The weekend is nearly here.
And it’s set to be a great one! There are two fantastic new festivals this weekend – free-to-enter food festival Flavours of Yorkshire and street art festival AcombFest.
There’s more family fun with the return of Cop Carnival, and there’s an Adult Takeover at Web Adventure Park. And don’t miss the thrilling theatre spectacular The Choir of Man at the Grand Opera House York.
Take a look at our full weekend guide below.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July
Flavours of Yorkshire
Get a taste of the flavours of Yorkshire in a brand new free-to enter family-friendly food festival.
The new festival will feature artisan food and drink traders, street food stalls, BBQ competition, family entertainment, fairground rides – and headlined by celebrity North Yorkshire chef James Martin.
James Martin will be serving up live cookery demons and signing copies of his books on the Saturday, and Sunday will see local culinary talent take to the stage for a series of free to enter demos hosted by Gilly Robinson of The Cook’s Place.
Another new feature at Flavours of Yorkshire will be ‘Electric Avenue’, a display of new electric cars and bikes, with models from established and new-to-the-UK manufacturers on display.
- Galtres Park, Malton Road, Pickering, YO18 8EA
- Sat 4 – Sun 5 Jul
- 10am – 6pm
- More info
Adult Night – Web Takeover
Rodeo Night is going to be a blast! Dress up as a Cowboy but be ready for the foam party ending! Think lights, throwback tunes, epic games, and non-stop fun all night long.
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH
- Sat 4 Jul
- 7-11pm
- More info
Cop Carnival
Carnival is Back! Cop’ Carnival is now in its 58th Year! We welcome the Live Music and Dance troupes on the main stage, kids entertainment, attractions, rides, stalls and food to name a few things.
- Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre, Barons Cres, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3YR
- Sat 4 Jul
- 11:30am – 7pm
- More info
AcombFest
Organised by York’s Art Of Protest Projects, AcombFest will see internationally renowned mural artists come together. The inaugural festival will take place across 22 venues in Acomb with a packed programme of more than 90 events for all ages. These include: live mural paintings, 20 art installations, live paint jam and spray battles, street food, more than 30 bands, DJs and performers. Take a look at our complete guide to the festival here.
- Multiple venues
- Fri 3 – Sun 5 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
The Choir of Man
Welcome to THE CHOIR OF MAN, the best pub in the world… Come ready to drink in the excitement! Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!
An uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome, don’t miss this feel-good night of foot-stomping entertainment, so good you’ll want to come back and see it again and again. Read our 5 star review here.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Tue 30 Jun – Sat 4 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
Merchant Adventurers’ Charity Beer Festival
The festival returns on Friday 3 & Saturday 4 July, when the Great Hall will be transformed into our Keg Beer Hall and the atmospheric Undercroft is decked out with a 50-foot Cask Bar. Supported by headline sponsors Brew York, Elvington Brewery and Tadweld, the festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy this historic setting in the heart of the city. Split across four sessions, 90 beers, lagers and ciders from over 30 breweries will be pouring. Quality street food and bar snacks will be available, the perfect accompaniment to the beer!
- Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD
- Fri 3 – Sat 4 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
Rachels World – A tribute to Ms Rachel
Join us for Rachel’s World this July for an unforgettable day of family fun, including a special live show inspired by Ms Rachel! Enjoy a high-energy, interactive show filled with singing and dancing that little ones will love. Your ticket also includes full day farm admission.
- Monk Park Farm, Bagby, Thirsk, YO7 2AG
- Sat 4 – Sun 5 Jul
- From 10am
- More info
The Escape Club Summer Spectacular
Join us on the dancefloor where our resident DJs will keeping the music eclectic, making sure your feet move and creating that feel good atmosphere we’ve all come to love so much down at The Crescent. The best in indie, rock, pop and dance from the last 4 decades expertly blended to keep you on the dance floor all night.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sat 4 Jul
- 8pm
- More info
Houseplant Lovers Plant Swap & Social
This is our 7th Plant Swap & Social event – created by houseplant lovers, for houseplant lovers. A chance to socialise with other people who are passionate about houseplants and swap your excess plant babies for something new. The focus of this not-for-profit event is on all things HOUSEPLANT! Bring along your baby indoor plants, rooted cuttings and houseplant swaps to exchange for new plants.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 5 Jul
- 1-3pm
- More info
York Early Music Festival 2026 – Beyond Borders
Drawing in visitors locally, regionally and internationally, the festival is firmly ‘part of the festival world’ and in 2026 we celebrate just how far early music has travelled – beyond the borders of the myriad historic venues of the city – to a world-wide audience.
Opening with Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers presented by I Fagiolini and closing with Solomon’s Knot’s in their extraordinary rendition of Bruhn’s St Mark Passion, internationally acclaimed guests also include The Sixteen, B’Rock Orchestra & Vocal Consort and Imago Mundi. Our Dowland Day on Monday 6, commemorating the 400th anniversary of one of England’s most celebrated composers, invites you into John Dowland’s very particular world of music, poetry and melancholy and later in the week we move to the delicate world of French air de cour inspired by the poetry of love with tenor Paul Agnew, mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston and lutenist Sergio Bucheli.
- Multiple venues
- Fri 3 – Sat 11 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
Hull Road Party in the Park
An outdoor family fun day with archery, inflatables, games, music, crafts, and more.
- Hull Road Park, York YO10 3AA
- Sat 4 Jul
- 11:30am – 3pm
- More info
Dancing Through Life
Dancers of all ages from York Dance Works and The Academy of Theatre Studies in Howden join together to celebrate the pure enjoyment of dance and bring you a spectacular show. The performances include a multitude of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, street and more. Performed with passion, enthusiasm and beautiful costumes, it promises to be a visual treat for all to enjoy.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Sat 4 Jul
- 2:30pm & 7pm
- More info
Together We Move
York Dance Space proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary with a spectacular showcase of dance, community, and creativity. This special performance highlights a decade of inspiring movement, inclusivity, and artistic growth. Join us as we honour their journey, dancers, and vibrant spirit.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Sat 4 Jul
- 6pm
- More info
