Summer in the City is a BRAND-NEW month-long event bringing seaside charm to the heart of Doncaster, launching on 1 August (Yorkshire Day!)
Packed with family fun, entertainment and activities throughout August, it's an event not to be missed.
Grab your suncream and shades and get ready as Sir Nigel Gresley Square is transformed into a vibrant seaside-themed destination, featuring a giant sandpit, bouncy castle, mini golf, children's rides and plenty of traditional seaside-inspired surprises along the way.
Families can also enjoy treasure hunts, interactive challenges and a variety of activities designed to keep young adventurers entertained.
There will be a play area which will be open during event hours, offering visitors two-hour sessions for £5 per child, with unlimited access to the attractions during their session.
Alongside the play area, a large tipi will host a changing programme of activities throughout the month. Expect a mix of family-friendly entertainment, creative workshops, demonstrations, and performances, with something different to discover every visit!
As the day turns to evening, Summer Nights will bring a relaxed holiday atmosphere to the city centre, with live music from local artists, DJ sets and bands, laid-back summer vibes and plenty of opportunities to unwind.
So- prepare to spend one day building a sandcastle, the next taking part in a workshop, enjoying the live entertainment, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Summer in the City brings a taste of the seaside right to your doorstep!
Proudly enabled through the UK Government's Pride in Place programme, Summer in the City runs from 1 August to Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August 2026.
Event details:
1 August to Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August 2026.
Sir Nigel Gresley Square
Opening times (Thursday – Sunday inclusive)
- 11am – 5.30pm – Children's and family activities
- 3pm – 8.30pm – Family-friendly evening activities and entertainment
What's on?
Thursday 6th August
- Yogalols - 12-2pm - A family yoga dance session
- This is Me - 11-4pm - A hands on, interactive experience for families. Rediscover the art of play, creativity and imagination
- Cast Drum Drop In - 2-4pm - Vibrant Djembe Drumming Workshops for children and families
- Doncaster University Campus - 11-5.30pm - Hosting mini activities and competitions linked to courses available through the University campus Doncaster
Friday 7th August
- This is Me - 11-4pm - A hands on, interactive experience for families. Rediscover the art of play, creativity and imagination
- Doncaster College - 11-4pm Come and find out about courses for the new year starting in September
- Jake Cope - 5.30-7.30pm - Live music
Saturday 8th August
- Wright Art Studio - 11-3pm - Painting drop in sessions for all ages with local artist Becca Wright
- Circus Skills - 11-4pm - Try your hand at stilt walking
- The Velvet Sundays - 5.30-7.30pm - Live music
Sunday 9th August
- Active Fusion - 11-4pm - A range of sports and physical activity coaching for young people and families
- Smudge Adventures - 11-4pm - Wax crayon and tissue paper crafting for all ages
- The Bowkers - 5.30-7.30pm - Live music
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Thursday 13th August
- Yogalols - 12-2pm - A family yoga dance session
- Cast Drum Drop In - 2-4pm - Vibrant Djembe Drumming Workshops for children and families
Friday 14th August
- Jessie from Toy Story- 12-1pm- Yee-haw! Jessie from Toy Story will be making a special appearance. Bring the family along for a chance to meet her and snap a pic.
- Acacia Creative Studio- 11-4pm- Join us in creating a huge floral sculpture, right in the heart of the Summer in the City space!
- HLC Saxcy- Evening- Sit back, relax and enjoy live saxophone entertainment from feel-good favourites to popular hits.
Saturday 15th August
- Acacia Creative Studio- 11-4pm- Join us in creating a huge floral sculpture, right in the heart of the Summer in the City space!
- Soul Sisters- 11-4pm - Take a little time out and treat yourself! Soul Sisters will be offering a range of relaxing holistic and wellness therapies, perfect for helping you unwind, recharge and feel your best.
- Latino Dance- 5-6pm - Latino dance sessions for all! Join in, learn some new moves and enjoy the music in this fun and inclusive dance session.
Sunday 16th August
- Cre8ive- 11-12pm- Fun, energetic Street Dance workshops for 5 to 10 year olds.
- Hidden Treasures- 11-4pm- Create your own seaside-themed masterpieces to take home! Get creative with fun arts and crafts activities inspired by the coast.
- Latino Dance- 5-6pm - Latino dance sessions for all! Join in, learn some new moves and enjoy the music in this fun and inclusive dance session.
- Jake Cope- Enjoy laid-back acoustic performances from Jake Cope.
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Thursday 20th August
- Yogalols - 12-2pm - A family yoga dance session
- Palette Solutions- 11-4pm - Step inside their specially adapted pod for a tech-inspired seaside experience, with fun activities and crafts to enjoy throughout the day.
- Cast Drum Drop In - 2-4pm - Vibrant Djembe Drumming Workshops for children and families
- The Don's Rugby League- 11-4pm- Join The Dons to learn about Rugby League, practice your kicking skills too!
Friday 21st August
- Kids invent stuff- 11am-4pm - Calling all young inventors! Drop in and put your imagination to the test with this fun, hands-on activity. Can you solve everyday problems using your creativity and brilliant thinking skills?
Saturday 22nd August
- Bear Hunt Day- We're going on a bear hunt... and you're invited! Come along for a family-friendly adventure packed with fun, exploration and a few surprises around every corner.
- Latino Dance- 5-6pm - Latino dance sessions for all! Join in, learn some new moves and enjoy the music in this fun and inclusive dance session.
- Live Music
Sunday 23rd August
- Bread & Butter Theatre- 11-4pm - Look out for live street performances popping up throughout the day!
- Doncaster University Campus -11-2pm - Hosting mini activities and competitions linked to courses available through the University campus Doncaster
- Evolve 3- 11-4pm- A creative and interactive design activity for children 7-12 inviting them to become town planners and community designers
- Glitter Gem- 2-4pm- Free Face Painting. Choose from a range of colourful designs and let your imagination come to life.
- Food & Refreshments - Tuck into delicious street food and refreshments from Tipsy Trailer and Bao House Buns.
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Thursday 27th August
- Palette Solutions- 11-4pm - Step inside their specially adapted pod for a tech-inspired seaside experience, with fun activities and crafts to enjoy throughout the day.
- Phil Sheppard- 11-4pm- - Join local author Phil for engaging storytelling sessions, along with fun illustration and drawing activities for young creatives.
- Cast Drum Drop In - 2-4pm - Vibrant Djembe Drumming Workshops for children and families
Friday 28th August
- Smudge's Adventures- 11-3pm- Wax Crayon and Tissue Paper crafting for all ages
- Moana- 12pm-1pm - Set sail for adventure and meet the wayfinding hero Moana during this special character appearance.
- Health bus- 11-2pm
- Doncaster Rovers Donny Dog- 3.30-5pm- Join in the fun of Donny Dog's EXCLUSIVE Birthday Party. An invitation only event for club members.
- Food & Refreshments - Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks, including Greek, pizza and Indian cuisine, alongside refreshments from Tipsy Trailer.
Saturday 29th August
- Hidden Treasures- 11-4pm- Create your own seaside-themed masterpieces to take home! Get creative with fun arts and crafts activities inspired by the coast.
- Colour Run - 2pm-4pm - Get ready for a burst of colour, fun and excitement in this family-friendly Colour Run. Wear something you don't mind getting colourful and join in the fun!
- Glitter Gem- 2-4pm- Free Face Painting. Choose from a range of colourful designs and let your imagination come to life.
- Horns of Ibiza- 6pm and 7.15pm- Bringing Ibiza favourites to life with a high-energy live brass performance, Horns of Ibiza will have you dancing and singing along to some of the biggest dance classics!
- Food & Refreshments - Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks, including Greek, pizza and Indian cuisine, alongside refreshments from Tipsy Trailer.
Sunday 30th August
- Skateboard Dan- 11-4pm- A fun, interactive drop in session for children and families to learn how to skateboard or improve their skills
- Big Screen- 11-2pm- Enjoy family-friendly films and children's favourites on the outdoor big screen.
- Colour Run - 2pm-4pm - Get ready for a burst of colour, fun and excitement in this family-friendly Colour Run. Wear something you don't mind getting colourful and join in the fun!
- Glitter Gem- 2-4pm- Free Face Painting. Choose from a range of colourful designs and let your imagination come to life.
- Big Screen Singalong - Warm up those vocal cords and join us for a singalong movie on the big screen. Film to be revealed soon!
- Food & Refreshments - Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks, including Greek, pizza and Indian cuisine, alongside refreshments from Tipsy Trailer.
Monday 31st August
- Big Screen- 11-2pm- Enjoy family-friendly films and children's favourites on the outdoor big screen.
- Colour Run - 2pm-4pm - Get ready for a burst of colour, fun and excitement in this family-friendly Colour Run. Wear something you don't mind getting colourful and join in the fun!
- Big Screen Singalong - Warm up those vocal cords and join us for a singalong movie on the big screen. Film to be revealed soon!
- Food & Refreshments - Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks, including Greek, pizza and Indian cuisine, alongside refreshments from Tipsy Trailer.
*More events and activities will be added as details are confirmed, so check back regularly for updates.
