Looking for the best things to do in Skipton in spring and summer 2025? Whether planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, this historic market town in North Yorkshire is packed with charm—and a full calendar of seasonal events. There’s plenty to explore, from the scenic canal basin and ancient woodlands to Skipton Castle and the award-winning Craven Museum. But it’s the town’s spring and summer events that bring it to life. Read on for the top events in Skipton for 2025!
The Best Events in Skipton: Spring & Summer 2025
Giant Easter Egg Trail
Where: Various locations
When: 5th to 21st April
Free Easter hunts and trails are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays—and this one created by Skipton BID is a real treat! Pick up a trail leaflet from Craven Court Shopping Centre or Skipton Town Hall, then follow the map to track down a series of giant, colourful Easter eggs hidden around town. Each egg features a letter, and once you’ve found them all, they’ll spell out a seasonal word. Pop your completed leaflet into one of the special entry boxes for a chance to win a hamper full of goodies. Kids will love the egg hunt, and grown-ups get the bonus of exploring all the charms of this beautiful market town along the way.
Family-Friendly Easter Event
Where: Canal Basin
When: Saturday 19th April
On Saturday 19th April, Skipton’s picturesque canal basin will come alive with family-friendly Easter fun. From 10 am to 3 pm, this free Easter event promises a packed schedule of activities and entertainment for all ages. Highlights include a petting zoo, circus skills workshops, beeswax candle making, plus food and live performances from local community groups and businesses. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day in Skipton—fun, free, and full of local flavour. A cracking day out for the whole family!
Skipton Beer Festival
Where: Skipton Town Hall
When: Thursday 22nd May – Saturday 24th May 2025
Beer lovers, rejoice—Skipton Beer Festival is back for 2025! Running from Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th May at Skipton Town Hall, this much-loved event brings together an impressive selection of 70 cask ales, plus keykeg beers, ciders, and more. Whether you’re into real ale, cider, lager, prosecco or wine, there’s something to suit every taste—and plenty of delicious hot food from top local businesses to soak it all up. Organised by the dedicated volunteers of the Keighley & Craven branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the festival has been a local favourite since 2007. It’s a ticketless event, so just turn up, pay at the door, and enjoy! Open from 11 am–10 pm on Thursday and Friday, and 11 am–8 pm on Saturday. Cheers!
Skipton Car Show
Where: High Street
When: Sunday 1st June
Skipton Car Show rolls into town on Sunday 1st June, taking over the High Street from 10 am to 3 pm with an incredible display of wheels from across the decades. Since its launch in 2015, the show has grown into a much-anticipated annual event, drawing car lovers of all stripes. Unlike your typical classic car show, this one celebrates all kinds of vehicles—from vintage and retro to American muscle, hot rods, motorcycles, and even the occasional truck. With Skipton’s historic High Street as the stunning backdrop, it’s more than just a car show—it’s a vibrant day out with something for petrolheads and curious onlookers alike. Expect polished chrome, roaring engines, and plenty of photo opportunities!
Skipton Gala
Where: Procession through the town and then funfair, food and entertainment at Aireville Park
When: 14th June
A real highlight of the Skipton events calendar, Skipton Gala is a fun-filled day that brings the whole community together. It all kicks off with a lively procession of decorated vehicles, floats, local dance groups and uniformed services, starting on Westmoreland Street and winding its way to Aireville Park. Once there, you’ll find a full schedule of live entertainment, a buzzing funfair, and a mouth-watering selection of food vendors serving everything from gyros and churros to classic burgers and candyfloss. One of the day’s standout moments is the crowning of Skipton’s incoming Gala Queen. It’s a brilliant day out for all ages and a great way to experience the town at its most vibrant.
Sheep Day
Where: High Street
When: Sunday 29th June
Sheep Day offers a relaxed and enjoyable day out for all ages. On Sunday, 30th June, from 10 am to 4 pm, Skipton High Street will host a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.
The famous Sheep Show will be one of the main attractions, featuring several woolly characters. There’s also a falconry display, allowing visitors to hold birds of prey and snap a memorable photo. For animal lovers, the petting zoo is always the first stop, offering a chance to get up close to a variety of friendly farm animals.
The sheep races are sure to entertain, with competitors racing for the title of fastest sheep. There will also be tractor displays, ice cream-making demonstrations, and a selection of food stalls to explore. With plenty to see and do and a lively atmosphere, Sheep Day is always an enjoyable experience!
Yorkshire Day
Where: Canal Basin
When: Friday 1st August
Yorkshire Day, on Friday, 1st August, will see Skipton come alive with a vibrant celebration of all things Yorkshire at the Canal Basin. This annual event marks the town’s tribute to the county, with live entertainment throughout the day, including music and local performances that capture the spirit of Yorkshire.
Visitors can explore a range of food vendors offering all kinds of tasty treats, along with stalls selling locally made goods. Whether you’re sampling Yorkshire’s finest foods, picking up unique crafts, or enjoying the lively atmosphere, Yorkshire Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the county’s heritage and community spirit in the heart of Skipton.
Skipton Pride
Where: High Street
When: Sunday 1st August
Skipton Pride is set to take place on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, marking a significant milestone as the event moves to Skipton High Street for the first time.
While full details are yet to be announced, attendees can anticipate a vibrant day filled with live performances, including music and theatrical acts, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community. A variety of stalls will offer food, drinks, and locally made goods, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event aims to be inclusive and welcoming, providing activities suitable for all ages.
Notably, Skipton Pride has recently achieved registered charity status, paving the way for sustainable growth and the continuation of this celebration in the years to come.
For the most current information and updates, keep an eye on the official Skipton Pride Facebook page.
Art in the Pen
Where: Skipton Auction Mart
When: 16th and 17th August
Art in the Pen is a must-visit event for anyone who loves contemporary art and craft. Taking place on 16th and 17th August at Skipton Auction Mart, this unique event brings together over 200 artists and makers, showcasing their work in a truly one-of-a-kind setting. The cattle pens are transformed into vibrant galleries, each one displaying an impressive variety of artwork and crafts.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore and enjoy a diverse range of creative works, from paintings and sculptures to handmade jewellery and ceramics. You can meet the artists, hear about their processes, and maybe even find something special to take home.
With tickets priced at just £6 and under-16s able to enter for free, it’s an affordable and inspiring way to spend your weekend. Whether you’re a long-time art lover or just looking for something new, Art in the Pen offers a brilliant, relaxed atmosphere to discover new talent and immerse yourself in creativity.
