'A highlight of our cultural calendar' - Scarborough Fair showpiece programme heading back to the resort

Running from May to August, The Scarborough Fair is set to transform the resort again this summer with a vibrant season of festivals. bringing more than 170 events to almost 50 venues.

The 2026 summer season includes three flagship festivals alongside the popular Big Ideas by the Sea, creating a packed programme that places Scarborough’s creative community firmly in the spotlight.

Scarborough Streets runs from May 29 to 31, while Scarborough Fringe takes place between June 12 and 21 with Scarborough Art running between July 4 and August 2.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “The Scarborough Fair has become a real highlight of our cultural calendar, bringing creativity, colour and energy into every corner of the town.

“With events for all ages and so many opportunities to get involved, this summer’s programme is a fantastic invitation to residents and visitors alike to experience Scarborough at its very best.”

Scarborough-based mosaic artist, Gabrielle Naptali, is returning to The Scarborough Fair for the second time.

She said: “Last year was my first chance to be involved in The Scarborough Fair.

"It was a great opportunity to launch my then-new studio, Scarborough Mosaic Workshop on South Cliff and have local people and visitors visit there for workshops throughout July.

“This year's sessions will involve adding in 3D elements, such as pebbles, shells, slate and crockery, into our Seaside Mosaic 'Postcards'.”

Ms Naptali said she loved to meet new people and host them in the calm and relaxing atmosphere of her studio.

She said: “The Scarborough Fair plays a great role in bringing people together in familiar yet uniquely presented sites and settings, getting people to think differently about our precious home."

Big Ideas by the Sea features heritage, archaeology and environmental events, while Scarborough Streets is a curated festival of free outdoor events, street art, performances, and workshops.

It takes place across several locations in the town centre over the last weekend of half term and features both professional acts and community groups, with special offers from local high street businesses.

Scarborough Fringe is an open-access arts festival, featuring theatre, music, comedy, dance, spoken word and children’s shows with free and ticketed events in venues large and small.

New for this year is Fringe Streets, a free street event on Saturday, June 13, where acts involved in Scarborough Fringe will be performing excerpts from their shows.

Scarborough Art will give people the chance to discover work from the local creative community, and includes painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking.

The first Scarborough Art Fair will take place on July 4 from 11am to 4pm when a selection of artists will have stalls in Scarborough town centre.

There will also be glass art demonstrations, with a chance to chat to artists about their techniques and have a go at some crafty sessions.

A grant of £149,479 was awarded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority towards Scarborough Streets, including Fringe Streets and Scarborough Art Fair.

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “High streets are constantly changing, but they have, and always will be, hubs for our communities.”

The chair of North Yorkshire Council’s Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, Cllr Liz Colling, said the importance of The Scarborough Fair to the town could not be underestimated.

She said: “It is so much more than an event - it sits at the heart of our town’s heritage and identity, bringing residents and visitors together in a shared celebration.

“At the same time, it plays a vital role in our local economy, supporting jobs, welcoming visitors and evolving with modern trends to keep Scarborough lively, relevant and thriving.”

Visit www.scarboroughfair.uk for more.