Watch the Stray fireworks display

The Stray Bonfire and Firework Display is one of the key events in Harrogate, featuring live music, a bonfire and fireworks.

Taking place on Saturday November 2, there will be entertainment for all the family including face painting (top tip: give yourself plenty of time as there’s usually a queue), as well as food and drink stalls.

Run by Harrogate Round Table and held at Oatlands Drive, close to St Aidan’s School, the event is free but there’s a suggested donation of £5 per person to St Michael’s Hospice.

If you can’t make that bonfire display, check out these others instead.

Entertainment from 5pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks from 7.15pm, November 2, Oatlands Stray near St. Aidan’s School. 

Go on a spooky Ripon Halloween trail

Enjoy a spooky Halloween trail in Ripon, hosted by the Ripon BID.

Running until November 3, search cafés, shops and business windows across the town for special numbered pumpkins, then complete your trail sheet and return to the letter box at the Ripon BID office on Westgate for a chance to win a cash prize.

All you need to do is pick up a trail map from Ripon Library, BID Office, Little Ripon Bookshop, Specsavers or HalliCustom and get pumpkin spotting.

Free, until November 3, return your form to Ripon BID, 8 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT.

Create your own gin

Head to Masham this weekend where you can learn the art of distilling and what it takes to produce a well-balanced and harmonious London Dry Gin from the Spirit of Masham Distillery.

Choose your own botanicals then learn the art of distillation – you will be allocated one of the 12 copper alembic stills for your own personal use – then take your very own 70cl bottle home with you. 

£95, 1pm-4.30pm, November 2, Spirit of Masham Distillery, Unit 1 Masham Business Park, Fearby Road, Masham, HG4 4ES.

Do you enjoy getting out and about in the local area? Don't forget that as a Stray Ferret subscriber, you have access to exclusive local discounts and offers.

Enjoy coffee at a charity event

Join Heal for its charity event in support of St Michael’s Hospice. Sip on a complimentary coffee, courtesy of its local roaster, Dark Woods. While your coffee is on the house, Heal encourages you to make a donation – no matter how big or small – to help raise vital funds for the local charity.

And as a bonus, anyone who donates will receive a 10 per cent discount on all of Heal’s retail goods, making it easier to tick off some Christmas shopping while supporting a good cause.

Lastly, there will also be a raffle to take part in with prizes from Morgan Clare, Richard Grafton Interiors and Owl clothing.

Free but a donation is suggested, November 2-3, 6 Montpellier Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2TF.

Make Halloween-themed crafts

Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate is putting on a free, self-led family Halloween craft session.

Perfect for children of all ages, there’s no need to book, all you need to do is drop in and let your creativity flow. And while you’re there, check out the New Light Prize Exhibition that showcases northern talent and is on until 5 January 2025.

Free, 9.30am-4pm, until November 3, Mercer Art Gallery, 31 Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA.

Also check out...

HG3 Sweat Gym is taking fundraising efforts to a whole new level this November with an action-packed 24-hour workout, aimed at raising funds and awareness for Movember. Movember does critical work in men’s health and raises awareness for important issues such as prostate cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

The event will run from midday on November 1 through to midday on November 2, challenging participants to take on a new workout every hour, on the hour, for a full 24 hours. 

To support or take part, visit HG3 Sweat or contact Sarah and Pete at info@hg3fitness.com