York Unlocked have announced that it is set to return this autumn for its fifth year.
The popular annual festival will take place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, and will feature a carefully curated programme celebrating York’s exceptional architecture and urban design – all free of charge.
Organised and delivered entirely by volunteers, York Unlocked has welcomed thousands of visitors since launching in 2022, opening doors to many of the city’s most remarkable and often inaccessible spaces.
“York Unlocked has always been about helping people see the city differently,” said Matt McCormack-Evans, chair of the organisation.
“This year’s curated programme allows us to continue delivering a really high-quality experience while showcasing some of York’s most interesting spaces in a thoughtful and engaging way.”
In addition to the autumn festival, a small number of one-off activities and tours will take place throughout the year, continuing to engage residents and visitors with York’s built environment.
Further programme details and participating venues will be announced later in the year via the York Unlocked website and social media channels.












