Here’s what’s going on in York for the week ahead.
Some great names in TV, comedy and stage are coming to York this week! The magnificent Dame Judi Dench is at the Grand Opera House, and the York Barbican will host stage star Carrie Hope Fletcher and comedy queen Katherine Ryan. There’s also the return of Hallowscream and your last chance to visit York Races in 2024.
Featured event
In Conversation with… Hosted by Paul Ripley at the Motorist
The Motorist is collaborating with Paul Ripley, the multi-award-winning driving expert, to bring you a series of biographical talks with renowned names from the car and TV world.
The first name in this exciting line-up is TV and Radio presenter Alex Riley from ‘The Car Years’ taking place on Sunday 27 October.
Expect behind-the-scenes stories, expert tips, and an insight into Alex’s inspiring career from being a researcher on Top Gear to presenting The Car Years. The talk will start at 10:30am in Club Le Mans, a beautiful events space. Plus, our on-site cafe and Arnage Restaurant will be serving delicious food and refreshments throughout the day, so you can enjoy the full Motorist experience.
Then check out Paul’s up coming events with John Barker on Saturday 16 November and Steve Fowler on Sunday 1 December.

- The Motorist, Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds LS25 6JE
- Multiple dates
- Multiple times
- More info
What’s on in York this week: Sunday 6 – Friday 11 October
Tuesday 8 October
Carrie Hope Fletcher – Love Letters

Arguably the most recognisable West End performer of her generation, author, actress, vlogger and award-winning sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher is heading to York. Love Letters will see Carrie explore all forms of love from romantic to maternal, unrequited to obsessive, all told through a concert of musical theatre favourites. West End leading man Bradley Jaden will join Carrie as a Special Guest Star in her York show.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Tue 8 Oct
- 7pm
- More info
Wednesday 9 October
Ed Gamble: Hot Diggity Dog

Ed Gamble has minced a load of meat (thoughts), piped it into a casing (show) and it’s coming to a bun (venue) near you. There will be all your classic Gamble ranting, raving and spluttering but he’s doing fine mentally. Promise.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Wed 9 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Thursday 10 October
Starlight Stroll

One in Four Walk is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever “Starlight Stroll,” an interactive night walk through the historic streets of York, aimed at raising funds and awareness for domestic abuse survivors. Participants will embark on an engaging 4-kilometre journey guided by volunteers – along the route, walkers will experience a series of interactive installations and performances, including live poetry, storytelling, and performance.
- Start from York St John University
- Thu 10 Oct
- 6pm
- More info
Judi Dench

On stage – in person – for a special performance the great Dame Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth bring their West End and Royal Albert Hall sell-out show to the Grand Opera House York. Dame Judi joins her friend Gyles on a roller-coaster trip down memory lane as together they explore the legendary actress’s extraordinary life, from her childhood in York in the 1930s to her latest Oscar nomination in 2022. This performance is basically sold out – so you’re lucky if you have a ticket!
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thu 10 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Fool(ish) Improv present Not Gonna Lie

This show will take the truth to task by using real stories from the audience to improvise unbelievable comedy. Come confess and unburden yourselves of some silly secrets, tales of the office and childhood memories and we will shape them into surreal sketches and sensational scenes. Not so much Who’s Line is it anyway but more Who’s Lie is it anyway… Fool(ish) welcome you to a playful night of joy, nonsense and completely making things up.
- The Studio, York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Thu 10 Oct
- 8pm
- More info
Schalk Bezuidenhout: Keeping Up

Mick Perrin Worldwide presents Schalk Bezuidenhout: Keeping Up. Newly married, Schalk feels older, wiser and much more mature (possibly), but all he wants is to stay “hip with the youth”. Can he do it? Can he Keep Up? As seen on Netflix and Comedy Central and fresh from supporting Trevor Noah on his arena tour.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Thu 10 Oct
- 8pm
- More info
Friday 11 October
October Finale 2024

Your last chance to visit York Races in 2024! The Friday offers a chance to catch up with friends whilst enjoying easy access to some of the best views and facilities on the turf. In recent years, Saturday has become one of the busiest weekend racedays of the month nationwide, so there continues to be a buzz about the grandstands.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
- Fri 11 – Sat 12 Oct
- From 11:15am
- More info
York Board Game Convention

A three-day weekend of non-stop board games! This event is completely sold out but those lucky enough with a ticket will be playing board games old and new, eight exhibitors will be offering board games, gaming accessories, and more.
- Spurriergate Centre, York YO1 9QR
- Fri 11 – Sun 13 Oct
- Various times
- More info
Hallowscream

Hallowscream is back for more scares! Winner of Best UK Scream Park, Hallowscream at York Maze is a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun with 5 separate live-action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors. But be warned the frights aren’t limited to the haunted houses, roving characters and live stage shows add to the atmosphere.
- York Maze, York YO19 5LT
- Fri 11 Oct – Sat 2 Nov
- 6:30-11pm
- More info
Othello

Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy of love and jealousy brought to you by award-winning northern company Elysium TC in a dazzling new production. Cyprus is under threat from an invasion from the Turks. The Duke of Venice sends his best general, Othello the Moor, to defend the island in its hour of need. Othello is newly married to the young and beautiful Desdemona. Their love seems indestructible. But as the fate of Europe hangs in the balance Othello’s malevolent officer Iago has other plans. Determined to destroy his commander, he rips apart Othello’s love for Desdemona by sewing seeds of jealousy in his tortured mind.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Fri 11 Oct
- 7pm
- More info
Fern Brady – I Gave You Milk To Drink

Scotland’s queen of comedy Fern Brady (Taskmaster, Live At The Apollo, Roast Battle, Russell Howard, The Last Leg) is back on tour with a brand new show!
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Fri 11 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Katherine Ryan: Battleaxe

TV’s beloved Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show. Get your tickets now to see a true masterclass in how to enter your Battleaxe era.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 11 Oct
- 8pm
- More info