Looking for things to do in York this summer? We’ve got the guide for you.
School is out, the sun is shining, and there’s so much fun to be had in York this summer.
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected]. This guide will be continually updated.
What’s on in York this Summer
Don’t miss
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is open daily for your family summer adventures, from 22 July to 1 September, with an action-packed itinerary guaranteeing a brilliant day out for all the family. Enjoy our headline contemporary sculpture exhibition by Tony Cragg – your chance to see a world-class exhibition against a beautiful historic backdrop. Plus, create your own sculpture to take away at the Boathouse Stretch Tent, with arty activities, including clay modelling and drawing. Make the most of the good weather and explore the huge estate or cool off inside our stunning stately home. And there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained too, including our Skelf Island Adventure Playground Have fun and make memories with the family this summer.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Mon 22 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 9am – 5pm
- More info
Flamingo Land
Flamingo Land is Yorkshire’s ultimate theme park attraction, with an award-winning zoo, luxury resort village and leisure centre. Enjoy an amazing view of the animal kingdom in our zoo, which has an incredible 140 species. Then learn all about them in our daily keeper talks, animal encounters and entertaining daytime shows! The theme park has something for all ages, including the new rollercoaster “Sik” for the thrill seekers, and the “Peter Rabbit Adventure” for the kids!
New for the summer of 2024, don’t miss Flamingo Fest on Saturday 27 July! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of singing, dancing and partying with some of the greatest Tribute Acts, DJs, Kids’ Entertainment and Street Entertainers!
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- Mon 22 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Family fun
York Maze
York Maze is the largest maze in the UK, created from over one million living, growing maize plants in a fun and unique design! For 2024, the giant maize maze is celebrating 25 years of the Gruffalo! It’s a fun day out for all the family with over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy.
- York Maze, Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
- Sat 13 July – Mon 2 Sep
- 10am – 6:30pm
- More info
The Great Summer Social at York Designer Outlet
Grab your friends and family and let The Great Summer Social begin. Whether you’re looking to kick back and watch the world go by or challenge a friend to a round of mini golf on our 9-hole course, shoot some hoops with friends, or compete in a table tennis match, compete in one of our sport games including hang time, hoops & crosses and Olympic ring toss. You can do it all in our Great Summer Social area, located outside the South Entrance. Open daily, admission to The Great Summer Social and all its games are FREE!
- York Designer Outlet, St. Nicholas Avenue, York, YO19 4TA
- until Sunday 8 Sep
- 9:30am – 8pm (Mon-Sat), 10am – 6pm (Sun)
- More info
Summer Holiday Fun at Eden Camp
Explore the captivating world of history at Eden Camp with 22 immersive huts, each offering a unique glimpse into the past. This summer there will be family-friendly educational workshops, make your own peg plane arts and crafts, tack biscuit making, and create your own eggbox tank.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 20 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Summer holiday fun at RHS Harlow Carr
The Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep! Join the fun and frolics with Shaun this summer as he learns top tips about how to grow scrumptious fresh food from the garden to keep him in great condition. Find the Flock by hunting down the three decorated sculptures of Shaun in the garden and meet him ‘in the fleece’ to get a cheeky selfie.
- RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 20 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Summer of Magic at The Hole in Wand
The Summer of Magic has arrived at The Hole In Wand. Join us over the summer holidays for the most magical adventure. Take on 9 holes of mini golf and receive a magical potion based on your score – and events throughout the holidays including Magicians, Animal and Character Meet and Greets including the infamous Gargoyle: Grobblenook!
- The Hole In Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
- Sat 20 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 10am – 7pm
- More info
Summer Holidays at Mother Shipton’s
Set sail on a summer adventure like no other at Mother Shipton’s! Embark on a journey to ‘Finding Neverland’, inspired by the timeless tale of Peter Pan – Immerse yourself in the magic of Neverland with our enchanting themed displays, featuring the mischievous Tinkerbell, mysterious shipwrecks, and swashbuckling pirate hideouts.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 20 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 10am – 5:30pm
- More info
Summer at Murton Park
Murton Park are bringing bucket loads of historical activities this summer holidays, with six themed weeks of fun – Medieval week, Roman week, Homefront week, Saxon week, Viking week, and Makaton week. Each week there will also be a Living History Day, a Museum Day, crafts and storytelling.
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Sat 20 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Lights, Camera, Traction, Film Trail at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Join us this summer and try out our brand-new film trail. Travel and walk in the footsteps of your favourite film and TV stars, and meet curious creatures, find out if you’re a super spy, and become an awesome archaeologist.
- All stations along NYMR’s heritage line
- Sat 20 July – Sun 1 Sep
- 9:15am – 6:15pm
- More info
Summer of Adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm
Fun shows, foam parties and three fantastic adventures! Will you meet a fire breathing dragon, master new skills at the circus or walk with the dinosaurs?
- Piglets, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- Sat 20 Jul – Mon 2 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Summer Holidays at Web Adventure Park
Spend your days in the sunshine at the Web Adventure Park and experience a full day of fantastic fun! With everything included in one ticket, you can spend a whole day at the park with tonnes of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Have unlimited goes on our fairground rides, foam parties, test out our new water pillow, animal encounter sessions, watch the fantastic Dazzling Darren perform his shows throughout the day, check out our new Webbington role play village, get involved in our sports day games, bounce on bouncing pillows, explore acres of fun in the indoor and outdoor play areas, and more!
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, United Kingdom YO32 2RH
- Sat 20 Jul – Mon 2 Sep
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Summer at Oxygen York
The home of big-time fun, Oxygen York features interconnected trampolines, a parkour area, an inflatable park, an interactive sports pitch with AirTrack, airbag jump & trapeze, as well as a soft play area. In a summer of sport, Oxygen York will host two special activities every day – with guests able to win prizes and a place on the podium at the end of each activity. Based on different sports, such as athletics, gymnastics and track & field, the activities will give guests the full summer of sport experience. Not just for kids, all activities are also suitable for adults, ensuring the perfect family day out.
- Oxygen York, Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York YO30 4XU
- Mon 22 Jul – Sun 1 Sep
- 9am – 7pm
- More info
William’s Summer Adventures
Adventures are back for the Kid’s Summer Holidays! With William’s Wild West Adventures “Yee-Haw”! Embark on a summer adventure with a straw bale maze, treasure trail, line dancing, water fights, welly wanging, hobby horse family challenge, and much more.
- William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave HU15 2LS
- Mon 22 Jul – Mon 2 Sep
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Summer at York Castle Museum
Roll up to York Castle Museum this summer holiday to enjoy lots of entertaining activities for all ages. Enjoy traditional games outside in the Exercise Yard, including favourites such as a ‘Ring Toss’ and ‘Plinko’, along with live performances three times a week with Phineas FickleTickle’s Totally Tremendous Time-Travel Tincture, as well as Victorian Stilt Walkers and an itinerant band on Sundays!
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Sat 27 Jul – Sun 1 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Ryedale Show 2024
A fun day for all the family with sheep racing, over 200 trade and food stalls, a gun dog display, fun dog show, arts & crafts exhibits and stalls, livestock classes, tractors and vintage machinery, and children’s competitions, activities and races.
- Welburn Park, Welburn, Kirkbymoorside, York, YO62 7HQ
- Tue 30 Jul
- From 9am
- More info
York Georgian Festival
York Georgian Festival returns this summer with fashion, food, and fans – more details to come.
- York Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL
- Thu 1 – Sun 4 Aug
- 11am – 5pm
- More info
WiggyFest
The family-friendly festival Wiggyfest is back with a day of live music, sports, recreational activities, and food and drink.
- Wigginton Sports & Playing Fields, Wigginton, York YO32 2RB
- Sat 3 Aug
- 11am – 9pm
- More info
Thornton-le-Dale Show
A day of attractions, special events and family fun at the Thornton-le-Dale Show. There will be horse classes, a dog show, ferret and falconry roadshow, tug-o-war, children’s entertainment, extreme sport, and more.
- The Showground, Maltongate, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7RT
- Wed 7 Aug
- From 9am
- More info
Iconic Bricks: Dinosaurs!
‘Dinosaurs’ is the brand-new tour from Iconic Bricks, featuring 18 life-sized brick models meticulously designed to awe and inspire audiences of all ages. The touring show includes an impressive Triceratops, a colourful Stegosaurus, and a huge Iguanodon to name just a few.
- Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Church Ln, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
- Fri 23 Aug – Thu 19 Sep
- 9:30am – 5pm
- More info
Osso Fest
Osso Fest is back for 2024, with amazing bands, a BBQ, outdoor bar, family games, bouncy castle, raffle, tombola and a lot of fun.
- Osbaldwick Sports Club, The Leyes, York YO10 3PR
- Sun 25 Aug
- 2pm
- More info
All Creatures Great and Small Family Day at Thirsk Races
Join us for our All Creatures Great and Small Family Day! A celebration of Thirsk’s heritage and proud association with James Herriot, this raceday hosts a range of children’ entertainment and racing making it the perfect summer family event. Enjoy free kids’ entertainment, including a petting farm, bouncy castles, slides, face painting, balloon modeling, fairground stalls.
- Thirsk Racecourse, Station Road, Thirsk, YO7 1QL
- Fri 30 Aug
- from 11am
- More info
Foxwood Family Fun Day
A fun day for the whole family at Foxwood Community Centre! There’ll be lots of entertainment, stalls, activities, refreshments and more to enjoy.
- Foxwood Community Centre, Cranfield Pl, York YO24 3HY
- Sat 31 Aug
- 11am – 2pm
Horses and Knights at Carlton Towers
Carlton Towers have teamed up with Equistry – History on Horseback to host a spectacular medieval event. Witness gritty battles between the knights and their noble steeds with 2 shows throughout the day. Meet the team opportunities afterwards and “Have a go archery” throughout. There will be a selection of craft, local produce, and food stalls available to browse.
- Carlton Towers, High St, Carlton, Goole DN14 9LZ
- Sat 31 Aug
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
York Unleashed Comic-Con
A must visit for lovers of anything nerdy – with celebrity guests, geeky attractions, stage talks, merchandise market, cosplay masquerade and loads of other stuff to see and do.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EC
- Sun 1 Sep
- 11am – 5pm
- More info
Music and Shows
Around the World in 80 Days-ish
Join our raggle-taggle band of circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet – to perform the story of Phileas Fogg and his thrilling race across the globe. But wait? Who is this Nellie Bly biting at his heels? Will an actual, real-life woman win this race? Expect a carnival of delights for all the family aged 7 and up. With tricks, flicks and brand-new bits, you’d be a clown to miss it!
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Thu 18 Jul – Sat 3 Aug
- Various times
- More info
Outdoor Cinema at Castle Howard
Enjoy an open-air cinema experience at Castle Howard this summer! With family favourites like Finding Nemo and Frozen, musical fun like The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia, and action classics like Top Gun and Jurassic Park – there’s something for everyone.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Thu 25 – Sun 28 Jul
- Various times
- More info
Music Showcase Weekend
Music and racing fun at York Racecourse this summer! Kaiser Chiefs will be playing after racing on the evening on Friday 26 July, with S club taking to the stage after racing on Saturday. The action on the track is just as compelling, headlined by a Pattern-quality contest on each day. The Listed EBF Lyric Stakes on Friday with the G2 Sky Bet York Stakes offering a six-figure purse on Saturday.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
- Fri 26 – Sat 27 Jul
- From 3:30pm (Fri), 11:15am (Sat)
- More info
York Proms
The York Proms picnic concert returns to the Museum Gardens on Sunday 28th July 2024, with a great night of live entertainment featuring live orchestra, opera soloists, a stunning fireworks finale and local talent on our warm up stage. In all, you can enjoy over 5 hours of soaking up the atmosphere in the historic gardens, savouring your picnic or sampling our on site caterers, and listening to wonderful music.
- York Museum Gardens
- Sun 28 Jul
- Gates open from 5pm
- More info
The 13-Storey Treehouse
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s hilarious, multi award-winning book The 13-Storey Treehouse comes to life on stage. Today’s the day Andy and Terry are going to bring their stories to the stage in their first EVER play – except they forgot to write it! Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla?
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thu 8 – Sun 11 Aug
- 1pm & 5pm
- More info
Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar
Hear Hans Zimmer’s epic Oscar-nominated Interstellar suite performed on York Minster’s magnificent Grand Organ this August. 10 years since the release of Christopher Nolan’s ground-breaking blockbuster, star soloist Roger Sayer, who featured on the film’s official soundtrack, will bring the dystopian masterpiece to life in the cathedral’s awe-inspiring Nave. Get ready for an out-of-this-world musical experience, suitable for all the family.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Thu 29 Aug
- 7pm
- More info
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour. Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sat 31 Aug – Sun 1 Sep
- 11:30am & 2:30pm
- More info
Markets and fairs
RSPCA Summer Fair
The RSPCA Summer Fair 2024 will have lots of stalls with games, prizes, food and more fun for all the family. They will also be holding their annual Dog Show at the summer fair.
- Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York YO30 6WP
- Sat 3 Aug
- 10am – 3pm
- More info
York River Art Market
The open air York River Art Market is back for its ninth year this summer! Browse and buy directly from an array of Yorkshire based artists across three weekends in August, with ceramics, jewellery, paintings, prints, photographs, clothing, candles and much more.
- Dame Judi Dench Walk, Lendal Bridge, York, YO1 7DR
- 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 Aug
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
More summer fun
Potty for Pottery: Experimental Archaeology Workshops
Are you looking for something fun and creative to do with the family during the school holidays? If so, then why not try Potty for Pottery. These sessions are ideal for children aged 7–12 (although all are welcome) and involve taking inspiration from historical ceramics to create their own, which they can take home.
- DIG, St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York Y01 8NN
- Sat 27 Jul – Fri 30 Aug
- 10am – 3pm
- More info
York 10k Run For All
The York 10K offers runners the unique opportunity to race through the heart of this wonderful city.
- Knavesmire Road, York
- Sun 4 Aug
- From 9:30am
- More info
Living History Weekend
Eden Camp Museum will be alive and kicking with reenactors around every corner – displays, talks, and activities galore. Step back in time and immerse yourself in history at Eden Camp, where the past comes alive with reenactors around every corner at our Living History Weekend. From captivating displays to engaging talks and activities galore, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 24 – Sun 25 Aug
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Churchyard Nature Safari
Come along and explore the fascinating world of bugs and minibeasts in our churchyard in this special summer holidays event! Miranda Dunstan from St Nicks will be on hand to help us identify and learn more about the creatures we find and how we can make sure our green spaces are happy homes for wildlife. Fun bug-themed crafts will also be available! Join us to spend some valuable time outdoors and learning about the wonders of biodiversity.
- All Saints Church, North Street, York YO1 6JD
- Tue 27 Aug
- 2-4pm
- More info