What’s there to look forward to in York in 2026?
The answer – plenty!
Here’s a run down of all the big events and festivals that are happening in York in 2026 — including returning favourites Jorvik Viking Festival, York Ice Trail, York Pride, York Food and Drink Festival, and our very own YorkMix Family Raceday.
At YorkMix, we are wishing all our readers and listeners a safe and happy 2026.
What’s on in 2026
York Residents Festival
31 Jan – 1 Feb
York Residents Festival is back! A whole weekend to say thank you to the residents of the city – complete with attractions offers, experiences and food, drink and retail discounts.
Colour & Light
4-22 Feb
York BID is bringing Colour & Light back for 2026, this time on it’s biggest ever canvas. For the first time, two of York’s landmark buildings will be illuminated together, as York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower become a combined canvas for a fully choreographed projection show, transforming the Eye of York.
York Ice Trail
7-8 Feb
York city centre will once again get an icy makeover. York’s city centre will be transformed into An Enchanted City, where a mysterious spell has taken hold…Wander through the historic streets and discover dazzling ice sculptures inspired by magic, mystery, and the weird and wonderful.
Dark Skies Festival
13 Feb – 1 Mar
Join us and the Yorkshire Dales National Park to celebrate the wonders of our skies and explore two incredible International Dark Sky Reserves in the peak of our stargazing season.
Jorvik Viking Festival
16-22 Feb
Get ready for the Vikings to return this February! Expect living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances.
York Literature Festival
TBC
York Literature Festival is set to return in 2026! Early bird announcements include events with Tim Minshall, Rónán Hession, Laura Bates, and Susanna Clarke.
York Restaurant Week
TBC
York Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to enjoy some of York’s best dining – on a budget! For seven whole days, diners can access a huge variety of food and drink offers, all deliciously priced between £5 and £30. From snacks and brunch to afternoon tea and gourmet meals, make the most of affordable offers with friends and family.
York Chocolate Festival
1-5 Apr
York’s sweetest festival is set to return in 2026, celebrating York’s chocolate heritage, industry and culinary expertise.
York Health and Arts Mela
17 May
York Health & Arts Mela is a free event open to anyone who wants to learn more about NHS services, Voluntary sector services, the Arts and Performing sector, meet new people, enjoy diverse music, arts, crafts and food from a range of different cultures and backgrounds in the heart of York.
York Pride
30 May
Join us for North Yorkshire’s biggest LGBT+ celebration! Join the parade to the Knavesmire and celebrate love, inclusivity and diversity. There will be entertainment, live music and a whole lot of fun.
York Festival of Ideas
30 May – 12 Jun
Taking place from 30 May to 12 June 2026, the mostly free events include talks by world-class speakers, exhibitions, music, guided tours and family-friendly activities. And with topics ranging from animals to art, history to health, and biodiversity to the brain, the Festival promises something for all ages and interests.
York Mystery Plays Festival
28 Jun – 5 Jul
Two weeks of Mystery Plays and Fringe events, including: Art and poetry exhibitions and competitions, Soundscape Artist, Gargoyle trail, original stations trail, women in the Mysteries Exhibition at the Bar Convent, expert talks, podcasts, twilight lantern show, and more.
York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge 2026
12 Jul
On July 12th 2026, 36 teams will battle it out on the River Ouse for the Challenge Trophy and other prestigious awards, including awards for the fastest Charity Team, Commercial Team, and of course the “Best Dressed Team” trophy.
York Maze
TBC
The theme for 2026’s maze is yet to be revealed, but previous creations have included Toy Story, The Gruffalo, Star Wars, and Mr Men Little Miss.
York Georgian Festival
TBC
York Georgian Festival is returning in 2026! Look forward to more historical celebrations with dancing and dining and more to come.
Yorkshire Ebor Festival
19-22 Aug
The week to visit featuring the oldest, richest, fastest and most famous races. Sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days.
YorkMix Family Raceday
6 Sep
There’s fun for all on our YorkMix Family Raceday, with additional fun in the “Entertainment Marquee” which has been home to giant inflatables, diggerland, a children’s zoo, zorb football, face painting, and lots more.
York Book Fair
11-12 Sep
With over 100,000 books to browse through, this is any readers dream. There will be rare, antiquarian and secondhand books, as well as prints, maps and more.
Heritage Open Days Festival
11-20 Sep
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
York Food Festival
18-27 Sep
The tastiest festival in York! The York Food and Drink Festival aims to celebrate local and regional food and drink complete with live demos, tastings and stalls.
York Unlocked
TBC
York Unlocked opens the most interesting and significant buildings in York to the public completely for free. It’s a weekend festival that allows residents and visitors to see York in a new way, and aims to educate and inspire a love of architecture.
Yorkshire Marathon
18 Oct
Get out those running shoes as the Yorkshire Marathon is back. For runners of all abilities – it’s time to smash your PB.
Hallowscream
TBC
Hallowscream at York Maze is a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun with five separate live-action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors. Do you dare to enter?
Aesthetica Short Film Festival
4-8 Nov
Aesthetica is the destination for independent cinema. Both in-person in York and online, film lovers can explore a world of incredible films, immersive VR and thrilling games. With masterclasses, workshops and networking sessions too.
York Whisky Festival
21 Nov
The UK’s oldest Whisky Festival, outside London and Scotland, returns for 2026! You’ll get to sample the best home-grown whiskies from Scotland, as well as all corners of the globe.
UK Championship Snooker 2026
28 Nov – 6 Dec
The world’s greatest snooker players return to York for the UK Championship, one of the biggest events on the sport’s global calendar. The event runs from November 28th to December 6th and once again the top 16 players, along with 16 who have come through the qualifying rounds, will be battling for the trophy.
York Christmas Festival
TBC
There’s no better time to be in York than at Christmas. Lets hope the Christmas Markets and other festivities make a welcome return in 2026.
