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.

whats on in May in York

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.

Whats on in May York

 

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

 

Tue 29 Apr – Sat 3 May 2025

From £18+ £3.95 transaction fee

Tue 6 May – Sun 11 May 2025

From £18.43+ £3.95 transaction fee

 

Harry Hill: New Bits & Greatest Hits

Sun 18 May 2025

 

Tue 20 May 2025

From £34.63+ £3.95 transaction fee

Wed 21 May 2025

From £15+ £3.95 transaction fee

Sun 25 May 2025

From £34.07+ £3.95 transaction fee

Tue 27 May 2025

From £15+ £3.95 transaction fee

Wed 28 May 2025

From £29.64+ £3.95 transaction fee

Thu 29 May 2025

From £29.50+ £3.95 transaction fee

Fri 30 May 2025

Grand Opera House York

From £16.50+ £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.

 

Event Announcement

 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.

Event Announcement

 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

 

What’s on at York Racecourse?

Wed 14 – Fri 16 May – Dante Festival 2025

Saturday 31st May –  May Spring Meeting

whats on in york in May

 

What Festivals are on in York in May?

York Festival of Ideas

31 May to 13 June 2025

Taking place under the banner of The Next Chapter, this year’s Festival offers an exciting programme of over 150 free in-person and online events to educate, entertain and inspire.
 
Meet world-class speakers, experience incredible performances, join fun family activities, explore York on guided tours, and more! With topics ranging from archaeology to art, history to health, and politics to psychology, the Festival promises something for all ages and interests.
 
Browse our diverse programme – by theme, date or format – and find out everything you need to know about the Festival.
 
whats on in york in june

 


 

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