A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Red Bank

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Red Bank, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Red Bank

Classes at Yarn etc…1

Classes at Yarn etc…

at Yarn Etc

Sat 11th July – 10am – Learn to knit! A Beginners/Refreshers Knitting Workshop – Scarf or Cowl FULLY BOOKED Come join us and learn to knit! Never knitted before? No problem! Haven’t picked up those needles in years? No problem! Price: £55 Book Online Sat 11th July – 10am – Summer palace blanket – Half Day Crochet Workshop Come join us to make the most beautiful Summer palace blanket by the most amazing crochet designer and pattern writer, Janie Crow. Using yarns Price: £45 Book Online Fri 17th July – 10am – Olé Cushion Crochet Day! Intermediate/Advanced Tapestry & Mosaic Crochet Get ready to level up your crochet game with some cool tapestry and mosaic cushion techniques! Price: £55 Book Online Fri 24th July – 10am – Crochet Summer Mandala’s -Patterns and working in the round Get ready to dive into colourful mandala patterns and master the art crocheting working in the round in a chill, creative session. Price: £30 Book Online Fri 31st July – 10am – Adult & Child Learn to Crochet a Cacti Parent & child- Intro to crochet session! Join us at Yarn Etc. for a fun and interactive crochet session designed for parents and children! Price: £50 Book Online Fri 11th Sept – 10am – The Harrogate Stitch Society – Stitch & Sleuth Join us for a mystery square blanket, knit or crochet. Price is total for 3 sessions.

1.8 milesSat 11 Jul£55
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
Down to Chance2

Down to Chance

at Ripon Arts Hub

Presented as part of Ripon Theatre Festival. One woman, a radio, and the largest earthquake in US History. Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. A part-time radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Genie Chance, live on air, must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from chaos. Based on the incredible true story of the Great Alaskan Earthquake, Down to Chance is a heart-warming portrait of a community in crisis with the whole world listening in. Straight from selling out the Edinburgh Fringe, this 5-star, ‘deftly staged thriller’ (The Stage) lands in Ripon this Summer. Maybe You Like It’ s madcap new show promises frenetic action, frantic multi-roling, and immersive live sound in this ‘love letter to the golden age of radio’ (The Scotsman). Down to Chance was developed with support from Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Pleasance for The Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme. “Simply the best show I’ve seen this year.” UK Theatre Web “Deftly staged thriller” ( The Stage) Age Guide 12+ Tickets £15

9 milesSat 11 Jul£15
CuratedSee the details→
Community

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The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuiness3

The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuiness

at Ripon Arts Hub

Presented as part of Ripon Theatre Festival. How will history remember you? As the person you are, or as the person you want to be? A funny and poignant story of an Irish nurse and poet, based on the true stories from World War II. It’s 1939 and Philomena McGuinness, an Irish nurse and poet, has been newly recruited for the British war effort. But can one live a life true to the poetry inside them when they are constantly being defined by their role in the war? Moon Rabbit is an innovative, two-person theatre company specialising in historical one-woman plays. Based in Edinburgh, they have performed their historical one-person shows all across the UK, and onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne. The company was founded by Joshua King (playwright and fiction writer) and performer and voice actor, Jasmin Gleeson. Joshua is also co-founder of and writer for theatre company Say It Again, Sorry? “If you leave this play feeling anything other than touched and inspired, then you are probably not breathing.” Broadway Baby Sponsored by Specsavers Ripon Age Guide 12+ Tickets £12

9 milesSun 12 Jul£12
CuratedSee the details→
Community
No Strings Attached – A Puppet Cabaret4

No Strings Attached – A Puppet Cabaret

at Ripon Arts Hub

Presented as part of Ripon Theatre Festival. An evening of song and sketches and some surprises, all performed by talented puppets with help from local community performers and Puppet Power North . Join the Festival Team, friends and volunteers for a fun finish to Festival week. Puppet Power North (PPN) is led by Mark Edwards who has honed his puppetry skills over the last decade working with amateur societies, schools and youth groups. Mark has been in education for over 35 years and has used puppets throughout his time as an educator. After being inspired through a Noda summer school course he has for the last 10 years developed puppet workshops for young people and adults. For the last 20 years he has directed musicals for a number of local amateur operatic societies. 2024 saw him direct a production of Avenue Q . Age Guide 10+ Tickets £10

9 milesSun 12 Jul£10
CuratedSee the details→
Community
Intuitive Painting Workshop7

Intuitive Painting Workshop

at Beth Elsdon Art

Date & Time : Saturday 11th July 3pm - 6pm Location : 30 Highstreet Tadcaster Join me for an inspiring Intuitive Abstract Painting Workshop , where we'll explore the beauty of free-flowing expression and connect with your creative intuition. The workshop is designed from beginner level so don't be shy about your skill level. The session is about discovering the art of painting through emotion, intuition, and inspiration - no judgement allowed! In this super relaxing hands-on session, you'll learn how to use colors, shapes, and textures to create abstract art that reflects your personal emotions and thoughts and bestest daydreams. Guided by me, you'll be encouraged to let go of perfectionism and allow your intuition to guide your brush. Whether you're looking to explore emotions or simply want to enjoy the benefits of intuitive painting, this workshop is the perfect way to explore abstract art in a supportive and relaxed environment. What to Expect: A brief introduction to the principles of abstract art and intuitive painting Techniques for using colours and textures to express emotions A big deep breath and lowering of the shoulders, letting go of any feelings of perfectionism and self doubt A relaxed painting session where you are free to explore colours and movement with help and support from me when needed. All materials, apron and refreshments provided Who is the workshop for? This workshop is open to everyone, regardless of artistic experience.

12.5 milesSat 11 Jul£45.00
Local gemSee the details→
Arts & CultureWorkshops & Classes
Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby8

Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby

at Otley Courthouse

One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance and The News Quiz tells the amazing true story of how his daughter fell ill with a rare genetic condition, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Never heard of it? Neither had Scott and Jemma.

11.2 milesSat 11 Jul£23
Local gemSee the details→
Children & Family
Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby (MATINEE)9

Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby (MATINEE)

at Otley Courthouse

One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance and The News Quiz tells the amazing true story of how his daughter fell ill with a rare genetic condition, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Never heard of it? Neither had Scott and Jemma.

11.2 milesSat 11 Jul£23
Local gemSee the details→
Children & Family

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.