York Events 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Festivals, Markets & Live Shows
Planning a trip to York in 2025? From historic festivals and food markets to world-class sports and live music, the city offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ve compiled the best events in York 2025 to help you make the most of your visit.
February 2025 Events in York
York Ice Trail 2025 (1–2 February) – Stunning Ice Sculptures Across the City
Location: City Centre
Free
Over 40+ incredible ice sculptures appear across the city for one weekend. Some years feature interactive displays and live carving demonstrations. Perfect for families or anyone looking for a winter-themed city walk.
JORVIK Viking Festival 2025 (17–23 February) – Live Battles & Historic Reenactments
Location: JORVIK Viking Centre & Citywide
Some free events, others ticketed
York transforms into a Viking stronghold with battle re-enactments, warrior parades, and hands-on history workshops. The grand finale event is a must-see for history lovers.
Book tickets & see full event details
Dark Skies Festival 2025 (14 February–2 March) – Stargazing & Night Walks
Location: North York Moors National Park
Some free, some ticketed events
A chance to experience one of the UK’s best dark sky reserves. Events include guided night walks, telescope sessions, and astrophotography workshops—a great escape from the city lights.
Book tickets & see full event details
March 2025 Events in York
Living North LIVE 2025 (21–23 March) – Home, Garden & Lifestyle Event
Location: York Racecourse
Ticketed event (available closer to event)
Explore interior design trends, garden inspiration, and artisanal shopping at this lifestyle and shopping showcase. A relaxed way to spend the day browsing unique finds.
Book tickets & see full event details
April 2025 Events in York
York Open Studios 2025 (5–13 April) – Meet Local Artists & Explore Their Workspaces
Location: Various studios across York
Free
Peek inside local artists’ workspaces, chat with creatives, and even purchase original artwork. Perfect for art lovers and anyone wanting a unique cultural experience.
May 2025 Events in York
Dante Festival 2025 (14–16 May) – Premier Horse Racing Event
Location: York Racecourse
Ticketed event
A three-day horse racing festival, offering thrilling races in a slightly less hectic atmosphere than the August Ebor Festival.
WizardFest 2025 (24–26 May) – A Magical Family Experience
Locations: Various independent venues
Some free, some ticketed events
Think potion-making, wand decorating, and spellbinding treats—a must-visit for Harry Potter fans and families.
June 2025 Events in York
York Pride 2025 (Date TBC) – Colourful Parade & LGBTQ+ Festival
Location: York Knavesmire
Free
A vibrant and welcoming celebration featuring a parade, live entertainment, and community events.
July 2025 Events in York
York Early Music Festival 2025 (Date TBC) – Classical & Historic Music in Stunning Venues
Location: Various historic locations
Ticketed event
A prestigious festival of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music performed in York’s most historic venues.
Book tickets & see full event details (when announced)
Music Showcase Weekend 2025 (25–26 July) – Horse Racing & Live Concerts
Location: York Racecourse
Ticketed event
Enjoy horse racing by day and live music by night at this unique outdoor festival.
August 2025 Events in York
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 (23–24, 30–31 August; 6–7 September) – International Rugby Action
Location: York Community Stadium
Ticketed event
A major sporting event, bringing the world’s best women’s rugby teams to York.
Book tickets & see full event details
Yorkshire Ebor Festival 2025 (20–23 August) – York’s Biggest Horse Racing Event
Location: York Racecourse
Ticketed event
Expect big crowds, stylish outfits, and top-class horse racing at York’s most famous racing event.
September 2025 Events in York
York Book Fair 2025 (12–13 September) – Rare & Collectible Books for Sale
Location: York Racecourse
Ticketed event
One of Europe’s largest rare book fairs, offering thousands of collectible editions and signed copies.
See full event details and ticket information
York Food and Drink Festival 2025 (19–28 September) – Street Food & Culinary Delights
Location: City Centre
Free entry, plus some ticketed activities
A food lover’s paradise with local producers, street food vendors, and live cooking demos.
See full event details and ticket information
October 2025 Events in York
York River Art Market 2025 (Selected weekends) – Handmade Art by the River Ouse
Location: Dame Judi Dench Walk
Free
A relaxed outdoor market showcasing local artists' work along the scenic River Ouse.
November 2025 Events in York
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 (5–9 November) – Award-Winning Independent Films
Location: Various cinemas in York
Ticketed event
A world-renowned film festival, showcasing the best in short films, animation, and experimental cinema.
UK Championship Snooker 2025 (29 November–7 December) – Watch the World’s Best Players
Location: York Barbican
Ticketed event
A major snooker tournament, featuring the world’s top-ranked players.
December 2025 Events in York
York Christmas Market 2025 (St Nicholas Fair) – Festive Shopping & Mulled Wine
Location: City Centre
Free entry
One of the UK’s most magical Christmas markets, with wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, festive food, and mulled wine.
There’s always something happening in York, and 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year. If you’re thinking of visiting, we recommend booking your accommodation early—especially during the bigger events.
Looking for a place to stay? Check out holiday cottages, Daisy, Poppy, Sunflower, and our dog-friendly and disabled-friendly, Rose Cottage, for a cosy home-from-home while you enjoy everything the city has to offer.
