Staithes Festival
Pop-Up Galleries, Coastal Heritage and Night Illuminations on the Yorkshire Coast.

---

Posted on 4th August 2026

---

Every September, the historic fishing village of Staithes on the North Yorkshire coast undergoes a remarkable cultural transformation. The Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage sees dozens of private cottages, historic chapels, and winding alleyways open their doors to become pop-up art galleries and heritage spaces for a celebration of coastal art and history.

Taking place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September 2026, the festival honours the rich artistic legacy of the Staithes Group of impressionist painters who gathered here in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, local and visiting contemporary artists display painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography throughout the maze-like village streets.

What to Expect at Staithes Festival 🎨🌊

The atmosphere throughout the weekend combines creative culture with traditional coastal charm:

• Pop-Up Gallery Trail: Follow a mapped trail through narrow cobbles and 'ginnels' to discover local homes, stores, and fisherman's cottages converted into temporary gallery spaces.
• Heritage & History Walks: Learn about the village's fishing past, maritime smuggling heritage, and geological significance along the Jurassic Coast.
• Outdoor Live Music & Busking: Sea shanty groups, folk musicians, and acoustic performers playing live around the harbour and local pub courtyards.
• Local Food & Artisan Stalls: Enjoy fresh seafood, local baked goods, pop-up tearooms, and craft stalls spread across the village.

Key Event Highlights 🖼️⚓

Essential features of the festival weekend include:

• Open Cottages Gallery Walk: Exploring unique private homes normally closed to the public, transformed exclusively for the event weekend.
• Workshops & Demonstrations: Live painting demonstrations, traditional lobster-pot making, and artisan craft workshops.

Photo Gallery

---

Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for enjoying your festival weekend:

🎟️

Admission

FREE ENTRY

The festival is free to explore! Printed festival guide maps and gallery programmes are available for a small donation on arrival.

📅

2026 Operating Dates

Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026
• Galleries open: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
• Evening illuminations & music: From dusk

👟

Footwear & Walking

Staithes is built on a steep valley. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating cobbles, steps, and slopes.

♿

Accessibility

Due to the steep incline down to the old village, access can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Drop-off options and shuttle transport are typically provided from the top car parks.

---

💡

Visitor Tip

Arrive early in the morning to park comfortably at the top of the hill, and stick around until dusk to catch the magical harbour illuminations!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Festival Location:

Staithes Village, North Yorkshire, TS13 5AD (near Whitby)

---

🚗 Driving & Village Parking

The lower historic village is strictly vehicle-free. Visitors must park at the top of the hill in Bank Top Car Park or temporary festival overflow car parks, then walk down into the village.

🚌 By Public Transport

The Arriva X4 bus route operates regularly along the coast, connecting Staithes directly with Whitby, Saltburn, and Middlesbrough.