Whats On In July 2026

Summer is in full swing as July begins in the Bradford district and the school holidays kick off. Fantastic festivals and exciting events aplenty are on the way with fun for the whole family, including the Bradford Festival, the 80s Festival on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, the Bradford Literature Festival, and all the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. Look below to discover just some of what’s on this month and start planning your adventures.

You can celebrate photography’s unique power to connect to question and to see the world anew at photoILKLEY, a special festival at Ilkley Manor House from 3 July–9 August. With works exhibited throughout the Manor, there’ll be plenty of wonderful new images to discover from emerging artists.

See the dragons return to Roberts Park, Saltaire, at the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival from 3rd-5th July. The 3 days of brilliant charity racing on the water will be accompanied by loads of on-land entertainment, including live acts, games, fresh tasty street food and a bar. Don’t miss this ever-popular event.

Join over 500 special events in the heart of the city when the Bradford Literature Festival arrives on 3rd-12th July. With dozens of special guests, including the likes of A.A. Dhand and Prue Leith, talking about their latest works, family fun days, heritage walks and much more besides, there really is something for everyone.

Explore beautiful private gardens across the village at the Thornton Open Gardens Weekend 4th-5th July, where residents open their gates for two days of blooming colour, creativity and community charm.

Cheer on the competitors at the Oxenhope Charity Straw Race on Sunday, 5th July. Whether you’re entering yourself or just heading in to watch all the action, you’re in for a fun time as runners, often in brilliant fancy dress, race to carry bales of hay between the pubs of the village.

Head into Brontë country from 8th-26th July and take part in the Haworth Festival. With dozens of events featuring live music, talks, plays and crafting activities, there’s plenty to get involved in in between exploring the idyllic village.

Do you dare to Zip the Cow on Saturday, 11th July? Hit speeds of over 30mph as you fly down the zipline from the top of the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, seeing spectacular views (if you can open your eyes), all in aid of charity.

Travel back to the 80s with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway on 11th-12th July. From iconic hits and throwback vibes to colourful styles and retro touches, every corner of the railway will be packed with the spirit of the era.

Have a fun-filled family day out at the Baildon Carnival on Saturday, 11th July. Watch the parade through Baildon before enjoying the rides, games and street food at Jenny Lane Fields, and find even more summer inspiration across the district with open‑air events, galas and seasonal activities happening throughout July.

The Bradford Heritage Festival returns from 13th-19th July to bring the community together to celebrate the rich history, culture and stories that shape Bradford’s identity. The festival features local historians, traditional crafts, guided tours and family-friendly activities that highlight the city’s unique past.

Head into the heart of the city on 18th–19th July for Bradford Festival, featuring over 100 global artists with headline acts including Gorilla Circus’ aerial spectacular UNITY, hip hop piece Closer to My Dreams, Spanish percussion fusion Sound De Secà, Indonesian company Gigi Art of Dance, and Seeta Patel’s powerful reimagining of The Rite of Spring, alongside street theatre, roaming performances and family entertainment. Check out the full programme today.

The district's stages are full of incredible shows and music in July. The Addams Family brings laughs to King’s Hall in Ilkley, whilst Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet brings tragedy to the grounds of NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley. The Alhambra Theatre, hosts Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and prison drama Iron comes to Ilkley Playhouse. Meanwhile comedy is afoot in Bradford as a brilliant line-up of stand-ups arrive at Loading Bay for another edition of Loaded Laughs and Darley Street Kitchen for Comedy in the Kitchen.

Music fans can look forward to the return of Music in the Museum at Cliffe Castle in Keighley with the Bradford Concert Band, plus a brilliant Barry White tribute at King’s Hall in Ilkley. The town also hosts the Ilkley Live music festival, bringing free performances to spaces across the area. 

Bradford is full of creative and inspiring experiences you can try this summer. Across the district, studios, heritage spaces and guided tours invite you to paint, sew, write, craft and more as you create something new and truly Make It Bradford. Find your new favourite activity today!

---

Enjoy your time in the Bradford district and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

Visit www.visitbradford.com/events for more inspiration, like us on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky and sign up for the visitBradford newsletter to receive the latest updates in your inbox.