One of the reasons I love living in York is that there’s never a dull moment. There is always something going on in the town and I love that! You can spend all year going to an event or festival pretty much every weekend of the year. This doesn’t even count long-term pop-ups, like Shakespeare’s Rose Theater (which is making its second appearance this year!). Best of yet, some of these events in York are free! So I thought it only fitting to write a post all about it: these are the best festivals in York!
1) Roman Festival (First weekend in June)
York is full of history, and one of the best ways to experience that history is with the Roman Festival at the beginning of June. Museum Gardens becomes the home of the Romans, as they host loads of events. One of the best is the Living History Camp, where you can chat with Romans and learn all about what life was actually like ~2000 years ago. They also do military demonstrations, and have a big march through town. (Website)
2) Jorvik Viking Festival (Mid-end of February)
The Vikings came to York in the 800s, and named the city Jorvik. While you can check out all the fun Viking history any day of the year at the fantastic Jorvik Viking Center, the Viking Festival is one of the biggest events in York of the year. They have craft demonstrations, a Viking boat in St. Sampson’s Square, a parade through town, costumed participants/general Viking fans all over the place, and it culminates in a massive battle reenactment with fireworks outside of Clifford’s Tower. This is one not to miss in York. (Website)
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3) York Ice Trail (First weekend in February)
The York Ice Trail has been one of my favorite festivals since I moved to York over 2.5 years ago. Formerly during a weekend in December in the run up to Christmas, the Ice Trail now has its own event in the beginning of February, when the city isn’t rammed with Christmas shopping crowds. There are up to 50 ice sculptures placed all over town, sponsored by local businesses. It’s a lot of fun, and a great event for all ages! (Website)
Read More: Ice Ice Baby: Everything About The York Ice Trail!
4) St. Nicholas Fair (End of November through Christmas)
Speaking of wintery events, York of course has its own set of Christmas markets, the St. Nicholas Fair. Centered around Parliament Street, you’re basically guaranteed to find that perfect present for someone here. Thor’s Tipi comes out for a fun pop-up pub, and you can get mulled wine and Christmas treats all over the place. It can be really busy with crowds, so I’d try to avoid weekends if possible! (Website)
Read More: 9 Reasons To Visit York At Christmas
5) Food Festival (End of September)
One of the biggest festivals is York’s Food Festival, which sees local suppliers from all around the area come to showcase their fares in York. The event is so big, they’ve even got a special preview event (they call it a taster) a few months before! (In 2019 the taster is taking place in June.) My top tip would be to come hungry—there are literally so many choices for what to eat! (Website)
Read More: The Best Restaurants In York, England
6) York Book Fair (mid-September)
One of the more low-key and more niche events in York is the York Book Fair (not to be confused with the much larger and also fantastic York Literature Festival!). This takes place in mid-September at York Racecourse, focusing mainly on antiquarian and out-of-print books. So many publishers, so many books, so little time to buy and read them all! There is a small entry charge, but make sure to check out the website before you go since you can generally get free vouchers if you plan in advance. (Website)
Read More: The Best Bookshops In York
7) Fossgate Festivals (First Sunday of the month from May-September)
Fossgate is a treasure trove of small businesses and great places to eat and drink. Between May and September, the first Sunday of the month sees the street close to traffic and pop-up stands come out to dish out their delicacies. There’s generally live music, and it’s just all-around a good time. (Website and Facebook)
8) Bloom! York (July)
The newest festival in York would probably be Bloom! York, a botanical and flower-based festival for a few days in July. Last year was their first year and I LOVED running around town and checking out all the different flower and plant-themed displays! Some of my favorite spots were Clifford’s Tower, the York Art Gallery, and The Ivy on St. Helen’s Square. This is also a rare opportunity to visit the York Medical Society Gardens, which are generally closed to the public! (Website)
9) Residents’ Festival (Last weekend of January)
While most people visiting York won’t get to take part, I have to put Residents’ Festival (Res Fest) on any post on the best festivals in York. Every year on the last weekend of January, York residents get free entry to attractions and discounts at a variety of venues throughout the city. This is put on by Visit York, as a way to say thank you to the residents for putting up with playing host to over 2 million tourists each year! I’ve now visited every attraction and museum in York, and had some pretty amazing experiences (like the view from the top of York Minster) for absolutely free! It’s well-deserved, and much-appreciated. (Website)
Planning Your Trip to York
York is just two hours away from London by train and well-connected with most big cities in the North of England, making it an easy daytrip or long weekend away for a festival. I always use Trainline to find the best deals for train tickets. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:
- Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
- Luxury: The Grand
You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!
There are so many fun festivals to see in York! Regardless of which time of year you visit, York will most likely have a festival on for you!
Have you been to any of these festivals in York? Which was your favorite?!
Check out my other posts on York here! You might also like:
The Best Restaurants in York, England
The Best Bars and Pubs in York, England
The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York, England
20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely FREE!
The Best Walks in and Around York, England
The Complete Guide to the Best Instagram Spots in York
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[…] seems to overflow everywhere you go. One of the best times to visit York is during one of the big festivals! The Viking Festival lasts for a week every year at the end of February. Romans take over the town […]
[…] on! This weekend saw the York Ice Trail take over town on Saturday. It’s been one of my favorite festivals in York since I moved about 2.5 years ago. But this year was really something! Sculptures are placed all […]