The weekend is coming – and it’s set to be a sunny one!
This weekend there’s the return of the Yorkshire Craft Festival, the second weekend of York Open Studios, a Vintage Clothing Sale, smash-hit musical Rent at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, the Malton Monthly Food Market, and much more.
It’s also the Easter holidays! Take a look at our guide below for lots of ideas of fun things to do in York and beyond.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 11 – Sunday 13 April
Malton Monthly Food Market
The Malton Monthly Food Market is back with specialist stalls, street food, music & bags of foodie fun! Popular with all those who care about where their food is sourced, the market is set against the magnificent backdrop of St Michael’s Church.
- 58-34 Market Pl, Malton, YO17 7LW
- Sat 12 Apr
- 9am – 3pm
- More info
Yorkshire Craft Festival
The festival will give space to regional designer makers and craft groups to celebrate the varied range of modern and traditional craft skills, our amazing region has to offer. It will play host to a variety of demonstrations and craft workshops designed to educate, inspire and give opportunity to budding crafters. Alongside the demonstration pop-up marquees we will be hosting our Made in Yorkshire craft show, showcasing some of the best arts and craft from around the region.
- Parliament Street, York
- Thu 10 – Mon 14 Apr
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Headlock Vintage Clothing Sale
Headlock Vintage are back with their funky vintage pop up shop! Find gems from all of your favourite brands, including Adidas, Nike, Levi’s, Berghaus, The North Face and more! Expect Football Shirts, Sweats, Knitwear, Dresses, Denim and loads more!
- Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- Fri 11 – Sun 13 Apr
- 12-6pm
- More info
York Open Studios
It’s the final weekend for this spring’s York Open Studios! This year’s event will see over 160 artists from across York opening their studios and welcoming visitors. This annual event gives a rare glimpse into the creative methods of artists and offers an opportunity to buy work directly from the artists themselves.
- Various locations
- Sat 12 – Sun 13 Apr
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Rent
The iconic rock musical that has inspired audiences for decades with its portrayal of love, loss, and survival in New York City’s East Village during the AIDS epidemic. Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking score blends rock, pop, and musical theatre in an unforgettable story about a group of young artists grappling with friendship, passion, and identity. With songs like ‘Seasons of Love’ and ‘La Vie Bohème’, RENT is a timeless celebration of life, even in the face of adversity.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 10 – Sat 12 Apr
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
BBC Introducing Album Launch
Join us as four artists perform and launch their ‘Live at Abbey Road’ style album. In April last year, York St John University music production students took 5 of the best BBC Introducing artists to the world famous Abbey Road Studios to make a record. They worked together in Studio 2, where the Beatles recorded most of their albums, and produced a “Live at Abbey Road” style album in just 2 days. This event is to launch the album they made in Abbey Road. There will be live performances by 4 of the artists – Kindelan, Ruth Lyon, Wanderland and the Sam Johnson Trio. It will be hosted by the BBC Introducing presenter for York and Humberside, Jericho Keys.
- CC/201 – Recital Room, Creative Centre, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX
- Sat 12 Apr
- 1:45pm & 2:45pm
- More info
Menopause The Musical 2
Starring Carli Norris (Doctors, Hollyoaks, Eastenders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Daniele Coombe (West End Star), we present the final UK tour of the smash-hit Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause. In this hilarious sequel to the sell-out hit Menopause the Musical, we fast forward five years to catch up with the same four characters for tales of their lives, loves and losses as they set off on the high seas.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 13 Apr
- 6pm
- More info
Melbourne Raceway – 2025 Championship Round 1
Round 1 of the 2025 Straightliners Melbourne Championship! A whole weekend of head to head drag racing, for those wishing to compete for the overall Melbourne Championship title (a minimum of 3 rounds must be completed across the season).
Please note that Run what ya Brung (just for fun) and SixSixty (national 1/8th mile championship) are also available to enter on the same weekend. If you’d like to enjoy a whole day/weekend of high octane racing, entertainment and more spectator tickets are also available.
- Melbourne Raceway, Ash Lane, York, YO42 4SS
- Sat 12 – Sun 13 Apr
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Activ8 York
Try Inclusive Sports This April! Activ8, an accessible and adaptive sports provider, is hosting a free event this weekend. At this event, you can: explore a variety of adaptive sports at your own pace, meet experienced coaches who specialise in inclusive activities, and connect with a friendly and welcoming community. Everyone is welcome. Whether you’re trying adaptive sports for the first time or looking to engage with others, this event is for you.
- York Sport Centre, University of York, York YO10 5NA
- Sun 13 Apr
- 10am – 3pm
- More info
Fundraising Film Double Bill: Toy Story & Wicked
Celebrate 30 years of the much-loved family favourite Toy Story by watching together on the big screen, and there’s another chance to see last year’s smash hit film Wicked on the big screen at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sun 13 Apr
- 2pm & 7pm
- More info
Lee Kyle: Bottle It
Lee Kyle has a secret. But also, he’s been throwing messages in bottles into the sea! Lots of them. He’s been asking people to reply and people have. What has this led to? Adventure? Discovery? Surprises? Well yes. He’s learned a lot. Join Lee, a top class ad-libber and storytelling comedian, as he recounts this tale while revealing so much more about himself than even he is strictly comfortable with.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York YO31 7PB
- Sun 13 Apr
- 8pm
- More info
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide – Live with Louie Stowell!
Calling all mischief makers! Louie Stowell is here to talk all about her bestselling Loki: A Bad God’s Guide series, featuring everybody’s favourite trickster Norse god Loki. Learn all about the award-winning series, and discover fun facts about Norse mythology, help Louie create new characters, and maybe get involved in a Norse tale or two yourself. Packed full of humour, games and mythology, this event will be perfect for ages 8+.
- Tang Hall Explore Library, Mossdale Avenue, York YO31 0HA
- Sat 12 Apr
- 2-3:30pm
- More info
Elkie Brooks – The Long Farewell Tour
Having started her career in music in 1960, a remarkable 64 years of performing live, Elkie Brooks will embark upon her ‘Long Farewell Tour’. A celebration of Elkie’s illustrious award winning career in music, performing some of her biggest hits including Pearl’s A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You think It’s Over) Don’t Cry Out Loud. Including material from her eagerly anticipated new album, and joined, of course, by her incredible band.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 11 Apr
- 7:30pm
- More info
Laurie Taylor: A life in sociology, University of York & BBC Radio 4
Join us for an evening with Professor Laurie Taylor, the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed and one of Britain’s most distinguished sociologists and broadcasters, as he shares insights from his remarkable career.
- The De Grey Rooms, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
- Fri 11 Apr
- 7pm
- More info
Fergus McCreadie Trio
Mercury Prize shortlisted Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie and his trio take us on a journey from stormy skies to sunnier climbs, with a unique blend of Jazz & folk inspired by his country’s sublime landscapes. Fergus McCreadie’s music captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide, with an appeal that extends far beyond the constraints of genre.
- National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL
- Sun 13 Apr
- 7:30pm
- More info