Big Family Weekend
A full weekend of free family entertainment in the heart of Ripon – with theatre, circus, music, dance, street performance, workshops and plenty of surprises along the way.
Everything is close together and easy to explore on foot, so you can wander between shows, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the festival atmosphere at your own pace.
Come for the festival. Stay for North Yorkshire.
Make a weekend of it
Big Family Weekend sits at the heart of Ripon Theatre Festival – eight days of performances, pop-ups and events bringing colour and creativity to every corner of the city.
Supported by Visit North Yorkshire, the weekend is all about welcoming families to Ripon and encouraging visitors to stay a little longer. With two packed days of free family entertainment, independent shops, cafés, green spaces, riverside walks and nearby attractions, Ripon is the perfect base for a relaxed North Yorkshire weekend.
What to expect
Across the weekend, Ripon will be filled with free family-friendly performances and activities, from street theatre and walkabout acts to puppetry, music, circus, dance and hands-on creativity.
You can dip in for an hour, stay for the day or turn it into a full weekend away.
Expect:
- Free events across the city
- Easy walking between festival zones
- Outdoor performances and pop-up surprises
- Family activities and community performers
- Places to eat, drink, shop and explore nearby
Plan your weekend
Saturday 11 July
Explore a lively day of street performance, pop-ups, workshops and local talent across the city centre, Kirkgate and Cathedral zones.
Sunday 12 July
Enjoy a colourful day of family theatre, circus, music, artisan market stalls and hands-on activities around Ripon Spa Gardens and the Market Place.
Stay a little longer
Why rush home? Turn your visit into a weekend break and enjoy more of Ripon and North Yorkshire while you’re here.
Browse the city’s independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, visit the museums, enjoy riverside walks or head out to nearby attractions including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
