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August events

The following events are taking place in August:

City Comets Summer Disabiliyt Football Sessions

Sessions provide inclusive football opportunities for children and young people with a range of disabilities and additional needs, creating a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment where participants can develop their confidence, skills and friendships.

New for summer 2026! We are launching half day football fun activity sessions for young people aged 5 to 13 years, providing an inclusive, supportive and fun football environment for young players with physical and earning needs neurodivergence.

Sessions have a strong focus on inclusion, participation, enjoyment and making new friends through football-based activities and games and are designed to give every player the opportunity to take part at their own pace, with engaging activities that will not only develop football skills but help build confidence and create positive summer experiences for all involved.

City Comets ND

For neurodivergent young people aged 5 to 8 years, and 9 to 13 years, with or awaiting a diagnosis for ADHD or Autism.

  • Dates: Monday 3 August, and Monday 17 August
  • Time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

City Comets PD

For disabled young people aged 5 to 8 years, and 9 to 13 years, with physical disabilities or both physical and learning or sensory impairments.

Please note the playing surface does not make this suitable for frame or wheelchairs.

  • Dates: Monday 10 August, and Monday 24 August
  • Times: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Youth Forum Summer of Fun at SEND Central

Free craft activities, Thunk it Theatre workshop, spray painting, friendship bracelets and slime making.

All held on Wednesdays throughout the school summer holidays between Wednesday 22 July and Wednesday 2 September, suitable for all children* aged 6 and over!

Please book your place, email: [email protected] for:

  • 22 July: 1.00pm to 2.30pm - Craft sessions and get to know you
  • 29 July: 1.00pm to 2.30pm - ‘Thunk it Theatre’ workshop
  • 5 August: 1.00pm to 3.30pm - spray painting workshop
  • 12 August: 1.00pm to 3.30pm - spray painting workshop
  • 19 August: 1.00pm to 2.30pm - friendship bracelets and origami
  • 26 August: 1.00pm to 2.30pm - slime making workshop
  • 2 September: 1.00pm to 2.30pm - young people’s choice!

*For Children under 14, or those who may need additional support during the sessions, we ask that a parent or carer remains present; they will continue to be responsible for the young person, while also having the opportunity to take part in the Parent Carer Forum’s ‘catch up and cuppa’.

  • Location: SEND CENTRAL, Clifton Family Hub on the site of Clifton Green Primary School, York YO30 6JA
  • Telephone: 01904 555076
  • Email: [email protected]

Rainbow Tots Summer Special

Free parent-led stay and play group sessions, held on Thursdays in August and September.

Aimed at 0 to 5 year olds who would prefer sensory based activities, and their parents and carers.

Refreshments provided. No booking required, just turn up!

  • Location: SEND CENTRAL, Children’s Centre on the site of Clifton Green Primary School, York YO30 6JA
  • Dates: 6, 13, 20 and 27 August
  • Time: 10.00am to 11.30am

York Rivers Trail Summer Events

Thursday 6 August, 10:30am -11:45. Free mindful photo walk along the banks of the River Ouse. Millennium Bridge to Tower Gardens, ages 6 and up. Book a place on the 6 August mindful photo walk.

  • Where: Millennium Bridge
  • When: 6 August

 

Saturday 8 August, 1pm -3pm. Free Zine workshop and exhibition about history, heritage and our rivers, Patch York, all ages. Book a place on the Zine workshop.

  • Where: Patch, York
  • When: 8 August

 

Sunday 9 August, 10am -1pm. Free Willow Weaving and Words Workshop, Homestead Park, all ages. Book a place on the Willow Weaving Workshop.

  • Where: Homestead Park
  • When: 9 August

 

Thursday 13 August 11am 12:15: Free mindful photo walk along the Ouse, Scarborough Bridge to Homestead Park, ages 6 and up. Book a place on the 13 August mindful walk.

  • Where: Scarborough Bridge
  • When: 13 August

 

Thursday 20 August 10:30am -12:00pm August Free flood defences walking tour, North Street Gardens, ages 12 and up. Book a place on the Thursday walking tour.

  • Where: North Streen Gardens
  • When: 20 August

 

Monday 24 August 2pm -3:30pm Free flood defences walking tour, North Street Gardens, ages 12 and up. Book a place on the Monday walking tour

  • Where: North Streen Gardens
  • When: 24 August

 

Thursday 27 August 11am -12:30 and 1:30 - 3:30pm. Free, Rivers 2U Mobile Classroom at Homestead Park, families ages 5 and up. Book a place on the Rivers 2U Mobile Classroom.

  • Where: Homestead Park
  • When: 27 August

 

Saturday 29 August 2pm - 4pm. Free drawing workshop exploring the history of our rivers and the many ways they have shaped people’s lives over time, Patch, York. Book a place on drawing workshop

  • Where: Patch, York
  • When: 29 ;August

 

The Yorkshire Museum Trust - York Castle Museum

  • Where:York Castle Museum
  • When: 22 June to 6 September

Between 22 June and 6 September 2026 there’s a host of family friendly fun including:

  • daily talks and tours
  • creative activities and workshops
  • sensory stations

Entry is free for York Residents (please bring proof of address with you) and under 5s. Concessions also available for max card holders, those in receipt of means tested benefits, people seeking sanctuary or in the asylum process and more.

For more information visit: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/exhibition/summer-at-york-castle-museum-2026.

Visit the Yorkshire Museum Trust website for information on York Art Gallery, The Yorkshire Museum and York St Mary’s at: www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk.

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The Watchers of York Sculpture Trail

  • Where: Across York city centre
  • When: 29 June to 31 August

A Make It York event in collaboration with York Minster.

From hidden gardens to cobbled streets, our larger-than-life sculptures are dotted amongst the city, waiting to be discovered by trail hunters from June to August 2026.

The sculpture design is inspired by the real stone carvings on York Minster. If you know where to look, you can spot the original inspiration!

For more information visit: visityork.org/watchers-trail.

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Summer Reading Challenge - Read to the Beat

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Read To The Beat begins on 11 July, with a full programme of free and low cost activities.

From storytelling and crafts to science sessions and theatre, there’s something happening every week.

All our libraries offer welcoming spaces, friendly staff and free places where needed, so every child can join in. We’re proud to support families and help fill the holidays with stories, creativity and fun.

View and book tickets with Explore York.

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York Maze

  • Where: York Maze, Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
  • When: 11 July to 3 September, 10.00am to 6.30pm

A family friendly attraction in York. This year’s theme is David Attenborough, 100 years on planet earth.

See more information and book York Maze tickets online.

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Family Crafternoons

  • When: Thursdays, from 23 July to 27 August
  • Time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Arts and crafts activities, card and board games, drinks and snacks.

Each Thursday throughout the summer in Acomb.

Booking is essential. For more details and to boook email: [email protected].

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City Kickabout in the Park - Summer Sessions

  • Where: Ethel Ward Playing Field, Homestead Park, Orchard Park, Woodthorpe Green Playing Field
  • When: Tuesday 28 July to Friday 21 August

Physical activity sessions from York City Football Club Foundation.

Have fun and get active in a safe and fun environment. No football experience necessary. Some sessions are free, others are £3. Booking advised.

Ethel Ward Playing Field, Haxby, YO32 3NU, £3 sessions

  • Friday 14 August, 2.00pm to 3.00pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Friday 14 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years
  • Friday 21 August, 2.00pm to 3.00pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Friday 21 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Homestead Park, YO30 6WP, free sessions

  • Tuesday 11 August, 10.00am to 10.45am - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Tuesday 11 August, 11.00am to midday - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years
  • Tuesday 18 August, 10.00am to 10.45am - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Tuesday 18 August, 11.00am to midday - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Orchard Park, Huntington, YO31 9EH, free sessions

  • Wednesday 12 August, 2.00pm to 2.45pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Wednesday 12 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years
  • Wednesday 19 August, 2.00pm to 2.45pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Wednesday 19 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Woodthorpe Green Playing Field, Summerfield Road, YO24 2RU, £3 sessions

  • Tuesday 11 August, 2.00pm to 2.45pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Tuesday 11 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years
  • Tuesday 18 August, 2.00pm to 2.45pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
  • Tuesday 18 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Book sessions in advance online.

Limited spaces will be available on the day. Parental supervision required for 11 and under.

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City Wildcats in the Park - Girls Sessions

  • Where: Acomb Green, Homestead Park, Hull Road Park
  • When: Wednesday 29 July to Friday 21 August

Free York City Football Club Foundation Summer physical activity sessions for girls.

Acomb Green, YO26 5LL

  • Wednesday 12 August, 10.00am to 11.00am - 7 to 9 years
  • Wednesday 12 August, 11.00am to midday - 10 to 14 years
  • Wednesday 19 August, 10.00am to 11.00am - 7 to 9 years
  • Wednesday 19 August, 11.00am to midday - 10 to 14 years

Homestead Park, YO30 6WP

  • Friday 14 August, 10.00am to 11.00am - 7 to 9 years
  • Friday 14 August, 11.00am to midday - 10 to 14 years
  • Friday 21 August, 10.00am to 11.00am - 7 to 9 years
  • Friday 21 August, 11.00am to midday - 10 to 14 years

Hull Road Park, YO10 3AA

  • Thursday 13 August, 2.00pm to 3.00pm - 7 to 9 years
  • Thursday 13 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 10 to 14 years
  • Thursday 20 August, 2.00pm to 3.00pm - 7 to 9 years
  • Thursday 20 August, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 10 to 14 years

Book in advance online.

Limited spaces will be available on the day. Parental supervision required for children aged 11 and under.

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Seaside Fun and Yorkshire Day Market

  • Where: St Sampson’s Square and Parliament Street
  • When: 30 July to 2 August

Free! The seaside is coming to York! You can expect:

  • Pop up giant sandpit
  • Face painting
  • Traditional seaside rides and activities

Plus local makers and locally produced goods at the market.

More information on the Visit York website at: visityork.org/yorkshire-day.

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Brunswick Organic Food Festival

  • Where: Brunswick Organic Nursery, Appleton Road, Bishopthorpe, YO23 2RF
  • When: Saturday 1 August, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Celebrate summer in style with our fantastic, free, food-filled fun day for all the family!

You'll find all kinds of organic vegetables, herbs and fruit from our expert growers here at Brunswick, and gorgeous gifts, bakes, drinks and food tastings from a wide range of local businesses and stallholders - with our award-winning shop open all day, a cafe and lots of tasty treats on offer.

Enjoy a full range of workshops, demonstrations, children's games and activities as well as relaxing live music from: "10,000 Pairs of Hands" drums and guitar ensemble.

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LockFest - at Tea by the Lock

  • Where: Naburn Lock, YO19 4RU
  • When: Saturday 1 August, from 11.30am

A family-friendly music festival celebrating fantastic live music, great food, and a welcoming community atmosphere, with:

  • live music
  • bouncy castle
  • face painting
  • food stalls and bar
  • stalls
  • popcorn
  • sweets and more…

Book LockFest tickets on the Tea by the Lock website.

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A Day at the Seaside

  • Where: Accessible Arts & Media, Clifton Explore, Rawcliffe Drive, York YO30 6NS.
  • When: Wednesday 5th August, 1:30-3:30pm

Join Becky from Thunk-It on a seaside adventure! Filled with songs, drama, games and sensory exploration! From waking up to getting to the seaside, we will explore our day through song and drama. We’ll also have our chill out space, where you can take a break where you can relax with seaside props and scenes.

Click here for more information on IMPs Holiday Club and how to book.

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Hassacarr Nature Reserve Activity and Open Day

  • Where: Hassacarr Lane, Osbaldwick and Derwent, YO19 5PB
  • When: Thursday 6 August

There are two sessions to choose from, either 10am to 12pm, or 2pm to 4pm, and a selection of activites to try out:

  • Mini Beast Safari
  • Pond Dipping
  • Moth Trapping
  • Arts and crafts

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Play The Line

  • Where: Accessible Arts & Media, Clifton Explore, Rawcliffe Drive, York YO30 6NS.
  • When: Wednesday 12th August, 1:30-3:30pm

Get ready to stick tape on the floor to create jaggedy lines, use nature to create patterns, or squiggle on paper with Griselda. Anna will then take your line or squiggle on a musical journey. Will the sticks and leaves be jazzy, or rocky? Will the squiggle be loud or quiet?

Click here for more information on IMPs Holiday Club and how to book.

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Poppleton Village Show

  • Where: The Green, Upper Poppleton
  • When: Saturday 15 August, from 12.30pm

The Poppleton Village Show will include:

  • fruit and vegetable exhibits in All Saints Hall
  • flowers, floral art, handicrafts and baking in New Methodist Hall
  • coffee on the green in The Old Methodist Hall
  • vintage car display, fun dog show, stalls, Shepherd Brass Band, and alpacas on The Green

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Murton Park History Festival

  • Where: Murton Park
  • When: Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August

The 2-day festival brings history to life through interactive exhibits, reenactments, and engaging activities. Attendees can wander through reconstructed historical settings, from a Viking village to a Roman fort, and witness skilled reenactors demonstrating traditional crafts and daily life from various time periods.

The event also includes heritage demonstrations, creative workshops and historical storytelling, making it a delightful experience for families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.

Find out what else is happening over the summer for families at Murton Park.

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Immersive Gardens

  • Where: Accessible Arts & Media, Clifton Explore, Rawcliffe Drive, York YO30 6NS.
  • When: Wednesday 19th August, 1:30-3:30pm

Gather around a crackling campfire to hear a story about a buzzing bee and his pals. Together we play games, explore touch sensory props, smells and instruments which allows us to create multi-layered soundscapes. After the story, we’ll explore more campfire songs, stories and games together. 

Click here for more information on IMPs Holiday Club and how to book.

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Musical Games

  • Where: Accessible Arts & Media, Clifton Explore, Rawcliffe Drive, York YO30 6NS.
  • When: Wednesday 26th August, 1:30-3:30pm

Join Jodie to find what sounds will you make as you climb the ladders or slide down a snake or find the right notes to complete a musical twister? They'll be teams and champions, and you’ll need your creative ideas to win! We’ll also have our chill out space, where you can take a break and relax or try your hand at sensory puzzle

Click here for more information on IMPs Holiday Club and how to book.

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CBeebies House Party Live!

  • Where: York Barbican, Paragon Street, York, YO10 4AH
  • When: Wednesday 26 August, 11.00am and 2.00pm

A family fun-packed stage show with sensational songs, stupendous surprises and mega moments.

Join the superstars of CBeebies: Mr Tumble, Mister Maker, Andy Day, Duggee, Evie Pickerill, Nigel Clarke, and George Webster - as they throw an epic party just for you!

See further details and booking information for CBeebies House Party Live from York Barbican.

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Aardman in Concert Plus Model Making Workshops

  • Where: York Barbican, Paragon Street, York, YO10 4AH

  • When: Saturday 29 August, 1.00pm and 3.30pm

Bring the whole family for a hilarious, heartwarming big-screen celebration featuring Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time, Morph, Creature Comforts and more - all accompanied live by a world class orchestra.

Model making workshops

The workshops are suitable for all ages from 5 upwards. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult, so why not make it a family affair and see who can make the best one?!

All attendees will need to purchase a ticket, and there are a limited number of places at each workshop.

Workshop Timings:

  • 11.45am - Gromit Model Making Workshop
  • 2.15pm - Shaun The Sheep Model Making Workshop
  • 4.45pm - Feathers McGraw Model Making Workshop

See further details and booking information for Aardman in Concert from York Barbican.

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York Comic Con

  • Where: York Racecourse, Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EX
  • When: Sunday 30 August, 10.00am to 5.00pm (general entry from 11.00am)

Come explore, try things out, meet creators, and enjoy the atmosphere.

What to Expect:

  • cosplay-friendly atmosphere
  • local artists and comic creators
  • traders, collectibles and geeky merch
  • gaming and interactive zones
  • comic book chill-out zone
  • family-friendly activities
  • accessible, inclusive spaces

See details and book tickets online.

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Information on IMPs Holiday Clubs

Where will sessions be happening?

Accessible Arts & Media, Clifton Explore, Rawcliffe Drive, York YO30 6NS. The building is accessible, with a Changing Places toilet.

There is free parking on-site, including four disabled parking bays. If the car park is full, there is plenty of on-street parking.

You can find out information on buses that stop near Clifton Explore here.

Who are the sessions aimed at?

Our IMPs holiday clubs are suitable for children and young people with learning disabilities age 8+. (If you fall outside of this age bracket but would still like to come, please contact us for a chat).

Our holiday clubs are inclusive, and you don't need any previous musical experience to take part. 

Please note that we do not provide 1 - 1 support. If you need this, please bring your own support or contact us to discuss.

How much do they cost?

Sessions are £12 but we never want money to be a barrier to taking part.  We have sibling discounts and fully subsidised places available - please get in touch if these apply.

How to book your place 

You can book your place by:

Please feel free to spread the word to friends and families who may be looking for inclusive activities over the summer.

iMUSE

iMUSE is our 1-1 interactive multisensory and relaxation session. Young people can have a 20 minute session alongside the main holiday club activity. Let us know if you’d like a session with Hannah.

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