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.
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Want to check a different month? Have a look at our guide to what’s on in York throughout the year.
Meet Peter Layton, founder of London Glassblowing
At Pyramid Gallery, Stonegate, York – Thursday 19th May 4.15pm – 6.15pm
Pyramid Gallery is celebrating its 40th year anniversary and Peter Layton grandee of British Studio Glass will be coming to the gallery where he is taking part in our exhibition of 40 Pieces of Glass. Everyone is welcome to come and join us in this celebration, and to meet Peter and marvel at the work of London Glassblowing artists.
Ibiza Classics Bottomless Brunch – from The Brunch Club
Sunday the 22nd of May at The Biltmore, 29 Swinegate, York, YO1 8AZ







Music Policy – A combination of your lifetime favourites from the White Isle:
The Shapeshifters, Ninetoes, David Morales, Energy 52, York, Mark Knight, Roger Sanchez, Fatboy Slim, Gat Decor, Camisra, Livin Joy, Sash!, Daft Punk, Phats & Small, ATB, Alice DJ, Rui Da Silva, Modjo, Basement Jaxx, Funkstar De Luxe, Ultra Nate, Armand van Helden, Crystal Waters, Darude, Chicane, Underworld, Sasha, Kings Of Tomorrow, Robin S, Faithless & Many More!
Click here for more info and to book tickets.
Purcell and a Pint
York Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL – 7th May 2022, 7:30-9pm
Join Eboracum Baroque and York Gin for an evening of rowdy drinking songs, popular fiddle tunes and delicious York Gin!
In collaboration with our friends at York Gin, we’re delighted to return to York Mansion House for Purcell and a Pint. The concert will transport you back to the alehouses of 17th century England. Taverns were raucous surroundings and overflowed with music, alcohol, sex, gossip, fights, fumes, shouting, singing, laughing, dancing…. Our performance won’t have all of those! Free drink of York Gin on arrival.
We’ll be performing a mixture of instrumental tunes and songs by Purcell and lots of his contemporaries to create our own 17th century pub gig. Audience participation is a must!
Eboracum Pub Band:
Baritone- John Holland Avery
Recorder- Miriam Monaghan
Cello- Miri Nohl
Harpsichord- Laurence Lyndon Jones
Trumpet/Percussion- Chris Parsons
What Festivals are on in York in May?
Jorvik Viking Festival
Saturday 28 May to Wednesday 1 June 2022
There’s always lots to see and do at the Jorvik Viking Festival. From Storytelling to ‘Have-a-Go’ Sword Combat and Archery. One of the many things to do in York February half term.
Recognised as the largest event of its kind in Europe; visit York in February for an exciting programme of events, including living history encampments, markets, workshops, talks, tours and dramatic combat performances. Whether you’re well-versed in the sagas or looking for a thrilling half-term break, there’s something for everyone at JORVIK Viking Festival.
What’s On at The Grand Opera House in May?
Clifford St, York YO1 9SW
What’s On at The York Theatre Royal in May?
St Leonard’s Pl, York YO1 7HD
There’s lots going on at The Theatre Royal in May.
CRAFTY TALES SUMMER 2022
Fri 29 Apr – Fri 22 Jul
STEWART LEE: SNOWFLAKE/TORNADO
Tue 03 May – Thu 05 May
THE HOMECOMING
Mon 16 May – Sat 21 May
RED ELLEN
Tue 24 May – Sat 28 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.
MARTI PELLOW: GREATEST HITS TOUR
Marti Pellow returns to York Barbican for his 2022 greatest hits tour!
RESCHEDULED DATE – THE SHIRES
The UK’s best-selling country act returns with their eagerly awaited forthcoming album ‘Good Years’.
TEST MATCH SPECIAL LIVE
Spend an evening with Phil Tufnell and Jonathan Agnew, as they take you inside the famous TMS commentary box and share memories from their remarkable playing careers.
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.
JASON MANFORD: LIKE ME
‘Like Me’ is Jason’s latest comic offering is sure to be ‘expert observational comedy’, mixed with ‘comic gold’.
RESCHEDULED DATE – SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE! NEXT SLIDE PLEASE…
Following the sell-out tour of National Trevor, the comedian, broadcaster, and all-round good egg returns with her brand-new show, Next Slide Please…
YORK GUILDHALL ORCHESTRA
The York Guildhall Orchestra’s final concert this season will see the long-awaited return of an old friend, Martin Roscoe.
RESCHEDULED DATE – PAUL YOUNG AND GO WEST
English pop-duo Go West & 80s everyone’s favourite 80’s crooner Paul Young visit York Barbican on their 2022 UK tour!
THE GUILTY FEMINIST
Less of a podcast and more of a global phenomenon, The Guilty Feminist, is part comedy, part deep-dive discussion and part activism.
JOHN BARROWMAN: I AM WHAT I AM
Follow John on his magic journey, celebrating the very best of musical theatre on his “I Am What I Am” tour.
DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT
Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and experience one of the most memorable movies of the past 30+ years – now live!
TONY HADLEY
One of the most renowned voices in British music, Tony Hadley, has announced a huge UK tour for 2022, celebrating a remarkable 40 years in music.
RESCHEDULED DATE – THE HOLLIES
Catch legendary icons of British rock, The Hollies, performing their best-known hits in May 2022
RESCHEDULED DATE – ROMESH RANGANATHAN: THE CYNICS MIXTAPE
Romesh Ranganathan returns to York Barbican with his most brutally honest show yet, The Cynics Mixtape.
THE UNTHANKS
The Unthanks will return to live touring after 2 years off the road with a new record and an expansive 11-piece live show at York Barbican.
What’s On at The Joseph Rowntree Theatre in May?
Haxby Rd, York YO31 8TA
What’s on at York Racecourse?
2022 Fixtures & Pricing
General admission, Melrose Club Lounge & Premier Racing Lounge are now on sale for 2022.
For more information on our Hospitality Packages please click here.
Dante Festival – Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th of May 2022.
May Spring Meeting – Saturday 21st of May – Sunday 22nd of May.