Get ready for the weekend!
There’s lots going on in York this weekend. The world’s most famous steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, is heading to the National Railway Museum for spring, a Giant Inflatable Octopus is taking over King’s Staith, Dorian Deathly is leading ghost tours at the Grand Opera House, and there’s award-winning musical fun with Next to Normal at Theatre@41 and Newsies Jr.
This weekend is also the beginning of the Easter holidays! See all the family-fun happening in York and beyond in our Easter guide below.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March
Flying Scotsman Spring
An unmissable opportunity to see Flying Scotsman as the legendary locomotive returns to York for the spring.
Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, will be on display in York, at the National Railway Museum from late March to late April, giving visitors the chance to get up close to this iconic engine and discover its remarkable story at the home of Britain’s railway heritage.
Visitors will be able to get up close to Flying Scotsman in the Great Hall, where it will sit on the turntable with spectacular 360-degree views.
- National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
- Sat 28 Mar – Fri 24 Apr
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Giant Inflatable Octopus
Enjoy a spectacular free city-centre experience this spring as a giant inflatable octopus arrives for York BID’s latest Family Friendly Saturday event.
The giant octopus puppet is set to captivate crowds on Saturday 28th March 2026, with performances at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Towering above onlookers, the friendly character features eight fully articulated tentacles and is brought to life by a skilled puppeteer, creating a striking spectacle and memorable photo opportunity for all ages.
The event will take place at King’s Staith and surrounding area. If King’s Staith is inaccessible due to high river levels, performances will move to the Eye of York – the open space in front of York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower.
- King’s Staith, York
- Sat 28 Mar
- 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
- More info
Ghost Tours with Dorian Deathly
A unique experience on stage and behind the scenes after dark at Grand Opera House York, as you investigate our 120-year history. Working with Deathly Dark Tours York, we’ll take you on a backstage tour of the venue with stories of those people connected to the theatre’s history.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sat 28 Mar
- 6pm, 7pm, 8pm
- More info
Twinnie
Twinnie is the UK’s leading country-pop trailblazer, known for her fearless honesty, bold songwriting, and sparkling stage presence. Twinnie is the first British artist to be invited into the circle to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville since 2015 – a future star in the making and her Dirt Road Disco Tour is not to be missed.
A true storyteller, she blends Nashville-inspired country roots with pop hooks and her own Gypsy-influenced flair, creating a sound that is uniquely hers. Her music celebrates empowerment, vulnerability, and unapologetic individuality.
With a background in London’s West End and film, Twinnie brings theatrical flair and raw authenticity to her performances, captivating audiences across the UK and beyond. Recently featured on BBC Two’s major country music documentary, hosted by Rob Brydon, Twinnie is cementing her place as the UK’s #1 country-pop artist, ready to make waves globally.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sat 28 Mar
- 7:30pm
- More info
Next to Normal
Pick Me Up Theatre (Anything Goes, Sunday in the Park with George) return with Next to Normal – an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and grief.
Next To Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize,
Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal, because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. Next To Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Wed 25 Mar – Sat 4 Apr
- 7:30pm
- More info
Disney’s Newsies Jr
Join Be Amazing Arts for an unforgettable performance of Disney’s Newsies Jr — a high-energy, heartwarming musical packed with powerful singing, dazzling dance numbers and inspiring storytelling.
Based on the hit Broadway show, Newsies Jr follows a spirited band of newsboys as they rally together to fight for what’s right against the powerful newspaper publishers of New York City.
Filled with catchy songs and uplifting messages of courage and friendship, this family friendly production will leave you cheering, dancing and believing in the power of standing strong together!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 26 – Sat 28 Mar
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Love Punk Hate Racism 2
Following on from our memorable night in the Basement at the end of February, we present a second night of the best punk bands in York. Love Music Hate Racism aims to bring people together through music to counter the hatred and division from the far right.
- The Basement, 13-17 Coney St, York, YO1 9QU
- Fri 27 Mar
- 7pm
- More info
York Mind Body Soul Fayre 2026
Health, well-being and spiritual fayre. With product stalls, holistic treatments, psychics & mediums, beauty & health, art & crafts, food & drinks, and free talks all day.
- Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel, Shipton Rd, York YO30 1XW
- Sun 29 Mar
- 12-6pm
- More info
The Sunday Social Comedy Club
Join us at Rise, Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, for another unforgettable night of comedy. A fresh line-up of a mix of brilliant local talent and rising stars from across the circuit: Kerris, Samuel Justice, Pamela Tracey, and Murph. Hosted by the always brilliant John Pease. A relaxed, friendly vibe and plenty of laughs to round off your weekend. Whether you’re coming with mates, a date, or flying solo, you’re in for a cracking night.
- Bluebird Bakery, 201 Acomb Rd, Acomb, York YO24 4HD
- Sun 29 Mar
- 8pm
- More info
Killer Couples with Emma Kenny
Emma Kenny returns with an enthralling new show that plunges into the depths of love twisted into terror. After her triumphant The Serial Killer Next Door tour, Emma captivates yet again, solidifying her status as one of the UK’s foremost crime presenters. This time, she invites you to delve into the dark world of Killer Couples.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 29 Mar
- 7:30pm
- More info
Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in York. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at Yorkshire Museum under the gentle glow of candlelight.
- Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR
- Sat 28 Mar
- 9pm
- More info
Bongo’s Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is a game like no other, with shows taking place in over 40 locations across the globe, the Liverpool-born company has become a party sensation since its humble conception in 2014.
The award-winning night out combines the original and much-loved quaint past time with a mesmeric live show, packed full of plenty of bizarre and hilarious moments no-one experiences twice. With dance offs, rave rounds, and weird and wonderful prizes – Bongo’s Bingo is a night full of madness, mayhem and sheer joy that will keep you coming back for more.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 28 Mar
- 7:30pm
- More info
Vitamin String Quartet
One of the most popular string ensembles in the world comes to York. Bringing you the music of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton and Beyond. Erasing the boundaries between classical, dance, hip-hop and pop, VITAMAN STRING QUARTET will be performing spellbinding renditions of everything from Billie Eilish to BTS, Taylor Swift to The Weeknd and Danny Elfman to Daft Punk.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Fri 27 Mar
- 7:30pm
- More info
