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.
Regency by Candlelight at Harewood House
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Saturday the 3rd May 2025 7.30PM to 9PM
As part of Harewood’s extraordinary exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the landscape painter JMW Turner and novelist Jane Austen, Ignite Concerts bring a night of Regency music by Candlelight. The Ebor quartet will perform a selection of Regency-era music, bringing the sounds of Austen’s time to life.
Buy Candlelit Concert tickets here.
Candlelit Michael Bublé Tribute
Q Church 9 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
Saturday the 17th May 2025 7.30PM to 9PM
Experience an unforgettable evening on May 17th as Jamie Flanagan pays tribute to Michael Bublé in the stunning candlelit setting of Q York. With timeless hits like “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Home,” Flanagan will capture the charm and elegance of Bublé’s music. The soft glow of candlelight creates the perfect atmosphere for this intimate performance, making it a night to remember for fans of romantic melodies and smooth swing classics.
Buy Candlelit Concert tickets here.
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.
Thu 01 May 2025
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.
Sun 04 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.
Wed 07 May 2025
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.
Sat 10 May & Sat 15 Nov 2025
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
Jason Manford is back with his brand-new live show: A Manford All Seasons.
Wed 14 May 2025
Dara Ó Briain: Re:Creation
Dara Ó Briain is back with a brand new live show!
Thu 15 May 2025
The Waterboys
The Waterboys return to York. No support.
Fri 16 May 2025
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!
Sun 18 May 2025
York Guildhall Orchestra: Kabalevsky, Khachaturian, Shostakovich & Ravel
York Guildhall Orchestra returns for another programme of classics.
Fri 23 May 2025
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.
Sat 24 May 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.
Sat 24 May 2025
Bongo’s Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is a night full of madness, mayhem and sheer joy that will keep you coming back for more.
Mon 26 May 2025
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced her biggest ever UK headline tour in May and June 2025.
Sat 31 May 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
LimitedMusical, 17-25
Live MusicSteve Cassidy Band and friends
Sun 4 MayThe Steve Cassidy Band returns to their favourite venue with special guests sure to delight and entertain.
Tribute Act
PlayTime of My Life by Alan Ayckbourn
Thu 15 – Sat 17 MayThe Stockton Foresters warmly invites you to their next production
Musical
Musical, 17-25Sister Act The Musical
Wed 21 – Sat 24 MayThe heavenly musical that’s joyous and uplifting in equal measures.
Film, Fundraising
Film, FundraisingFundraising Film: West Side Story
Sun 25 MayEnjoy Steven Spielberg’s remake of this iconic musical film on the big screen.
Concert
DanceTop 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
