An outdoor art and design market featuring local artists and makers along the riverside, returning for the 2026 season.
The York River Art Market is back on Dame Judi Dench Walk this August, and it's running across three weekends rather than just one. You'll find it on 1 and 2 August, 8 and 9 August, and 15 and 16 August, so if you can't make the first one, you've got two more chances to catch it.
It's held along the riverside walk, right by the Ouse and close to Lendal Bridge in the city centre. The market brings together established and emerging artists and designers, mostly from Yorkshire and the surrounding area, with a mix of original artwork and handmade crafts on the stalls. It's an open-air setup, so you're browsing right by the water.
There's a bit of a story behind this year's return. The market was founded by Charlotte Dawson, who ran it for ten years, but it recently changed hands. Caroline Turner, a professional potter and teacher at Clay Space York, has taken over the business, and she's kept the original format. Towards the end of 2025, there was a fair bit of talk that the market wouldn't be returning in 2026, but the sale to Turner means it's going ahead as usual.
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It's often described as a bit of a one-off for the city, with some comparing the riverside scene to the Left Bank in Paris. Entry is free, so you can just wander down and have a look without needing to book anything. With three weekends to choose from, you can pick whichever one suits you best.
