It feels like we've barely recovered from the Easter holidays and spring half-term, so how has another Bank Holiday arrived so quickly in 2025?
For those of you who feel you've exhausted your options for family activities during one of the busiest periods of the year for public holidays, we're here again to help those across the Yorkshire region with some last-minute ideas for the long weekend.
From Scarborough lighting up its streets with a cavalcade of street performances to celebrating spring with tulips or admiring majestic Highland cattle, or just taking in some introspective folk music around the area, we've collated 17 possible ways to occupy your time this time of year.
Many of the events we've chosen are either free or have a very nominal fee, but what caught our eye for some last-minute Early May Bank Holiday activities around the region in 2025? Read on to find out!
13. Sheffield International Market: Spring 2025 - May 1 - May 5 2025
Explore a vibrant array of international goods, crafts, and delicious food at the Sheffield International Market: Spring 2025. This market will be open from Thursday, May 1st to Monday, May 5th, 2025, in the heart of Sheffield 📌 Sheffield City Centre, S1. | Provided
14. 999 Fun Day - May 4 2025
Learn about the vital work of emergency services at the 999 Event on The Moor in Sheffield. This informative and engaging event takes place on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 📌 The Moor, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S1 4PF. | Canva
15. Highland Fling 2025 - May 4 2025
Get up close and personal with dozens of Highland Cows from across the North East and beyond at the Highland Cattle Show. Kids will have a blast with interactive activities like face painting and bouncy castles, plus fun games and crafts. Enjoy a tractor trailer ride around the field and take a self-guided tour of the farm to see the Highland Cattle in their natural habitat. Interact with other farm animals, including goats, guinea pigs, and chickens. 📌 Whirlow Hall Farm, Whirlow Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 9HL. | Provided
16. Medieval Mayhem - May 4 - May 5 2025
Step back in time for a weekend of medieval fun at Sheffield Manor Lodge. Taking place on Sunday, May 4th and Monday, May 5th, 2025, this event will feature historical re-enactments and activities 📌 Sheffield Manor Lodge, The Discovery Centre, 197 Manor Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S2 1UL. | Canva
17. Scarborough Streets - May 4 - May 6 2025
Scarborough Streets will feature a captivating mix of outdoor performances, interactive events, creative workshops, and eye-catching murals. Throughout the weekend, the town's streets will be alive with diverse entertainment, including mesmerizing circus acts, enchanting puppetry, dynamic dance performances, and engaging theatrical shows. 📌 Various locations throughout Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11. | Provided
18. Wakefield May Day Gala - May 5 2025
Enjoy a day of family fun at the Wakefield May Day Gala on Monday, May 5th, 2025, from 10 am to 5:30 pm at Thornes Park. This traditional gala will feature a family-friendly funfair, thrilling stunts, charming donkey rides, bouncy castles for the kids, a variety of craft stalls to browse, captivating arena acts, and much more 📌 Thornes Park, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 8QN. | Canva