Whitby Goth Weekend 2026: The Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking about heading to Whitby to experience Whitby Goth Weekend? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Our guide to Whitby Goth Weekend runs through everything you need to know about this alternative festival, as well as showing you all the best places to stay for the event this year!

Hosted twice a year, Whitby Goth Weekend draws hundreds if not thousands of people to this popular coastal town to enjoy a host of live performances and a large open-air market selling clothes, accessories and gifts… And yes, it’s all goth-themed!

Whether you’re looking for information about Whitby Goth Weekend and its history, are trying to buy tickets or you’re searching for the best place to stay; this guide has you covered!

Keep scrolling for facts, tips and accommodation recommendations for Whitby Goth Weekend…

Skip Ahead to:

• What is Whitby Goth Weekend?
• What Happens during Whitby Goth Weekend?
• When is Whitby Goth Weekend?
• Is Whitby Goth Weekend Family-Friendly?
• Why does Whitby Goth Weekend take place in Whitby?
• Where can I get Tickets for the next Whitby Goth Weekend?
• What the Experts Think & Recommend
• Places to Stay during Whitby Goth Weekend
• Final Thoughts

What is Whitby Goth Weekend?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Max Mandzhi (@mandzhos)

Arguably the most popular event that takes place in the town, Whitby Goth Weekend is exactly what it says on the tin; a celebration of all things Goth! Twice a year, attendees flock here sporting their best masks, props and black gothic gear to showcase their weird and wonderful outfits and take part in the many events that are hosted here over a two-day period.

Whitby Goth Weekend was established back in 1994, by local resident Jo Hampshire, as a meet-up for her and her pen-pals to share their joint love of Goth culture. Over the following years, the event grew in popularity until the festival was expanded to two weekends a year by 1998.

Over time, the festival has grown to include and incorporate many other styles and subcultures like Steampunks and Rockers, which the founder credits as a reason why the festival has continued to grow and expand.

What Happens during Whitby Goth Weekend?

During Whitby Goth Weekend, the biggest event that takes place over the weekend is the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market, a large indoor market with around 100 independent stalls selling Goth-themed gifts, homeware, accessories and more.

Not only that, but this festival also hosts live music performances over the two nights, consisting of a mixture of lesser-known and big-name bands. Over the years, Whitby Goth Weekend has hosted the likes of Visage, Altered Images and Heaven 17 to name just a few.

To find out more about what you can get up to during Whitby Goth Weekend, we’d highly recommend checking out their interactive map of the town, highlighting where to find everything related to the festival.

When is Whitby Goth Weekend?

Typically, this festival runs over two weekends in a year, the first being in April/May and the second being in late October/early November. Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 will take place on the following dates:

• 1st – 3rd May 2026

• 30th October – 1st November 2026

Is Whitby Goth Weekend Family-Friendly?

Since its inception, Whitby Goth Weekend has been touted as a family-friendly event, making it suitable for all ages to attend. This includes both the live music performances and the alternative market. However, please bear in mind that local pubs and cafés may operate curfews or restrictions, typically after 9pm.

Why does Whitby Goth Weekend take place in Whitby?

Being a town that’s best known for being a popular tourist hotspot during the summer, it can seem a little unclear as to why one of the UK’s biggest goth festivals takes place here each year.

However, if you delve into the history of the town, you’ll come to learn more about its gothic routes. One of the best things Whitby is known for is its connections with Bram Stoker. The author of Dracula was inspired to write the book whilst living in Whitby. After first visiting the town in 1890 and visiting the mysterious ruins of Whitby Abbey, he determined that the town would prove to be the perfect setting for his upcoming novel.

You can find nods to this interesting connection all throughout the town! Visit the breath-taking abbey for yourself or visit the Dracula Experience, an immersive walk-through of the novel, with a little surprise at the end.

Where can I get Tickets for the next Whitby Goth Weekend?

Some events at Whitby Goth Weekend are free, for example, it is free to dress up in gothic attire and visit the town, the stalls and the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market. However, some of the events are ticketed, you can visit their website to find out what’s on and also purchase tickets when they are available.

What the Experts Think & Recommend

We love Whitby Goth Weekend, and so do the thousands of people that flock to this popular event every year… but don’t just take our word for it! We spoke to Sheila Ward from Visit Whitby who shared her knowledge and experience, as well as some ideas on how to make the most of your time visiting the town:

“In my personal view, Whitby, North Yorkshire really is ‘the capital of all things Gothic’ – due to its natural atmospheric setting, with so much gothic architecture in the town (St. Mary’s Church and the iconic Whitby Abbey) plus its connections with Bram Stoker who stayed many times in Whitby (on West Cliff) whilst writing the Gothic novel: “Dracula”. The bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekends really have become firm fixtures on Whitby’s events calendar.

During the autumn Goth weekends, I spend my time weaving in and out of the lovely, unique shops on Sandgate and Church Street. Be sure to look out for all the amazing Halloween-themed windows of the local shops, houses, pubs, restaurants and cafes. W HAMOND and Ebor Jetworks Jewellers (to name just a couple) really do ‘go to town’ on their amazing external Halloween decorations.

There are plenty of cosy pubs, bars and cafes dotted around this very popular area (on Whitby’s charming East Side), for when you need a stop to refuel and refresh. I then head towards the world-famous 199 steps, counting every single step right to the top and head on towards St. Mary’s Church and the iconic Whitby Abbey. It’s all so atmospheric.

I do personally recommend a mid-way stop on the Steps (where there’s a perfectly placed bench on the left, going up) – not only just for the opportunity of a rest, but to take in the exhilarating, panoramic views of the town and harbour. You’ll be so glad you did! The views are simply spectacular – whether your walk up the 199 Steps takes place during daylight or in darkness.

During the autumn Goth Weekend English Heritage hold their annual Whitby Abbey Illuminations (which, to me, seems excellent timing for the autumn Goth Weekend), which, in the evenings, makes the Abbey look even more spectacular. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Both the Spring and Autumn Goth Weekends draw thousands of goths, steam punks, and other alternative enthusiasts to Whitby town so they can enjoy the live music, fringe events, alternative markets, and so much more that Whitby has to offer.”

Places to Stay during Whitby Goth Weekend

If you’re planning on attending Whitby Goth Weekend this year, make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action by booking a cosy and convenient place to stay. With that being said, below are just a few examples of different properties you can book for the next Whitby Goth Weekend:

See all available Cottages for Whitby Goth Weekend »

Final Thoughts

If you had never heard of Whitby Goth Weekend before, then we hope that this guide has helped you out and shown you all the fun you can get up to at this famous festival! It’s just one of the many reasons Whitby is one of the most popular destinations in the UK for short breaks!

So, if you’re set on heading here for the next event, why not stop off for a drink in one of these perfect pubs in Whitby or one of these restaurants and cafés in Whitby? Either way, we hope you have a fantastic time at the next Whitby Goth Festival!

Has this guide to Whitby Goth Weekend got you longing to visit this idyllic seaside town? Then book your Whitby cottage today. You can also use our handy Whitby Travel Guide, to get plenty of inspiration on what to do during your visit!

Image Credits: Garry Platt – CC BY 2.0; Mike Smith – CC BY 2.0; Mike Smith – CC BY 2.0; Mike Smith – CC BY 2.0; Garry Platt – CC BY 2.0