The city’s own wandering wizard has big plans for York this Spring.
The first-ever Wizard Festival will take place in the city centre this May, promising more fun than you can “shake a wand at.”
The event is the brainchild of Dan Wood, aka Phoenix the Red, owner of The Wizard Walk of York.
Since the announcement, many exciting companies have come forward to collaborate with him for an event that will appeal to wizard fans of all ages.
Dan said, “We’re flying the flag for all things magical in this enchanting city, and of course we’ll be running plenty of extra Wizard Walks to meet demand!”
The announcement comes hot on the heels of winning Experience of the Year 2025 at the Visit York Tourism Awards yesterday evening (20 March).
WizardFest will run from Saturday 24 May to Monday 26 May, and will work closely with many local independent businesses.
The festival is supported by Visit York and sponsored by Loopy Scoops Ice-cream Parlour, Totally Awesome Toys, The Cat Galleries, and The Society of Alchemists.
Little Vikings, the expert guide to York for families, will also co-host and help promote the attractions on offer.
Polly Bennet from Little Vikings added, “This magical event is the perfect opportunity for families to explore the enchanting experiences York has to offer. We’re thrilled to be supporting it!”
The festival lineup includes extra Wizard Walks, Harry Potter films at City Screen, Lego workshops with The Brick Box, A Kind of Magic sessions from Story Craft Theatre, Witch and Wizard crafts with Avocado Events, bird of prey experiences, dragon meet-and-greets and more.
The partnership with The Cat Gallery will see families searching for cats around shop windows to spell a magic word, each winner will receive their own mini magical cat.
A permanent Wizard of York cat will also be added to their regular Cat Trail, with a competition to name the magical moggy.
On the evening of Monday 26 May, visitors can wander through a Magical Night Market in Shambles Market. Interested traders can email here to book a stall.
Hungry witches and wizards are in for a treat too, with themed specials across the city.
Wizard Afternoon Teas will be available at Plush Café, and monstrously good Beastly Burgers from Baby Boys Burgers at Spark:York.
For a tipsy treat, wanderers can get “all fired up” about Phoenix cocktails and mocktails at Ate O’ Clock too.
Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a chocolate Magic Minster or Mystic Macaron from Florian Poirot, chocolate shops at Monk Bar Chocolatiers, or the popular Wizard of York Ice-Creams at Loopy Scoops.
New to the Church Street ice-cream parlour will be the Wizard’s Brew Soda Float, “an ice-cream twist on a drink that wizard fans go potty for.”
Many local shops are also offering discounts to visitors dressed as wizards, and The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring has a brand-new quest to lift the curse of dark wizard Mortuis Datrix.
The festival will culminate in a fancy dress parade on Monday 26 May at 3pm, starting at St. Helen’s Square, with a contest for Best Dressed Witch or Wizard offering exciting prizes.
If that wasn’t enough already, there are more events yet to be confirmed.
All details can be found here, but wizard fans are advised to check closer to the time, as the programme is subject to change.
Follow the Wizard Walk of York Facebook page here, for updates and booking links.
Phoenix the Red said, “Many activities are already bookable, so locals are advised to book early as tickets are expected to vanish…as if by magic!”