Let’s start counting down the days till the weekend.
There’s plenty of fun to be had in York – Bavaria returns to York with Yorktoberfest, thousands of runners will be coming to the city for the Yorkshire Marathon Festival, it’s your last chance to catch York Restaurant Week this year, and the breath-taking Phoenix Lightshow begins at York Minster.
What’s on in York this weekend, 18-20 October
Yorktoberfest
It’s time to party, with beer, bratwurst and all things Bavarian as Yorktoberfest is back! Step inside the giant fully-styled marquee, fill your stein with delicious beer from Brew York, grab a tasty bite from our German-inspired food stall and head to your table for some hearty fun with friends.
- Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
- Fri 18 – Sat 19 Oct
- Fri & Sat 7-11pm, Sat 1-5pm
- More info
Yorkshire Marathon Festival
The Yorkshire Marathon Festival is back! The hugely popular festival for all ages and abilities features the Yorkshire Marathon, Yorkshire 10 Mile, and Yorkshire Marathon Relay, with runners taking to the famous streets of York. The festival is organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All – and look out for YorkMix who will be there to help cheer you on.
- University of York Heslington campus
- Sun 20 Oct
- From 9:30am
- More info
York Restaurant Week
It’s your last chance to take part in York Restaurant Week! Discover delicious dining on a budget and enjoy over 100 participating eateries with a huge variety of offers on food and drink – all temptingly priced between £5 and £30. Check out our guide to nine delicious new deals for 2024 and our guide to five fantastic £5 deals!
- Various locations
- Mon 14 – Sun 20 Oct
- Various times
- More info
PHOENIX: lightshow
Experience York Minster in a new light this autumn when the cathedral is illuminated with PHOENIX, a brand-new sound and light projection commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984 fire.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 19 Oct – Sat 2 Nov
- 7-9pm (Mon-Sat), 6-8pm (Sun)
- More info
Nish Kumar: Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe
Nish Kumar is back on tour with his brand new politically-charged stand-up show, Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe. In this election year – with the country in turmoil – there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood even further… Expect jokes about climate collapse, income inequality and the emotional sensation of being a British Indian man who isn’t going to vote for a British Indian Prime Minister. It’s 80 minutes of sweet, sweet vibe killing, plus support act and interval.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 20 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Only Fools & Horses the Musical
Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to York! The smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical – direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil and Mickey Pearce. Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s much loved TV series. Read our review here!
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Mon 14 – Sat 19 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Wed & Sat matinees
- More info
Rebus: A Game Called Malice
Ian Rankin’s new Rebus story exclusively on stage! A splendid dinner party in an Edinburgh mansion concludes with a murder mystery game created by the hostess. A murder needs to be solved. But the guests have secrets of their own, threatened by the very game they are playing. And among them is Inspector John Rebus. There are suspects, clues and danger with every twist and turn – and a shocking discovery will send this game called ‘Malice’ hurtling towards a gasp-inducing conclusion.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 15 – Sat 19 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2pm & 2:30pm matinees (select days)
- More info
Rebus: A Game Called Malice
To celebrate their momentous 50th anniversary, British music legends Squeeze are on a massive UK tour – and they’re in York this weekend. With a half-century distinguished by some of the smartest and sweetest guitar-pop made during the rock & roll era, Squeeze will be performing an impressive list of hits and rare gems from their extensive back catalogue. They will be joined by special guest Badly Drawn Boy.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 18 Oct
- 7pm
- More info
The Escape Club
The usual four hours of intensive multi-genre musical excellence. As the nights close in the temptation is to collapse on the sofa and wait for Spring. Resist the urge! Join us on the dancefloor where our resident DJs will keeping the music eclectic, making sure your feet move and creating that feel good atmosphere we’ve all come to love so much.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sat 19 Oct
- 8pm
- More info
‘Willow Come To Tea?’ – Book signing
Bottle tombola, raffle, cakes stalls and book signing. Bring along your book to have it signed. This children’s book has been written based on a real life little girl who lives with several allergies, and aims to raise awareness for children living with allergies and fundraising for Allergy UK. Read more about Willow’s story here.
- Huntington Sports Club, Huntington, York YO32 9RU
- Sat 19 Oct
- 2-5pm
- More info
R.O.G.E.R. Radio Attempts Frankenstein
The cheeky chappies and lovely ladies of the infamous R.O.G.E.R. Radio Company are back, performing a live radio play of the spine-tingling classic Frankenstein! What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything in this hilarious homage to the glory days of radio. Battling through the loss of their foley artist, the misbehaving props and the actors’ rivalry the talented R.O.G.E.R. Radio Company bring this vintage story to life in a whole new way.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sun 20 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info