What's on
August events
The following events are taking place in August:
- The Yorkshire Museum Trust - York Castle Museum
- The Watchers of York Sculpture Trail
- Summer Reading Challenge - Read to the Beat
- York Maze
- Seaside Fun and Yorkshire Day Market
- Brunswick Organic Food Festival
- LockFest - at Tea by the Lock
- Poppleton Village Show
- Murton Park History Festival
- CBeebies House Party Live!
- Aardman in Concert Plus Model Making Workshops
- York Comic Con
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
