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 10k night walk through York's illuminated streets in support of Cancer Research UK, inviting people of all ages and abilities to participate.

A synth-pop night featuring Tom Bailey performing Thompson Twins hits and solo tracks, alongside Blancmange.

An award-winning romantic physical comedy by Skedaddle Theatre that draws on the silent-film genius of Mr Bean, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, told entirely without words through choreography, mime, clowning and puppetry.

One Iota perform their new album 'Chapter and Verse' in an immersive live production with light show and cinematic visuals.

A medieval tradition where the Sheriff of York visits city-centre pubs to test ale, staged as a pub crawl with a Town Crier proclamation.
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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 £15 and go on sale at 10am on Friday 25 September via the racecourse website and Ticketmaster.

An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family, based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration.

An exclusive guided tour of the 'Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman' exhibition at York Art Gallery, followed by a performance of The Penelopiad at York Theatre Royal.

J.M.W. Turner's masterpiece Ulysses deriding Polyphemus is on public display at York Art Gallery as part of the exhibition 'Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman'.

A weekly free, timed 5K community run on the tarmac paths of York Racecourse, open to all ages and abilities.

A large outdoor car boot sale held at York Racecourse where sellers can turn unwanted items into cash, with free admission for buyers.
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 4–8 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.