Our guide to what’s on in 2025!
Here at the Riviera Guesthouse in Whitby, we know there’s lots of events to experience along with things to do, and places to visit.
As we do every year, we have put together our 2025 what’s on guide, and don’t forget we have our very own What’s On page on our website which is updated regularly.
Keep checking this page so you can plan ahead, book your stay with us and enjoy some excellent events!
Don’t forget that after Christmas, we will renovate the Riviera Guesthouse.
We’ve decided to close the doors as we’ll be gutting parts of the property, and no-one wants to stay on a building site!
Therefore, some of these early 2025 events are perfect for a day visit to Whitby so you can get your Yorkshire Coast fill before the holiday season kicks into gear.
Lastly, we will update this blog as the year goes on as events are further 2025 events are announced.
You can also take a look at our very handy Things To Do guide on our website.
Key Events in Whitby
Whitby is located on the spectacular Yorkshire Coast and in itself is a wonderful place to visit.
There are so many free things to do: walk the Cleveland Way, saunter along the Cinder Track, visit the beaches, wander along the piers … the list is huge!
However, visiting our lovely town isn’t complete without an immersive experience or two during your visit.
If you are planning a visit to Whitby, then here are some key events that will give you a true taste of the town, its atmosphere and its people.
Whitby Steampunk Festival
8th and 9th February 2025
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff
This eponymous event is a MUST for steampunk fans.
There are usually two such events each year in Whitby, the first taking place in February, the other in July.
Dark Skies Festival
14th February to 2nd March 2025
This ‘stellar’ festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2025.
Nearly always a sell-out, this night sky event takes place in the North York Moors National Park.
Activities lined up for 2025 including night runs, canoeing and night navigation, astrophotography workshops, stargazing safaris, daytime trails and mindful experiences.
Whitby Goth Weekend®
The 2025 dates have already been announced for this world-famous celebration of Goth culture with the first event taking place 24th, 25th and 26th April 2025, while the second event takes place 30th October, 31st October, 1st November and 2nd November.
Whitby Fish and Ships Festival
17th and 18th May, Endeavour Wharf, Langborne Road
A maritime festival including music, food, children’s events and more.
Whitby Regatta
9th, 10th and 11th August throughout the town
One of the most popular regattas along the coast, Whitby Regatta certainly brings in the crowds!
It also features all sorts of parades, music and more.
You have to book early for this one here at the Riviera Guesthouse as it is popular with both visitors and residents.
Whitby Folk Week
16th to 22nd August, Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff
A must for folk fans, Whitby Folk Week features great artists and attracts audiences from far and wide.
Whitby Pirate Festival
29th August, Whitby Harbour
An event filled with lots of swash and buckle, this is a family friendly festival and is one of our favourites!
Staithes Lifeboat Weekend
8th, 9th and 10th August
Taking place at nearby Staithes, this is a true celebration of the village lifeboat, its community and history.
Whitby Motown & Soul Weekender
12th and 13th September, Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff
This popular music genre is the focus of this incredible weekend.
A Night at the Darts Whitby 2025
26th September, Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff
If you love the atmosphere of this popular sport, this is a must for you.
Musicport World Music Festival
24th, 25th and 26th October, Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff
This globally renowned music event takes place just a hop, skip and jump away from the Riviera Guesthouse.
Whitby Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival
14th, 15th and 16th November, Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff
An event that is fantastic for a varied yet connected music extravaganza.
And There’s More
Whitby Pavilion hosts countless live music events, musicals, film, gift fairs and more throughout the year.
Whitby Abbey
One of Whitby’s famous landmarks with an incredible history it also hosts a number of events throughout the year.
Its 2025 calendar kicks off in February, from 15th to 23rd during which everyone can become a history maker!
On 11th July, the Dance Anthems Orchestra visits Whitby Abbey
Then on July 12th, the UK Proms Tour comes to Whitby Abbey for an open air concert like no other.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
An amazing heritage railway that is one of the UK’s finest, running steam trains throughout most of the year.
While their 2025 events have yet to be announced, there’s bound to be the return of some popular favourites, including the Steam Gala and the Santa Specials.
Agricultural and Country Shows 2025
Always popular with families, couples and solo travellers: you can get completely immersed in the culture and variety of this celebration of rural life.
Show dates for 2025 include the following:
Egton Gooseberry Show 5th August
Danby Show 13th August
Rosedale Show 16th August
Egton Show 20th August
Farndale Show 25th August
Lealholm Show 6th September
Stokesley Show 20th September
All dates correct at time of posting, please check before you travel.
Food Festivals 2025
These popular foodie events take place throughout Yorkshire.
Ones that are within an easy distance of Whitby include:
Filey Food Festival
Dates are: 19th and 20th April, 7th and 8th June, 9th and 10th August, 11th and 12th October 2025.
Malton Food Lovers Festival
This usually takes place in late May, dates have yet to be announced.
Whiskyside Festival: English Spirits Showcase 2025
Scarborough Spa, 28th June 2025
Scarborough Food and Drink Festival
Scarborough Open Air Theatre 12th and 13th April
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Although this iconic venue is about 20 miles from Whitby, year on year the Open Air Theatre attracts some globally-famous music industry names; be aware some tickets have already sold out.
2025’s line up is the best yet:
The Corrs with Natalie Imbruglia
11th June
Gary Barlow
13th June
Shed Seven
14th June
Pendulum
20th June
Basement Jaxx
21st June
Human League
28th June
The Script
5th July
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell
6th July
Blossoms
10th July
Rag’n’Bone Man
11th July
McFly
12th July
Judas Priest
23rd July
Texas
26th July
Bank Holidays in 2025
After the New Year Celebrations, it is a long stretch until Easter, which falls very late in 2025.
The dates for 2025’s Bank Holidays are:
Good Friday 18th April
Easter Monday 21st April
Early May Bank Holiday 5th May
Spring Bank Holiday 26th May
Summer Bank Holiday 25th August
Christmas Day 25th December
Boxing Day 26th December
As you no doubt are aware, here at the Riviera Guesthouse, from Christmas 2024, we will be working hard to refurbish part of the property.
We have decided to close the guesthouse to make this happen.
We will open again from Easter 2025.
Things Whitby is Famous For
Whitby has lots of famous connections to fictional and real-life figures.
Bram Stoker visited Whitby and based part of his novel Dracula in the town.
Explorer Captain James Cook has strong connections to Whitby.
You can visit the Captain Cook Museum to find out more.
The town is also famous for Whitby Jet and did you know Whitby and the surrounding area have featured in many Hollywood films?
About the Riviera Guesthouse
We are a family-run, independent business, running a busy guesthouse overlooking the North Sea.
Riviera Guesthouse is located just moments from the Captain Cook Memorial and the Whalebone Arch.
The majority of our 15 bedrooms are sea-facing and all have en-suite facilities, LCD TV’s, free and fast Wifi, refreshment trays and large white fluffy towels.
Our breakfasts are another reason why guests return to the Riviera when they visit Whitby. Choose from a cooked or continental breakfast, served in our dining rooms with ‘floor to ceiling’ bay windows boasting stunning sea views. It’s a fantastic setting to fill your tummy before you head out for a day’s adventure in and around Whitby.
You will find us at 4 Crescent Terrace, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3EL
Telephone: 01947 602533
Email: info@rivierawhitby.com
