Say hello to Summer in York! Get ready for some fun filled days out in and around the city, with the arrival of THOR’s Orangery on Parliament Street, opening Friday 24th June at 5pm. During the next 7 days, York has a packed calendar of things to do which are brimming with excitement and entertainment. Discover live performances, family friendly shows and activities, festivals, creative sessions and much more with our guide of some of the best events in York this week.

Zog and the Flying Doctors  June 24 – 25
Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a crash-bang-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, they tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. However, Pearl’s uncle, the King, has other ideas about whether princesses should be doctors, and she’s soon locked up in the castle back in a crown and a silly frilly dress!

With a bit of help from some friends and half a pound of cheese, can Pearl make her uncle better and prove princesses can be doctors too?
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Dungeon Lates  June 25
York Dungeon Lates mashes up theatre, special effects and intriguing storytelling with wit, humour, and plenty of edge of the seat surprises for an after-hours experience like no other! But this time with even more twists and turns and saucier jokes than usual, you won’t know whether to laugh or scream!
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Eboracum Roman Festival  June 25 – 26
The Legions of Rome are set to take over the historic York Museum Gardens and promises to be a fun-filled event. It will be a packed weekend of family fun, including a Roman Living History camp, Kids Army, crafts, and much more. Discover some of Britain’s greatest Roman treasures and take part in Roman-themed family activities.
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CATS  June 25 – 26
The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories to Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
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Family Wildlife Day at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens  June 26
As part of National Insect Week, the Annual Wildlife Day is back! With lots of exciting and hands-on activities, there will be some great opportunities to learn about a whole range of wildlife and meet many of the insects and birds that make the garden their home.
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Art for Wellbeing  June 26
Free Informal practical sessions for adults (16+ only), just drop-in and release your creative energy, in the company of others and with gentle guidance on hand. This is an inclusive session, suitable for all abilities.
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A Tale of Orpheus & Eurydice  June 30
The Orpheus myth opens with the death of Eurydice, but their story began long before that. Discover the legend of the original star-crossed lovers in this pop-up musical experience. A joyful 45-minute exploration of love, music, and hope for the future.
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…and from previous updates but still useful!

York Mystery Plays  June 19 and 26
York Mystery Plays is a theatrical spectacle performed by the communities of York. These medieval plays contain stories of delight, humour, horror, temptation and resistance. With 8 plays performed on pageant wagons across 4 different locations at College Green, St Sampson’s Sqaure, St Helen’s Square and King’s Manor. Catch a glimpse of “Mysteries in the Market” on the 22nd & 23rd June, where audiences will be promenaded through Shambles Market between each wagon by a cast of characters interpreting a selection of 5 plays performed in the midsummer evening light.
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York Festival of Ideas  Until June 24
Enjoy an inspiring programme of in-person and online events at York Festival of Ideas 2022. The award-winning Festival offers over 150 FREE events to educate, entertain and inspire, including talks from world-class speakers, exhibitions, music, guided walks and family-friendly activities.
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Baedeker: The 80th Anniversary at The Bar Convent  Until Nov
Over the course of the Second World War, York experienced 10 air raids in total. The Baedeker Raid was the most destructive in terms of material damage and loss of life. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Baedeker Raids when York was bombed by the Luftwaffe and the Bar Convent was directly hit. A new display uses documents from the archives to explore daily life at the convent during the war.
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Grinling Gibbons: Monuments to Glory  Until July 31
Discover the work of Grinling Gibbons, the most celebrated British woodcarver of the 17th century, through a new exhibition at York Minster as part of a national programme to mark the 300th anniversary of his death. Entry to the exhibition is free with general admission.
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Cruise the Ouse
You can once again hop aboard a City Cruises boat and see York from a whole new perspective, while getting fascinating insights into the history and features along the river.
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Green Spaces in York
While of course we must remain home as much as we can, it’s still important we stretch our legs and enjoy some fresh air. The beautiful Museum Gardens, Dean’s Park and Rowntree Park (complete with cafe overlooking the park and river) are all open for just this purpose. Or simply get your steps in whilst strolling along your favourite section of the City Walls.

#LoveWalking
Stretch your legs and see York on foot. Our new Love Walking hub is full of great ways to explore the city and see sights old and new.
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Shambles Market
The Shambles Market remains open for essential shopping, and is the best place to get fresh produce from local traders. The Shambles Food court is also open for scrumptious takeaway treats.
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These events have been hand picked by Visit York.

Go to Visit York’s What’s On page to see a full list of things to do in York.