Scarborough Event Venues & The Best Of The Yorkshire Coast Scene

Whether you're a local looking for something fresh or a visitor planning a trip, Scarborough and its neighbouring towns offer some truly interesting event venues.

From open-air concerts with big-name headliners to community theatres tucked away in historic buildings, there’s no shortage of places to catch a show, book an event, or just enjoy a night out. Here's a run-through of our picks of what’s on offer in and around Scarborough.

Scarborough: A Seaside Town with Venue Variety

Scarborough has a bit of everything when it comes to events. Whether you’re into comedy, live music, theatre, or something more low-key, there’s a space that fits the vibe.

Scarborough Spa is one of the town’s headline venues—and not just because of its prime location overlooking South Bay. This grand Victorian building dates back to the 17th-century spa era and still holds a strong sense of history.

The venue offers two main performance spaces: the Grand Hall for big concerts and the smaller Spa Theatre for more intimate shows. The programme is a mix of music, comedy, theatre, and seasonal pantomimes, with the added bonus of a seafront view. It’s also a popular spot for weddings and conferences.

Upcoming events include:

• Shaun Ryder – Happy Mondays, and Fridays, and Saturdays, and Sundays (3 May 2025) Find Out More

• Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons (7 May 2025) Find Out More

Over on the north side of town is the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, the largest of its kind in the UK. With space for up to 8,000 people, it’s a summer-only venue that draws massive names like Will Smith, Snow Patrol, and The Script.

If you like the idea of watching a big gig under the stars (and don’t mind checking the weather forecast), this is the place. It’s fully kitted out with concessions and raised viewing platforms for wheelchair users. Just bear in mind that it’s only active during the summer season, typically from June to August.

Upcoming events include:

• The Corrs with Natalie Imbruglia (11 June 2025) Find Out More

• Gary Barlow with Beverley Knight (13 June 2025) Find Out More

For something a little more theatrical, head to the Stephen Joseph Theatre right in the town centre. Housed in a restored 1930s cinema, this venue is best known as the creative home of playwright Alan Ayckbourn. It features two auditoriums: a 404-seat theatre-in-the-round and a 165-seat traditional stage that also functions as a cinema. The focus here is on new writing and thoughtful performances, with film screenings and comedy events thrown into the mix.

Upcoming events include:

• Do I Love You? by John Godber (9–10 May 2025)

• The Rod Stewart Songbook Theatre Show (23 May 2025)

Then there’s the YMCA Theatre, a proper community spot with a big heart. It’s got a 290-seat auditorium and leans into amateur productions, school showcases, and family-friendly performances. It also hosts its own in-house productions, including an annual Christmas panto, making it a good option for affordable, feel-good entertainment that supports local talent.

Upcoming event:

• SNOG – The Kiss Tribute Band (30 May 2025)

Bridlington: Big Performances by the Sea

Further down the coast, Bridlington Spa is Scarborough’s natural counterpart—a major seafront venue with loads of flexibility. The Art Deco-style Royal Hall can host up to 3,800 standing guests, making it a hotspot for big concerts and dance events. The adjoining Spa Theatre adds a 675-seat space for plays, comedy, and smaller gigs.

Brid Spa is also a strong contender in the conference and corporate event scene, thanks to its upgraded facilities and variety of rooms. And like Scarborough Spa, it makes the most of its historic charm and sea views for weddings and private hires. If you're into seeing big acts without trekking to a major city, keep an eye on the events calendar here.

Upcoming event:

• Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston (2 May 2025) - Find Out More

Whitby: Where History Meets Festival Spirit

Just up the coast, Whitby blends atmospheric venues with a strong festival scene.

Whitby Pavilion sits on the West Cliff and dates back to the late 1800s. It’s not just one space—it’s a whole complex. You’ve got the 380-seat Pavilion Theatre for plays and pantos, the spacious Northern Lights Suite (which can handle up to 1,000 standing guests), and the more casual Undercroft, perfect for craft fairs or small exhibitions.

The Pavilion is a big player during events like Whitby Goth Weekend, Soul & Motown weekends, and the Musicport Festival. If you're after a venue with character and sea views, this one’s hard to beat.

Around the corner, The Met Lounge & Ballroom offers a more laid-back but equally interesting experience. It’s based in the old ballroom of the Metropole Hotel, giving it loads of vintage charm, right down to the parquet dancefloor.

By day, it’s a café and bar. By night, it becomes a space for themed club nights, live music, and private parties—especially popular during Whitby Goth Weekend. If you’re looking for a slightly offbeat venue with real personality, The Met delivers.

Filey: Small Town, Big Community Spirit

Head south and you’ll find The Filey Evron Centre, a central hub for arts, culture, and business. The venue is built into a pair of Victorian houses that once served as a convent school and later as the town hall. Today, it’s a versatile space used for everything from live music and theatre to community fitness groups and craft fairs.

The main concert hall holds 120 people, and several smaller meeting rooms are available to hire for events of all shapes and sizes. It’s also home to the Evron Business Centre, which supports local enterprises. So, whether you're catching a folk gig or attending a local meeting, the Evron Centre plays a big role in keeping Filey’s cultural and business life ticking along.

Final Thoughts

Scarborough and the surrounding towns of Whitby, Filey, and Bridlington offer far more than just fish and chips and sandy beaches. Whether you're after a high-energy concert, a thought-provoking play, a family panto, or a quirky fringe night out, there’s a venue that fits the bill.

And if you’re local, these spots are a great reminder that you don’t always have to travel far to experience something new. From historic theatres to buzzing ballrooms and modern conference halls, the coast’s venue scene is lively, diverse, and full of surprises. So next time you’re wondering what to do at the weekend, check out what’s on your doorstep—you might be pleasantly surprised.