Here’s what’s going on in York this week.
This week Cressida Cowell’s How To Train Your Dragon School Exhibition starts at DIG, find out why Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, the inaugural York Youth Festival is here, brand-new curated mini fringe festival The Floating Fringe is making waves at The Arts Barge, and Sophie Ellis Bextor is performing at York Racecourse.
YorkMix are also at Flamingo Land, Eden Camp and Piglets Adventure Farm this week as part of our Summer Safari – so come down and say hello!
What’s on in York this weekend, Monday 21 – Friday 25 July
All week
Cressida Cowell’s How To Train Your Dragon School Exhibition
Step into a world of dragons, Vikings, and adventure at DIG’s interactive exhibition inspired by How to Train Your Dragon School – the exciting spin-off series from bestselling author Cressida Cowell.
Follow Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Toothless, Windwalker, and their friends as they join the Viking and Dragon Training School on the Isle of Berk – brought vividly to life at DIG!
Young dragon trainers are invited to enrol in Viking school and get hands-on with interactive activities, character encounters, and a dragon-themed DIG pit full of hidden treasure. Meet familiar faces like Hiccup, Gobber the Belch, Old Wrinkly, Camicazi – and of course, The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4!
- DIG, St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
- From Mon 21 Jul
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Jamie New is a sixteen-year-old who doesn’t quite fit in. He’s terrified about the future and has no interest in pursuing a traditional career. He wants to be a drag queen. He knows he can be a sensation. With support from his brilliant and loving mum and encouragement from his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. This funny and fabulous multi-award-winning musical is presented by Pick Me Up Theatre.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Tue 22 – Sat 26 Jul
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
Thank You, I Love You
Step into a world where love is found in the quiet moments, the whispered goodnights, and the spaces between words. ‘Thank You, I Love You’ is a exploration of connection—romantic, platonic, and everything in between.
Through fragmented memories, late-night conversations, and the weight of unspoken emotions, we follow a group of characters as they navigate love, loss, and longing. Some holding on too tightly, others are learning how to let go. With humor, warmth, and aching honesty, this play reminds us that love isn’t just about the grand gestures—it’s in the smallest, softest things: a shared bed, a stolen glance, a promise to light the sky for someone who needs it.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Wed 23 – Sat 26 Jul
- 7pm
- More info
Monday
An Evening with Laura Shepherd-Robinson & SJ Parris: The Art of a Lie
Join us for a spectacular evening with Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Shepherd-Robinson as she discusses her new novel, “The Art of a Lie”. The brilliant SJ Parris will be joining us as special guest interviewer and chair for what promises to be a gripping discussion of murder, mystery and intrigue set in Georgian London.
- Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York, YO1 9XD
- Mon 21 Jul
- 6pm
- More info
Wednesday
York Youth Festival
York Youth Council are organizing a Summer 2025 Youth Festival in partnership with local youth groups, youth providers, and the City of York Council Communities Team. The Youth Council hopes for this event to be a safe space for young people to be social, enjoy music, take part in activities, find out about what’s on in the city, make new friends, and try something new. Lunch food and snacks will be provided.
- Rowntree Park, Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ
- Wed 23 Jul
- 2-5pm
- More info
Thursday
The Floating Fringe
A brand-new curated mini fringe festival featuring over 20 shows and workshops, set over three days. With live performances that promise unexpected art, comedy, theatre and those weird little magic moments that only happen when creatives are let loose!
- The Arts Barge, Foss Basin Moorings, Tower St, York YO10 4AB
- Thu 24 – Sat 26 Jul
- 3:30-11pm
- More info
Steve Steinman’s Love Hurts – Power Ballads & Anthems
From the producers of Anything For Love & Vampires Rock and starring Steve Steinman, this brand-new show features a powerhouse cast of amazing singers and 7 piece live band. You are guaranteed the night of your life, rocking out to some of the greatest power ballads and anthems of all time! Including tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Aerosmith, Tina Turner, Cutting Crew, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Rainbow, Van Halen, Europe, Air Supply and many more.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thu 24 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday
Music Showcase Weekend 2025
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with special guest Natasha Bedingfield will take to the stage after racing on Friday 25th July evening. Ronan Keating, who found the nation’s heart through perfoming in Boyzone, will perform live after racing on Saturday 26 July.
The action on the track is just as compelling, headlined by a Pattern-quality contest on each day. The Listed EBF Lyric Stakes on Friday with the G2 Sky Bet York Stakes offering a six-figure purse on Saturday.
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
- Fri 25 – Sat 26 Jul
- From 4pm (Fri)
- More info
Outdoor Adventure Cinema: Bridget Jones’ Diary
An fantastic open-air showing of the classic Bridget Jones’ Diary! One of the all-time classic movies and what better excuse to get together with friends, family or loved ones than watching Bridget Jones under the stars.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Fri 25 Jul
- 6pm
- More info
Jorvik Immersive Theatre
Jorvik Immersive Theatre is a bold, immersive experience plunging you into the heart of Viking-occupied Eoforwic. The Great Army has claimed victory. The feasting hall is alive with celebration. But glory always comes at a cost.
Step into the longhouse as Ubbe Ragnarson, son of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok, faces the burden of power, legacy, and a fateful encounter with Odin himself. Through live combat, storytelling, music, and moments shaped by you, the audience, this piece of theatre invites you to explore the Viking thirst for glory, the shadow of fate, and the eternal need to be remembered.
- Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR
- Fri 25 – Sat 26 Jul
- 7pm
- More info
MANIA – The ABBA Tribute
Aspecial concert that celebrates the music of ABBA in a respectful and enjoyable way, this production revives memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. It is more than 40 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest and they have filled our lives with music ever since. Now it’s your chance to thank them for the music!
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Fri 25 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
