The weekend is here, the sun’s out, and it’s a big bumper guide of things do in York!
If you’re heading out this weekend, make sure to put on your suncream as it’s set to be hot, hot, hot. While trying to keep cool, there’s so much fun happening in York this weekend.
Toy Story has come to York Maze, the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge is battling it out on the Ouse, street art exhibition Vandalfest is back, Our City Festival is bringing the community together, there’s Magic at the Musicals in Wilberfoss, and much more.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 11 – Sunday 13 July
York Maze
The 2025 York Maze theme is Toy Story! Marking 30 years of the family favourite film, this year’s design features Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Rex and Mr Potato Head. Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK it’s an award winning fun filled, day out in the country. With over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy York Maze offers an amazing fun-filled full family day out.
- Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
- Sat 12 Jul – Mon 1 Sep
- 10am – 6:30pm
- More info
John Smith’s Cup Meeting 2025
Informal party highlight of the year with betting excitement and summer fun. Relax into the weekend on the Friday of the meeting watching high quality racing with your friends. On Saturday, who will land the six-figure prize money and unique Wedgwood trophy at the 66th time of asking?
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
- Fri 11 – Sat 12 Jul
- From 11:15am
- More info
York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge 2025
The iconic Dragon Boat Challenge is back for 2025! Once again, teams will battle it out on the Ouse for the Challenge Trophy and other prestigious awards, including awards for the fastest Charity Team, Commercial Team, and of course the “Best Dressed Team” trophy.
- River Ouse in York, between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge
- Sun 13 Jul
- 9am – 5pm
- More info
VANDALFEST
Join us for VANDALFEST2025, a three-weekend-long art takeover of a disused office block in central York, hosted by non-profit art collective Vandals At Work, formerly Bombsquad.
With four floors of artwork, live installations, a huge shop and a DJ on the decks, this event welcomes artists from across the UK and this year, SASH will have its own installation as part of the experience with some of our young people getting involved!
- 2 Low Ousegate, York YO1 9QU
- 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 Jul
- 11am – 6pm
- More info
Our City Festival
The festival is dedicated to nurturing empathy and understanding by creating an environment where everyone feels empowered. Through creative performances, discussions, art and workshops, we aim to provide a platform for diverse communities in York to share their stories. Together we aim to make York more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Join us in celebrating York’s communities and the power of storytelling to bring us all together. Share your story, showcase your talents, or lend a hand in shaping our festival program.
- York Explore Library and Archives, Library Square, Museum St, York YO1 7DS
- Sat 12 Jul
- 11am – 6pm
- More info
Josie Long
Josie Long is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, podcaster, and film-maker. She is a trailblazer of the UK comedy industry, as the first woman to be nominated 3 times for Edinburgh Comedy Award (2010 – 2012). Her 9 critically acclaimed tours showcase her unique and powerfully original voice and have been performed globally to sell-out shows. Her various podcasts and original radio shows have garnered her a world-wide audience of dedicated listeners and multiple awards.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Sun 13 Jul
- 2pm
- More info
Viking North
Filled with magnificent objects, many unseen for generations and others which have never been on public display, this exhibition will showcase the best collection of Viking finds to be shown outside London and tells the story of the Viking Age in the North of England from 866 to 1066.
- Yorkshire Museum Gardens, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR
- From Fri 11 Jul
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
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.
- Malton Market Place
- Sat 12 Jul
- 9am – 3pm
- More info
Summer Fields Festival
Kick start your summer with this jam-packed family festival! There’s so much on such as Live Music from the New York Brass Band, Hyde Family Jam, Marnie Glum and Zola Steelpan, Family Cat Walk Extravaganza from Ghetto Fabulous, Family theatre from Next Door but One and Thunk-It Theatre, Live street art from RICE, Spoken Word and Comedy from Say Owt, Eco-Friendly craft workshops, Circus Skills, Facepainting and Glitters, Toddler Story Tent, Bubble Disco, Chill Out Area, local stalls, and community vendors, there really will be something for everyone.
- Tadcaster Magnet Sports & Social Club, LS24 9HD
- Sun 13 Jul
- 1-8pm
- More info
Woodthorpe Summer Festival
Woodthorpe Festival 2025… bringing the community (and whoever else wants to join) together for a day of fun for all ages. With 32 stalls, food trucks, a fairground rides, petting farm, live music, and a bar for the adults, there’s plenty to do and see.
- Woodthorpe Green, York, YO24 2RQ
- Sun 13 Jul
- 12-7pm
- More info
Magic at the Musicals
Wilberfoss Amateur Theatre Society are proud to present ‘Magic at the Musicals’. This showcase features a variety of songs from classic and contemporary musicals including; Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Annie, The Lion King and many more! There is truly something for everyone, so come along, sit back, and enjoy!
- Wilberfoss Community Centre, Main Street, YO41 5NN
- Sun 13 Jul
- 1pm & 6pm
- More info
The Watsons
Set in the elegant world of early 19th-century England, the story follows Emma Watson, a young woman navigating society, marriage prospects, and her future. But Jane Austen never finished the original novel, so just as a recognisably Austen tale begins to unfold, something unexpected happens…
Playful, clever, and full of surprises, The Watsons starts as a period drama and transforms into a bold, brilliant reimagining that spins Regency charm into a dazzling modern theatrical experience, exploring storytelling, free will, and who gets to write our endings.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Wed 9 – Sat 12 Jul
- 7:30pm, (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Haxby Town Carnival
Please come and join us for our annual town carnival, starting with the parade through the village and then live music and entertainment from local performers at Ethel Ward Playing Fields.
- Ethel Ward Playing Fields, York Rd, Haxby, York YO32 3NU
- Sat 12 Jul
- 12:45-5pm
- More info
Mark Watson Presents: Fresh for the Fringe
Why break the bank and go to the Fringe when you can have Mark Watson bring it to you? The gangly Taskmaster star himself has hand-picked his favourite performers to premier their shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, but before that he’s sending them to you!
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Sun 13 Jul
- 6pm
- More info
York Stage School – Showcase
The Award-Winning York Stage School return to the Grand Opera House York with another dazzling End of Year Showcase: Bright Lights, Big Stage. Students will showcase a variety of pieces from classic musicals like Annie, Bugsy Malone, and Guys and Dolls, as well as more modern favourites such as Two Strangers Carry a Cake (Across New York), Rent, and Hells Kitchen, an exciting new musical by Alicia Keys.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sat 12 Jul
- 7pm
- More info
WWI Reenactment Weekend
Step back in time this summer and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the First World War. Join us on 12 and 13 July for a powerful and immersive WWI Reenactment Weekend, where history comes to life across the museum grounds. Witness living history displays, period uniforms, and demonstrations of wartime life on the front line.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 12 – Sun 13 Jul
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Ryedale Festival
In a world where screens replace shared experiences and digital playlists churn in the background, a festival reminds us of something irreplaceable: live music. The Ryedale Festival will feature 57 performances in 33 spectacular locations across the country and will welcome a line-up of internationally renowned musicians.
- Multiple locations
- Fri 11 – Sun 27 Jul
- Multiple times
- More info
Thunder Day
One of our most popular events of the year – static live running of a number of our aircraft subject to serviceability.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- Sun 13 Jul
- From 10:30am
- More info
Dead Indie – Summerween short film night
The Independent Horror Society has teamed up with the Dead Northern for a killer night of indie horror in York. We’ll be showcasing an extended selection of short films that have been pulled from the IHS’s wildly popular Indie Film Showcase 2025 lineup, which premiered in June in London.
- Micklegate Social, York, YO1 6JX
- Sat 12 Jul
- 7pm
- More info
Gyrocopter Fly-In
Join us for a thrilling weekend of gyro flying. We are expecting around 100 gyrocopters over the weekend. The pilots will be parking up and camping on the airifeld.
- Sherburn Aero Club, New Lennerton Lane, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 6JE
- Fri 11 – Sun 13 Jul
- From 10am
- 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! Entry is FREE.
- Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
- Fri 11 – Sun 13 Jul
- 12-6pm
- More info
Bongo’s Bingo 90s
Bongo’s Bingo is a game like no other, with shows taking place in over 40 locations across the globe, the Liverpool-born company has become a party sensation since its humble conception in 2014.
The award-winning night out combines the original and much-loved quaint past time with a mesmeric live show, packed full of plenty of bizarre and hilarious moments no-one experiences twice. With dance offs, rave rounds, and weird and wonderful prizes – Bongo’s Bingo is a night full of madness, mayhem and sheer joy that will keep you coming back for more.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 12 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
Are You Ready?
From London’s O2 to the middle of the Mediterranean, Charles Michael Duke has played Sir Elton John all over the world. Join him as he takes you on a journey through the life and music of the living legend!
Featuring timeless classics like “Rocket Man”, “Tiny Dancer”, and “Your Song”. – prepare to be mesmerized as every piano key struck, lyric sung, and feather worn transports you into the realm of one of music’s true legends. So… Are You Ready?
- Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL
- Sat 12 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
North Duffield Under Fives presents… YayDay!
Come and join us for a family fun day full of live music, food and drink, stalls, fairground rides and much more! Our headlining act is none other than TAYLOR SWIFT, performed by the wonderful Taylor Swift tribute by Anna. It’s set to be a day filled with laughter, dancing and plenty of sparkle!
- The Pavillion, York Road, North Duffield, YO8 5RU
- Sat 12 Jul
- 12-5pm
- More info
Stately Home Charity Car Boot Sale
This is probably one of the poshest Car Boots you will go to with around 100 stalls selling a range of antiques, vintage items and collectibles.
We will also have a Grand Raffle which will be drawn around 1.00 pm with some great prizes up for grabs from local companies including days out and luxury treats. If you’ve always wondered what that old vase is worth that you have at home, why not bring it along, as Caroline Hawley, the well-known antiques expert from Flog-It, Bargain Hunt and Put Your Money In, will be with us and will be carrying out free valuations. Hot and cold refreshments will be available throughout the event too.
- Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG
- Sun 13 Jul
- 9am – 2pm
- More info