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The big events and festivals coming to York in 2024

The year 2023 has almost come to an end – but there’s so much to look forward to that’s happening in York in 2024.

Here’s a run down of all the big events and festivals that are happening in York in 2024 — including returning favourites Jorvik Viking FestivalYork Ice TrailYork PrideYork Food and Drink Festival, and our very own YorkMix Family Raceday.

At YorkMix, we are wishing all our readers a safe and happy 2024.

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What’s on in 2024

York Residents Festival

27-28 Jan

York Residents Festival is back! A whole weekend to say thank you to the residents of the city – complete with attractions offers, experiences and food, drink and retail discounts.

York Ice Trail in 2023. Photograph: Charlotte Graham

York Ice Trail

3-4 Feb

York will be transformed into ‘The City of Dreams’ with magical, fictional, and spectacular ice sculptures adorning the streets, in this much-loved returning family festival.

Jorvik Viking Festival

12-18 Feb

Get ready for the Vikings to return this February! The Jorvik Viking Festival is a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage and is fun for all the family. Take part in the brand new Best Dressed Competition (featuring Best Beard) or explore exquisite Viking goods at the 10th Century Traders stalls. Meet the Vikings camped out in the city centre – see their crafts in action, and much more.

Jorvik Viking Festival returns for 2024. Photograph: Charlotte Graham

Snooks, York’s Character Trail

29 Feb – 20 Apr

Introducing The Snooks Trail, an exciting new sculpture trail coming to York from late February to April 2024. Organised by Make It York in collaboration with charity partner St. Leonard’s Hospice, this trail will take you on a captivating journey through York’s historic cobbled streets and hidden gardens.

York Restaurant Week

11-17 Mar

York Restaurant Week will return in March 2024. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of York’s best dining experience on a budget! For seven whole days, diners can access a huge variety of food and drink offers, all deliciously priced between £5 and £30. From snacks and brunch to afternoon tea and gourmet meals, make the most of affordable offers with friends and family

York Pride parade in 2023. Photograph: Richard McDougall

York Pride

1 Jun

Join us for North Yorkshire’s biggest LGBT+ celebration on Saturday 1 June 2024! Join the parade to the Knavesmire and celebrate love, inclusivity and diversity. There will be entertainment, live music and a whole lot of fun.

Yorkshire Ebor Festival

21-24 Aug

The week to visit featuring the oldest, richest, fastest and most famous races. Sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days.

York Unleashed Comic-Con

1 Sep

Nerdy fun at York Racecourse as the main Comic Con event returns for another year. With special guests, merchandise, stage talks, cosplay masquerade, and more.

Mixie the Monster meets Rose Pearcy, Olivia Fraser and Harper-Mai Hesselwood at the YorkMix Family Raceday 2023. Photograph: YorkMix

YorkMix Family Raceday

8 Sep

Our YorkMix Family Raceday is back for its fourth year! There will be fun for all the family with racing, entertainment and (hopefully) sunshine.

York Book Fair

13-14 Sep

With over 100,000 books to browse through, this is any readers dream. There will be rare, antiquarian and secondhand books, as well as prints, maps and more.

York Food Festival in 2023. Photograph: Anthony Chappel-Ross

York Food & Drink Festival

20-29 Sep

The tastiest festival in York! The York Food and Drink Festival aims to celebrate local and regional food and drink complete with live demos, tastings and stalls.

Yorkshire Marathon

20 Oct

Get out those running shoes as the Yorkshire Marathon is back. For runners of all abilities – it’s time to smash your PB.

He’s spent a year polishing his chainsaw… Photograph: Hallowscream

Hallowscream

TBC

Hallowscream at York Maze is a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun with five separate live-action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors. Do you dare to enter?

Aesthetica Short Film Festival

6-10 Nov

Aesthetica is the destination for independent cinema. In the 14th edition of the festival, both in-person in York and online, enter a world of incredible films, immersive VR and thrilling games. Meet talented creatives from across the globe and hear from industry experts through our insightful masterclasses, workshops and networking sessions.

York Christmas Market in 2023. Photograph: Rachel Rogers

York Christmas Festival

TBC

There’s no better time to be in York than at Christmas. Lets hope the Christmas Markets and other festivities make a welcome return in 2024.