returns to Masham Town Hall as part of its 2025 autumn tour, celebrating 58 years of music-making.
With a line-up featuring founding member Simon Nicol alongside long-time collaborators Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders and Chris Leslie, Fairport Convention blends new material with the traditions that established their reputation in British folk music.
Expect a mixture of beloved classics and fresh surprises from across its extensive catalogue – all delivered with the energy, warmth and musicianship that have earned the band a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award.
£30, 7.30pm-10pm, October 17, Masham Town Hall, Market Place, Masham, HG4 4DY.
Mama G. Photo: Kinetic Photography
Go to The Raworths Children’s Festival
Returning this weekend as part of the Harrogate Literature Festival, The Raworths Children's Festival features two days of exciting events at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate that are sure to inspire young minds and keep them entertained.
From playful adventures and sensory storytelling to tales that bring dinosaurs and Greek myths to life, highlights include songs, stories and dancing.
Panto star Mama G will run a fun, feel-good session for little ones. Meanwhile, dinosaur fans will love My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs with author Anne Brusatte and palaeontologist Steve Brusatte.
There's also the opportunity to meet Royal Ballet star Steven McRae and try a few moves – no tutus needed, while you can spy clues and create stories with Badgers Are Go! author Susannah Lloyd (ages six plus), and dive into modern Greek myths with Tom Vaughan’s Hercules: Zero to Hero.
The celebration of creativity and storytelling aims to inspire the next generation of writers and readers.
Tickets £7, various times; see the website for details, October 18-19, Raworths Children’s Festival, The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.
A mushroom growing at RHS Harlow Carr. Photo: Sam Booth
Step into the secret life of fungi
Explore fascinating fungi at RHS Harlow Carr this weekend, with events perfect for both curious beginners and seasoned mycologists.
Join expert-led Fungus Forays on Saturday and Sunday with the Mid Yorkshire Fungus Group, and catch Dr. Jassy Drakulic’s talk on her new book RHS Fungi for Gardeners.
With hands-on identification sessions and expert insights, it’s a unique chance to discover the weird and wonderful fungi hidden in the natural world.
Free with RHS Harlow Carr membership, for non-members normal garden entry applies, simply sign up on the day – the event is first come, first served, 11.30am and 1.30pm on both days, October 18-19, RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.
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