It’s finally summer, (fingers crossed for summer weather!) and I have put together a guide of outdoor cinema, concerts and open air theatre for what’s happening in June, July and August in York.
In (largely) date order:
Sounds of Bridgerton in the Boar Garden
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Sunday 23rd June 2024 – Musical performances in the Boar Garden at 11.30am and 2pm.
Step into a world of elegance and romance with our enchanting Bridgerton-themed day at the illustrious Castle Howard, known in a different guise as the Duke of Hasting’s ancestral home Clyvedon Castle.
Prepare to be swept off your feet with melodies from the Bridgerton soundtrack performed by the Ebor Quartet. Capture timeless memories with our Bridgerton-inspired photo booth where you can dress in your finest Regency attire and strike a pose worthy of the ton. Explore the Gardens and House and spot the settings and backdrops where the newly wedded Duke and Duchess made their home together.
And, what soirée would be complete without a sumptuous afternoon tea – a picnic version (with Vegan, Gluten Free and Child-friendly options) is available add to your booking when you secure your admission tickets. Gather your closest companions and prepare to be transported to a world of romance and intrigue that will leave you breathless.
Photobooth located in the Grecian Hall. Bridgerton fans can also book a Bridgerton Filming Locations Tour – see the What’s On page for more information.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Breezy Knees Gardens, Common Lane, Warthill, York. YO19 5XS
Sunday 23rd June 2024 – Doors open at 6.00pm, performance starts at 7pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on an enchanting journey to the most magical of forests and meet bewitched lovers, playful fairies, and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful musical score and fine performances come together to make this 25th anniversary performance an evening of unmissable summer garden theatre.
Picnic with family and friends in the picturesque surroundings of some of the UK and Ireland’s most stunning open-air venues for the perfect evening of magical theatre in magical surroundings.
Find out more information here.
Pride and Prejudice
Breezy Knees Gardens, Common Lane, Warthill, York. YO19 5XS
Sunday 21st July 2024 – Doors open at 6.00pm, performance starts at 7pm
Step back in time over two hundred years and meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they navigate the mire of manners of regency society. With stunning period costume, timeless wit, and a romantic original score, Chapterhouse’s Pride and Prejudice is a faithful telling of Austen’s greatest work. Join family and friends for an evening of magical theatre as we bring the world’s favourite love story to gardens and grounds across the country.
Find out more information here.
Outdoor Cinema at Castle Howard
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN SING-A-LONG (PG)
THURSDAY 25 JULY
GATES: 6:00PM / SHOW: 7:30PM
This is the greatest show!
Get ready for some pure entertainment as you watch and singalong with The Greatest Showman on a huge open-air screen. The incredible movie musical that has sold cinemas out across the world.
Plus music to enjoy before the movie.
FINDING NEMO (U)
FRIDAY 26 JULY
GATES: 1:30PM / SHOW: 3:00PM
An amazing Disney open-air cinema experience with a showing of this Pixar classic.
A family film that is truly for the whole family – from grandparents to grandkids. Finding Nemo is a precious gem in the Pixar and Disney vaults and so much fun to watch.
Plus music to enjoy before the movie.
DIRTY DANCING (12)
FRIDAY 26 JULY
GATES: 6:00PM / SHOW: 8:00PM
Nobody puts baby in the corner!
An amazing outdoor cinema experience with a showing of the classic, Dirty Dancing on a HUGE open-air screen under the stars!
Plus music to enjoy before the movie. Get your friends, family and loved ones together for the time of your lives and a night to remember!
FROZEN SING-A-LONG (PG)
SATURDAY 27 JULY
GATES: 12:00PM / SHOW: 1:30PM
An fantastic outdoor cinema experience with a Sing-A-Long showing of Disney’s Frozen!
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frozen like never before as you watch and singalong with the movie on a huge open-air screen.
This perfect family day out is going to be something special!
MAMMA MIA! OUTDOOR CINEMA EXTRABBAGANZA
SATURDAY 27 JULY
GATES: 5:00PM / SHOW: 6:30PM
The ultimate ABBA experience!
An all singing, all dancing ABBA day where you’ll watch Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia Here We Go Again on a HUGE open-air screen and singalong with ABBA’s greatest hits!
Plus ABBA disco before the movies, Street Food, Bar and more! *Tickets will sell quickly for this!
THE GRUFFALO / STICK MAN (U)
SUNDAY 28 JULY
GATES: 10:00AM / SHOW: 11:00AM
An amazing family outdoor cinema experience with a double bill of brilliant Julia Donalsdon & Axel Scheffler animations.
Watch the incredible tales of The Gruffalo and Stick Man on a giant open-air screen.
*Both films are included in the ticket price.”
JURASSIC PARK (PG)
SUNDAY 28 JULY
GATES: 1:30PM / SHOW: 3:00PM
A blockbuster outdoor showing of Spielberg’s dinosaur classic, Jurassic Park!
An amazing theme park with living dinosaurs but things are about to turn deadly. Expect incredible special effects and action-packed drama.
There’s no getting around it – quite simply one of the greatest blockbusters of all time.
TOP GUN (ORIGINAL) (12A)
SUNDAY 28 JULY
GATES: 6:30PM / SHOW: 8:00PM
A blockbuster open-air showing of the original and absolute 80s classic, Top Gun!
Pack a picnic and enjoy Top Gun on a huge open-air screen under the stars. Hiighhwayyy tooo the danger zone!
Plus music to enjoy before the movie with a soundtrack of specially curated songs.
Kaiser Chiefs and S Club – Music Showcase at York Racecourse
Friday evening 26th July and Saturday 27 July 2024
Kaiser Chiefs will be playing after racing on the evening on Friday 26 July, with S club taking to the stage after racing on Saturday.
On Friday evening, the concert is scheduled for 8.45-10.30pm, with the band on stage on Saturday between 5.45pm- 7.30pm. The artists will conduct sound checks during both Friday and again on Saturday morning.
Click here for more information.
90’s Outdoor Silent Disco
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
Saturday 10 August, 7pm – 10pm
Expect some of the UK’s best 90s DJs playing all your favourite tunes in the historic Boar Garden. Some of the UK’s best 90s DJs playing your favourite pop / RNB / bands for a feel good experience. Experience the Castle Howard Grounds like never before. Join hundreds of likeminded fans singing their hearts out, whilst wearing state of the art led headphones. Select between 3 different channels of music
This is strictly a 18+ event. Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry. There will be a fully stocked bar on site for the entire event. More information here.
The Little Mermaid
Burnby Hall Gardens, The Balk, Pocklington, York, YO42 2QF
After their fantastic production of Hercules in 2023, we welcome back IK Productions as they perform The Little Mermaid in the Gardens.
“Escape under the sea with IKP’s The Little Mermaid on an exciting new adventure! From the team who brought you Hercules (4 Stars – “The Stage”), Beauty and the Beast and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (4 Stars – “The Stage”), come along for a huge European adventure to find freedom, truth and love!
This brand new family show is great for all ages from tiny tots to big kids, so hop aboard and sail the sea with The Little Mermaid!”
Visit Burnby Hall Gardens for tickets.
Little Women
Knaresborough Castle, Castle Yard, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Saturday 17th August 2024. Doors open at 6.00pm, performance starts at 7pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company are delighted to present Louisa May Alcott’s beloved coming of age story. This summer, meet headstrong Jo March and her sisters Meg, Amy, and Beth. Each sister is determined to pursue her own path in life, but though their dreams may be different, their family ties remain as true as ever. An uplifting and heartfelt tale of the March sisters’ journey into adulthood and all the trials and triumphs that come with it, Little Women features authentic costuming and a beautiful musical score.
Find out more information here.
