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22
Jul
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, July 24-26
See award-winning authors and rising stars under one roof
The 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival takes place this week from July 23 to 26 at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, bringing together some of the biggest names in crime fiction alongside emerging authors.
Widely recognised as one of the world’s leading crime writing festivals, the four-day festival features author interviews, panel discussions, creative writing workshops, book signings and special events, offering readers the chance to meet bestselling writers and discover new talent.
The 2026 programme is chaired by bestselling psychological thriller author Lisa Jewell, with headliners including David Baldacci, Ann Cleeves, Steve Cavanagh, Alice Feeney, Gillian McAllister and Nadine Matheson. The festival also hosts the prestigious Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, making it one of the highlights of the UK’s literary calendar.
Various prices and times, July 23 to 26, The Old Swan Hotel, Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SR.
Watch Romeo & Juliet al fresco at Ripon Racecourse
As part of the 2026 Ripon Theatre Festival, Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet will be performed at Ripon Racecourse on Friday evening, offering audiences the chance to experience the classic tragedy in a unique outdoor setting.
Staged by Illyria, an open-air theatre company, the production brings Shakespeare’s tale of love, rivalry and fate to life with a contemporary interpretation while remaining faithful to Shakespeare’s text.
The performance forms part of the festival’s programme of theatre, music and arts events, showcasing live performances in distinctive venues across Ripon.
Suitable for ages seven and over. Tickets cost £20.05 for under-16s and £21.68 for adults, July 24, Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG.
Enjoy live vocals and the greatest Motown hits
The Magic of Motown comes to Harrogate Theatre on Saturday as part of its UK tour.
The concert features a live band, vocalists, choreographed dance routines and period-inspired costumes, performing classic hits associated with artists including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson and The Jackson 5.
Celebrating the music of the 1960s and 1970s, the production recreates many of Motown’s best-known songs with a live band, vocalists and choreography
From £37, 7.30pm, July 25, Harrogate Theatre, 3 Garrick Building, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 5QF
K-Pop All Stars are performing at the end of July. Credit: Entertainers UK
Experience the music, dance and energy of K-Pop All Stars
K-Pop All Stars Tribute 2026 comes to Harrogate Convention Centre on Sunday, celebrating one of the world's most popular music genres.
Featuring a cast of professional performers, the production showcases choreography created exclusively for the show alongside concert-style lighting, visuals and staging.
Audiences can expect performances inspired by some of K-pop’s biggest names, including Blackpink, BTS, NewJeans, Itzy, Twice, Stray Kids and Jung Kook, making it suitable for both dedicated fans and newcomers to K-pop.
Read more here.
From £31, 7.30pm, July 26, Harrogate Convention Centre, King’s Road, Harrogate, HG1 5LA.
Celebrate the best of Yorkshire’s countryside traditions
The Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show is taking place on Sunday in the grounds of Newby Hall near Ripon.
Visitors can enjoy livestock and equestrian competitions, vintage vehicles, local produce, horticultural displays, baking, handicrafts, photography, flower arranging, children’s classes and a range of family entertainment, including Grand Ring attractions, children’s races and terrier racing.
The event celebrates Yorkshire’s rural heritage by showcasing local farming, community talent and countryside traditions in a family-friendly setting. Admission to the gardens and adventure playground is included with show entry, while guided tours of the Georgian house are available for an additional charge.
Free for under-12s, £5 online or £6.50 for children aged 13 to 17 years old, £12.95 online or £16 on the gate, 9.30am-5pm, July 26, Newby Hall, Ripon, HG4 5AE.
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