Events in York From 18th May – 24th May 2026

Home · Events in York This Week

You can find a range of events in York this week, from live music at local venues to talks and lectures that spark conversation. The week features theatrical performances and concerts by notable acts. Plan an evening at a pub with acoustic sets or a formal concert. Comedy is on the bill too, with stand-up shows scheduled. For active days, there are fun runs and family-friendly options using green spaces across the city. Social gatherings and music nights keep evenings lively.

It’s a good time to explore the cultural scene, enjoy outdoor activities, or go out for the night. Attend a concert at one of York’s music venues, see a performance, or join a public lecture. Many historic pubs host regular acoustic sets and open mic nights. The National Railway Museum runs family events and interactive displays. For day trips, routes via the A1(M) or M62 lead to countryside areas. Use First Bus or the railway network for travel. Be mindful of congestion during major events and in historic areas, especially in summer. Consider travel options like the A59 or River Ouse with City Cruises York.

Monday 18th May

Eboracum Roman Festival

· Museum Gardens · Culture & Arts

The Eboracum Roman Festival features living history encampments and costumed reenactments in York's Museum Gardens.

John Kearns

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian John Kearns performs his latest stand-up show at The Crescent in York.

Tuesday 19th May

Fawlty Towers - The Play

· Grand Opera House, York · Culture & Arts

A comedic stage adaptation of the classic TV series 'Fawlty Towers' is performed at the Grand Opera House York.

Anthony v Capildeo Poetry Reading And Celebratory Reception

· Culture & Arts

Poet Anthony V Capildeo reads from his work at the University of York, followed by a celebratory reception.

John Kearns: Tilting at Windmills

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian John Kearns performs his new stand-up show 'Tilting At Windmills' at The Crescent.

Wednesday 20th May

Pixies - Venue Premium Tickets

· York Barbican · Nightlife & Music

The Pixies perform a live concert at York Barbican with premium ticket options available.

John Kearns - Tilting at Windmills

· Pocklington Arts Centre · Nightlife & Music

Comedian John Kearns performs his new stand-up show Tilting At Windmills at Whitby Pavilion Theatre.

Luke Robinson

· Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern York · Nightlife & Music

Solo musician Luke Robinson performs a diverse set of genre-spanning covers at Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern York.

Chris Acker

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Chris Acker performs a stand-up comedy show at The Crescent Community Venue in York.

Pixies

· Nightlife & Music

The Pixies perform live at York Barbican as part of their touring concert series.

Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton

· Culture & Arts

Blind Boy Paxton performs early music at York's National Centre for Early Music.

Interpersonal Physiological Synchrony of Audiences

· Culture & Arts

A university lecture explores using heart rate and motion data to study audience experiences in theatre and music.

Analytic Spirituality: Philosophy, Practice, And The Knowledge of God

· Culture & Arts

A university lecture explores how analytic philosophy informs spirituality and spiritual practices.

Adam Phillips in Conversation With Hugh Haughton

· Culture & Arts

Adam Phillips discusses Hugh Haughton's book 'The Life You Want' in a university public lecture.

Pixies: p40 Celebrating 40 Years

· Nightlife & Music

The Pixies headline a special concert at York Barbican to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Thursday 21st May

Triple Bill - Early Blight, The Rats, Carrot

· Joseph Rowntree Theatre · Nightlife & Music

A triple bill of live music featuring Early Blight, The Rats, and Carrot at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

Dave Rowntree: no One You Know

· Pocklington Arts Centre · Nightlife & Music

Musician Dave Rowntree performs his acclaimed show 'No One You Know' at Pocklington Arts Centre.

Mumbler Toddler Brunch at The Web Adventure Park

· The Web Adventure Park · Family & Kids

A monthly toddler brunch event hosted at the Web Adventure Park for young children and their caregivers.

Italy: Weird & Wonderful – From North to South

· Food & Drink

A themed tasting event exploring unusual Italian wines and English cheeses in a relaxed setting.

Daniel Sloss

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Daniel Sloss performs his latest stand-up show at York Barbican.

Finn Forster

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Finn Forster performs a stand-up comedy show at The Crescent in York.

Friday 22nd May

Andy Parsons: Please #@!$ Off to Mars ***Extra Date Added***

· Pocklington Arts Centre · Nightlife & Music

Comedian Andy Parsons performs his new stand-up show 'Please #@!$ off to Mars' at Pocklington Arts Centre with an added performance date.

Joe Knowles

· Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern York · Nightlife & Music

Singer-guitarist Joe Knowles performs upbeat pop and rock covers at Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern in York.

Holme Family Connect Baby Bank Launch

· Holme Christian Fellowship Coffee Shop · Family & Kids

Holme Family Connect launches a baby bank at Holme Christian Fellowship Coffee Shop to support families in need.

Friday Socials

· Yates York · Nightlife & Music

Yates York hosts Friday Socials, a lively evening party with music, drinks, and energetic vibes.

The Changeling

· Culture & Arts

The Changeling is a play performed at The Crescent in York.

Amy Winehouse - Caroline Lowe

· Nightlife & Music

Actress Caroline Lowe performs a solo tribute show as Amy Winehouse at Bishopthorpe Sports And Social Club.

Saturday 23rd May

The 2026 Poppleton 5k And 10k Fun Run

· 29 states – The Indian Kitchen · Fitness & Outdoors

A 5k and 10k fun run event takes place at Poppleton Green in York.

Day Out With Thomas™ at The Nymr

· Pocklington Arts Centre · Family & Kids

Families can enjoy a themed train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Dave Rowntree of Blur: no One You Know

· Selby Town Hall · Nightlife & Music

Dave Rowntree of Blur performs 'No One You Know' at Selby Town Hall.

York - Roman Festival Weekend - Artisan Gift And Craft Fair Market

· The Belfrey Hall · Shopping & Markets

An artisan gift and craft fair market returns to York's Belfrey Hall during the Roman Festival Weekend.

Africa Day Celebration in York

· Culture & Arts

A celebration of African culture featuring music, dance, art, and crafts at Homestead Park.

The Return of The Foam at The Web Adventure Park

· The Web Adventure Park · Family & Kids

A family-friendly adventure park offers play, sports, and role-play activities during May half term.

Day Fever

· Nightlife & Music

Day Fever is a daytime music event hosted at York Barbican.

May Spring Meeting - William Hill Brontë Cup

· Fitness & Outdoors

The May Spring Meeting at York Racecourse features the William Hill Brontë Cup horse racing event.

Herbal Mafia 20th Birthday Part 4: Dillinja

· Nightlife & Music

DJ Dillinja performs at the Herbal Mafia 20th birthday celebration in York.

York - Dayclubbers: The Bank Holiday Day Party!

· Nightlife & Music

An over-30s daytime dance event with music and clubbing in York.

Sunday 24th May

Simon Yates of Touching The Void - my Mountain Life

· Pocklington Arts Centre · Culture & Arts

Simon Yates discusses his mountain life and experiences from the film 'Touching the Void' at Forum Northallerton.

Black Parade - 00's Emo Anthems | York

· Nightlife & Music

Black Parade returns to Bluebox in York for an 00s emo-themed night with live music and dancing.

York Croquet Club Community Croquet Day

· All Saints Church, York · Fitness & Outdoors

York Croquet Club hosts a community croquet day at Scarcroft Road, York.

Random Hand

· Nightlife & Music

Random Hand performs live music at The Crescent in York.

Chameleon Season Ticket

· Nightlife & Music

Chameleon Season Ticket event at York's The Crescent venue.

The Upbeat Beatles

· Nightlife & Music

A tribute performance of The Beatles' music at Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United

· Manchester United · Fitness & Outdoors

Manchester United play Brighton & Hove Albion in a Premier League football match.