90+ things to look forward to in York in 2021

A lot of us are probably going to be glad to see the back of 2020, and are trying to look forward into 2021 with a positive outlook.

Here’s our guide to what events will (hopefully) be happening in York in 2021.

In store are postponed shows and gigs from 2020, tentative hopes for annual festivals to return, innovative ways to stage events, fantastic theatre, family fun, cracking comedy and the launch of our very own radio station.

Do you think we missed anything? Let us know by leaving a comment or drop us a line.

We hope there’s something here for everyone to look forward to, and we wish you all a safe and happy 2021.

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January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

January

YorkMix Radio – the new radio station for North Yorkshire! Photograph: Richard McDougall

January 1, 2019

YorkMix Radio launch

Let’s kick off the year with the launch of YorkMix Radio! The new radio station for North Yorkshire is bringing a mix of music and news with all your favourite presenters.

January 1, 2019

York Holocaust Memorial Day

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is Be the light in the darkness.

January 1, 2019

Climate Talks launch

Starting in January and continuing up to COP26 in November is a new, eleven-part series of Climate Talks featuring world-renowned experts in the field of climate science at the National Railway Museum and online.

January 1, 2019

Clog Dancing in Gweek

A one-off livestream from The Barns celebrating 40 years of Kneehigh. Join Colin Pickering as he lifts the lid on all things Kneehigh from the comfort of your own home.

January 1, 2019

York Residents Festival

It is still unconfirmed whether the annual festival for York Residents will be back in 2021, but lets hope the weekend of retail, dining and attraction offers will still go ahead in some capacity.

January 1, 2019

First game at York’s new stadium

The LNER Community Stadium complex is open – and this month York City should play the first competitive game there.

January 1, 2019

February

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is returning for Valentine’s weekend.

January 1, 2019

Byron Wallen

Jazz trumpeter and writer Byron Wallen performs at the National Centre for Early Music.

January 1, 2019

Super Cool Drawing Machine

An exhibition of art featuring renowned musicians from alternative, experimental, jazz, folk, rock, soul, ambient, indie backgrounds at The Crescent Community Venue.

January 1, 2019

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

The annual event’s return was delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but it’s aiming to be back for Valentine’s weekend – complete with the much-loved outdoor ice rink of course!

January 1, 2019

York Theatre Royal reopens

York Theatre Royal has announced it will reopen on Valentine’s Day, beginning with a special event York in Love

January 1, 2019

That JORVIK Viking Thing

With uncertainty surrounding what Covid-19 restrictions may be in place in the new year, the team behind JORVIK Viking Festival has revealed plans for something new and different for February half term including livestreamed Viking-themed events and smaller scale tours.

January 1, 2019

Adam Buxton

Join comedian and podcast host Adam Buxton as he talks about and reads from his upcoming new book at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

York Ice Trail

It is unconfirmed whether York Ice Trail is back for 2021, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed to see some stunning ice sculptures around the city.

January 1, 2019

Emergence Festival

A festival of eclectic arts, celebrating student work and a return to theatre.

January 1, 2019

March

Dane Baptiste is perfoming at The Crescent.

January 1, 2019

Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain

Using actors and 3D special effects, prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with this special production of Barmy Britain! At the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

Dane Baptiste

Join one of the nation’s most exciting stand up stars as he presents another ‘brilliantly hilarious and boldly provocative show’ at The Crescent Community Venue.

January 1, 2019

The Great Yorkshire Pantomime

A new production of Aladdin will be staged inside a 54m diameter big top on Knavesmire, complete with heating and socially-distanced audience.

January 1, 2019

BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Embark on a thrilling night of adventure at York Barbican with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival.

January 1, 2019

Trans-Siberian: The World’s Longest Railway

A new exhibition coming to the National Railway Museum which features stories of the colossal engineering feats that allowed travellers to cross a continent in style.

January 1, 2019

York Blues Festival

A day of live music at The Crescent Community Venue, bringing ‘The Blues’ to the city of York.

January 1, 2019

York Fashion Week

A celebration of fashion, creativity and style that features runway shows, lectures, workshops and more. Date to be confirmed.

January 1, 2019

York Literature Festival

York Literature Festival is a celebration of all things literature with events, talks and workshops. Guests and dates to be confirmed.

January 1, 2019

York Restaurant Week

Lets hope we can continue to celebrate York’s exciting food and drink scene in 2021 with offers and savings on all your favourite eateries. Date to be confirmed.

January 1, 2019

CBeebies Rainbow Adventure

Step inside the CBeebies Experience with a brand new touring pop-up event for children. Due to the continuing impact of COVID-19, the decision was made to postpone the launch of CBeebies Rainbow Adventure until Spring 2021.

January 1, 2019

April

Rob Brydon returns to York Barbican with his new show in 2021

January 1, 2019

York Chocolate Festival

Celebrate York’s sweet culinary heritage and vibrant history with the confectionery and chocolate industry.

January 1, 2019

Grace Petrie

Folk singer Grace Petrie will perform at The Crescent Community Venue.

January 1, 2019

Rob Brydon

Join Rob Brydon at York Barbican for a night of songs, stories and impressions.

January 1, 2019

Yotam Ottolenghi

Yotam Ottolenghi will be coming to York Theatre Royal to discuss the tastes, ingredients, and flavours that excite him, and how he has created a career from cooking.

January 1, 2019

Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Multi award winning comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean is at The Crescent Community Venue with her fourth full length show.

January 1, 2019

Remembering the Oscars

Get ready to celebrate the Oscar-winning songs in this exhilarating new dance spectacular with Strictly’s favourite couple Aljaz and Janette! At the York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

Antonio Forcione

Guitarist Antonio Forcione is returning to the National Centre for Early Music stage.

January 1, 2019

Jimmy Carr

He’s back once again at the Grand Opera House, telling ‘jokes about all kinds of terrible things’.

January 1, 2019

Showaddywaddy

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is coming to York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

May

A reminder of those magical night glows. Photographs: York Balloon Fiesta

January 1, 2019

Luther Vandross Celebration

Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10 piece band perform at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners

Direct from the West End, the show brings to life the music of Ireland’s favourite sons ‘The Dubliners’. Telling the story of a career spanning 50 years and evoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Jim McCann, Ciaran Bourke and John Sheahan.

January 1, 2019

Inflatable 5k

The UK’s biggest inflatable obstacle course 5k run is coming to York with a new Foam ZoneRun for 2021.

January 1, 2019

Justin Live

CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher is live on the York Theatre Royal stage in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

January 1, 2019

In Conversation with Astronaut Tim Peake

Join British astronaut Tim Peake at York Theatre Royal as he relives his six-month mission to the International Space Station, and the surprising journey that took him there.

January 1, 2019

Adam Kay

Award winning comedian and author of This Is Going To Hurt Adam Kay shares entries from his diaries as a junior doctor in an evening of stand-up and music at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

Dante Festival

The first races of the season at York Racecourse, featuring the Yorkshire Cup.

January 1, 2019

David Baddiel

David Baddiel returns to the stage in his brand new one-man show at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

Romesh Ranganathan

See Romesh Ranganathan at York Barbican in his most brutally honest show yet. Find out what he finds unacceptable and why he thinks trying to save the environment is a scam.

January 1, 2019

From The Jam: Setting Sons 40th Anniversary Tour

From the Jam will tour the UK, stopping along the way at York Barbican, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Jam’s 4th studio album ‘Setting Sons’.

January 1, 2019

Sandi Toksvig

Sandi Toksvig is returning to York Barbican with her hilarious smash-hit one-woman National Trevor show.

January 1, 2019

Van Morrison

Legendary singer-songwriter Van Morrison is set to perform at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

York Balloon Fiesta

After being cancelled in 2020, York Balloon Fiesta is set to return with a FOUR day festival! Experience the dazzling display of hot air balloons, as well as a laser and fireworks display, live music and more.

January 1, 2019

Eboracum Roman Festival

The Yorkshire Museum launched the first online Eboracum Roman Festival in 2020, and we hope the festival will return in 2021.

January 1, 2019

June

Get ready to do the time warp with The Rocky Horror Show.

January 1, 2019

Live at the Theatre Royal with Phil Wang

An evening of stand-up at York Theatre Royal featuring an incredible line-up with several multi award-winning and critically acclaimed comedy heroes and headlined by Phil Wang.

January 1, 2019

York Festival of Ideas

York Festival of Ideas 2021 will return under the banner of Infinite Horizons.

January 1, 2019

York Taster Festival

A preview of what’s to come in the Food and Drink Festival in September. Sample food from different cusines around the world and watch live demonstrations.

January 1, 2019

50th Macmillan Charity Raceday

The biggest and oldest charity racing event in the UK.

January 1, 2019

Friends! The Musical Parody

Settle in with your friends Ross, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, Joey and Rachel as this show at York Barbican lovingly pokes fun at the smash hit TV show.

January 1, 2019

Shagged. Married. Annoyed. With Chris & Rosie Ramsey

For the first time ever Chris and Rosie Ramsey are bringing their smash-hit podcast live to York Barbican for one show only.

January 1, 2019

Rob Beckett

A double bill at York Barbican from self-proclaimed ‘Mouth of the South’ due to popular demand.

January 1, 2019

Stewart Lee

A double-bill from “the world’s greatest living stand-up” at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

The Rocky Horror Show

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

York Pride

York Pride 2020 unfortunately had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 and the organisers created a JustGiving page to help York Pride return in 2021 – the good news is that the goal has been reached. Let’s hope York Pride will be flying the flag for love on the Knavesmire in 2021.

January 1, 2019

July

January 1, 2019

York Proms

An exciting picnic concert right in the heart of York at the Museum Gardens, the date having been rescheduled to 2021 due to Covid-19. We can expect stunning musical performances and hopefully a rousing fireworks finale.

January 1, 2019

Ronan Keating

Celebrating a solo career spanning two decades, Ronan Keating performs at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

John Smith Meeting

Enjoy some summer fun and party into the weekend with food, drink and excitement.

January 1, 2019

York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge

The battle on the Ouse is set to return in 2021! Watch teams compete against each other on the water as they try to win trophies such as the Challenge Trophy, fastest Charity team, and of course the Best Dressed Team award.

January 1, 2019

The Frock Fairies in Sleeping (with) Beauty

The heat is rising this summer as Adult Pantomime comes to the Grand Opera House with Baga Chipz, Divina De Campo and Blu Hydrangea, best known from Series 1 of Drag Race UK.

January 1, 2019

York Rocks Against Cancer

A night of music at York Barbican to raise vital funds for the charity York Against Cancer.

January 1, 2019

Music Showcase Weekend

Head down to York Racecourse for two days of racing, music and summer fun. Music acts still TBA.

January 1, 2019

York Maze

Due to Covid-19 York Maze had to remain closed in 2020. They are looking forward to welcoming back visitors in 2021. Theme TBA!

January 1, 2019

August

January 1, 2019

York Unleashed Comic-Con

Expect guests from the sci-fi and fantasy world of TV and film, content creators, traders, fun cosplay and more at York Racecourse.

January 1, 2019

Yorkshire Ebor Festival

Four days of ‘sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun’ with some of York’s oldest and most famous races at York Racecourse.

January 1, 2019

Castle Howard Proms

This spectacular classical concert had to be postponed until 2021. Best-selling tenor and Go Compare man Wynne Evans is confirmed to be performing.

January 1, 2019

We Will Rock You

The worldwide smash hit musical is coming to the Grand Opera House with 24 of Queen’s biggest hits and Ben Elton’s hilarious futuristic comedy writing combined.

January 1, 2019

Micklegate Soapbox Challenge

York’s own version of wacky races, watch karts hurtle down Micklegate to victory. Lets hope they can return in 2021.

January 1, 2019

York Walls Festival

Celebrate the history of one of York’s biggest historical landmarks with guided walks, talks and other family-friendly activities. Date TBC.

January 1, 2019

September

Returning – York Food Fest. Photograph: YorkMix

January 1, 2019

Grayson Perry

Join Grayson Perry for an ‘enlightening and eye-watering evening’ at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

York Book Fair

The largest rare, antiquarian & out-of-print book fair in the UK is set to return to York Racecourse in 2021.

January 1, 2019

Heritage Open Days Festival

Visit some of York’s attractions for free in this festival celebrating history and culture.

January 1, 2019

York Beer & Cider Festival

Head down to York Racecourse to try a vast selection of beers and ciders, as well as wine, mead, prosecco and gin too.

January 1, 2019

Carl Hutchinson

After two consecutive sell-out years, comedian Carl Hutchinson returns to The Crescent Community Venue with a brand new show!

January 1, 2019

Kim Wilde

Kim Wilde is making a visit to York Barbican on her Greatest Hits tour.

January 1, 2019

York Food and Drink Festival

A food-lovers dream! Watch top chefs demonstrate some live cooking, take part in workshops, sample cuisine from around the world and see what the market traders have to offer.

January 1, 2019

Jonathan Pie

After months stuck in lockdown, Jonathan Pie returns to the road to discuss how corona has changed the world… and his career prospects. Catch him at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

October

January 1, 2019

Riverdance: The New 25th Anniversary Show

A triple bill at York Barbican to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this Irish and international dance.

January 1, 2019

AJ & Curtis’ Big Night Out

A live entertainment spectacular at York Barbican featuring these dancing-star siblings.

January 1, 2019

Yorkshire Marathon

Run around the beautiful streets of the city and beyond in this annual race. Postponed from 2020.

January 1, 2019

Joel Dommett

Comedian and finalist in 2016’s ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!’ is set to perform at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

Chris Ramsey

Catch the comedian for a double-bill at York Barbican for his ‘biggest ever’ stand up tour.

January 1, 2019

Dionne Warwick

Legendary six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Dionne Warwick is visiting York Barbican as part of her farewell tour.

January 1, 2019

Hallowscream

Prepare for some frightening fun as Hallowscream is set to return in 2021 ‘bigger and badder than ever’.

January 1, 2019

November

Betway UK Snooker Championship set to return in 2021.

January 1, 2019

Aesthetica Short Film Festival

Celebrate independent film from around the world with the return of this international festival. This unique event will be jam-packed with screenings, talks and workshops.

January 1, 2019

Swan Lake

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is back for its annual UK tour, and performing Swan Lake at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

Omid Djalili

Comedian Omid Djalili is back on stage where he belongs after experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people. Catch him at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

Sarah Millican

The hilarious Sarah Millican is back on tour with a Bobby Dazzler of a new stand-up show. She will be performing at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

Strictly Ballroom

Based on the award-winning world-wide film phenomenon and directed by the iconic Craig Revel Horwood, this musical will be foxtrotting into the Grand Opera House and into our hearts.

January 1, 2019

Betway UK Snooker Championship

Snooker’s UK Championship will return in 2021, featuring 128 of the world’s top players battling for the famous trophy.

January 1, 2019

December

Berwick Kaler in Dick Turpin the panto in 2008

January 1, 2019

Cinderella

Postponed from 2020, York Theatre Royal presents the most magical pantomime of all in this timeless rags to riches story.

January 1, 2019

Katherine Ryan

Comedian Katherine Ryan makes a return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Missus. Catch her at York Barbican.

January 1, 2019

Dick Turpin Rides Again

Postponed from 2020, Dick Turpin Rides Again reunites Berwick Kaler with his band of pantomime favourites, Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, AJ Powell and David Leonard at the Grand Opera House.

January 1, 2019

Alan Carr

Join Alan Carr for a double bill at York Barbican as he muses upon the things that make his life weird and wonderful.

January 1, 2019

York Christmas Festival

Unfortunately the Christmas markets weren’t able to go ahead in 2020 due to Covid-19. We hope they can make a return in 2021 and give the city a bit of festive magic.

January 1, 2019