What’s On in York in May? Whether you are visiting the city or, like me, you live here it’s always good to have a list of what’s on so you can plan your month ahead! As always, things are subject to change, so do check with the individual venue to make sure of the most up to date details. Links to venues can be seen below highlighted in red.
As always, things are subject to change, so do check with the individual venue to make sure of the most up to date details.
Fancy something a bit different? Have a look at these York Tours.
York WizardFest
May 24th to 26th 2025
Hot on the heels of winning Experience of the Year 2025 at the Visit York Awards, the city’s own wandering Wizard has plans to bring the first ever Wizard festival to town. WizardFest will take place on May 24th to 26th, with more magical fun than you can shake a wand at…
The event is the brainchild of Dan Wood, aka Phoenix the Red, owner of The Wizard Walk of York. He says, “Since announcing WizardFest I’ve had lots of exciting companies come forward, for an event that will appeal to wizard fans of all ages. We’re flying the flag for all things magical in this enchanting city, and of course we’ll be running plenty of extra Wizard Walks to meet demand!”
Working closely with local independent businesses, the festival is supported by Visit York and sponsored by Loopy Scoops Ice-Cream Parlour, Totally Awesome Toys, The Cat Gallery and The Society of Alchemists. Little Vikings – the expert guide to York for families – will be co-hosting and helping promote the attractions on offer.
What’s On at The Grand Opera House in May?
Clifford St, York YO1 9SW



Harry Hill: New Bits & Greatest Hits
Sun 18 May 2025






Thu 29 May 2025
From £29.50+ £3.95 transaction fee

What’s On at The York Theatre Royal in May?
St Leonard’s Pl, York YO1 7HD
There’s lots going on at The York Theatre Royal in May.
Krapp’s Last Tape
Sat 19 Apr – Sat 17 May
Youth Theatre Summer Term 2025 (8-11s)
Tue 22 Apr – Mon 28 Apr
LGBTQ+ Book Group
Tue 13 May – Tue 08 Jul
Switcheroo
Thu 22 May – Sat 24 May
It’s A Kind of Magic!
Sat 24 May
Raging Bill
Wed 28 May
Sunny Side
Thu 29 May
A Tale of Us
Fri 30 May
Skeleton Out of the Closet
Fri 30 May
Beetles and Bee Tales
Sat 31 May
PopOdyssey
Sat 31 May
What’s On at The York Barbican in May?
Paragon St, York YO10 4AH
Here are some of the highlights at The York Barbican, but please check their listings for lots more events.
Andy Bell – Ten Crowns Tour
Erasure’s Andy Bell will be supporting the release of a new solo album, Ten Crowns, with a run of shows across the UK in May 2025.
Anastacia
Pop icon Anastacia has announced a huge European tour for 2025, introducing the ‘Not That Kind’ tour. Plus special guest Casey McQuillen.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Magic and Moonlight Tour 2025
Fresh off playing their 1,000th show, retro musical collective Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) has announced the UK leg of their 2025 “Moonlight & Magic” World Tour.
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
Jason Manford is back with his brand-new live show: A Manford All Seasons.
Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation
Dara Ó Briain is back with a brand new live show!
The Waterboys
The Waterboys return to York. No support.
The Wiggles Bouncing Balls Tour
That’s right, the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles are back for their biggest tour ever!
York Guildhall Orchestra: Kabalevsky, Khachaturian, Shostakovich & Ravel
York Guildhall Orchestra returns for another programme of classics.
Paul Chowdhry: Englandia
Multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, actor and writer Paul Chowdhry has announced his brand-new ‘Englandia’ UK stand-up tour for 2025.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Bringing the best live stand-up to York, featuring comedians from shows such as Mock The Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and many more.
Bongo’s Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is a night full of madness, mayhem and sheer joy that will keep you coming back for more.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced her biggest ever UK headline tour in May and June 2025.
The ELO Show: A Tribute to the Genius of Jeff Lynne
A Tribute to the Genius of Jeff Lynne
What’s On at The Joseph Rowntree Theatre in May?
Haxby Rd, York YO31 8TA
Steve Cassidy Band and friends
Sun 4 MayThe Steve Cassidy Band returns to their favourite venue with special guests sure to delight and entertain.
Time of My Life by Alan Ayckbourn
Thu 15 – Sat 17 MayThe Stockton Foresters warmly invites you to their next production
Sister Act The Musical
Wed 21 – Sat 24 MayThe heavenly musical that’s joyous and uplifting in equal measures.
Fundraising Film: West Side Story
Sun 25 MayEnjoy Steven Spielberg’s remake of this iconic musical film on the big screen.
Top of the Pops
Sat 31 May – Sun 1 JunA spectacular celebration of pop classics brought to life on stage!
What’s on at York Racecourse?
Wed 14 – Fri 16 May – Dante Festival 2025
Saturday 31st May – May Spring Meeting
What Festivals are on in York in May?
York Festival of Ideas
31 May to 13 June 2025
