top of page

The Northern Food Festivals to Have on Your Radar This Spring and Summer

Updated: May 11

As soon as the weather shifts, plans tend to move outside - and across the North, that usually means food festivals.


From big weekends in parks to riverside setups and countryside events, there’s a strong run of food festivals happening across Leeds, Manchester and beyond this spring and summer. The kind of days where you go for a few hours and end up staying all day.


Here’s what to have on your radar....


North Leeds Food Festival at Roundhay Park (9–10 May 2026)

One of the biggest in Leeds and always one of the busiest. Roundhay Park fills with street food, artisan traders and live music, with plenty of space to settle in for the day.



South Manchester Food Festival at Wythenshawe Park (16–17 May 2026)

A more relaxed Manchester option, with a strong mix of independent traders, street food and live cooking demos across the weekend.



The Great British Food Festival at Harewood House (23 – 25 May 2026)


Set in the grounds of Harewood House, this one feels slightly more countryside-led. Expect cooking demos, artisan stalls and a mix of street food across the weekend.



Leith Food Festival in Edinburgh (30–31 May 2026)

A waterfront setting with a local feel, with traders, drinks and live music spread across the weekend. Worth knowing if you’re heading further north.



Queen’s Park Food Festival in Glasgow (6–7 June 2026)

Another city-based festival with a strong food and drink line-up, plus live demos and entertainment throughout the weekend.



Ilkley Food & Drink Festival (13–14 June 2026)

Set along the riverside, this one has a slightly slower feel but still draws a crowd. Street food, live music and plenty of space to spend the afternoon.



Harrogate Food & Drink Festival on The Stray (27–28 June 2026)

One of the standout Yorkshire events. Big open space, strong trader line-up and an easy one to spend the whole day at.



Merchant Adventurers’ Charity Beer Festival - York (3–4 July 2026)

Set inside York’s historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, this summer beer festival brings together more than 70 ales, beers and lagers alongside street food, live music and outdoor bars. Expect everything from beer and cheese pairings to wine, gin and rum bars across the weekend, all raising money for youth education initiatives across Yorkshire.



Manchester Rum Festival in New Century Hall (4 July 2026)

Slightly different, but worth checking out. A drinks-focused festival with tastings, cocktails, DJs and food alongside it.



Foodies Festival in Tatton Park Cheshire (10–12 July 2026)

One of the biggest in the UK. A mix of celebrity chefs, live music and a huge food and drink line-up, making it more of a full weekend event.



Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival in Manchester (1–2 August 2026)

A staple in the Manchester calendar. Big crowds, big line-up and a mix of street food, artisan stalls and live music.



Temple Newsam Food Festival in Leeds (15–16 August 2026)

One of the biggest Leeds events of the summer, set within the grounds of Temple Newsam. Expect street food, bars and a full festival setup across the weekend.



Harrogate Food & Drink Festival at Ripley Castle (22–23 August 2026)

A slightly more countryside setting just outside Harrogate, with the same mix of traders, food and drinks across the weekend.



Graves Park Food Festival in Sheffield (29–31 August 2026)

A full bank holiday weekend to round things off. Street food, live entertainment and a more relaxed, family-friendly feel.


bottom of page