Get ready for a whole weekend of free fun – as York Residents’ Festival is back for 2026.
The annual festival, organised by Make It York, aims to give a thank you to residents who share the city with York’s millions of visitors throughout the year – with a whole host of free events, offers, and discounts available.
York Residents’ Festival is Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February 2026.
We’ve put together a guide of all the attractions that are taking part in this year’s York ResFest.
Historical attractions such as The Bar Convent, Castle Howard, Clifford’s Tower, Yorkshire Air Museum, Merchant Taylors Hall and Beningbrough will be opening their doors for free to residents across the weekend.
Residents can also take advantage of 20% off pottery painting at Rainbow Ceramics and the first 100 visitors can visit for free at York’s Chocolate Story.
Take a look at the full list of offers at the Visit York website.
How to take part
To take advantage of the offers, please present a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves your York residency. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state ‘York’ (e.g. driving licence or older person’s bus pass).
The York Card is available to all who live or work within the York area. The York Card costs £6 for adult residents or £10 for non-residents who work in the city, and free to children and young people up to the age of 18. It’s valid for 12 months and is available to purchase as a digital card online or at any Explore library.
See individual listings for more information, including pre-booking information. Some venues have limited free tickets and operate on a first come first serve basis.
Attractions & Things to Do
The Bar Convent
31 Jan
Join us for a fascinating Q&A with Sydney Thorne, author of the biography Mary Ward: The First Sister of Feminism, exploring the legacy of one of history’s most significant yet unknown women. Sydney will be joined in conversation by Hannah Wilkinson, co-host of the podcast Two Girls One Book, for a compelling discussion delving into this Yorkshire woman’s extraordinary life and why her story is still relevant today.
As part of York Residents Festival but all are welcome.
On Saturday, January 31st, as part of York Residents Weekend, residents can explore our main exhibition. Entry to the Exhibition for York Residents: Only 50p!
- The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
- No booking required
- More info
Beningbrough
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Show your proof of address at the till for free entry to Beningbrough all weekend.
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens, Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
- No booking required
- More info
Black Swan Folk Club
1 Feb
Every year on Residents’ Weekend, the folk club (which is situated in the atmospheric Wolfe Room upstairs at the 15th Century Black Swan Inn on Peasholm Green) have put on a free concert all afternoon from 1.30 pm and, after a break, into the evening finishing at 1030. This year is no exception- the concert will be on Sunday 1st February as part of the Residents’ Festival. All performers, many of whom are full time professionals, are local to York. People usually dip in and out maybe staying to watch a couple of acts and then moving on. In years gone by it has always been a popular event.
- 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR
- No booking required
- More info
Castle Howard
31 Jan – 1 Feb
SOLD OUT.Castle Howard is delighted to welcome York Residents during York Residents’ Festival, with complimentary Gardens Admission and offers in the Farm Shop and Courtyard Café.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Booking required
- More info
City Cruises
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Enjoy a free cruise at either 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm when showing proof of residency. No pre-booking, first-come, first-served!
- Kings Staith, York, YO1 9SN
- No booking required
- More info
Clifford’s Tower
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Clifford’s Tower offers unrivalled views over the heart of the ancient city and an unforgettable insight into its turbulent past. Walkways and staircases inside have opened up parts of the tower that have been off-limits for centuries, and immersive soundscapes and stories are bring the tower’s history to life like never before.
The site will be free as part of York Residents’ Festival, but there is a limit on capacity inside the castle so queues are expected. Last entry is at 3.30pm however, the queue may be closed off before our advertised closing time. Early arrival is advised. Walk up only, no pre-booking.
- Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA
- No booking required
- More info
Fairfax House
31 Jan – 1 Feb
A rare chance for York Residents to see Fairfax House for free. As part of York Residents’ Festival, Fairfax House is opening its doors and giving away 200 free tickets to York residents between the 31st Jan – 1st Feb.
Once the elegant townhouse of Ann Fairfax and her father, Viscount Fairfax, Fairfax House boasts richly decorated interiors and exceptional stucco ceilings, standing today as a masterpiece of Georgian design and architecture. With no ropes or barriers, our rooms invite you to step directly into the past and experience the collections at close quarters, as its original inhabitants would have done.
You’ll need to bring proof of address or a York student card to be admitted.
- Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
- Booking recommended – use code fhresidentsfestival
- More info
Fishergate Postern Tower
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Climb the narrow spiral staircase of this early Tudor tower, work the model portcullis and find a remarkably complete garderobe, masons’ marks, reused roof beams and our displays, including replicas reborn from fragments found in our last dig. Free entry, open 10am to 4pm.
- Junction of Piccadilly & Lead Mill Lane, York, YO1 9AF
- No booking required
- More info
Ghost Quest York
1 Jan – 1 Feb
Experience the mind bending challenge of a walking puzzle game through the heart of York, and WIN the delicious prize at the end – all for 75% the usual price!
Start in the city with just your team and a smartphone. Navigate the route by solving puzzles, using strategy, creativity and logic. Each correct answer unlocks the next ghost story and stage of the quest! The Ghost Quest is self-guided so you can play at your own pace.
- York city centre
- Booking required – use code YorkResident
- More info
Goddards Garden
28 Feb
The garden at Goddards hasn’t opened for the season when the Visit York Residents’ Festival takes place in January, so it’s opening its doors exclusively to residents for free on Saturday 28th February, 11am – 4pm, ahead of opening for the season.
No booking required. Just bring along a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves your York residency.
- 27 Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1GG
- No booking required
- More info
The Hilt
31 Jan – 1 Feb
For the 2026 York Residents’ festival, we’re offering 25% off any axe throwing session over the last weekend of the month! Always wanted to give it a try? Or are you an axe throwing veteran itching to jump back in? Well with any proof of York residency, you can get 25% off whichever session takes your fancy! Fully coached or interactive games, just get in touch and enjoy the discount!
Want to get in on the deal? Either shoot us an email at [email protected] with any proof of residence (Water bill? Student ID? We aren’t picky!) and we’ll book you in with a cushty discount. You can also swing by and book in person!
- 57b Goodramgate, YORK, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LS
- Booking required
- More info
The Hole in Wand
1 Feb
SOLD OUT. Join us at The Hole In Wand York here at the Coppergate Centre, on SUNDAY February 1st for FREE ENTRY for York Residents! We will open our doors for those with a YO postcode for free entry from 4pm – 7pm.
- 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
- Booking required
- More info
Lost Earth Adventures
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Come try rock climbing and abseiling with us at Brimham Rocks on a 3-hour taster session. Suitable for all abilities and anyone aged 7+. All equipment included.
- Brimham Rocks
- Pre-booking is essential. To book get in touch via email at [email protected] or phone on 01904500094
- More info
National Railway Museum
26 Jan – 1 Feb
Enjoy 25% off the stunning Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality Experience at the National Railway Museum between Monday 26 January and Sunday 1 February. Book now to secure your time slot!
As always, the museum admission remains FREE. This offer is part of York Residents’ Festival during which we are also offering
- a Free Annual Pass Upgrade on bookings to Wonderlab
- 10% off in our cafés
- 10% off in our gift shops
- Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
- Valid York card or proof of residency required
- More info
National Centre for Early Music
31 Jan
25% Off Tickets: Ruby’s Worry Family Concert. Ruby had always been happy, perfectly happy….. until one day……. she discovered a worry….
Ruby tries and tries to get rid of her worry, which grows bigger and bigger! Eventually she meets a boy who has a worry too. Together they discover that everyone has worries, and that if you talk about them, they never hang around for long!
Told through live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre, Ruby’s Worry takes the audience on a delightful musical adventure.
- St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
- Booking required – use code RESIDENTSFEST26
- More info
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
31 Jan
York Residents: Discover one of the finest medieval guild halls in the world for FREE on Saturday 31st January!
Step into 660 years of history and explore one of York’s hidden gems – the stunning timber-framed Hall which is home to the Company of Merchant Adventurers since 1357. Meet York’s original business pioneers who risked their fortunes in global trade – shaping the city from the medieval wool trade to railways, chocolate and our leading universities.
Why not meet family and friends in the Merchants’ Coffee House which will be serving delicious food, home made cakes and drinks. Our shop will also be open for those wanting unique gifts and a souvenir of your visit!
- Fossgate, York, YO1 9XD
- No booking required
- More info
Merchant Taylors Hall
1 Feb
As part of Residents Weekend, come and visit the medieval Hall of the Company of Merchant Taylors in York. Learn about the Company and enjoy this unique building, free of charge. Enjoy Tea & Cake in this lovely Hall with all the proceeds of sale going to help with the cost of preserving the Hall.
- Aldwark, York YO1 7BX
- No booking required
- More info
Middlethorpe Spa
31 Jan – 27 Feb
Enjoy both a 50-minute Aromatherapy Associates treatment plus an additional 20-minute treatment, all included in the £130 half-day experience (saving £40.50). The Half-day discovery are an ideal introduction to the pleasures of relaxation and pampering. They include a soft drink or hot beverage, and the use of the Spa facilities for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 2GB
- Resident Weekend Offer must be quoted at the time of booking, when telephoning Middlethorpe Spa on 01904 661317
- More info
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
31 Jan – 1 Feb
As part of York’s 2026 Residents Festival, we’re opening one hour earlier on both days and offering a special residents-only reward.
After the first 50, residents receive 20% off walk-in admission prices (with valid proof of a York postcode address)
- First 50 residents each day enjoy FREE entry (with valid proof of a York postcode address)
- Doors open: 9am Saturday | 10am Sunday
- 14 Merchants Place, Merchantgate, York, YO1 9TU
- Valid proof of a York postcode address
- More info
Rainbows Ceramics
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Grab yourself 20% off Pottery Painting in our city centre studio during York Residents’ Festival 2026. Valid with a York card or proof of residency for each painter. Offer is for pottery / bisque only and excludes food & drink plus pre booked discounted groups.
- 15-17 Bootham, York, YO30 7BW
- No booking required. Valid with a York card or proof of residency
- More info
Thin Ice Press
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Discover the past, present and future of traditional printing at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. Nestled in the tranquil St Anthony’s Garden and overlooked by the City walls, this pressroom, museum and gallery brings together historic presses, centuries-old techniques, and a community working to ensure an endangered craft and skills thrive for years to come.
York residents are warmly invited to visit 13:00-17:00 on the 31st January and 10:00-17:00 on the 1st February to explore the gallery, pressroom, and to learn more about their city’s remarkable printing heritage.
- Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW
- No booking required
- More info
Touch Tuina
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Recharge during the Festival with our express recovery treatments.
15-Minute Tuina or Reflexology Massage – £15
Perfect for tired legs, sore feet, and festival fatigue.
30-Minute Healing Hack – £20
Includes:
- Compression boots
- Dolphin machine on the vagus nerve
- Infrared heat lamp or sauna
Fast, effective recovery in one session.
Walk-ins welcome
Pre-booking advised
- 22 Coppergate, York, YO1 9RN
- Booking advised – use code RESETYORK
- More info
Treasurer’s House
26-27 Apr
Treasurer’s House hasn’t opened for the season when the Visit York Residents’ Festival takes place in January, so it’s opening its doors to residents for free on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 April, 11am – 4pm.
Find out more about Treasurer’s House and pre-book via the website as spaces are limited (tickets will be on sale early April). To reserve your space for the festival offer, book the required number for the right dates and time as an affiliate member quoting RESFEST26. Bring your proof of address on the day for the team at the till such as a valid York Card, student card or identity card.
- Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL
- Booking recommended – use code RESFEST26
- More info
York Explore Library and Archives
31 Jan
Come along to a free exhibition on the historic bridges of York. There will be images, original plans, and other archives showcasing how these structures have shaped the development and life of the city. Learn about the chequered history of York’s main bridges as well some less familiar river crossings.
- Library Square, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS
- No booking required
- More info
York Art Gallery
31 Jan – 1 Feb
We are delighted to be participating in the York Residents Festival again! Residents of the City of York are eligible for free entry across our sites during Residents weekend (York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery). Pre-booking online required. Places are limited and Pre-booking is required.
- Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
- Pre-booking online required and proof of address
- More info
York Castle Museum
31 Jan – 1 Feb
SOLD OUT. All residents of the City of York are eligible for free entry across our sites this weekend (York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery including special exhibition). Proof of address in the City of York will be required.
- The Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Booking recommended
- More info
York’s Chocolate Story
31 Jan – 1 Feb
We’re thrilled to be part of York Residents’ Festival, giving local residents the opportunity to unwrap the rich chocolate history of York – the Chocolate City!
Here’s What We’re Offering: 100 FREE tickets each day (first come, first served – walk-ins only). Enjoy 25% off Classic Guided Tours on Saturday 31st January & Sunday 1st February for pre-booked, and walk-in tickets. To pre-book online, use code LOCALJAN26 and save!
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD
- Booking required – use code LOCALJAN20
- More info
York Cocoa Works
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Join us for York’s Residents Festival to create your very own 30g Chocolate Bar, to share or enjoy! You will work with tempered chocolate to mould and decorate your own unique Chocolate creation, to be enjoyed at home.
Bookings not required but please be aware that there may be a wait for participation, you are welcome to explore the chocolate manufactory while waiting for your turn or enjoy 50% off our Classic Hot Chocolate upon signing up to our mailing list.
- 10 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RG
- Free for York Residents with a valid Resident Card
- More info
York Cold War Bunker
31 Jan – 1 Feb
The most modern and spine-chilling of English Heritage’s properties, the York Cold War Bunker uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. Enter the blast-proof doors and investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage.
In active service from the 1960s–1990s the bunker was designed as a nerve-centre to monitor fallout in the event of a nuclear attack.
Pre-booking is essential. Please visit the York Cold War Bunker website and use code G5TJQB to book. You must arrive 15 minutes before your tour. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated once the tour has started.
- Monument Close, York, YO24 4HT
- Booking required – use code G5TJQB
- More info
York Dungeon
9 Jan – 13 Feb
That’s right you filthy freeloaders, we mean, valued residents of York! Get ready to journey back through 2000 Years of York’s darkest History as you see, hear and (ahem) smell the cities murky past! But beware, as DICK’S BACK! That’s right peasants, hold on to your valuables! The York Dungeon is rife with rumours of highwaymen prowling the area…and the most vicious one of all is said to have returned.
Sadly all of our FREE tickets available to York residents for Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February have now been pilfered by Highwaymen.
But fear not, as right through January we are offering half price tickets to York Residents to visit us on any date up to and including the 13th February 2026.
- York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
- Booking required
- More info
York Mansion House
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Join us for the annual York Residents’ Festival with free entry to York Mansion House for York residents. Discover our 300 year old building showcasing Georgian splendour and Civic history.
- St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL
- Residents must provide valid photo ID with York address e.g. York Card, drivers licence
- More info
York Medical Society
31 Jan
A haven in the city, York Medical Society is a unique city centre venue with a private secluded garden and an interesting museum of medical instruments. Formerly the home of Tempest Anderson and an extensive building of many periods. 23 Stonegate offers welcoming, affordable, flexible and convenient facilities.
- 23 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AW
- No booking required
- More info
York Minster
31 Jan – 1 Feb
This weekend it’s all about you, the residents of York! York Minster’s brand-new exhibition ‘St William of York: Life and Legacy’ opens for Residents’ Festival. The exhibition will be open during sightseeing times over the weekend. Entry is free for York Residents with valid proof of address. No pre-booking is required.
- Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- No booking required
- More info
Yorkshire Air Museum
31 Jan – 1 Feb
Residents of York can visit the Yorkshire Air Museum for free across the Residents’ Weekend. Note: this does not qualify for the usual 12 month free return. Availability is strictly limited.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU
- Booking essential
- More info
Yorkshire Museum
31 Jan – 1 Feb
SOLD OUT. We are delighted to be participating in the York Residents Festival again! Residents of the City of York are eligible for free entry across our sites during Residents weekend (York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery including special exhibition). Pre-booking online required.
- Yorkshire Museum & Gardens, Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
- Pre-booking online required
- More info
