It’s almost the weekend!
This weekend, Vikings will March to Coppergate as part of the Jorvik Viking Festival, there’s 90’s pop classics galore at Grand Opera House with Cruel Intentions, racing legend Guy Martin is at the Elvington Speed Show, and there’s panto madness – oh yes there is – in Wilberfoss with The Wizard of Wilberfoss.
This weekend is also the last weekend of half term! Check out our guide below for things to do in and around York and North Yorkshire.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 21 – Sunday 23 February
March to Coppergate
The Viking March is a Festival tradition like no other! It simply wouldn’t be the JORVIK Viking Festival without the sight of Viking warriors parading through the city. Don’t miss your chance to experience their thunderous war cries echoing through the streets of York!
- York city centre – route TBC
- Sat 22 Feb
- 1:30pm
- More info
Cruel Intentions
Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, Bill Kenwright Ltd. presents the brand-new smash hit musical Cruel Intentions coming to York. Based on the iconic film and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, it’s packed with ‘90s pop classics including the songs of Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, *NSYNC and many more!
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Tue 18 – Sat 22 Feb
- Various times
- More info
The Speed Show
Join us on 22nd & 23rd February for a family-friendly weekend of straight-line entertainment, as we celebrate everything that goes fast in a straight line. From drag racers and high-performance motorbikes to jet car, supercars and more, this event is the perfect way to blow off the cobwebs for 2025. Guy Martin will be on-site alongside the Spirit of GB bike, as he gears up for an upcoming world record attempt.
- Elvington Airfield, York, YO41 4AU
- Sat 22 – Sun 23 Feb
- 9:30am – 4pm
- More info
Little Women
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 semi-autobiographical novel, Little Women focuses on the four March sisters— traditional Meg, wild, aspiring writer Jo, timid Beth and romantic Amy — and their beloved Marmee.
Set in their home in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father is away serving during the Civil War, we see vignettes in which their lives unfold plus several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio.
Along the way we meet the famous love interests Laurie, Mr Brooke and Prof Bhaer, along with the formidable Aunt March and grumpy Mr Lawrence. With a stunning score and heart warming narrative, this show from Wharfmede Productions is one for all the family to enjoy.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Tue 18 – Sat 22 Feb
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
The Wizard of Wilberfoss
Join us for our 2025 Community Pantomime! Wilberfoss Amateur Theatre Society are pleased to present ‘The Wizard of Wilberfoss’, a bonkers local pantomime for all the family to enjoy. Singing, dancing and storytelling, we can’t wait for you to join in on the fun!
- Wilberfoss Community Centre, Main Street, YO41 5NN
- Sat 22 – Sun 23 Feb
- 6pm (& 1pm Sun matinee)
- More info
Evening Spectacular: Tyrfing. The Cursed Sword
Join ‘Time Will Tell Theatre’, as we journey into the heart of a Viking myth with trickery, beauty, death and curses in our Tale of Tyrfing; The Cursed Sword! A chance encounter between a king and two dwarves leads to the forging of a magical sword – but all is not as it seems…
- Eye of York, Tower St, York YO1 9RY
- Fri 21 – Sat 22 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
York Brass Against Cancer
York Brass Against Cancer returns to The Grand Opera House in York for its 4th instalment featuring the fantastic Hammonds Band, one of the finest bands in the country founded back in 1855 by Sir Titus Salt, and The Shepherd Group Brass Band from our very own beautiful city. All proceeds from the event go to our local charity York Against Cancer, whose work in and around the local area supports people impacted by cancer.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Sun 23 Feb
- 2pm
- More info
Shrek the Musical
Dive into a world where love knows no boundaries, friendships are forged in the most unexpected places, and laughter is guaranteed! With catchy songs, quirky characters and a story that turns fairytales upside down, this show is a roaring good time for all ages. Join Shrek, Fiona and Donkey on their hilarious journey to find true happiness. It’s a fairytale like no other that will leave you smiling long after the curtain falls! Grab your tickets and let’s get this Ogre party started!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 20 – Sat 22 Feb
- 7pm (2pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Legally Blonde
This weekend is your last chance to catch the musical comedy Legally Blonde, brought to life by York Light Opera Company! Join Elle Woods, a sorority girl with a heart of gold, as she tackles Harvard Law School to win back her man. But Elle discovers that she’s much more than just a pretty face, and proves that you can be both blonde and brilliant. A fun-filled evening for the whole family packed with infectious music, outrageous outfits, and empowering messages. Read our review here!
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Thu 13 – Sat 22 Feb
- 7:30pm (2:30pm matinee performances)
- More info
Giant Antique & Collectors Fair
Fabulous fair at the world famous York Racecourse with up to 250 stalls spanning two floors. A great selection of stalls, buying and selling ceramics, jewellery, glass, coins, militaria, gold, silver, small furniture and much more!
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
- Sun 23 Feb
- 9am – 4pm
- More info
Mythos: Ragnarök
Join Thor, Loki, Freyja and Odin for a night of high-octane Viking storytelling, as they try to save the world from the apocalyptic prophecy of Ragnarök. Mythos: Ragnarök is like an action movie live on stage! It combines the comedy and tragedy of Norse mythology with the spectacle of professional wrestling – there is no other show like it in the entire world! Back from a year of touring in Australia, Canada and Europe, Mythos: Ragnarök now makes its long-awaited return to the UK during the Jorvik Viking Festival.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 22 Feb
- 5pm
- More info
Say Owt Slam feat. Maria Ferguson
Say Owt Slam is a raucous evening of poet vs poet in a fun night of verse. Poets have three minutes to wow YOU the audience. Expect poetry with humour and heart, comedy and charisma, stories and sizzling spoken word!
- The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Fri 21 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Olive & Mabel Journal Hangout
Fancy meeting up with likeminded creative journalers like yourself? Come along to my first ever journal hangout at Spark, York! 2 whole hours to let your creativity run wild. With supplies from my shop + personal stash that are free to use whilst at the event. Think stickers, washi tape, pens, scissors, glue etc. You’re more than welcome to bring any of your own supplies along with you, but the main thing to remember is your own journal!
- Spark:Yorkm 17—21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
- Sun 23 Feb
- 1-3pm
- More info