Scarborough Open Air Theatre
A 6,000-capacity open-air theatre on a lake, hosting major music acts and theatrical performances.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest weather for outdoor shows
Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Best Time
Warmest weather for outdoor shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 6,000-capacity open-air theatre on a lake, hosting major music acts and theatrical performances.
"Amazing venue that felt very intimate, with great acoustics and a brilliant atmosphere."
🎯 Book Ahead for Big Names
Popular acts like UB40 and McFly sell out quickly. Get your tickets early! :ticket:
☔ Pack for All Weather
It's open-air! Bring layers, a waterproof, and comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Music Spectacles
Experience chart-topping artists and bands in a stunning lakeside arena. A must-see for any music lover.
Mamma Mia! by the Sea
Enjoy the beloved musical under the stars in this unique seaside setting. Pure theatrical magic!
Intimate Lakeside Atmosphere
Despite its size, the venue offers an intimate feel, making every performance feel up close and personal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Big Names
Popular acts like UB40 and McFly sell out quickly. Get your tickets early! +1 :ticket:
☔ Pack for All Weather
It's open-air! Bring layers, a waterproof, and comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Food & Drink Prices
Expect concert prices for food and drinks. Consider eating before you arrive. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Standing Area Access
Standing area can be narrow. Some suggest entering from the right side for better access. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Big Names
Popular acts like UB40 and McFly sell out quickly. Get your tickets early! +1 :ticket:
☔ Pack for All Weather
It's open-air! Bring layers, a waterproof, and comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Food & Drink Prices
Expect concert prices for food and drinks. Consider eating before you arrive. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Standing Area Access
Standing area can be narrow. Some suggest entering from the right side for better access. :walking:
🎶 Sound Quality
Generally good acoustics, but can be loud. Enjoy the music! :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Scarborough Open Air Theatre for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, making it feel close to the action. The venue is well-organized for entry and exit, with good views from most seats. However, some find the food and drink prices steep and the queues for bars can be long, especially during busy events.
"Great venue, feels quite intimate she closer to the stage than other venues of the size. Seating is quite steep which means a better view of the stage, and reasonable leg room too.
Several food options, and quite a few bar counters as well.
Sound quality was pretty good, far too loud despite being so close to the stage, as can happen sometimes.
Overall enjoyed watching Snow Patrol and support here, still keep an eye out for what's on next year"
Jamie Palliser
"Amazing venue that felt very intimate. We chose the tiered seating. From our view, you could see that the standing area was very narrow and main entry was from the left side as you look towards the stage. If you can definitely enter standing from the right side. The bars had literally no cues. Obviously food and drink pricing was quite high but that’s expected for any type of concert. Would love to visit again but not sure if it would be any good in the rain so that might put us off."
Becky Baker
"Visited Scarborough open air theatre this evening to see shed seven as well as opening acts. It is a lovely outdoor theatre with a very large capacity. The music atmosphere was great and obviously the band were amazing. Only thing that lets the venue down is the lack of bars / food to accommodate the large capacity of people! There were 2 bars to queue at for drinks but the lines went on forever so I didn’t bother and a gig is always better with booze!"
Abi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The theatre is located on an island in Peasholm Park, Scarborough. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking available. Public transport options include local buses that stop close to the park.
Yes, there are several car parks near Peasholm Park and the theatre. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance, especially on event days.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the town centre, approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is well-signposted.
Taxis are readily available in Scarborough. You can book them in advance or find them at designated ranks. Inform your driver you're heading to the Open Air Theatre in Peasholm Park.
Scarborough is well-connected by train and bus. If driving, be aware of potential traffic congestion on event days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are best purchased through the official Scarborough Open Air Theatre website or authorized ticket retailers. Popular shows sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. +1
Opening hours vary depending on the event. Gates typically open 1-2 hours before the performance start time. Always check your ticket details for specific timings.
It's unlikely that tickets will be available on the door for major acts. It's strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The theatre offers both tiered seating and a standing area. Seating provides excellent views, and the standing area is close to the stage.
Age restrictions can vary per event. Generally, all ages are welcome, but specific shows might have recommendations or restrictions. Check the event details when booking.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is electric, especially during live music events. It's known for its intimate feel despite the large capacity, creating a fantastic vibe.
Yes, there are several food and drink outlets, including bars and food stalls. However, prices can be high, and queues can be long during peak times. +1
Many visitors find the tiered seating offers great views and sound. The standing area is also popular for those who want to be closer to the stage.
The venue aims to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the theatre directly in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs and arrangements.
Bring comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, and potentially a small bag. Check the venue's policy on what items are permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but professional recording equipment and flash photography are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy.
The stage area during a performance offers dynamic shots. The lakeside setting and the theatre's architecture also provide scenic photo opportunities.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within the theatre grounds and Peasholm Park for safety and privacy reasons.
Focus on capturing the energy of the crowd and the performer. Short video clips often convey the atmosphere better than still photos. +1
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively to capture memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For concerts, check the specific artist's suitability for children. The open-air setting allows kids to enjoy the spectacle, but be mindful of noise levels and potential late finishes. Bringing ear defenders for younger children might be a good idea. Consider tiered seating for families to ensure everyone has a clear view of the stage.
🎵 Music Enthusiasts
Many reviewers highlight the quality of the sound and the overall vibe of the performances.
in this unique setting.🎟️ Budget-Conscious Travelers
Utilize public transport or carpooling to reduce travel costs.
While the experience is premium, smart planning can help manage your budget for a visit to the Scarborough Open Air Theatre.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Live Music
Beyond the big names, the theatre also hosts tribute acts and emerging artists, offering a varied program throughout the year. The Mamma Mia! musical has also found a popular home here, transforming the theatre into a seaside stage for the beloved show.
This blend of genres ensures there's something for every music and theatre enthusiast. The TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre sponsorship highlights its status as a significant entertainment hub. For those seeking a truly memorable experience, attending a show here is highly recommended. The combination of talented performers, the open-air environment, and the seaside location creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
+1 Whether you're a fan of a specific artist or just love live music, the Scarborough Open Air Theatre promises a night of entertainment. Venue Experience and Logistics
Logistically, the venue is generally well-organized. Getting in and out is often described as a breeze, with ample nearby parking and efficient entry procedures.
Despite the potential for queues, the sound quality is generally praised, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the performances.
Overall, the Scarborough Open Air Theatre offers a fantastic setting for live events, with a few minor logistical points to be aware of. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit