May Bank Holiday Events in Yorkshire
The sun is finally out, but will it stay out for the bank holiday? Stay tuned. Sunshine or not, we’re spoilt with bank holidays in May! Kick off the summer season right and make the most of the long weekend at any of these intriguing events across Yorkshire, which are ideal to enjoy with your family or friends.
From bustling food festivals to live music sessions at Yorkshire’s finest destination, you’re sure to find something you love with these May Bank Holiday events.
May Spring Bank Holiday Events in Yorkshire
The Minuty Terrace | Saltmoore | From Saturday 3rd May
Sandsend is getting a taste of Provence with Saltmoore’s Chateau Minuty terrace takeover this Spring and Summer. Unwind with a crisp glass of Provence rose and enjoy the beautiful Yorkshire coast alongside a menu of seaside favourites and seasonal plates.
Launching this bank holiday weekend, you know where to find us for the rest of the summer.
Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST
Harewood in Bloom | Harewood House | Friday 2nd – Monday 4th May
This May Bank holiday, enjoy the blooming landscape of Harewood’s 140-acre estate with their floristry festival, Harewood in Bloom.
Discover inspiring displays, hands-on experiences, and the beauty of spring in full force throughout the house, gardens, and grounds. Created by award-winning floristry, Leafy Couture, enjoy everything from dramatic displays to workshops, celebrating the beauty of spring.
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Bank Holiday BBQ | Swinton Estate | Monday 4th May
The Terrace Restaurant & Bar, tucked in Swinton’s 20,00 acre estate, is hosting the ultimate bank holiday BBQ. With blue skies overhead and a glass in hand, settle in for an almighty feast and make the very best of the long weekend.
The menu shines a spotlight on the very best produce from the estate and beyond, with a spread featuring everything from estate venison burgers, smoked brisket of beef from Waterford Farm, and tender Yorkshire chicken breasts. Paired with fresh salads and tasty vegetarian options, it’s perfect for easy, indulgent sharing.
Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
Harrogate Artisan Market | Valley Gardens | Sunday 3rd – Monday 4th May
Nothing says bank holiday like a stroll around an artisan market, treat yourself to a coffee and pastry whilst working your way through some of the best market stalls Yorkshire has to offer.
Little Birds Market pop-up across Yorkshire frequently with local and independent producers showcasing some amazing talent. It’s the perfect place for drinking, shopping, eating and relaxing.
Valley Dr, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Spring afternoon tea | The Grand, York | Served every day
York’s very best afternoon tea has had a spring makeover. The Grand’s spring afternoon till is bursting bright and bold flavours in spring. It’s not only a seasonal twist on their iconic afternoon tea but a celebration of the Yorkshire flavours of the season.
Head Pastry Chef Devin Jones has crafted the perfect experience that oozes elegance and grandeur, making for the perfect afternoon to treat youself or someone special.
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
Koko Evenings | House of Koko, Leeds | Every Saturday
If refined yet relaxed dining is your thing, you can’t miss Koko Evenings, which launched earlier this April. House of Koko in Leeds City Centre is swapping poached eggs for homemade labneh and onglet steak with their new Lebanese-inspired evening menu.
Join them every Saturday for wine, small plates or even a cheeky cocktail.
18 Central Rd, Leeds LS1 6DE
Ilkley Carnival | Monday 6th May
Ilkley Carnival will be taking over this small West Yorkshire Town on May Day! For the past four this event has raised more than £100,000 for local community groups and is an idylic day where the whole community really comes together.
Don’t miss the parade that starts on The Grove, with over 1,000 participants this year’s theme will be children’s books. Enjoy live music, good food and an even better atmosphere.
South Bank, Castle Rd, Ilkley LS29 0AF
Sunday Sessions | Grantley Hall, Ripon | Every Sunday
Grantley Hall have perfected their ‘Sunday Sessions’ in The Orchard for the spring and summer months. Expect a warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, refreshing cocktails and outstanding food at Yorkshire’s renowned five-star hotel.
Sessions are hosted each Sunday, so make the most of the longer evenings and enjoy acoustic sounds by a variety of local artists. Their food and drink menus boast light and refreshing options, including Whitby Lobster, Chargrilled Seabass and other delectable dishes. This Bank Holiday weekend, sip on a glass of Champagne or a Chandon Garden Spritz and bask in beautiful countryside views at sunset.
Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
Sheffield Food Festival | Saturday 25th – Monday 27th May
Sheffield Food Festival will be returning to the Steel City on the May Bank Holiday, bringing an exciting blend of great local produce, mouthwatering street food, talented chefs and outstanding brewers and distillers. Expect to see a spectacular selection of ready-to-eat, delicious food cooked live for diners.
This year, there’ll be whole sections dedicated to different cuisines such as a Street Food section, Artisan Market, Info Village and of course the Main Stage and bar showcasing the best live music. This is set to be one of Yorkshire’s most exciting May Bank Holiday events!
Soulful Sessions | CrowdedHouse, Leeds | Saturday 23rd May
Perched atop CrowdedHouse, Soulful Sessions is your bank holiday rooftop fix. Expect a slick soundtrack of soul, disco and house, with Neil Pierce joining a lineup of soulful house DJs spinning late into the night.
Cocktails, sunset views over Leeds, and an easy, feel-good crowd make Level 6 the place to be, whether you’re dancing or just settling in with friends.
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW
Great British Food Festival | Harewood House, Leeds | Saturday 25th – Monday 27th May
The Great British Food Festival at Harewood House is the perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out where the whole family can get together. For three days over the Bank Holiday weekend, you can see fabulous artisan producers, street food, celebrity chef demos, live music, kids’ activities and men vs meat.
The Great British Food Festival is also dog-friendly, so it’s perfect for the whole family. It’s not too late to join in these May Bank Holiday events!
Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LE
Thor’s Tipi | City Square, Leeds | From May 14th
Our favourite city centre seasonal bar is back, and this time the sun is shining! Whether it’s a spritz or a pint of something more local, this addition to City Square is going to be perfect for a long summer of relaxing.
Each Friday, you can expect themed events from Hawaiian to Oktoberfest, but crisp pints, fire pits and glitterballs are guaranteed.
6-course menu with paired cocktails at Selena in Sheffield
New Era Square, Sheffield S2 4BF- Stylish and sophisticated venue in the heart of Sheffield
- Vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dishes
- SAVE 10% off
Silversmiths Bottomless Brunch Sheffield
Silversmiths, Sheffield S1 2NT- Popular Sheffield city centre restaurant
- Forget plain old avo-on-toast; expect Dressed Crab Benedict, Chicken & Waffles and Turkish Eggs.
- SAVE 21% off
Yorebridge House 5* Stay with Breakfast
- Voted the number one most romantic hotel in the UK
- Five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the dales
- SAVE 32%
Tasting Menu with Paired Wines & Champagne at Hotel Du Vin York
89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX- AA-Rosette awarded Bistro a stone’s throw from York city centre
- SAVE 17% off
Written by
12/04/2026