Take a look at what’s going on in York this week.
It’s the return of Jorvik Viking Festival, there’s musical fun with Cruel Intentions at Grand Opera House York and Shrek the Musical at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, meet Olympian and Strictly superstar Tom Dean, and much more.
This week also marks the start of February half term. Check out our guide to lots of ideas of things to do in York and beyond over the holiday.
What’s on in York this week: Sunday 16 – Friday 21 February
All week
Jorvik Viking Festival
The Vikings are back this February for the JORVIK Viking Festival! From Monday, the 17th of February to Sunday, the 23rd, York will be taken over by Viking warriors. This world renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances. Check out our guide for some of the event highlights here.
- Various locations
- Mon 17 – Sun 23 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Cruel Intentions
Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, Bill Kenwright Ltd. presents the brand-new smash hit musical Cruel Intentions coming to York. Based on the iconic film and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, it’s packed with ‘90s pop classics including the songs of Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, *NSYNC and many more!
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Tue 18 – Sat 22 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Little Women
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 semi-autobiographical novel, Little Women focuses on the four March sisters— traditional Meg, wild, aspiring writer Jo, timid Beth and romantic Amy — and their beloved Marmee.
Set in their home in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father is away serving during the Civil War, we see vignettes in which their lives unfold plus several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio.
Along the way we meet the famous love interests Laurie, Mr Brooke and Prof Bhaer, along with the formidable Aunt March and grumpy Mr Lawrence. With a stunning score and heart warming narrative, this show from Wharfmede Productions is one for all the family to enjoy.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Tue 18 – Sat 22 Feb
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Loot
York Settlement Community Players are proud to present Joe Orton’s Loot. A masterfully scandalous, free-wheeling and ferocious farce about life’s ultimate taboo…death. YSCP is one of York’s leading amateur theatre companies, entertaining the people of the city and beyond for over 100 years.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 18 – Thu 27 Feb
- 7:45pm (2pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Thursday
Shrek the Musical
Dive into a world where love knows no boundaries, friendships are forged in the most unexpected places, and laughter is guaranteed! With catchy songs, quirky characters and a story that turns fairytales upside down, this show is a roaring good time for all ages. Join Shrek, Fiona and Donkey on their hilarious journey to find true happiness. It’s a fairytale like no other that will leave you smiling long after the curtain falls! Grab your tickets and let’s get this Ogre party started!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 20 – Sat 22 Feb
- 7pm (2pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Burning Duck Comedy: Rachel Fairburn
Rachel star of Live at the Apollo and co-host of All Killa No Filla, is a renowned stand up and “rock’n’roll star of British Comedy” (Rolling Stone). She’s bringing not only her “Bright, brave and bitterly enjoyable” (Funny Women) stand-up comedy out on the road but also some brand-new characters along for the ride. A “Huge presence in a pint-sized frame” (Chortle).
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Thu 20 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday
Tom Dean MBE Meet & Greet
Are you a fan of the Olympics? Do you love swimming? Or have you been captivated by Strictly Come Dancing? If so, you have the chance to meet the incredible three-time Olympic gold medallist, Tom Dean! Join us at The Mount School in York for an exclusive meet and greet where you can chat with Tom, get your photos, ask him your burning questions about the Olympics, Swimming or his appearances in Strictly Come Dancing. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to hold his magnificent Olympic gold medals—this is your chance to feel the thrill of history!
- The Mount School, Dalton Terrace York YO24 4DD
- Fri 21 Feb
- 11:30am
- More info
Queen By Candlelight at Selby Abbey
Direct from Carnegie Hall, New York and following a run of sell-out shows across the UK and Australia, join us for an incredible night of Queen Anthems, performed at Selby Abbey, by candlelight.
Featuring a cast of West End Singers accompanied by an epic live rock band, experience Queen as you have never heard them before. Featuring some of the most iconic songs of all time, including Bohemian Rhapsody, It’s a Kind of Magic, We Are The Champions, Who Wants to Live Forever and many more.
- Selby Abbey, YO8 4PU
- Fri 21 Feb
- 6:15pm & 8:30pm
- More info
James Martin Live
James Martin is promising audiences the ultimate journey as he takes them around the world and through the decades when he heads back out on the road with his all new LIVE tour for 2025.
Taking inspiration from the menus of France, Spain, the US and home, James will whip up a series of culinary delights before journeying through the decades with themes and dishes from the 1950s through to the 80s. And don’t expect to remain in your seat as James is planning to pluck unwitting audience members to join him live on stage.
- York Barbican, Paragon StYork, YO10 4AH
- Fri 21 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
St Nicks Ceilidh Dance
Show the love for St Nicks, the planet…and dancing! Enjoy live music by FiddlersWreck, raffle draw, plus drinks and snacks to keep you fuelled. You will have a great night out whilst raising funds for St Nicks charity. Accompanied children are welcome.
- Gateway Church, Front Street, Acomb YO24 3BZ
- Fri 21 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Say Owt Slam feat. Maria Ferguson
Say Owt Slam is a raucous evening of poet vs poet in a fun night of verse. Poets have three minutes to wow YOU the audience. Expect poetry with humour and heart, comedy and charisma, stories and sizzling spoken word!
- The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Fri 21 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info