Death in The Mesolithic. What The Rituals of Death Tell us About Mesolithic…
A university lecture explores Mesolithic burial rituals and their insights into ancient human experiences.
THECITYBRIEF
York
What's On in York – Events This Week & Things To Do
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You know that stillness when you walk through Bootham Bar at dawn, the stone archway framing a city older than memory.
Between Ouse Bridge and the green paths of Eskdale, something’s always moving: a pop-up in Tadcaster, an ancient bridge lit for winter pageants.
But with so much noise, groups, feeds, endless lists, it's easy to miss it all.
The City Brief gives you what matters. Not every event across York and the Moors. Just the best bits: hidden walks through Kildale, a chapel’s quiet moment at dawn near Minster, or why Constantine still watches over us in bronze.
You don’t have to scroll. You just need to know.
A peek inside recent issues
Events in York This Weekend
Anna Lapwood - Venue Premium Tickets
Anna Lapwood performs a live music set at York Barbican as part of a venue premium ticket event.
Anna Lapwood
Singer-songwriter Anna Lapwood performs a live concert at York Barbican.
Haus of Games: Pride Month Party
Haus of Games hosts a Pride Month Party at the Theatre Royal, celebrating LGBTQ+ community.
Story Time With Mama g
Children enjoy stories with Mama G at York Theatre Royal.
The York Ghost Gathering Summer Market
York Ghost Gathering Summer Market takes place at ST Sampson's Centre.
Events in York This Week
Operation Mincemeat: a New Musical
A new musical dramatises the true story of a WWII deception operation at York's Grand Opera House.
Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Using Light-based Technologies
A public lecture at the University of York explores new light-based technologies for early Alzheimer's diagnosis.
Death in The Mesolithic. What The Rituals of Death Tell us About Mesolithic…
A university lecture explores Mesolithic burial rituals and their insights into ancient human experiences.
Anna Lapwood - Venue Premium Tickets
Anna Lapwood performs a live music set at York Barbican as part of a venue premium ticket event.
Anna Lapwood
Singer-songwriter Anna Lapwood performs a live concert at York Barbican.
Haus of Games: Pride Month Party
Haus of Games hosts a Pride Month Party at the Theatre Royal, celebrating LGBTQ+ community.
Explore Events by Category
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Upcoming Events by Category
Culture & Arts
The Spy Who Came in From The Cold
A dramatic stage adaptation of John le Carré's classic spy novel premieres at the Grand Opera House York.
Directing Generative ai: Control, Realism, And Creative Workflow
A public lecture at the University of York examines control, realism, and creative workflow in generative AI.
Keith James: The Songs of Nick Drake
Keith James performs a tribute concert to the songs of Nick Drake at Pocklington Arts Centre.
Beyond Bridgerton: The Georgian Masquerade
Experience a Georgian-themed masquerade event inspired by Bridgerton.
From Cocoa Works to Curtain Calls: The Story of The...
Explore the history of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in a special presentation.
Fitness & Outdoors
Feel Good Menopause: Let's Walk And Talk in York - New Earswick
A walking event focused on discussing menopause in New Earswick.
Food & Drink
Refugee Week 2026: Online Cook-along
A virtual cooking session at the University of York teaches participants to prepare Syrian Stew as part of Refugee Week 2026.
Kemps Presents: an Evening With Olly Smith 'Wine, Mystery & Conversation'
An event featuring Olly Smith at Kemps Presents with wine, mystery, and conversation.
Nightlife & Music
It's a Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Tribute Spectacular
A tribute show celebrating Neil Diamond's greatest hits performs at the Grand Opera House York.
Ruth Theodore & Special Guest Katie Dahl - Live at Everything Good Goes - June…
Ruth Theodore and special guest Katie Dahl perform live at Everything Good Goes.
Luke Robinson
Solo musician Luke Robinson performs a diverse range of covers at Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern.
Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish it Out But Can't Take it
Comedian Hal Cruttenden performs at Pocklington Arts Centre.
The Comedy Store - Scarborough
Comedy performances at The Comedy Store in Scarborough Spa Theatre.
Shopping & Markets
Nymr Annual Diesel Gala 2026
NYMR hosts the annual Diesel Gala featuring diesel trains and railway enthusiasts.
Menopause Cafe York Followed by Guest Speaker
Menopause Cafe York hosts a gathering with guest speaker at York College.
Featured Places in York
Theatre
York Theatre RoyalYork Theatre Royal is a historic performing arts venue on St Nicholas Street in York’s city centre.
View Info →Botanic Garden
Museum GardensYou can find Museum Gardens in York's city centre, just behind the River Ouse and near St Mary's Abbey Ruins.
View Info →Cafe
ExploreYou can find Explore on Micklegate in York, a coffeehouse serving house-roasted espresso and artisan pastries.
View Info →Tapas Restaurant
Ambiente TapasAmbiente Tapas is a tapas restaurant at 16a Bootham Crescent in York’s Bootham neighborhood.
View Info →Restaurant
ate o'clockAte O'Clock Restaurant is a York-based dining spot known for its fairy-lit alleyway entrance.
View Info →York Places And Events Guides
Things to do in York
You can find a mix of cultural and seasonal events across York throughout the year. Theatre performances happen at The Theatre Royal, family activities take place near Bootham Bar and Walmgate Bar, and there are always options in food, drink, music, markets, and fitness. Events include cookery demos during the York Food and Drink Festival, workshops at Tadcaster Bridge, guided walks along heritage trails, and gatherings at green spaces such as Acomb Green.
These cover a range of interests from history to sport. The city's event calendar includes performances tied to events like the Jorvik Viking Festival, theatre productions like the York Mystery Plays, markets around St Helen’s Square, music in pubs, fitness sessions at local parks, and food festivals near the National Railway Museum.
The City Brief helps you find what’s happening this week and events this weekend across York. Use categories such as Culture & Arts, Family & Kids, Food & Drink, Fitness & Outdoors, Shopping & Markets, or Nightlife & Music to explore activities matched to your interests. Filter by venue location, such as near Bootham Bar or the City Walls, or choose from event types like festivals, markets, or music gigs.
You’ll find listings for events in York’s city centre and surrounding areas. Some are a short drive away; others require travel outside the city.
Common York Questions
What kinds of events happen in York during the week?
Weekday activities include theatre at The Theatre Royal, exhibitions in cultural venues like St Margaret’s Church, food festivals tied to local markets, and fitness sessions near Acomb Green. Shopping days take place at Walmgate and Tadcaster Bridge.
Where do most events take place in York?
Most events are centred on historic landmarks within the city walls: Bootham Bar, Walmgate Bar, Ouse Bridge, and Monk Bar serve as hubs for gatherings. The City Walls provide walkways linking sites such as St Margaret’s Church, home to early music concerts, and other spaces hosting seasonal events.
Are there family-friendly things to do in York?
Yes. Families can visit the Jorvik Centre for interactive Viking-era experiences suitable for children. Workshops during food and drink festivals often take place near Acomb Green or St Helen’s Square. The Theatre Royal stages pantomimes through winter months, appealing to multi-generational audiences.
What nightlife and music events happen in York?
Nightlife includes weekly comedy nights at Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern. Live jazz takes place at local venues; the annual St George’s Day Celebrations feature late-set acts within historic settings. Music festivals like the York Food and Drink Festival include performances by regional artists.
How can I find events happening this week or this weekend in York?
Check The City Brief’s "This Week" and "This Weekend" guides to view upcoming activities by category, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Food & Drink, Family & Kids. Filter results using venue locations such as Bootham Bar or Ouse Bridge for targeted exploration across central districts.