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.  

Have an event you would like adding?  Click here for advertising information.

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

The Ibiza Classics Bottomless Brunch is coming to YORK! 

 LIVE PERCUSSIONIST
 3 HOURS OF ALL THE BEST IBIZA ANTHEMS AND CLASSICS FROM THE 90S MIXED BY OUR RESIDENT DJ
 DRESS UP ENCOURAGED (OCEAN BEACH, RAVE, SUMMER, GLITTER)
 60 MINUTES BOTTOMLESS BOOZE
 BOTTOMLESS COCKTAILS
 DELICOUS BRUNCH

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.

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.

What’s On at The Joseph Rowntree Theatre in May?

Haxby Rd, York YO31 8TA