11th December 2025
Last updated 11th December 2025 Food & Drink Originally written

From sublime sips to pours for connoisseurs, these are the top festivals celebrating everyone’s favourite tipples in Yorkshire.

There’s no shortage of beverage-themed festivities in God’s Own County where you can knock back a craft beer, swill some spirits or wash down a wine. You don’t have to be an expert either – all are welcome to rock up and discover a delicious new favourite (provided you’re old enough, that is). So get these dates in your diary and get ready to drink up.

Ilkley Beer Festival

A view behind the bar area with casks and taps at Ilkley Beer Festival

Credit: Nabin from Soul & Co

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day weekend than with a pint so perfect, you could fall head over heels for it? That’s what you’ll find at Ilkley Beer Festival, where over 120 cracking craft and cask beers will be available to sample.

For those who aren’t the biggest of beer converts, there’ll also be plenty of lagers, ciders, wine, prosecco and a selection of gins from Gin Shack. With live entertainment, comforting savoury snacks, from sausage rolls to pork pies, and a great atmosphere, it’s sure to be a fabulous festival – plus, all proceeds go to charitable causes, so you can feel good about ordering another.

Where? Kings Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8HB.
When? Friday 13th and Saturday 14th February 2026.
How much? Tickets from £23.38 for early bird or £27.80 for standard – includes £10 worth of beer tokens.
Find out more: ilkleybeerfestival.org.uk

Bradford Beer & Cider Festival

A pint of ale being poured from a tap at a bar

Run by CAMRA Bradford volunteers, the Bradford Beer & Cider Festival was born out of a passion for only the finest pours. The 2026 edition of the festival will be held in the stunning Grade II-listed Victoria Hall in Saltaire, where you’ll be able to sup down something special.

As expected from any CAMRA event, there’ll be an exceptional array of ales on offer, with around 110 cask varieties available at the start of each session, along with some sensational beers and ciders. Entertainment from live bands will keep the atmosphere buzzing, while delicious food courtesy of Binns of Saltaire will keep your stomach lined and ready for the next drink.

Where? Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 3JS.
When? Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th February 2026.
How much? £5 for entry, or free for CAMRA members.
Find out more: camra.org.uk/bradford-beer-and-cider-festival-2026

Skipton Beer Festival

Two people holding up pints of beer and cheersing

Another CAMRA event to get noted in your diary, Skipton Beer Festival welcomes spring in style. The event is held at Skipton Town Hall and invites connoisseurs and curious tasters alike to sample 60 different cask ales, alternative KeyKeg beers and ciders.

The majority of the beverages on offer at this festival are sourced from Yorkshire and the local area, shining a spotlight on local brewers. The list is typically published a week before the event, but you’re sure to find something here to satisfy all palettes. There’ll also be lagers, proseccos and wines, as well as savoury and bar snacks. After all, you can’t have a pint without some crisps.

Where? Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1AH.
When? Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd May 2026.
How much? £4 for entry, or free for CAMRA members.
Find out more: skiptonbeerfestival.camra.org.uk

Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival

Someone holding a glass of wine at a table during a wine tasting event

If you fancy popping the cork on a different type of drinks festival in 2026, make your way to the stunning Yorkshire Heart Vineyard. As part of the English Wine Week celebrations, a veritable who’s-who of the county’s greatest vineyards and wine producers will be bringing you the Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival.

Your ticket will unlock a tremendous two-hour tasting session, giving you the opportunity to discover glasses of greatness. You can even purchase your favourites by the glass or bottle from 3pm, while live music provides an all-day soundtrack to the festivities. Pair your wine with delightful food, courtesy of on-site catering, or make a real outing of it by booking to stay overnight at the Yorkshire Heart camping or glamping.

Where? Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, Pool Lane, Nun Monkton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8EL.
When? Saturday 27th June 2026.
How much? £30 per person, including entry, festival glass and two-hour tasting session.
Find out more: yorkshireheart.com/great-yorkshire-wine-and-fizz-festival-2026

Leeds Gin & Rum Festival

A red cocktail on a bar surrounded by fruit and ice

Now in its eighth year, the Gin & Rum Festival is the UK’s largest spirit festival, and it’s making a stop in Leeds as part of its 2026 tour. Hosted in the incredible Royal Armouries Museum, for one day only, it’ll be serving a choice of over 120 hand-picked gins, rums and tequilas from award-winning guest distilleries.

From gin geniuses to rum rookies, there truly is something for all tastes here. Make time to drop by the cocktail bar to enjoy some magical mixology, or a selection of seasonal drinks, beers and fizz if that takes your fancy more. With exclusive samples, DJs, live bands and fab food from on-site vendors, it’s got all the ingredients to be a real winner.

Where? Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT.
When? Saturday 11th July 2026.
How much? Tickets cost £23.71, including entry, a reusable stainless-steel straw, branded cup and an exclusive Gin & Rum guide.
Find out more: ginandrumfestival.com

Northallerton Craft Beer Festival

Brewed up by Bayonet Brewing – the only brewery in Northallerton – this craft beer festival brings together some of the best independent breweries, much to the joy of local beer fans. Bayonet have been championing independent beer since their launch in 2021, and this festival is the culmination of their passions.

The selection here is simply divine, including pours from the likes of Brew York, Three Blind Mice Brewery, Siren and many more, alongside cider, prosecco, gin and rum. Street food, live music and entertainment are also on the menu – and the best part? All your drinks are included in your ticket price. No trouble with tokens or hassle with payments. Just rock up and knock them back.

Where? The Golden Lion Hotel, 114 High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8PP.
When? Friday 7th to Saturday 8th August 2026.
How much? Tickets are £41.50 for super early bird, £46.50 for early bird and £51.50 for standard, including all craft beer, cider, gin, rum and prosecco.
Find out more: instagram.com/northallertoncraftbeerfestival

York Beer & Cider Festival

After last year’s event saw a massive 9,144 pints of beer consumed, the 2026 installment of York Beer & Cider Festival is set to be a big one. Another CAMRA-run event, you can expect over 200 different real ales, keg beers and ciders from suppliers across the UK and Europe.

While beer and cider take the headline spot, there’s also much more here to wet your whistle, including continental lager, wines, prosecco and even mead, if you want to take your tastebuds on a honey-laced adventure. All that drinking can be hungry work too, but never fear, as you’ll also find a quality range of street food, including plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.

Where? St Lawrence Parish Church, Lawrence Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 3WP.
When? Wednesday 16th to Saturday 19th September 2026.
How much? Price TBC.
Find out more: yorkbeerfestival.camra.org.uk

Leeds International Beer Festival

A pint of beer on the bar with Midnight Bel and Kirkstall taps in the background

© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2025

Get a taste of global brews at this massive four-day festival. The Leeds International Beer Festival is held at the historic Kirkstall Abbey, which sets a spectacular scene for sampling lip-smacking craft beers from all around the UK and overseas.

Of course, it’s not a festival without some live entertainment, and you can expect energetic bands that keep all your senses happy here. Plus, the food vendors sample the best of Leeds’ dining scene, including the likes of Bundobust, Friends of Ham and Little Bao Boy. While details of the 2026 festival have yet to be released, it’s set to be an absolutely brew-tiful time, so keep an eye out for further ticket info.

Where? Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH.
When? Date TBC but typically takes place in September.
How much? Price TBC.
Find out more: leedsbeer.com

Sheffield Gin & Rum Festival

A close up of a gin and tonic

Serving up another high-spirited festival in Yorkshire, the Gin & Rum Festival will also be making a stop over in Sheffield. You’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice, with no shortage of free samples and tasters, and over 120 superior spirits on offer.

The on-site cocktail bar will showcase some marvelous mixes and seasonal creations, while a free Gin & Rum guide will help you continue your education at home. The huge range of beverages have been carefully selected from across the world to help you find flavours you haven’t tried before – or you can stick to the beer and fizz if that’s more your thing. Live entertainment will get you up and dancing, while on-site food vendors will ensure you’re well-fueled as the good times keep rolling.

Where? Trafalgar House, 120 Trafalgar Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4JT.
When? Saturday 28th November 2026.
How much? Tickets cost £23.71, including entry, a reusable stainless-steel straw, branded cup and an exclusive Gin & Rum guide.
Find out more: ginandrumfestival.com

Cover image © Copyright Yorkshire-List 2025
Tanya is born and bred Yorkshire, moving from Sheffield to Leeds back in 2009. She has over 15 years of writing experience and a passion for exploring the city and beyond, whether it's glorious walks, delicious eateries or local wrestling shows. More from Tanya Gibson