Things to do in York this weekend

The weekend is coming!

This weekend, the fun, fashionable and fierce Legally Blonde concludes performances at the Grand Opera House, the York International Shakespeare Festival returns for 2026, the Blue boys are back in town at York Barbican, there’s a Vintage Clothing Sale at Spark York, and a Free Family Wildlife Drop-In with St Nick’s – plus much more.

Take a look at our full guide below.

What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 April

Legally Blonde

The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde the Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production starring Amber Davies (Strictly Come Dancing Finalist, Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical) as Elle!

This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.

Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’ Read our 5 star review here.

Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
Tue 21 – Sat 25 Apr
7:30pm (2:30pm matinees)
More info

York International Shakespeare Festival

After months of preparation, York International Shakespeare Festival returns, with more than 40 events taking place across the city over ten days.

There will be a variety of events on offer, from performances to comedy to workshops to birthday parties, presenting a variety of arts and culture inspired by Shakespeare from all around the world.

Take a look at our guide to Nine highlights for York International Shakespeare Festival 2026 here.

Multiple venues
Tue 21 Apr – Sun 3 May
Multiple times
More info

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour 2026

Following its sold-out North American tour, join the original Brad Majors – BARRY BOSTWICK, the original Magenta – PATRICIA QUINN , and the original Columbia – NELL CAMPBELL, for this once-in-a-lifetime screening event with a live shadow cast!

Come celebrate the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 50th anniversary with a showing of the 4k remastered film and an unforgettable, interactive evening featuring a pre-show Q&A with the three iconic stars, a live shadow cast performance throughout the movie, costume contest, memorabilia display with film artifacts, and more! An audience participation prop bag is included with every ticket for use throughout the show.

York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
Sun 26 Apr
7pm
More info

Blue – 25th Anniversary Tour + Special Guests 911

The Blue boys are back in town! Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan are ready to make new memories at York Barbican this weekend.

York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
Sat 25 Apr
7:30pm
More info

Headlock Vintage Clothing Sale

Headlock Vintage are back with their funky vintage pop up shop! Find gems from all of your favourite brands, including Adidas, Nike, Levi’s, Berghaus, The North Face and more! Expect Football Shirts, Sweats, Knitwear, Dresses, Denim and loads more!

SPARK:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
Fri 24 – Sun 26 Apr
10am – 6pm
More info

York Open Studios

It’s the second weekend for York Open Studios! This year we have 150 talented artists showing their work in over 100 venues across York. Over two weekends we invite you to meet artists in their homes, studios and shared spaces. Chat to them in person about their processes, watch live demonstrations and perhaps choose a piece of unique art to take home.

Multiple locations
Sat 25 – Sun 26 Apr
Multiple times
More info

Celebrating the River Foss – Free Family Wildlife Drop-In!

Join us by the Foss for a fun day discovering the wildlife that calls this river home. Drop in anytime and help spot birds, bugs, plants and more! As part of the City Nature Challenge, we’ll record what we find on iNaturalist and celebrate the amazing biodiversity of York. Perfect for families, nature lovers and curious explorers. Drop in between 11am and 3pm, and stay for as little or as long as you like!

York St John Nature Area
Sat 25 Apr
11am – 3pm
More info

Elvington Comedy Club

Elvington Comedy Evening returns in April with Gavin Webster, Alun Cochrane, Josh Elton, and MC Catherine Young all at the Elvington Comedy Evening!

Elvington Village Hall, Main St, Elvington, York YO41 4AA
Sat 25 Apr
8pm
More info

Herbal Mafia 20th Birthday: Verb T, Pitch 92, Mrs Magoo + more

For the third episode of our 20th birthday celebrations we’re going back to our old skool format… Representing live UK hiphop and boom bap; turntablism and scratching; and the deepest, darkest basslines out there – from dub to breaks to dnb, jungle and beyond! While still representing fresh original underground music from amazing artists at the top of their game, and who continue to push the boundaries of electronic music; as we always have done!

Featuring UK Hip Hop’s most prolific duo: the legendary VERB T & PITCH 92 of seminal hiphop label HIGH FOCUS RECORDS. Verb T is currently on a European tour of his 17th(!) album – ‘To Love A Phantom’. We’re extremely honoured to have him passing through!

Also featuring the long awaited return of award winning jungle / drum&bass DJ and producer MRS MAGOO (Hot Cakes / Deep In The Jungle / Jungle Mania / Audio Addict). More info on them all below…Support from residents and guests.

The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
Fri 24 Apr
8pm
More info

Around the World

Journey across the globe as every class brings their own unique performance to life through ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro, tap, musical theatre and street dance, all woven together with elements of acting, stagecraft and storytelling. Each piece captures emotion, character, and narrative entirely through dance, transforming the stage into a vibrant world of movement and imagination. From our tiniest tots to our most advanced performers, this production is a whirlwind of rhythm, colour, and theatrical flair — highlighting incredible talent, teamwork, and the magic of live performance.

Pack your bags and get ready to travel Around the World — an unforgettable journey of dance, music, and imagination!

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
Fri 24 – Sat 25 Apr
Multiple times
More info

Escapes Lines Memorial Society Parade & Service

The Escape Lines Memorial Society returns to commemorate so many brave people from around the world!

The WW2 Escape Lines Memorial Society is dedicated to the civilian ‘helpers’ of Occupied Europe who organised and ran the escape lines of mainland Europe during WW2. Without those brave people, many Allied soldiers and airmen, who found themselves stranded and/or injured behind enemy lines, would not have been able to make a ‘Home Run back to the UK or friendly forces to continue the common fight for freedom; they would have been captured, or worse-case scenario, executed or have died of their injuries. They have never forgotten the people who helped them.

Join in the annual commemoration of the Helpers of the escape lines.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
Sat 25 Apr
10am – 5pm
More info

Portal to the Past: A Vintage Department Store

Step through our Portal into the Past and shop your favourite decade from antique to the 90’s at our pop up vintage department store. From furniture & homewares; kitchenalia; fashion, footwear, bags & accessories; books, vinyl & cassettes; art and ceramics; Knick-knacks – you name it we will try to have it!