Hot hits and horse flesh on Knavesmire. Gifts and goodies at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall. Butterflies and bugs at St Nicks. If you like to shop, to bop or just flop around in a crop top, York’s weekend starts here…

Music showcase

With Leeds’ finest Kaiser Chiefs performing after Friday’s evening races, and chart-topping Little Mix getting the party started after the Saturday sport, it looks to be a rocking weekend at York Racecourse. Thrills and spills on both racetrack and stage.

• Details on the Friday, July 26 showcase here
• Details on the Saturday, July 27 showcase here
• More on the York Racecourse website

From Yorkshire… With Love

This is a lively shopping event showcasing contemporary crafts, artisan foods, vintage homeware and affordable art. More than 40 Yorkshire-based independent businesses are taking part, meaning the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall will be absolutely bursting to the seams with local handmade products.

• Sunday, July 28, 10.30am-4pm
• Full details here
• From Yorkshire with Love Facebook page

Summer nature walk

Discover summer wildlife on St Nicholas Fields nature reserve, located just one mile from the city centre and join in a gentle walk. There will be a butterfly count if the weather is kind, but plenty to see in any event. The walk is suitable for nature enthusiasts of all ages and will be followed by refreshments at the Environment Centre.

• Saturday, July 27, 10.15am–12pm
• More details here
• St Nicholas Fields website

Lego show

YorBrix is a new Lego show set to be an annual affair, featuring amazing models built by collectors and fans of these ubiquitous Danish building blocks. YorBrix is brought to you by members of Northern Brickworks who are all AFOLs – Adult Fans of Lego.

• Friday, July 26 to Saturday July 27, 10am – 4pm
• Full details here
• Yorbrix website

Miniature Mallard

Building on the success of the Great Gathering of the A4 locos, the National Railway Museum has all manner of Summer Speed activities. Go on a speed trail to find the museum’s speedometers, build a speed machine and race it, and for this weekend only, see steam powered model gauge one trains try to beat Mallard’s record breaking run on a model railway track.

• Saturday, July 27 to Sunday, July 28 10am–4.30pm
• Full details here
• National Railway Museum website

Wrestle a Dalek

York Maze will be holding a best sci-fi costume competition at 2.30pm for adults and children with the winner getting the chance to take the controls of a replica dalek! There are cash prizes too.

• Saturday, July 27 10am–6.30pm
• Full details here
• York Maze website