Who’s looking forward to the weekend?
Don’t miss out on some great dining offers with the first Selby, Tadcaster and Sherburn Restaurant Week, there’s beer and bratwurst at York Racecourse for Yorktoberfest, Dragons are taking over Parliament Street, frolicking fun with The Rocky Horror Show at the Grand Opera House, and a fundraising Big Quiz for St John Ambulance.
This weekend also marks the start of the October half term! Check out our Halloween and half term guide below for plenty of spooky fun happening in York and North Yorkshire.
What’s on in York this weekend, 25-27 October
Selby, Tadcaster and Sherburn Restaurant Week
This weekend is your last chance to take part in the inaugural Selby, Tadcaster and Sherburn Restaurant Week! Eat out for less with offers of set-price dining for £10, £15, £20, £25, or £30 across restaurants, cafes, tearooms, and bars in North Yorkshire. Take a look at six of the tasty deals here.
- Various locations
- Mon 21 – Sun 27 Oct
- Multiple times
- More info
Yorktoberfest
It’s the second weekend for beer, bratwurst and all things Bavarian with Yorktoberfest. 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, Knavesmire Rd, York, YO23 1EX
- Fri 25 – Sat 26 Oct
- 7-11pm (Fri & Sat) & 1-5pm (Sat)
- More info
The Rocky Horror Show
Australian superstar Jason Donovan comes to York in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show. Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. Read our review here!
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Mon 21 – Sat 26 Oct
- Multiple times
- More info
The Big Quiz for St John Ambulance
Gather up your team and join us for the Big Quiz! The night will include a fun multi round quiz, champagne bingo, and Hoss or Gloss (a horse racing spin on heads and tales). There will also be a raffle and bottle tombola. Teams can be up to six people, and you will arrive to a bottle of wine and Love Cheese grazing board.
- St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB
- Fri 25 Oct
- 7pm
- More info
Hallowtween
Hallowtween is back! Calling all fearless 10-15 year olds, and adults of a more nervous disposition…Venture into a new dimension of spine tingling fun this Halloween, as we invite you to explore 4 of our farm’s most mysterious buildings, each with its own twisted history you will discover for yourself once you step inside…
- York Maze, York YO19 5LT
- Sat 26 – Thu 31 Oct
- 12:30-5:30pm
- More info
The Dragon Experience
The Dragons have hatched, and now they’re roaming around York city centre! Get ready to meet Ash the Giant Dragon, along with a selection of adorable baby dragons and their rangers to keep them in order. There’ll also be representatives from the police and fire services on site, with the opportunity to check out the emergency vehicles. Meet the dragons, snap some selfies and hear them roar.
- Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York
- Sat 26 Oct
- 2-6pm
- More info
Twilight in Concert: The Film with Live Band
See the legendary romance fantasy film Twilight in an in concert format, live to film. It promises to be an impressive live cinematic experience that will transport audiences deep into the heart of this romantic story, more than fifteen years after the film’s original release.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 25 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Queer Affaire
Join Queer Affaire for a hauntingly good time at the Halloween edition of their LGBT+ Makers Market! Dive into a world of creativity and community as they showcase an array of spooky offerings and creepy crafts from talented queer artisans. From enchanting decorations to hauntingly beautiful handmade goods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Spark:York, 17—21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
- Sat 26 Oct
- 1-6pm
- More info
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
The Two Gentlemen of Verona: possibly Shakespeare’s first play and definitely the only one with a part for a dog. But can the newly employed performers at ‘Monkgate Music Hall’ pull off their production? Under-rehearsed knife throwers, strongmen, musicians and comedians must pool their skills in Tempest Wisdom’s dazzling take on this rarely-performed comedy, brought to you by the York Shakespeare Project.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Tue 22 – Sat 26 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
Outrageous Halloween
Celebrate Halloween with Crystal and Queenie and special guest York Pride Drag Race 2024 Winner Miss Diagnosis for a night of tricks and treats. Fancy dress is encouraged!
- BlueBox, in The Drawing Board, 12 New St, York YO1 7LA
- Sat 26 Oct
- 10pm – 4am
- More info
Ampleforth Apple Festival
Come and celebrate the apple harvest at the Ampleforth Abbey Apple Festival. Come and join in the fun with our celebration of the wonderful apple, including demonstrations of traditional apple pressing (Tues & Thurs), craft activities, tasty treats in the Tea Room, an Autumn trail in the beautiful Abbey grounds, or enter the awesome Apple Olympics!
- Ampleforth Abbey, York, YO62 4EN
- Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
Hotel Halloween
Get Ready to “Boo-gie” Down at Hotel Halloween – A Sing-Along Spooktacular! Join the fun at “Hotel Halloween,” a new musical extravaganza filled with quirky characters, sing-along pop tunes, and interactive thrills. Created by top theatre talents, this hilarious, heart-warming adventure is perfect for all ages. Expect catchy tunes, slapstick humor, and whimsical characters.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Sat 26 – Sun 27 Oct
- 2pm & 7pm
- More info
Bella Gaffney + Kate Griffin
Bella Gaffney (of The Magpies) is a folk troubadour whose music seamlessly weaves together original compositions and traditional tunes from both British folk and Americana traditions. Winner of the prestigious 2016 Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award, Bella is celebrated for her folk-inspired songwriting and unique arrangements of traditional pieces.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 27 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Pete Selwood: Uninspiring
The debut show from comedian Pete Selwood (As seen on Comedy Central Live, The Emily Atack Show, Radio 4) Uninspiring is a stand up show about the pitfalls of being a disabled man coming to terms with his limitations after becoming a parent. Recently seen at York Theatre Royal supporting Guz Khan and regular tour support for Jack Carroll.
- The Studio, York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Fri 25 Oct
- 8pm
- More info