Scarborough Seafest 2026
Seafest At the Spa - 17th to 19th July 2026

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Posted on June 11th 2026

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Get ready to celebrate the very best of the North Yorkshire coast! Scarborough’s annual maritime extravaganza, Seafest, is returning this July in a new location.

For the first time in its history, the three-day seaside celebration is moving from the open stone piers of the harbour into the grand, iconic setting of the Scarborough Spa. Taking over the full venue right on the South Bay waterfront, Seafest 2026 promises a jam-packed weekend of live music, theatre, sensational local food, and free family fun.

What’s On at Seafest 2026

The new indoor-outdoor layout at the Spa allows Seafest to expand its horizons. Here is what you can look forward to across the three days:

👨‍🍳 The Seafood Kitchen & Cooking Demos

Foodies are in for a treat as the region's best culinary talent takes to the demo stages. Local chefs will be showcasing how to prepare fresh, sustainably caught Yorkshire seafood, from dressing a crab to cooking the perfect sea bass. Surrounding the demo areas, you’ll find an array of artisan food stalls serving up freshly caught fish, international street food, and locally brewed ales.

🎸 Live Music & Entertainment

Music has always been the heartbeat of Seafest, and 2026 is no exception. Expect a stellar line-up of local folk bands, sea shanty groups, and acoustic artists performing inside the grand Victorian spaces and across the open-air sun courts.

🧒 Free Family Activities

Seafest is incredibly family-friendly. The festival features a dedicated kids' zone with maritime-themed crafts, storytelling, face painting, and interactive street performers to keep the little ones thoroughly entertained all weekend.

Photo Gallery

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📅 Essential Information & Planning Your Visit

To help you get the most out of your weekend at the coast, here is everything you need to know ahead of your visit.

• Dates & Opening Times: Friday 17th July to Sunday 19th July 2026. The festival hubs open daily from morning through to evening.
• Location: Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HD
• Admission: The entire festival weekend is completely FREE to enter, including access to the live music stages, children's activities, and the chef demo kitchen.
• Accessibility: Scarborough Spa is fully accessible with lifts connecting the different venue levels, disabled toilet facilities, and ramped access paths. Please note that the festival site is located at the base of the South Cliff, which features steep gradients if walking down from the town centre.
• Facilities: Hot and cold food stalls, licensed bars, indoor seating, and baby changing spaces are available throughout the venue.

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🚗 Travel and Getting There

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By Car & Parking

• Park & Ride (Highly Recommended): Parking directly outside the Spa is extremely limited and fills up fast. Your best bet is using the official Scarborough Park & Ride. Use the Filey Road Service (Route 165) or Seamer Road Service (Route 64). Buses run every 12 to 15 minutes and drop you off directly near the seafront.
• On-Site & Nearby Parking: Pay-and-display parking spaces are available along the Spa Drive and the South Esplanade, but these operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

By Public Transport

• By Train: Scarborough Railway Station is well-served by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express services from York, Leeds, and Hull. The station is approximately a 15-to-20 minute walk from the Spa.
• The Cliff Tramway: If you are arriving from the town centre or walking from the station, you can take a ride down to the beach on the historic South Cliff Lift. It bypasses the steep walk and drops you right outside the Spa entrance.