Summer in the City is in full swing, bringing a packed programme of seaside fun, family activities and live entertainment to the heart of Doncaster, with exciting events still to come before the big Bank Holiday finale..
After a fantastic first three weeks, there's still plenty of time to enjoy everything Summer in the City has to offer. From family-friendly attractions and interactive activities to workshops, performances and live entertainment, there's something new to discover with every visit!
With two weeks of summer fun still to come and an action-packed Bank Holiday finale on the horizon, now is the perfect time to experience Summer in the City before it draws to a close...
What to expect:
- A giant sandpit!
- A splash zone
- Workshops and activities
- Rides & attractions*
*With ride wristbands are available for £5 per child (which provides unlimited access to rides for 2 hours)Alongside the attractions, the large tipi hosts a changing programme of family-friendly activities, creative workshops, demonstrations and performances.
As the day turns to evening, Summer Nights brings 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 is bringing 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
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?
*Please note that all timings are subject to change
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Thursday 20th August
- Yogalols - 12-2pm - A family yoga dance session
- Cast Drum Drop In - 2-4pm - Vibrant Djembe Drumming Workshops for children and families
- The Don's Rugby League- 2-4pm- Join The Dons to learn about Rugby League, practice your kicking skills too!
Friday 21st August
- Kids invent stuff- 11-4pm - 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?
- 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.
- Street Beat Dance Workshop- 4-6pm
Saturday 22nd August
- Bear Hunt Day 10-4pm- We're going on a bear hunt... and you're invited! For one day only, come along for a family-friendly adventure packed with fun, exploration and a few surprises around every corner.
- Latino Dance- 4:30-5:30pm - Latino dance sessions for all! Join in, learn some new moves and enjoy the music in this fun and inclusive dance session.
- The Velvet Sundays- 5:30-7:30pm- Enjoy soulful acoustic music, velvety vocals and feel-good live performances from this popular Doncaster-based band.
Sunday 23rd August
- Doncaster University Campus -11-2pm - Hosting mini activities and competitions linked to courses available through the University campus Doncaster
- Bread & Butter Theatre- 11-4pm - Look out for live street performances popping up throughout the day!
- 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.
- Doncaster Ukulele Group- Enjoy an evening of musical favourites performed on the ukulele!
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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.
- Sheppard Stories and Illustrations- 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.
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.
- Earthbound Misfits Circus Skills- 12-5pm- Circus and bubbles!
- Bubbleology Giant Bubbles- 2pm
- Colour Run - 3pm- 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.
- 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- 12pm- Enjoy Finding Nemo on the outdoor big screen.
- Sikh Temple show- 2pm
- Colour Run - 3pm- 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 Grease on the big screen!
- 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- 12pm- Enjoy The Little Mermaid on the outdoor big screen.
- Colour Run - 3pm - 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 Mamma Mia singalong on the big screen.
- 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.
