Here’s what’s going on in York this week.
It’s the return of racing this week with the Dante Festival at York Racecourse, children’s music group The Wiggles are bouncing into York, there’s cracking comedy at The Crescent and York Barbican, and much more. Take a look below!
What’s on in York this weekend, Sunday 11 – Friday 16 May
All week
Dante Festival 2025
High quality action whilst catching up with friends. Set your social summer off in style with a day at the races, the scent of newly mown grass and freshly planted flowers add to the sense of new beginnings with a definite buzz in the air.
York in May is a fantastic place to come racing, the season lies ahead and many star horses have risen to prominence on the Knavesmire over these three fantastic days. The Tattersalls Musidora and the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante victors will be amongst favourites for the Classics; whilst the Boodles Yorkshire Cup, won three times by the mighty Stradivarius, has proven form ahead of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
- Wed 14 – Fri 16 May
- From 11:15am
- More info
The Inner Selves
A four-person play showing the decline of two people’s mental health, and their marriage, as shown through Henry and Nora and the cacophonic assault of their inner thoughts. The play revolves are one bad day of mediocrity and boredom being the final straw for the pair as emotions come to a boil. Will this marriage survive? Even just until morning?
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York YO31 7PB
- Tue 13 – Sat 17 May
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Footloose the Musical
After moving from Chicago to the small town of Beaumont, Ren is shocked to discover the rigorous local laws, including that dance is illegal. While struggling to fit in, he fights to change things, with the help of his new friend, Willard, and the rebellious preacher’s daughter.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 15 – Sat 17 May
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Time of My Life by Alan Ayckbourn
The Stockton Foresters warmly invites you to their next production ‘Time of My Life’ by Alan Ayckbourn. Gerry Stratton has organised a family dinner with his sons Glyn and Adam at his favourite restaurant to celebrate his wife Laura’s fifty-fourth birthday. Glyn is with his long suffering wife Stephanie; their marriage looks to be on firmer ground that it once was. Adam has brought along his new girlfriend, an outrageous hairdresser, and they are both eager to impress. Gradually, family skeletons intrude on the happy domestic scene: Glyn’s unfaithfulness knows no bounds, the family transport business has been hit by recession, and Laura has been unfaithful. Glyn’s story is set more recently and Adam’s further back in time, while at the centre Gerry and Laura pick apart their marriage and recall first love.
- Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, York YO32 9UR
- Thu 15 – Sat 17 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
Monday
SPREAD: Experimental performance: sounds, songs and audiovisual work
A lovingly curated night of music and more from the leftfield. This show features performances from: The Assembled, Blandina, Casling, Clarke, Ticciati, Carmen Troncoso, and Ben & Kate: Music Solutions.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Mon 12 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
How To Be A Kid with Next Door But One
Molly cooks. Molly does the dishes. Molly gets her little brother Joe ready for school. Molly misses her Grandma. Molly looks after her mum. Who looks after Molly? Molly is only twelve, but she doesn’t feel much like a kid any more. Now her mum is feeling better, maybe things will get back to normal. Maybe Molly can learn to be a kid again.
A touching and funny story of family, friends and fitting in, Sarah McDonald-Hughes’ play is ideal for seven to eleven year olds and their grown ups, who never want to let go of the magic of being a kid.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
- Mon 12 – Tue 13 May
- 5:30pm
- More info
Tuesday
York College Presents: Perfect Pitch
Perfect Pitch follows uptight, snobbish Ron and his long-suffering wife, Yvonne, as they embark on their first caravan getaway. Expecting peace and quiet, they instead encounter the free-spirited, fun-loving couple, Steph and Grant. As tempers flare and class tensions rise, their idyllic break turns into a hilarious clash of personalities, proving that life on the open road isn’t always as perfect as it seems!
A brilliantly funny and touching play that explores love, compromise, and the reality behind the dream of escaping it all.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 13 – Wed 14 May
- 2pm
- More info
Wednesday
Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation
After the huge international success of his last tour, ‘So, Where Were We?’ which sold out 173 venues across 20 countries and was named UK Comedy Tour of the Year 2023 (Chortle), Dara’s new show ‘Re:Creation’ sees one of Ireland’s finest live comedians back doing his favourite thing: standing in a theatre, telling stories and creating madness with the audience. It’s guaranteed to be a very, very, funny night.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Wed 14 May
- 8pm
- More info
Thursday
NCEM Young Composers Award 2025
Join us for the final of the Young Composers Award 2025 to hear a selection of new pieces written for The Brook Street Band. Presented in association with BBC Radio 3 and The Brook Street Band.
- National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL
- Thu 15 May
- 7pm
- More info
Burning Duck Comedy: Larry Dean
Larry’s been spending a lot of time with his granny lately. He wants to tell you about it. Join the thrice Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated, two-time star of Live At The Apollo for a hilarious new show about identity, heroes and the benefits of being a dafty.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Thu 15 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday
The Wiggles Bouncing Balls Tour
Get ready to sing, dance & wiggle in this high energy musical extravaganza featuring all 8 Wiggles including OG Blue Wiggle Anthony, Simon, Lachy, Tsehay, John, Lucia, Caterina & Evie. Plus all our Wiggly friends including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword and TikTok sensation The Tree of Wisdom!
Set to leave you smiling from ear-to-ear as the stage transforms into a dazzling playground of bouncing balls. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime with sing-along moments from all your favorite Wiggly hits including Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy and Hot Potato!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Fri 16 May
- 10am, 12:30pm & 3pm
- More info