As well as a six-acre site and over 20 heritage buildings to explore, we have a varied and creative programme of events and activities throughout the year, so do revisit this page as we are adding new events and activities all the time.
Making a Meal of it
OPEN NOW until 29 November 2026 (open Saturday to Thursday, closed on Fridays)
From the humblest cottage bakers, to the farmers and growers, how our ancestors fed themselves is a story of hard graft. Join us on a tantalising journey through the resilience, innovation and culinary creativity of the people of the past. Behind every bite and morsel, there is a story.
Discover… the story of the Sonley bakers from Kirkbymoorside, baking recipes of Museum founder Hannah Crosland, old beer brewers and bottlers of Ryedale, pig, poultry and beekeeping of the past and ways to cook and eat your Yorkshire Pudding – plus more!
This exhibition is included with admission to the Museum.
North Yorkshire Printmakers
Saturday 20 March – Sunday 10 May (open Saturday to Thursday, closed on Fridays)
Printmakers Circle is a group of professional artists based across North Yorkshire, embracing traditional and contemporary printmaking methods and techniques. In this group exhibition, 11 artists present their unique styles and talents, making a varied and visually interesting show.
The exhibiting artists are – Anna Matyus, Bridget Tempest, Caroline Machray, Helen Peyton, Hester Cox, Ian Scott Massie, John Jones, Laney Birkhead, Pam Grimmond, Philippa Troutman and Sarah Venus.
You can meet some of the artists, and chat to them about their work on Saturday 28 March from 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Just drop in, no booking required.
Free to visit (not within the paid area of the Museum).
Easter Trail: Can You Crack the Case of the Missing Eggs?
Monday 23 March – Sunday 12 April
Calling all Detectives! Join us this easter to explore the museum with our brand new seasonal trail. Find the clues and unravel the mystery. Which dastardly villain has been up to no good, and can you track down the missing Easter eggs before it’s too late?
May Day at the Museum
Monday 4 May 2026
Marking the arrival of summer, May Day has traditionally been an important day in the folk calendar. With origins in the ancient Roman festival of Flora – Floralis – and the Beltane Celtic fire festival, it is a time to for revelling in the abundance of the natural world.
Maypole Dancing
We will be celebrating with traditional maypole dancing. We’re delighted to welcome the Cod Beck Ceilidh Band to lead us with live music. Join us to take part in performances – or just watch the fun – throughout the day. Dancing will take place at the museum’s maypole at the following times:
- 11.30am
- 1.00pm
- 2.00pm
In the event of inclement weather, dancing will move into the Manor House.
A previous May Day at the Museum in the 1970s
Bee Skep Making Demonstrations – 10.30am – 3.00pm
Museum volunteer, Jim Wood, will be showing visitors the craft of bee skep making. Bee skeps are baskets woven from straw and used to keep bees in, before modern hives. This traditional craft is endangered and very few people across the U.K. can make skeps.
Jim was recently featured on BBC Two’s Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes where he showed Robson and friend, Chris Kamara how to make a bee skep at Ryedale Folk Museum. You can watch the programme on iPlayer, using the link above.
Watch a short video of Jim demonstrating bee skep making at the Museum in 2025 here.
Filming at the Museum with Robson Green and Chris Kamara
Midsummer Celebrations
The Ryelarks Perform
Saturday 20 June – 1.00pm and 2.00pm
We’re delighted to welcome Pickering-based choir The Ryelarks to the museum to join us for this special celebration of Midsummer. They’ll be performing a selection of songs, perfectly chosen for the season, accompanied by their very brilliant choir leader, Alison Davis.
Check back later for full details – coming soon
Summer Solstice Yoga
Sunday 21 June – 9.15am and 11.00am
Start the Summer Solstice with a very special Yoga session. This relaxing and invigorating class will take place within the museum grounds (or inside the Manor House in the eventuality of inclement weather).
Join us for a Yoga session from an experienced practitioner, interspersed with time for reflection and meditation as we take inspiration from our Celtic forebears on this very special day of the year.
Book via the link – coming soon.
Midsummer Music with Celtic Folk Musician Olivia Graham
Sunday 21 June – Performances at 2.00pm and 5.00pm
We’re delighted to welcome Olivia to the museum this Midsummer, for what promises to be a truly magical performance.
Olivia is well known for her entrancing storytelling and multi-instrumental performances, drawing inspiration from the rich history of folklore of Britain and Ireland. She’ll perform an array of songs, selected especially for the solstice.
You’ll be able to see and listen to Olivia during your visit, included within the normal museum admission ticket or upon production of a valid annual pass. There is no extra charge.
Handfasting Ceremonies – throughout Sunday 21 June
Ryedale Folk Museum’s Iron Age Roundhouse offers the perfect backdrop for a traditional handfasting ceremony – an ancient ritual symbolising unity, commitment and shared intention.
Whether you are marking an engagement, renewing vows, or simply honouring your bond, this special ceremony invites couples to take part in an authentic, meaningful celebration guided by a celebrant.
We are offering six handfasting ceremony slots on Sunday 21 June, starting at just £150.
Please read all the information about having a handfasting at the Museum using the link here.
