27 things to do in York this weekend, July 25-26 2015
What a weekend! The Fringe has started, bestowing upon us ten days of music, laughter and more in teapots and magical auditoria. Then there’s live music at the races and family fun at York City. Get the complete lowdown via our comprehensive What’s On GuideThe Fringe is here!
It’s something new and spectacular for York – the Great Yorkshire Fringe, ten days of comedy, cabaret and family entertainment on Parliament Street. With Al Murray, Henning Wehn and the Tommy Cooper Show it’s a very strong opening weekend. And York’s own Arts Barge Project hosts the Great Yorkshire Swing in the Spiegltent where once Marlene Dietrich performed – full guide here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stick Man – Live On Stage! | Parliament Street | Sat & Sun @ 10.15am |
| James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids | Parliament Street | Sat & Sun @ 2.30pm |
| Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show | Parliament Street | Sat & Sun @ 4pm |
| Al Murray | Parliament Street | Sat @ 5pm & 9.30pm |
| Henning Wehn | Parliament Street | Sat @ 7.30pm |
| Rick Witter – Silent Disco Sunday | Parliament Street | Sun @ 2.30pm |
| Arts Barge Great Yorkshire Swing | Parliament Street | Sun @ 7.30pm |
Scouting For Girls
A day’s racing followed by live music from the She’s So Lovely pop princes Scouting For Girls? There’s an entertaining prospect. That’s the Music Showcase at York Racecourse on Saturday, first race at 1.45pm – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Homegrown Bedlam Music Takeover | Spread Eagle | Sat from 1pm |
| The East Coast Vagabonds | Roman Bath | Sun @ 7pm |
| York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir | Guildhall | Sat @ 7.30pm |
| David Pipe organ recital | York Minster | Sat @ 7pm |
Joan Sadler Memorial Concert
Joan Sadler was president of the Rowntree Players, a life member of York Amateur Operatic Society and a huge supporter of the performing arts. So it is fitting that some of York’s most talented performers are taking part in this tribute concert at her beloved Joseph Rowntree Theatre, including York Musical Society and York Light Opera. Sunday at 7.30pm – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bugsy Malone | Jo Ro Theatre | Sat @ 7.30pm |
York City FC family fun day
This is the happiest time of the year for York City supporters, with no worries about results or league positions and new players fuelling pre-season optimism. And the York City Family Fun Day at Bootham Crescent will also put a big smile on your face, with rides, a bouncy castle, stalls and a penalty shootout game. On Sun, 11am-3pm – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Talk | Castle Museum | Sat @ 10am-4pm |
| Mad Hat Day | York Maze | Sat @ 10am-6.30pm |
| White Rabbit & Mad Hatter’s Storytime | Huntington Library | Sat 10am-11am |
| Vikings 4D | Jorvik | Sat 10am-5pm |
| Where’s Jack? | York Dungeon | Sat @ 10am-5pm |
Country Crafts Weekend
They spin, they weave, they whittle – all sorts of skills will be on show by the talented craftsmen and women at Yorkshire Museum of Farming, all weekend from 10am-4.30pm. More here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Nature Walk | St Nick’s | Sat @ 1pm-3pm |
| Cycle Unite | York Sport Village | Sun @ 11am-3pm |
Vintage Motorcycle Run
It’s not about the wings but the two-wheelers at Yorkshire Air Museum this Sunday from 10am-5pm. The “Golden Era” Vintage Motorcycle Run will feature some classic bikes, all dating from before 1931 – more here.
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cemetery Walk: Brewers & Publicans | York Cemetery | Sun @ 2pm |
| Rich & Poor in Victorian York | Castle Museum | Sat @ noon-1pm |