Your guide to the best things to do in the city.
The Great Yorkshire Pumpkin Patch at Monk Park Farm near Thirsk runs from 3 to 31 October 2026, with daytime sessions from 10:00 to 17:00. It combines pumpkin picking with an indoor carving barn, carnival games, animal encounters, play areas and rides, with a Patch Only day on 17 October and evening events to follow.


A three-day horror and fantasy film festival featuring independent film premieres, Q&As, live events, and parties.
A Regency themed garden party with live music, a dance workshop, afternoon tea and a talk on Jane Austen era customs.

A series of weekly creative storytelling and craft sessions designed for children aged 2-5, led by Story Craft Theatre.

Beginner-friendly pasta-making classes with unlimited Prosecco, led by Pasta Evangelists chefs.

Author Andrew Pettegree presents his new history of bookselling, The Bookshop: A History of Bookselling, at Topping & Company Booksellers.
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Ate O'Clock is an independent, family-run restaurant in York city centre, known for its romantic fairy-lit alleyway, Modern European cooking with a Mediterranean twist and a cosy year-round courtyard. It is dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible and sits next to the Social 8 Lounge.

Madness headline the Music Showcase at York Racecourse on Friday 23 July 2027, with a six-race card before the concert. Tickets start at Β£15 and go on sale at 10am on Friday 25 September via the racecourse website and Ticketmaster.

A festive family performance of The Nutcracker on York Minster's Grand Organ, with storytelling and puppets, suitable for all ages.

Join Tommy Banks for a rare and exclusive session on preserving Oldstead.

A pop-up cafe offering drinks and homemade cakes in the church of St Michael le Belfrey, supporting local neighbourhood and social action projects.
The Mysterious Book Shop in Tribeca specialises in mystery, crime and thriller fiction, with new, signed and rare books. This review covers its atmosphere, opening hours, publishing arm and upcoming author events.
York Art Gallery's new exhibition, 'Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman', runs from 18 September to 17 January 2027 and is included in general admission. It centres on the York-born Neoclassical sculptor John Flaxman, with J.M.W. Turner's 'Ulysses deriding Polyphemus' as the headline loan.
Aesthetica Film Festival returns to York from 4β8 November 2026 for its 16th anniversary edition. The programme will combine independent film screenings with VR, games, podcasting, talks, workshops and live events across city venues.
From rutting deer at Studley Royal to migrant birds at Spurn Point, Yorkshire has plenty of autumn wildlife within reach of York. This guide covers riverbanks, woodland, wetlands and farmland, with practical details for planning a respectful visit.
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The York Christmas Market returns to the city centre with traditional chalets, twinkling lights and independent traders selling local artisan goods and festive food.

A magical Christmas film screening with the soundtrack performed live by a professional orchestra, presented by Carrot Productions.

The UK Championship snooker tournament brings the world's top players to the York Barbican, one of the biggest events on the sport's global calendar.

A major seasonal shopping event with over 250 artisan stands, local food producers, fashion retailers, and chef demonstrations at the York Racecourse.

Traditional Christmas service with nine readings, music by the Choir of York Minster and carols for everyone to join in.