The Vikings are back! Here’s our guide to 10 of the fearsomely fun events.
JORVIK Viking Festival returns from 16 to 22 February 2026. For seven days, Norse-influence will be spread across the city centre as Viking-enthusiasts from around the country and beyond descend on the city for Europe’s largest Viking Festival.
Around 500 Viking re-enactors are expected to help welcome nearly 50,000 residents and visitors for living history, crafts and combat within the city walls.
As usual, the festival features a mixture of free and paid-for events spread around the city centre.
Learn the art of combat with wooden swords, up to 150 young fighters will step into the Eye of York to prove themselves worthy of Valhalla, two teams face off in the Viking Games, and the legendary March to Coppergate returns – a parade of over 200 Viking warriors through the city streets, from York Minster to Jorvik Viking Centre.
Take a look at our guide to 10 of the unmissable events below! The full programme of events can be found at the Jorvik Viking Festival website. Make sure to book quickly – as some events have limited availability.
Berserker Bootcamp
Get your little Vikings ready for battle at our Berserker Bootcamp! Led by seasoned warriors, kids will learn the art of combat with wooden swords, try their hand at axe-throwing, and train in the fearsome shield wall – don’t worry, Norse health and safety is in full effect! Perfect for ages 5–12, this gives young warriors a taste of Viking battle training so they can be strong enough to face Jörmungandr.
Ready to join the ranks of the fiercest warriors? No need to book ahead – just pay at the door and dive straight into the action!
- Midgard Marquee, Parliament Street, York
- 16-21 February
- 10:30am – 4:30pm
- £10
Viking Encampment
The Vikings have once again taken over York City Centre – but don’t worry, they’re not here to loot and plunder. Instead, they’ve set up camp on Parliament Street! Join them throughout the day and catch a glimpse of Viking life as they demonstrate traditional crafts such as leatherworking and woodworking. You might even find someone who can paint your face like a true Norse warrior. So what are you waiting for? Snap some selfies, meet the warriors, and get stuck into the action at our Viking Encampment!
- Parliament Street, York
- 16-21 February
- 10:30am – 4:30pm
- Free
How To Train Your Dragon School – Poo Week
It’s smelly, it’s squelchy, and it’s one of the highlights of the Festival calendar! Believe it or not, poo can tell us a lot about history. Bring the kids to DIG and discover why archaeologists are fascinated by this unexpected treasure. They’ll even get the chance to create their own replica fossilised poo, inspired by the famous Lloyds Bank Turd at JORVIK Viking Centre.
- DIG, St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
- 16-22 February
- 11am – 4pm
- From £9.50
Fringe Event – Axe Throwing History Sessions at The Hilt
An event by The Hilt. What’s a history lesson if you can’t take part in it? Join us for our special 30 minute sessions where we’ll teach you the ins and outs of axe throwing history! Hear from our axe coaches about the birth of axe throwing and its place in Viking culture. Learn the hows and whys axe throwing was used in battle, see 3 types of axes thrown throughout history and get shown by our coaches how to throw each type like a true warrior!
- The Hilt, 57B Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS
- 17-22 February
- All day
- £15
Viking Vodka Tasting with York Gin
Join York Distillery’s spirits experts in the beautiful and historic Barley Hall for a unique, fascinating and delicious spirits tasting experience. Mixing horrible history, delicious drinks and tasting tips, all the drinks you taste are hand-made right here in York.
- Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
- 17 February
- 7-9pm
- £35
Beowulf by Candlelight
Join us at St. Helen’s Church for a captivating retelling of the classic legend Beowulf, performed by Peter Carrington-Porter. Follow the heroic Scandinavian warrior as he offers his services to King Hrothgar of the Danes to help defeat the fearsome monster Grendal.
Whether you’re discovering the tale for the first time or revisiting a favourite, experiencing it in the candle-lit surroundings of St. Helen’s Church will be unforgettable—and is sure to get your heart pounding!
- St. Helen’s Church, 5 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8AN
- 17-18 February
- 7-8:15pm
- £20
JORVIK and York Refectory Beer Tasting Experience
JORVIK Viking Festival are delighted to be partnering with York Refectory for this exclusive collaborative event. We’ll be bringing award-winning beers and a little expertise, to discuss the evolution of beer over the centuries and give you a taste of contemporary brewing at its best. You will also get a chance to experience A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre one last time before it disappears for the season.
- JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9WT
- 19 February
- 7:30-9pm
- £30
Kids Barbaric Battle
Every Viking remembers their first battle – now it’s your little warrior’s turn! In our Kids Barbaric Battle, up to 150 young fighters will step into the Eye of York to prove themselves worthy of Valhalla (and we’re pretty sure they all are!). This is a practice battle, so safety comes first – foam weapons, shields, and equipment are all provided. Little Vikings under 5 will need an adult by their side on the battlefield.
- Eye of York, Tower St, York YO1 9WZ
- 21 February
- 10–10:30am & 1pm–1:30pm
- £10
Viking Games
Returning for 2026, two teams face off in the Viking Games! Contestants battle it out in epic tests of strength, skill and wisdom. Who will rise victorious? With cheers, laughs and impressive feats of endurance along the way, Viking Games is a must-see for JORVIK Viking Festival 2026!
- Eye of York, Tower St, York YO1 9WZ
- 21 February
- 11:30am – 12:30pm
- From £5
March to Coppergate
The Viking March is a Festival tradition like no other! It simply wouldn’t be the JORVIK Viking Festival without the sight of Viking warriors parading through the city. Don’t miss your chance to experience their thunderous war cries echoing through the streets of York!
- York city centre
- 21 February
- 2:15-2:45pm
- Free
