What's On in Hull
Hand-picked events you won't want to miss.
Hull Freedom Festival 2026
Hull's biggest annual arts festival returns for its free bank holiday weekend spectacular. Three days of street theatre, live music, circus, visual art and large-scale outdoor performances across the city centre and waterfront. One of the UK's largest free arts festivals.
Humber Street Sesh 2026
The UK's biggest free urban music festival, set across multiple stages and venues in Hull's Fruit Market district. Over 100 acts performing across one weekend, showcasing the best of emerging and independent music. Entirely free and family-friendly during the day.
Hull Big Malarkey Festival 2026
Hull's much-loved children's literature and arts festival returns to East Park. A free outdoor event featuring author talks, storytelling, live performances, workshops and creative activities for children and families. One of the highlights of Hull's summer calendar.
Old Town Saturday Market
The weekly independent market in Trinity Square returns with a strong lineup of local food producers, vintage traders and craft makers. Pick up fresh bread from Humber Bakehouse, locally roasted coffee, and handmade ceramics — all under the shadow of Holy Trinity Minster. Running every Saturday, rain or shine.
Open Studios: Fruit Market Artists
Thirty artists working in the Fruit Market's studio buildings open their doors for a free weekend of visits. See printmakers, painters, ceramicists and textile artists at work in the warehouse spaces above Humber Street. No booking required — just turn up, walk around and talk to the people making the work.
Live at The Minerva: Sunday Session
The Minerva's weekly Sunday afternoon session features local musicians playing acoustic sets in the bar from 3pm. This week: folk and blues from Hull-based duo Tidal Roots, with an open mic slot from 5pm. Free entry, real ales on tap, and the best Humber view in the city from the terrace.
Hull Jazz Festival 2026
Hull Jazz Festival returns with a packed programme of gigs across the city's bars, galleries and outdoor spaces. From mainstream jazz to experimental and soul, the festival showcases international touring acts alongside the best of the local scene. Most events are free.
Ferens Art Gallery: Summer Exhibition Opening
The Ferens opens its major summer exhibition with a free public evening. The gallery's programme of loan exhibitions and new commissions continues to draw visitors from across the region. Free entry, drinks provided, talks from the curators.
Hull Truck Theatre: New Season Launch
Hull Truck Theatre announces its autumn–winter season with a free public launch event. Meet the creative team, hear extracts from upcoming productions, and book early for the best seats. The theatre's programme of new writing and classic productions has established it as one of the UK's most important regional theatres.
Hull Fair 2026
Europe's largest travelling fair returns to Walton Street for its 134th year — nine nights of rides, lights, and brandy snap from 9–17 October. Entry to the fairground is free; rides and stalls are individually priced.
St Stephen's 'Alive After Five' Live Music
St Stephen's Shopping Centre brings live music to the city centre every Thursday evening with its Alive After Five series. Local and regional artists perform in the mall's central atrium — free entry, no booking required.
World Food Festival
A one-day celebration of global street food, spices and flavours in Hull's Beverley Road area. Over 30 traders bringing cuisines from across the world — from South Asian street food to Caribbean, West African and Middle Eastern dishes. Free entry.