This weekend is set to be another scorcher – here’s what you can get up to in York while trying to stay cool.
Pop icon Becky Hill is at Summer Music Saturday at York Racecourse, several magical venues in York are celebrating Magic Weekend, car fans will be looking forward to Motorist Fest, staple of the city York Mystery Plays are back, and much more.
Take a look at our full guide below!
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 26 – Sunday 28 Month
Summer Music Saturday 2026
A date where the strands of quality racing and high class entertainment are at the fore. Becky Hill, who rose to fame after appearing on the first series of The Voice UK, will be performing live after racing. On the track, the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes will showcase seven-furlong specialists.
- York Racecourse, YO23 1EX
- Sat 27 Jun
- From 11:15am
- More info
Magic Weekend
Looking for magical things to do in York this summer. Join us from Friday 26th June to Sunday 28th June for our first ever Magic Weekend! This magical weekend is packed with enchanting entertainment, family friendly activities, and magical experiences for witches and wizards of all ages.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of exclusive events at The Hole In Wand York and The Potions Cauldron York, the cities most magical attractions. Be sure to collect your Magic Weekend wristband from The Hole In Wand York too (available from Monday 22nd of June!) Your magic weekend wristband you access to exclusive partner discounts across York helping you make the most of your trip to the city.
- Multiple locations
- Fri 26 – Sun 28 Jun
- Multiple times
- More info
Motorist Fest 2026
Motorist Fest, the biggest event in The Motorist’s history is here. On Sunday 28th June, The Motorist will be transformed into a full-scale automotive festival, bringing together incredible vehicles, special guests, live entertainment, family attractions and thousands of enthusiasts for an unforgettable summer day out.
Whether you’re a lifelong petrolhead, a casual car enthusiast, or simply looking for a great day out with friends and family, Motorist Fest is designed to celebrate everything that makes automotive culture special.
- The Motorist, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 6JE
- Sun 28 Jun
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
York Mystery Plays Festival 2026
The York Mystery Plays are a theatrical spectacle performed by the communities of the City of York, the Plays will return to the city 28th June and 5th July 2026 at four locations across the City: The Minster Refectory Gardens; King’s Square; St Sampson’s Square; and ticketed seats at Dean’s Park.
- Multiple locations
- Sun 28 Jun – Sun 5 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.
Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
A riotous ride complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Wed 24 Jun – Sat 4 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
In this brand new show, Stewart Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee. Can the beast inside us all be silenced with the silver bullet of Lee’s unprecedentedly critically acclaimed style of stand-up?
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thu 25 – Sat 27 Jun
- 7:30pm
- More info
The Enormous Crocodile, The Musical
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to York Theatre Royal in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
This mischievous musical, based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis and puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Thu 25 – Sun 28 Jun
- 10:30am & 1:30pm
- More info
Karl Mullen
Back at the Old Paint Shop after two sell-out shows last year! York favourite Karl — the upright-piano busker and Leeds Piano Competition Pub Piano Champion — serves up a hilarious, high-energy mix from Chopin to Oasis, via Led Zeppelin and Les Dawson, packed with outrageous and heartfelt stories from decades of gigging and piano busking.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Fri 26 Jun
- 8pm
- More info
Soaring Through the Years: A 30th Anniversary Celebration
Brace yourself for an unforgettable evening celebrating 30 years of Flying Ducks Theatre.
This milestone event will take audiences on a captivating journey through the last three decades of shows, featuring a vibrant array of songs and unforgettable numbers that highlight the creativity and talent of the young performers. The show will welcome past Flying Ducks alumni guest performers, who will grace the stage showcasing the lasting impact Flying Ducks has had on their artistic journeys, reminding us all of the community and friendships formed within these walls.
Join the Flying Ducks as it celebrates the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to the future in a night that promises to be truly memorable.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Sat 27 – Sun 28 Jun
- 1pm & 5pm
- More info
Fundraising Ceilidh
Held at the Gateway Centre in Acomb, join us for a lively night of ceilidh dancing with the fantastic FiddlersWreck, who’ll provide the music, calling, and expert guidance throughout the evening. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome — we’ll have you on your feet and having fun in no time. A cash bar will be available to keep you refreshed.
- The Gateway Centre, Front Street, Acomb, York, YO24 3BZ
- Sat 27 Jun
- 7:15pm
- More info
The Night Sky Show
For everyone who looks up and wonders…A spectacular, theatrical experience for all without any heavy-going science, The Night Sky Show takes you on an epic journey across the cosmos.
Presented by passionate and experienced astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro), you’ll be guided around the stars, planets and more. Using amazing big screen visual effects to explore the endless possibilities of the night sky and beyond, this is not an astronomy lecture. This is a truly captivating night to remember. With entertaining tours and stories, the universe has never been so much fun!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 27 Jun
- 6:30pm
- More info
Mistero Buffo
Two wild strangers roll into York for the 2026 Mystery Plays Fringe, and the tales they tell are about to turn the city upside down. Join Riding Lights Theatre Company for a new production of Dario Fo’s explosive satire, Mistero Buffo. With ferocious wit and fearless physical storytelling, this production tears into faith, power, profit and hypocrisy by turning ancient bible stories into urgent, laugh-out-loud theatre with a clear spiritual heart.
Written by Nobel prize-winning playwright Dario Fo, this hilarious take on the Mystery Plays is the perfect fringe choice for those who like their comedy with a bit of bite.
- Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL
- Sat 27 Jun – Sat 4 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
Flowers & Friendship Bracelets
Get ready for a dazzling explosion of Music, Dance, and Excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage! Let’s ‘Shake it Off’ to our very own Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves and HOT TO GO! With Chappell Roan, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’. Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 28 Jun
- 3pm
- More info
Singphonia ‘Best of British’ Charity Concert
On Saturday 27th June, join us in the historic Guildhall for an afternoon of British classics sung by choir Singphonia! Take a tour through time as Singphonia perform familiar favourites, and bask in the stunning surroundings of the Guildhall – usually closed to the public.
Choir Singphonia will be performing popular songs from British artists from the past 100 years in The Guildhall York. All proceeds go to York Against Cancer to help us support cancer patients and their loved ones across York, North and East Yorkshire. This event will go towards funding vital services such as our minibus that takes cancer patients from their homes in York to their radiotherapy treatment in St James’s Hospital, Leeds, our free respite breaks for cancer patients and their loved ones to take a break away in Filey and Yapham, and our cancer support centre, The Leveson Centre, along with funding ground breaking cancer research at Jack Birch Unit in the University of York.
- Guildhall, The Courtyard, Coney St, York YO1 9QN
- Sat 27 Jun
- 2pm
- More info
Annual Family Wildlife Day
Join us for a family day out at our annual Wildlife Day, bringing together an amazing group of experts to lead activities and share their knowledge about nature and the environment.
- Stillingfleet Lodge Garden & Nurseries, Stillingfleet, York YO19 6HP
- Sun 28 Jun
- 11am – 4pm
- More info
West Bank Park Summer Fair
Our annual Summer Fair is one of the highlights of the Holgate community calendar. The fair takes place on the last Sunday of June, 1-4 PM. Over 40 local organisations, charities, entertainers and attractions provide fun, games and refreshments throughout the afternoon.
- West Bank Park, Acomb, York YO24 4JB
- Sun 28 Jun
- 1-4pm
- More info
Nun Monkton Feast Day
Join us on the Green for an afternoon of May Pole Dancing, craft stalls, hot food, inflatables, donkey rides and so much more! With live music and a well-stocked bar you can settle in for a full afternoon of family fun with something for all ages. Kids wristbands available to purchase on the day for just £12 which includes the traditional Children’s lunch, unlimited access to the bouncy castle/inflatable slides and traditional games plus a free ride on the donkeys.
- Nun Monkton Village Green, YO26 8ER
- Sat 27 Jun
- 12pm
- More info
Dead Indie – Summerween short film night
The Independent Horror Society has teamed up with the Dead Northern for a killer night of indie horror in York. This is DEAD INDIE.
First up on the agenda we’ll be showcasing an extended selection of short films that have been pulled from the IHS’s wildly popular Indie Film Showcase 2026 lineup, which premiered in June in London.
There will be an interval halfway through the screenings to give you a chance to grab some refreshments and digest what your eyeballs have been subjected to. Finally after the screenings you’ll have a chance to hang out with fellow fans and filmmakers!
Whatever your horror niche, there will be something there for you – from mutated mosquitoes and torturous demigods, all the way through to sinister estate agents and creepy folk horror. What more do you need?
- Micklegate Social, York, YO1 6JX
- Sat 27 Jun
- 7pm
- More info
The Music of The Lord of The Rings. Tribute to Howard Shore
Join us on the 27th of June at the National Centre of Early Music for ’Our precious concert’ – one of our most beloved and best-selling programmes.
A breathtaking concert that will transport audiences straight into the heart of Tolkien’s universe. Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack has captivated millions worldwide, and now, we bring it to you!
Performed by the modern orchestra Mystery Ensemble, this magical evening will transport you instantly into the heart of Tolkien’s universe, where elves, hobbits, and dwarves roam. The virtuoso playing of the musicians will bring to life the stirring, powerful, and deeply emotional compositions of Howard Shore, the three-time Academy Award winner, whose work shaped the very essence of Peter Jackson’s cinematic masterpiece.
- National Centre for Early Music, St Margarets Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL
- Sat 27 Jun
- 6pm & 8pm
- More info
Melbourne Midsummer Festival
Celebrate Midsummer in a traditional fashion with the Melbourne Midsummer Festival.
There will be live music, a folk band, dancing, singing, a Barbecue, games and more!
A full day of family fun!
- The Melbourne Arms, Main St, Melbourne, York YO42 4QJ
- Sat 27 Jun
- 12pm
- More info
A Garden of Song in Summer
A selection of choral works from around the world that celebrate the bloom of summer. Including works by Saint-Saën, Delibes, Lauridsen and Casulana. Including original work by South Bank Singers Director Carlos Zamora.
Free admission with donations in Aid of the Brunswick Organic Nursery. Refreshments will be available after the concert.
- St Clement’s Church, Scarcroft Rd, York YO23 1NF
- Sat 27 Jun
- 3pm
- More info
