The big events and festivals coming to York in 2023
It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2022 — but there’s plenty to look forward to in York in 2023!
The past year has been a hard one for many people, but we hope that this guide can give you something to look forward to in the new year.
Here’s a run down of all the big events and festivals that are happening in York in 2023 — including returning favourites Jorvik Viking Festival, York Ice Trail, York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge, York Food and Drink Festival, and our very own YorkMix Family Raceday.
Here at YorkMix we are wishing all our readers a safe and happy 2023.
What’s on in 2023
York Residents Festival
28-29 Jan
York Residents Festival is back! A whole weekend to say thank you to the residents of the city – complete with dining and retail offers, behind the scenes tours and more.
York Ice Trail
4-5 Feb
The UK’s biggest outdoor Ice Trail is back for 2023! The city centre will be transformed as spectacular ice sculptures take over the streets of York. Get ready for an icy adventure and go on ‘A Journey Through Time’.
Trending
Dark Skies Festival
10-26 Feb
Appreciate the wonders of the night sky with a programme of activities and opportunities at the North York Moors.
York Winter Comic Con
12 Feb
Enjoy plenty of geeky fun at the York Winter Comic Con. There will be special guests, traders, attractions and more.
Jorvik Viking Festival
11-19 Feb
The Vikings will be back in 2023 for nine days of Norse activities! Look forward to the Best Beard Competition, 10th Century Traders stalls, the March to Coppergate through the city centre and much more.
York Restaurant Week
6-12 March
York Restaurant Week celebrates the fantastic food and drink scene in York – with a whole host of deals for your favourite eateries. And there’s another one later in the year; see October, below.
York Literature Festival
TBC
Calling all literature lovers – this is the festival for you. From spoken word to poetry, this is a celebration of all things lit. Previous quests have included Mark Gatiss, Michael Palin and Lucy Worsley.
York Blues Festival
1 Apr
A whole music festival dedicated to blues in York! Held at The Crescent, this will be the fourth year of the extremely popular event.
York Chocolate Festival
6-10 Apr
Who doesn’t love chocolate? With demos, tasting events and more this festival is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
York Fashion Week
27 Apr – 1 May
York’s most fashionable festival is back – featuring workshops, runways, installations and more.
Dante Festival
17-19 May
The racing season kicks off at York Racecourse with the Dante Festival! Grab some friends, head out into the sun and enjoy a day of excitement.
York Pride
3 Jun
York Pride is back for 2023! Join the parade to the Knavesmire and celebrate love, inclusivity and diversity. There will be entertainment, live music and a whole lot of fun.
York Festival of Ideas
2-15 Jun
A festival of mostly free events to with the overarching 2023 theme of ‘Rediscover, Reimagine, Rebuild’. From theatre to exhibitions to family-friendly activities and much more.
York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge
9 Jul
Time for another battle on the Ouse as once again teams will compete for the Challenge Trophy and more prestigious awards in this exciting water race.
John Smith Meeting
14-15 Jul
Informal party highlight of the year with betting excitement and summer fun.
York Maze
15 Jul – 4 Sep
The largest maze in the UK will return in 2023 with all the family fun! Any guesses for what the design might be this year…
Music Showcase Weekend
28-29 Jul
Music artists for 2023 are yet to be announced but this is always a fun-filled weekend of great tunes and exciting racing.
Yorkshire Day
1 Aug
Time to celebrate all things Yorkshire with a whole host of events in the city centre.
Yorkshire Ebor Festival
23-26 Aug
Sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days!
Micklegate Soapbox Challenge
28 Aug
The crazily fun go-cart race Micklegate Soapbox Challenge is aiming to return in 2023 on the August Bank Holiday.
York Walls Festival
TBC
A festival that celebrates York’s community and heritage and all that goes on within the world-famous Bar Walls.
World Seniors Darts Tour
2-3 Sep
York Barbican is set to host its first ever major darts tournament when the World Seniors Matchplay takes place in September 2023. Legendary 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest ever darts player, will headline the 16-player field alongside defending World Seniors Matchplay Champion and World Champion Robert Thornton.
York Unleashed Comic-Con
3 Sep
More nerdy fun at York Racecourse as the main Comic Con event returns for another year.
Heritage Open Days Festival
8-17 Sep
Explore some of York’s most iconic venues – for free!
YorkMix Family Raceday
10 Sep
Our YorkMix Family Raceday is back for its third year! There will be fun for all the family with racing, entertainment and (hopefully) sunshine.
York Book Fair
15-16 Sep
With over 100,000 books to browse through, this is any readers dream. There will be rare, antiquarian and secondhand books, as well as prints, maps and more.
York Food and Drink Festival
22 Sep – 1 Oct
The tastiest festival in York! The York Food and Drink Festival aims to celebrate local and regional food and drink complete with live demos, tastings and stalls.
York Restaurant Week
9-15 October
It’s another chance to enjoy brilliant food at amazing prices, as York Restaurant Week serves up a second seven days’ worth of culinary deals at our brilliant restaurants, cafés and bars.
October Finale
13-14 Oct
This will be your last chance to visit York Races in 2023.
Yorkshire Marathon
15 Oct
Get out those running shoes as the Yorkshire Marathon is back. For runners of all abilities – it’s time to smash your PB.
Hallowscream
TBC
Do you dare to enter Hallowscream? Get ready for a fright or two…or fifty…This is what nightmares are made of…
Yorktoberfest
TBC
Yorktoberfest brings beer, bratwurst and all things Bavarian to York Racecourse!
Aesthetica Short Film Festival
1-30 Nov
See some of the best new short films from around the world. The festival also includes talks from guest speakers, masterclasses, and much more.
UK Snooker Championship
25 Nov – 3 Dec
Snooker is back once again at York Barbican! Who will battle it out to win that coveted trophy?
York Christmas Festival
TBC
There’s no better time to be in York than at Christmas. Lets hope the Christmas Markets and other festivities make a welcome return in 2023.