Weekend Events in York: May 28-30 and June 1
As the May half-term comes to a close, there are still plenty of exciting events to enjoy in York and beyond. York Mix has compiled a guide to help you make the most of your weekend.
May Spring Saturday at York Racecourse
The first Saturday of the racing season is always a highlight, and this weekend is no exception. The York Racecourse will host its May Spring Saturday event, featuring the Group 3 William Hill Brontë Cup. According to York Mix, "The first Saturday of the season offers the chance to a few to enjoy some fresh air and the open spaces that form part of a day at the Races."
- Date: Saturday, May 28
- Time: 11:15 am
- Location: York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
- Event Details: The day will feature betting excitement, notably in the valuable Sprint. After racing, tribute act Taylored Swift will perform on the "tribute" stage located at the Knavesmire Stand end of the Bustardthorpe Lawn.
York Festival of Ideas
The York Festival of Ideas is back, exploring the theme of "Making Waves" with over 200 mostly free in-person and online events. As York Mix notes, "York Festival of Ideas 2025 is designed to educate, entertain and inspire." The festival will run from May 31 to June 13, with multiple events taking place across various locations.
- Date: May 31 – June 13
- Time: Multiple times
- Location: Multiple locations
- Event Details: The festival features a wide range of events, including talks, workshops, and performances.
Rachel Croft at The Crescent
Singer-songwriter Rachel Croft will perform at The Crescent in York, celebrating the launch of her new EP "A Mind Made Of Sky". York Mix describes the event as a "series of tempestuous shows across the UK in summer 2025."
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 7 pm
- Location: The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
Murder, She Didn’t Write at Grand Opera House
Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, will bring back their multiple sell-out show, "Murder, She Didn’t Write". This improvised comedy event allows the audience to become the author, creating a unique murder mystery live on stage.
- Date: Friday, May 30
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Location: Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
Meet the Romans at York Minster
Costumed interpreters from Days Gone By will lead an event at York Minster, allowing visitors to learn about the city’s Roman past. According to York Mix, "Join costumed interpreters to learn more about York Minster’s Roman past."
- Date: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31
- Time: 10 am – 3 pm
- Location: York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
Aljaz and Janette: A Night To Remember at York Barbican
Strictly favourites Aljaz and Janette will perform at York Barbican, promising a night of unforgettable dancing, great music, and plenty of laughter.
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Location: York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
The Afternoon Service presents: Silent Disco in the Park
A family-friendly silent disco will take place in Rowntree Park, with free headphones provided and groovy house & disco selections.
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 3-7 pm
- Location: Rowntree Park, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ
Beetles and Bee Tales at York Theatre Royal
Mud Pie Arts will present "Beetles and Bee Tales", an interactive storytelling event featuring all-join-in storytelling, riddles, games, and post-show doodling.
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 11 am
- Location: York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
One Man Poe at 41 Monkgate
An actor will bring to life the works of Edgar Allan Poe in a solo performance at 41 Monkgate.
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 6 pm
- Location: 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
York Sea Cadet Half Term Fair
The York Sea Cadets will host a half-term fair, featuring stalls, cakes, a raffle, and games.
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 10 am – 1 pm
- Location: 21-22 Skeldergate, York YO1 6DH
Tiger Country at Theatre@41
York Actor’s Collective will present "Tiger Country" by Nina Raine, a hospital play that explores the challenges faced by doctors and nurses.
- Date: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31
- Time: Multiple times
- Location: Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York YO31 7PB
Say Owt presents: CHAMÆLEON
A collaboration between Palestinian writer Farah Chamma and Brazilian producer LIEV will explore the intersection between spoken word and musical texture.
- Date: Sunday, June 1
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Location: The Fulford Arms, 121 Fulford Rd, York YO10 4EX
The ELO Show: A Tribute to the Genius of Jeff Lynne at York Barbican
A tribute act will perform at York Barbican, featuring a band of amazing musicians and a female string section.
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Location: York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
Top of the Pops at Joseph Rowntree Theatre
En Pointe’s Top of the Pops will celebrate pop classics brought to life on stage.
- Date: Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1
- Time: 2 pm & 7 pm
- Location: Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, YO31 8TA
PopOdyssey at York Theatre Royal
This epic storytelling show will collide Ancient Greece with modern pop culture.
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Location: York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
