What’s on in Otley in June 2026

June is shaping up to be a busy one in Otley, with a packed calendar of events bringing together live music, local history, family fun, creative workshops, food, crafts, science, walking routes and one or two very determined runners.

From the colour and noise of Otley Carnival to the fresh air of Otley Walking Festival, plus concerts, community performances, heritage tours and hands-on sessions across town, there’s plenty happening whether you want to get involved, get inspired or simply have a good nosy.

Here are just some of the events coming up in Otley this June.

Step back to the 1940s at The Secret Garden
Secret Garden Cafe & Take Out Otley
Sunday June 7
Time: 11am

Turn back the clock for a nostalgia-filled 1940s experience, with vintage cars, stalls, WWII exhibits, live re-enactors, sustainable fashion, family activities and plenty of period flavour — all at The Secret Garden Café.
There’ll also be dancing and 40s music in the Cross Pipes car park with DJ 6-5000 and Jive Sue, plus a nostalgic 1940s café to complete the mood. 1940s dress is encouraged but not required. Free entry.

Fancy a challenge with your summer running?
Otley Cricket Club
Wednesday June 10
Time: 7pm

At the time of writing there were still places available for the Otley 10 Mile Road Race — a well-supported evening run that takes competitors around the edge of town and over a couple of Otley’s “character-building” hills.
Starting and finishing at Otley Cricket Club, the race has built a loyal following thanks to its friendly atmosphere, strong local support and the promise of a barbecue and rehydration afterwards. Which, let’s be honest, suddenly makes running 10 miles sound a lot more reasonable.
Ideal for runners looking for a fresh challenge after marathon season — or anyone who enjoys the strange hobby of paying to run uphill.

Folk music with serious firepower
Otley Courthouse
Thursday June 11
Time: 8pm

The Sam Sweeney Trio brings three exceptional musicians to Otley Courthouse for an evening of folk music that is both deeply rooted and strikingly modern.
Sam Sweeney, known for his work with Bellowhead, Leveret and as an acclaimed solo artist, is regarded as one of the finest fiddle players of his generation. He is joined by Ben Nicholls on double bass and Louis Campbell on guitar, creating a sound full of drive, colour and atmosphere.
Expect traditional English melodies, contemporary arrangements, improvisation and the kind of musical conversation that makes three people on stage feel like a much bigger force.

Discover Otley’s history on foot
Otley Parish Church
Saturday June 13
Time: 10.30am

Otley Parish Church is helping people explore the town’s heritage with a new monthly combination of guided walk and church tour.
The morning walk sets off from Otley Town Council offices at The Core in Orchard Gate at 10.30am, before returning for light refreshments between 12 noon and 12.30pm. The guided tour of Otley Parish Church then begins at 12.30pm, offering a chance to discover more about the oldest building in town and the stories it holds.
You can join the walk, the tour, or both — they’re both free.

Big ideas, small talks, no lab coat required
Otley Courthouse
Thursday June 18
Time: 7.30pm

Otley Science Café returns to Otley Courthouse with another evening of short talks, big ideas and the chance for the audience to take over with questions.
This month’s line-up explores how radio astronomy helps map the invisible universe, why crayfish are causing ecological power struggles, and what the Cambrian Explosion might have in common with the financial success of Berkshire Hathaway. So, just your standard quiet Thursday night in Otley.
Each speaker talks for around 15 minutes before the floor opens for questions.  

A frank look at the climate and nature crisis
Otley Courthouse
Friday June 19
Time: 7.30pm

Otley 2030 presents The National Emergency Briefing, a new film created to bring the latest evidence on the climate and nature crisis to a wider public audience.
The 50-minute film combines scientific content from a Westminster briefing with public reactions and familiar faces, helping audiences understand both the scale of the challenge and the potential benefits of urgent action.
The screening is designed to be followed by a constructive discussion.

Carnival colour returns to Otley
Down Kirkgate then on the showground
Saturday June 20
Time: Parade starts from circa 12.30pm

Otley Carnival returns for another celebration of the town, its families and the kind of community spirit that makes you remember why local events matter.
The day begins with the parade, setting off from Leeds Road at around 12.30pm, with colourful floats, walking tableaux, bands and vehicles making their way through the town centre before finishing at Otley Show Field, Bridge End.
Entry to the field is free, with sideshows, charity and trade stalls, children’s rides, entertainment, arena displays and the crowning of the Carnival Queen. In short: proper carnival stuff, without having to leave town.

Put pen to paper for a calmer morning
Bookshop on the Square
Monday June 22
Time: 10.30am

Writing for Wellbeing returns to Bookshop on the Square this June, offering a relaxed morning of guided writing, reflection and creativity with Faye Knowles.
The session is designed to help people pause, think and explore their experiences through themed writing exercises in a friendly, supportive setting. It is not about perfect spelling, polished prose or trying to sound like the tortured ghost of a Victorian novelist.
Beginners are very welcome, sharing is optional, and the focus is firmly on the process rather than the finished piece.  

A crafty week at Otley Courthouse
Otley Courthouse
Monday June 22 to Thursday June 25
Time: Various morning sessions

Otley Courthouse is hosting a run of creative workshops this June, with four hands-on sessions for anyone who fancies making something lovely without needing to pretend they’re already secretly brilliant at it.
The week begins with Wild Basket Weaving on Monday June 22, using bark, stems and leaves to create a small woven basket. On Tuesday June 23,  Beginners Watercolour Painting offers a relaxed introduction to landscape painting with professional artist Julia Bidoli.
There’s a Summer Flower Arranging Workshop on Wednesday June 24, where participants will create a fresh seasonal arrangement to take home, followed by a Beginners Calligraphy Workshop on Thursday June 25, covering strokes, letters, words and personalised cards.
All sessions are suitable for ages 14+, with materials included. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided too.

Splurge guns at the ready
Otley Courthouse
Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26
Time: Thursday 7pm, Friday 2pm and 7pm

Otley All Saints C of E Primary School brings Bugsy Malone to Otley Courthouse this June, with three performances across two days.
The show is being performed by the school’s drama club, in conjunction with the Sarah Jackson Community Wish, and marks the first time the group has taken a production outside school. The cast is made up entirely of young students aged between 7 and 11, which makes the whole thing even more impressive.
Expect gangsters, speakeasies, splurge guns and plenty of gloriously messy fun as Fat Sam, Dandy Dan, Bugsy and Blousey Brown bring Alan Parker and Paul Williams’ much-loved musical to life.

Nine days of walks, views and fresh air
Around town
Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 5
Time: Various walks from morning to nightfall

Otley Walking Festival returns for 2026 with a full programme of walks and talks around Wharfedale.
This is not just one for the hardened boot-and-flask brigade. The festival includes short town centre walks, themed routes, gentle strolls and more strenuous moorland hikes, with options for different ages, abilities and interests.
Across the nine days, there will be walks taking place from morning to nightfall, making it easy to find something that suits your pace, curiosity or current relationship with hills.

Bring your booch
Functional Drinks Club
Saturday June 27
Time: 12pm

Kombucha bubbling away in the kitchen? Kefir grains multiplying like they’ve got somewhere urgent to be? Secretly proud of your sauerkraut? Culture Club might be your kind of Saturday.
This free monthly fermentation meet-up at Functional Drinks Club brings together home brewers, kombucha lovers and fermentation-curious beginners to share creations, swap cultures, taste new ferments and pick up tips from fellow enthusiasts.
There’s also a blind kombucha tasting competition, with the community judging the entries and a prize pack for the winning brewer. Bring kombucha, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, spare SCOBYs, grains or whatever else you’ve been culturing — or just come along and learn where to start.

Otley in full voice
Otley Parish Church
Saturday June 27
Time: 1pm

Otley Parish Church will be filled with local voices this June as Otley Sings returns for its second concert.
The afternoon brings together choirs, musicians and solo recording artists for a community celebration of the town’s musical talent, all in one of Otley’s most atmospheric venues.
Supported by Otley Rotary Club, Kirkgate Arcade and The Whitakers Arms, it’s a chance to hear some brilliant local performers and enjoy a proper feel-good Saturday afternoon in the heart of town.

Fresh produce ahoy
Market Place
Sunday June 28
Time: 9am – 1pm

Last Sunday of the month? It’s time for Otley Farmers’ Market’s monthly return to Market Place.
Expect fresh lasagne, breads, meat, fish, oils, fruit, veg, herbs, coffee, cakes, brownies, gifts and plenty more besides. Pop down, bag some local produce, have a nice coffee and be home before you even have to start peeling spuds for Sunday lunch.

A crafty affair
Otley Courthouse
Sunday June 28
Time: 10am – 1pm

Last Sunday of the month part 2! Over at the Courthouse, there’s the chance to pop down for the monthly Otley Craft fair held from 10am-1pm. Grab anything from handmade gifts and homeware to art, jewellery, textiles and cards.  Ideal for gifts and  treats.

For more details on all these and more events in your favourite market town, see https://www.visitotley.co.uk/events/calendar/otley-events/