The weekend is coming!
This weekend sees the return of free festival Heritage Open Days, join us for family fun at Holgate Carnival and Bishopthorpe Community Festival, York Book Fair is back, head down the yellow brick road at the Grand Opera House for The Wizard of Oz, and much more.
Take a look at our full guide below.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September
Heritage Open Days
England’s largest festival of history and culture is back! The festival aims to bring people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history, and offers the chance to explore hidden places – all for free. There are over 40 historical locations in and around York taking part this year.
- Various locations
- Fri 12 – Sun 21 Sep
- Various times
- More info
Holgate Carnival
Get ready for a day packed with fun, laughter, and unforgettable experiences at this year’s Holgate Carnival! Whether you’re looking for thrills, skills, or just a great time with friends and family, there’s something here for everyone.
- Acomb Primary School, W Bank, Acomb, York YO24 4ES
- Sat 13 Sep
- 12-6pm
- More info
Bishopthorpe Community Festival
Join us for a family fun day in Bishopthorpe with live music, entertainment, fairground rides, stalls, raffle, food and drink, and much more.
- Main St, Bishopthorpe, York
- Sun 14 Sep
- From 12pm
- More info
York Book Fair
Britain’s largest rare book fair returns to York! Expect a showcase of books, maps, ephemera and prints from an international collection of booksellers.
- Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX
- Fri 12 – Sat 13 Sep
- 12-7pm (Fri) & 10am – 5pm (Sat)
- More info
The Wizard of Oz
Get ready to skip down the Yellow Brick Road with York Stage as they bring The Wizard of Oz to life in a dazzling musical adventure! Join Dorothy, Toto, and her friends—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—as they journey to the magical Emerald City.
This new production is bursting with vibrant sets, toe-tapping tunes, and a sprinkle of magic that will have you singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” all the way home. With fun for the whole family, this is a heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and the belief that there’s no place like home.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Fri 12 – Sat 20 Sep
- Multiple times
- More info
Military Wives The Musical
This autumn, join us for the world premiere of a brand-new British musical, based on the 2019 hit movie Military Wives and inspired by a true story. A joyous celebration of female friendship, courage and ‘unsung’ heroes. Get ready for the inspirational story of the Military Wives choir as they change the world one song at a time. Written and directed by BAFTA award-winner Debbie Isitt (Nativity!), this new production is a funny, feel-good story of female empowerment and the perfect harmony of laughter, emotion and fun.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Wed 10 – Sat 27 Sep
- Multiple times
- More info
Malton Monthly Food Market
The Malton Monthly Food Market is back with specialist stalls, street food, music & bags of foodie fun!
- Malton Market Place
- Sat 13 Sep
- 9am – 3pm
- More info
Elis & John – That Feels Significant: Live!
Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman are hitting the road! How does that feel?! I’ll tell you how it feels…SIGNIFICANT! Yes! Britain’s youngest and most relevant podcast-first broadcasters are coming to a theatre near you, and this time they’re bringing Dave! Expect Made Up Games, Cymru Connections, Mad Dads and three digital firebrands let loose from the shackles of Billy Balance!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 13 Sep
- 7:30pm
- More info
Helena Garcia Book Signing in the Farm Shop
Bake Off’s Helena Garcia, best known for her gorgeously gothic style, is back this Autumn with a spook-tacular pop-up in the Farm Shop! Helena will be in the Farm Shop to sign copies of her latest book The Little Gothic Bakeshop.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Sat 13 Sep
- 1-3pm
- More info
Fun Home
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Winner of five Tony Awards, this electrifying version of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel opened at the Young Vic in 2018 to sell-out audiences.
- York Medical Society, 23 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW
- Wed 10 – Fri 19 Sep
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat & Sun matinees
- More info
Musicals Across The Multiverse
Following the success of Musicals in the Multiverse 2023, the creative minds behind the original return with a highly anticipated sequel. Blending iconic musical theatre hits with unexpected twists, this inter-dimensional journey promises surprises at every turn. Showcasing some of Yorkshire’s finest performers, Wharfemede Productions proudly celebrates equality and diversity in the arts through this bold and imaginative production.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Wed 10 – Sat 13 Sep
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Journey ‘Under the Sea’ with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
- Thu 11 – Sat 13 Sep
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
SPARK presents The Grand Budapest Hotel
A writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel’s glorious years under an exceptional concierge.
In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a popular European ski resort, presided over by concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s friend and protege. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel’s guests, including satisfying the sexual needs of the many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustave’s lovers dies mysteriously, Gustave finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in her murder.
This is an indoor screening up in our SHOW space – you can order food and drink to the room!
- Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
- Fri 12 Sep
- 7pm
- More info
Funny Fridays at Patch
Funny Fridays at Patch returns this September! Your host Katie Lingo will kick things off before we welcome some of Yorkshire’s finest giggle-makers: Hannah Margaret, Jamie Clinton, Kerris Gibson, James Earl Marsters, and Mick Tickner.
- Patch York, Terry Avenue, York YO1 6FA
- Fri 12 Sep
- 7:30pm
- More info
A Gig For Gaza w/ Borgia, Cast, Fat Spatula, Knitting Circle, Lara McClure, Tom & Ethan (Captain Starlet) + The Bricks
Some of our top York musicians are joining forces in this very special quickfire blast of a fundraiser. Rock, punk, jazz and a human beatbox rally at short notice to help relieve suffering in Palestine – all interwoven with some magical storytelling! No speechifying, no slogans – just the power of music to push the world in the right direction. Featuring Borgia, Cast, Fat Spatula, Knitting Circle, Lara McClure, Tom and Ethan from Captain Starlet, and The Bricks. All profits will be donated to MAP (Medical Aid for Palestine) and PCRF (Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund) as recommended by The Yorkshire Palestine Collective.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 14 Sep
- 7pm
- More info
Candlelit Beatles – Malton
Candlelit Beatles is back promising an unforgettable journey through the band’s greatest hits, accompanied by the mesmerising Ebor string quartet and joined by the captivating vocals of singer Alistair Griffin. Set in the Wesley Centre Malton, immerse yourself in the legendary songs that defined a generation. From She Loves You to Eleanor Rigby, prepare to be transported through the timeless hits of The Beatles in a night of pure magic and nostalgia, all by candlelight.
- Wesley Centre, Saville St, Malton YO17 7LL
- Sat 13 Sep
- 7:30pm
- More info
Allied Air Forces Memorial Day
This event honours the bravery and sacrifice of members of air forces from all allied nations during World War Two. Representatives of a number of overseas air forces will be attending. The highlight will be a service of remembrance in the Museum’s main hangar, under the nose of its reconstructed Halifax bomber, ‘Friday the 13th’. Members of the public are welcome to join the VIP guests for the event, which starts with a parade at 11.30am.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- Sun 14 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Rowntree Park Autumn Fayre
We’d love you to come along to our community event with a traditional vibe in Rowntree Park on Sunday 14th of September 2025. It’s all about celebrating the end of summer and the start of Autumn – with a fairly big ‘apple’ focus! There’s live music, crafts, Morris dancing, stalls, apple pressing, and more.
- Rowntree Park, Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ
- Sun 14 Sep
- 1-4pm
- More info
Poppleton Scarecrow Trail
On Trail weekend, all around the village, from 10am until 4pm each day there will be a host of scary, silly, funny and entertaining scarecrows created just for your enjoyment. Do the Trail and there are prizes for answering the questions that go with each of the scarecrows. Trail Maps will be available for £3 from The Poppleton Social and can also be bought from the Poppleton Centre on Trail Days.
- Poppleton, York
- Sat 13 – Sun 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Plants for Palestine
A community plant sale to raise funds for humanitarian charities whose vital work helps to provide essential medical care, food and aid to people in suffering the atrocities in Gaza.
- Southlands Community Garden, 97 Bishopthorpe road, York, Y023 1NX
- Sat 13 Sep
- 10am – 12pm
- More info
Magic & Marvels
Step right up and prepare to be amazed by the one-man extravaganza, Magic & Marvels, presented by the extraordinary and multi-skilled performer, Michael Jordan. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the realm of wonder and enchantment as Michael showcases his incredible talents in magic and circus arts.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sun 14 Sep
- 2:30pm
- More info
Moonlight Walk 2025
The much-loved Moonlight Walk is back, so it’s time to gather your friends, family, and best glittery outfits for an unforgettable night under the stars. This seven-mile circular route will take you through the beautiful streets of York, all to support St Leonard’s Hospice, proudly celebrating 40 years of caring for our community.
- Starting at St Leonard’s Hospice, YO24 1GL
- Sat 13 Sep
- 7pm
- More info
The Crescent Record Fair
A small fair with a great selection of vinyl records of many genres. 8 stallholders with thousands of collectable LPs and 45s, and loads of bargains.
- The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 14 Sep
- 11am – 3pm
- More info
Being For the Benefit of the YSCP!
Put on your dancing shoes and raise money for the YSCP! Jiving Licence are playing a benefit gig on Sunday 14th September to raise money for the York Settlement Community Players. Join us for a night of boogieing, twisting the night away for a great cause. Jiving Licence are a function band based in York that specialise in classic rock and roll from the 50s/60s. Featuring the music of The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and many more.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Sun 14 Sep
- 7:30pm
- More info
