What's On
In York
ON THE COVER
Dark Tales of York
Walk in the footsteps of history and discover the ghosts of the past.
YORK'S BIGGEST EVENTS GUIDE
We've listed every exciting event and unmissable theatre show happening in York this month!
What's On
What better place to spend October than the most haunted city in Europe?
If you spend all summer counting down the days to the start of spooky season, then it’s time to get excited because there are tons of Halloween-themed events and attractions to attend in York this month. Even if you don’t always look forward to the arrival of October, we’re sure you’ll have a great month this time around. Even outside of the spooky stuff, there’s so much great theatre, live music, and more going on, that you’ll want the month to last forever. You’re probably wondering how to make the most of it, or how to find the right event for you. That’s what this handy What’s On guide is here for. Our team has searched far and wide to bring you the very best around. Turn to pages 8-14 for our events diary, and if you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, check out the theatre listings on page 18.
We’ve also got a city map on page 16-17 to help you get from A to B. It’ll make sure you’re not late for any of the action.
- What's On Team October 2024
22-30 NOVEMBER
Jo Pears
Mezzo
Elly
Fiona Love Orchestra Leader
John Barry Photo © Terry O’Neil – Iconic Images
Harvest
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th October 2024
Starring: Benoit Blin - Bake O : The Professionals Judge, Eddie Scott - Masterchef UK Champion 2022 & many more culinary talent too!
5 OCTOBER
LAID — A TRIBUTE TO JAMES, York Vaults, Nunnery Lane, York. 8-11pm. Go and see the number one “James” tribute band live. Book tickets from www.ultimategig.co.uk/services
5-6 OCTOBER
MALTON HARVEST FOOD LOVERS FESTIVAL, Market Place, Malton. Expect a harvest of game, seafood, wild and foraged food, soft fruit, baking galore, vegetarian and vegan food and the very best street food! Set across Malton's picturesque Market Place you can expect chef demos, 100+ artisan food stalls, live music, talks, tastings and much more. Head to www.visitmalton.co.uk or call 01653 692849 for more information.
5-6 OCTOBER
ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE FAIR, Wetherby
Racecourse, LS22 5EJ. 8am-5pm and 9am-4pm on the Sunday. More info is available at jaguarfairs. com.
5-6 OCTOBER
KENTMERE HOUSE GALLERY OPEN
GALLERY, Scarcroft Hill, York. Pop along to Kentmere House Gallery to witness the work of artists who are members of Royal Art Societies. The gallery is open at other times outside of this event, just make sure to call up and make an appointment. For more information, please call 01904 656507.
truly extraordinary atmosphere. Plan your visit at www.yorkmazehallowscream.co.uk/ or ring 01904 607666 now.
12 OCTOBER
THUNDER DAY, Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, York. Go along to see and hear some of the most iconic WW2 aircraft fired up and running their engines! Book tickets from www. yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk
12 OCTOBER
ST NICKS
AUTUMN FAYRE
Environment Centre and Nature Reserve, YO10 3FW, 1-5pm. Come to a celebration of nature’s harvest at their annual Autumn Fayre. An afternoon of entertainment, learning and community! There’ll be stalls, games, live music, apple pressing, food and drink stalls, and more. Free to attend and fun for all the family. See our website for more details: www.stnicks.org.uk/ events
12-13 OCTOBER
“BACK TO
THE 40s
11 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER
HALLOWSCREAM. York Maze hosts a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun with five separate live action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors. But be warned the frights aren’t just limited to the haunted houses, the frightening characters and live shows add to the
WEEKEND”, Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, North Yorkshire. Get ready to be transported back to the wartime era with a packed schedule of entertainment, experiences, and educational opportunities that celebrate the spirit and fashion of the 1940s. Visit www.edencamp.co.uk or call 01653 697777 now to get it booked.
15 OCTOBER
JEWELLERY, VALUABLES, & COLLECTABLES
VALUATION EVENT, The Bar Convent, York. 11am3pm. Tennants’ expert team of auctioneers will be on hand to value any item you may wish to sell,
for free! Head to www.tennants.co.uk/discover/ events-exhibitions for more info.
19 OCTOBER
CO-AUDENATION: A creative exploration of W. H. Auden in words, music and performance. City Screen Picturehouse, Coney Street, York. 6-10pm. Spoken word, live music, and performance art inspired by York-born poet W.H. Auden. Visit https://bit.ly/nav-auden to book tickets or email navigatorsart@gmail.com.
18-19 & 25-26 OCTOBER
YORKTOBERFEST, Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse. York's very own Oktoberfest returns with plenty of laughs, live entertainment and lederhosen! Fill your stein, grab a tasty bite and enjoy thigh-slapping live music and hilarious drag artist Velma Celli. Tickets from £23. For more information on tickets and timings, please visit www.yorktoberfest.co.uk.
25 OCTOBER
MAXI’s 25th ANNIVERSARY, Maxi’s Restaurant, Ings Lane, Nether Poppleton, York. 7pm-midnight. A special celebration and dance for this restaurant’s quarter-century anniversary, it includes a dinner dance and raffle as well as plenty of delicious food. Head to www.maxisyork.co.uk or call 01904 783898 for more info.
25 OCTOBER
ALMOST MALONE, York Vaults, Nunnery Lane, York. 8-11pm. Post Malone tribute music. Book tickets from www.ultimategig.co.uk/services
26 OCTOBER
YORK HALLOWEEN NIGHT MARKET, York Castle Museum, 7-11pm. A spooktacular evening filled with festive fun. Browse through a variety of vendors offering unique Halloween-themed goodies. You'll find everything you need to make your Halloween extra special! Contact yorkhalloweennightmarket@gmail.com for more info.
26 OCTOBER
ULTIMATE WHITESNAKE, York Vaults, Nunnery Lane, York. 8pm-4am. Tribute music to rock band Whitesnake with support from local group “Ultraviolet”. Book tickets from www.ultimategig. co.uk/services
26-31 OCTOBER
SPOOKY BARN HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE, Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield. Come and enjoy a fun and family-friendly Halloween walkthrough experience, with characterful performers, magical animal encounters and Halloween activities! Call 01377 455198 or visit www. sledmerehouse.com to book tickets.
26 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER
HALLOWEEN CRAZY GOLF, York Golf Range, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Towthorpe, York. Have spooktacular fun whilst putting your way around the mini golf but try not to get too distracted by the ghouls, skeletons and witches along the way! Head to www.yorkgolfrange.com or call 01904 499275 for more info.
2 NOVEMBER
YORK RECORD FAIR, York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York. 10am - 5pm. Go along and check out 50+ stallholders with over 150 tables of vinyl records. Expect to see a vibrant mix of all genres, including lots of rare collectables and loads of bargains! Admission £2, under 16's Free. Contact info@yorkrecordfair.com or call 07896 713988 for more info.
UNTIL 5 NOVEMBER
INTO BATTLE - THE ART OF
BRITISH WAR
COMICS, York Army Museum, 3 Tower Street, York. 10am-5pm. An exhibition showcasing the best of British war comics. Head to yorkarmymuseum. co.uk or call 01904 633830 for more information.
5 NOVEMBER
BONFIRE NIGHT, Poppleton Community Centre on Main Street, Upper Poppleton, YO26 6JT. A great evening with a Huge Bonfire, Fantastic Fireworks, Delicious Food options, Hot Drinks, a Bar and fun for all the family! Call 01904 797478 or visit www.poppletoncentre.org.uk/bonfire-night-atpoppleton-2023/ for more info.
6-10 NOVEMBER
AESTHETICA
SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, various locations, York. Watch the best in new British and international cinema right on your doorstep with screenings of 400 films from famous faces and rising stars. Tickets and passes for Aesthetica Film Festival 2024 are on sale now from £7.50: www.asff.co.uk/tickets/. Save 25% with a York Days Pass.
7-9 NOVEMBER
UNESCO CITY OF MEDIA ARTS EXPO, Guildhall, York. Running alongside York’s Film Festival, the EXPO gives you the unparalleled opportunity to explore the groundbreaking work happening in your city and speak to creatives behind major international projects. It is free with a ticket for Aesthetica Film Festival 2024: www.asff. co.uk/tickets/
Regular Events
EVERY SUNDAY
DOWN BY THE RIVER, Plonkers Wine Bar, 8.30pm. Head on down to Plonkers Wine Bar every Sunday for an evening of live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Free drink to all performers and all music equipment is provided. To find out more information search Plonkers Wine Bar on Facebook.
EVERYDAY ATTRACTIONS
ART EXHIBITION: THE BOTANICAL WORLD OF MARY DELANY, Reddihough Galleries, Beningbrough Hall, York. An exhibition celebrating eighteenth-century artist, Mary Delany, presented in partnership with the British Museum. More information about which of Delany’s pieces will be on display is available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough.
7-10 NOVEMBER
GHOSTS AFTER DARK, York Museum Gardens. 6-9pm. 45 ghostly sculptures inspired by York’s past, will be illuminated with dramatic lighting, smoke, and sound. Head to www. yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/ghosts-after-dark/ or call – 01904 687687 for more info.
23 NOVEMBER
AN EVENING OF MOTOWN MAGIC, The Principal Hotel, York. 7-11pm. Get ready to be transported back to the soulful sounds of the 1960s and ’70s. There will also be a live performance from tribute band Soul Sensation. Buy tickets from theprincipalyork.com/hotelevents/
15 DECEMBER
YORK’s ANNUAL COMMUNIUTY CAROL
CONCERT, York Barbican, 2pm. A fantastic festive family concert. The York RI Golden Rail Band, Heworth Community Choir, Ian Stroughair, The Knavesmire Primary School Choir, Steve Cassidy, and many others will come together in aid of the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York’s Christmas Cheer Fund and York Hospital Radio. Tickets will cost £9 for adults, £7 for over-65s and under 14s, and a £28 family ticket (2 adults + 2 under 14s) is also available. Book from www.yorkbarbican.co.uk
THE HILT, 57B Goodramgate York. An axe throwing venue offering eight lanes for aspiring Vikings to either be coached or to take part in axe throwing tournaments. Head to www.thehilt.co.uk for more info.
THE POTIONS CAULDRON , The Potions Cauldron is based on 9 ¾ Shambles York where the first known potion maker Phileas Fry came to York in 1335 to help the sick and needy. Once inside the shop you will find all the magical potions that were originally served centuries ago as well as the chance to visit the secret Potion Room. Head to www.thepotionscauldron.com/visit for more information.
WIZARD WALK OF YORK, The Shambles. Explore the enchanting historical city on a mission to locate magical creatures. Ideal for children aged between five and ten years old, there are several evening days available; reserve your spot online at www.wizardwalkofyork.com.
SHADOWS OF YORK GHOST TOURS, Meet outside the front of St Michael Le Belfrey Church, located between the Minster and Guy Fawkes Inn, to step back into the past and hear all the ghostly tales of York's not so nice history. Tours are at 6:30pm. Book ahead of attending by visiting www. shadowsofyork.co.uk or calling 07967 460567 for details.
THE POTIONS ACADEMY, The Shambles York. Spend a day learning how to become a witch or wizard! Consisting of two core elements; The Potions Class and The Broom School the Potions Academy is the magical day out everyone needs this Halloween and October half-term. For more information, please visit www.thepotionscauldron. com/academy
WHITE ROSE YORK TOURS, Meet at the West Entrance to York Minster, 11am and 3pm. Take a free history tour of the city centre. Visit www. whiteroseyork.com or call 07792 207679.
DARK TALES OF YORK, Book a private tour to explore the narrow streets of York and learn about the rich and haunting history that the city has amassed over thousands of years. Call 07530 378176 or visit www.darktalesofyork.com.
THE HOLE IN WAND, Coppergate Shopping Centre, York. Visit the world’s most magical golf course and enjoy a Wizarding adventure as you vie for golfing superiority against friends! Hear tales of York's wizarding lore. Solve riddles and puzzles along the way. It's one of the most magical days out in York for families and fans of the wizarding world. To find out more information or to book, please visit www.theholeinwand.com/york.
Theatre.
Grand Opera House: To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com.
14-19 OCTOBER
ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE MUSICAL.
Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show,
with this timeless story because of the film starring Timothée Chalamet or Louisa May Alcott’s charming novel, one thing’s for sure. The chance to experience it all over again is an unmissable opportunity!
15-19 OCTOBER
REBUS: A GAME CALLED MALICE . Based on the stories of Ian Rankin. A dinner party in an Edinburgh mansion concludes with a murder mystery game created by the hostess. A murder needs to be solved. But the guests have secrets of their own, threatened by the very game they are playing. And among them is Inspector John Rebus. There are suspects, clues and danger with every twist and turn - and a shocking discovery will send this game called Malice hurtling towards a gaspinducing conclusion…
25-26 OCTOBER
COMPANY WAYNE MCGREGOR: AUTOBIOGRAPHY. This dance performance brings together the power of AI, some masterful chorography, as well as the very genetic code of Wayne McGregor to produce a work that manages to re-imagine and remake itself anew for every performance. Autobiography upends the traditional nature of dance-making as artificial intelligence and instinct come together.
29 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER
WONDER BOY. This Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play winner arrives in York. The story follows Sonny, a twelve-year-old living with a stammer, as he finds his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and let’s not forget the biggest beast of them all – small talk. It’s packed with playful humour, dazzling visuals and thrilling original music and includes live creative captioning on stage throughout.
Theatre 41@ Monkgate: Book tickets from tickets.41monkgate.co.uk
11 OCTOBER
OTHELLO. This Shakespearean masterpiece needs no introduction. The immortal tragedy is brought to York by award-winning northern company Elysium TC. Go and see this genredefining exploration into the themes of loyalty, reputation, and jealousy, on stage.
York Barbican. Head to www.yorkbarbican.co.uk or call 01904 676332 to book tickets.
6 OCTOBER
A JOHN BARRY CELEBRATION BY YORK GUILDHALL ORCHESTRA. As York Guildhall Orchestra begin their 44th season in concert, they’ve decided to dedicate their first performance to— John Barry, the composer who created many of the iconic James Bond theme tunes. Book tickets from www.yorkguildhallorchestra.com.
17 OCTOBER
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC. Go and see the very best of ABBA on stage at York Barbican. Get ready to hear Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more!
20 OCTOBER
IMPERIAL
CLASSIC BALLET
PRESENTS:
SWAN LAKE
A delightful production of this world-famous ballet story. Swan Lake captures, like no other ballet, the full range of human emotions – from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness, from melancholy to ecstasy.
24 OCTOBER
AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE. Get ready for a proper old-fashioned night out! The UK’s longest running burlesque show is back in York! Prepare for an extravaganza of glitz and glamour featuring world class entertainers and icons of the screen! There will be a selection of specialty artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and more!
Joseph Rowntree Theatre To book, call 01904 501 935 or email boxoffice@jrtheatre.co.uk.
20 OCTOBER
R.O.G.E.R. RADIO ATTEMPTS
FRANKENSTEIN. The brilliant and hilarious R.O.G.E.R. Radio Company are back, performing a live radio play of the spine-tingling classic Frankenstein! All the passion, pathos and adventure of the original novel is there, wrapped up in an interactive performance of clever comic timing and carefully coordinated chaos.
24 OCTOBER
GUY FAWKES’ MOTHER . See a story you know well from a fascinating new perspective.
26-30 NOVEMBER
ELF. This hilarious festive comedy is headed to York. It stars Buddy, an elf, who is faced with the daunting reality that he’s actually human! Watch as he reunites with his human family and begins the difficult task of teaching them the true meaning of Christmas.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
TICKETS FROM £15
WHAT USE IS A BOY WHO CAN’T SAY HIS OWN NAME?
“A dream of a production... some kind of wonderful”
Terrifyingly entertaining nights of fear and fun.
Five live-action scarehouses, stage acts, street theatre, hot food, bars, fairground rides and more.
GIGGUIDE
TUE, OCT 1
Fairground Attraction
York Barbican, 7pm
Chime School
The Fulford Arms, 7.30pm
Byronic Sex & Exile
The Black Swan, 8pm
WED, OCT 2
The Terraplanes
The York Vaults, 7pm
Terry Reid
The Crescent, 7.30pm
THUR, OCT 3
Jake Leg Jug Band
Dringhouses Sports Club, 1pm-3.30pm
The Daltons & Mick
Agnew
The Hi Ho Club, 8pm
Jesse Terry
Black Swan Inn, 8pm FRI, OCT 4
Beats & Bands
Kennedy’s, 7pm
Samuel Moore
FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, 7pm SAT, OCT 5
Mia Kirkland
The Waterfront Café, 5.30pm-7.45pm
The Company You Keep
FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, 7pm SUN, OCT 6
Glampyre
The Edinburgh Arms, 4pm The Motives
The Bootham Tavern, 7pm SUN, OCT 6
Elsie Franklin & Friends
The Hi Ho Club, 7.30pm THUR, OCT 10
Ken Hickey Quintet
Dringhouses Sports Club, 1pm-3.30pm
The Rosadocs
The Fulford Arms, 7pm FRI, OCT 11
Beats & Bands
Kennedy’s, 7pm SAT, OCT 12
Ian Millar & Dominic
Spencer Strensall Village Hall, 8pm SUN, OCT 13
The Echoes
The York Vaults, 2.30pm
Perfect Shambles
Severus Social Club, 5.30pm
MON, OCT 14
King No-One
The Fulford Arms, 7.30pm TUE, OCT 15
Sahra Halgan & Bobby Lee
The Crescent, 7.30pm
The Blazers + Little Sister + Upstarts
The Fulford Arms, 7.30pm
Steve Hackett
York Barbican, 7.45pm WED, OCT 16
Pom Poko
The Crescent, 7.30pm Shambolics
The Fulford Arms, 7.30pm THUR, OCT 17
Cadillac Express
Dringhouses Sports Club, 1pm-3.30pm
Divorce
The Crescent, 7.30pm
The Daltons & Mick Agnew
The Hi Ho Club, 8pm
FRI, OCT 18
One For The RoadWeekender
Pet Needs + Black Water Country + Nick Parker + Headsticks + Sunliner + Guise and many more…
The Fulford Arms
SAT, OCT 19
One For The RoadWeekender
The Fulford Arms
TUE, OCT 22
John Francis Flynn
The Crescent, 7.30pm
WED, OCT 23
The Wave Pictures
The Fulford Arms, 7.30pm
THUR, OCT 24
PERCY, Eugene Gorgeous and Deathlounge and guests
The Fulford Arms, 7.30pm
ULTIMATE GIG
STREAMLINE
York Restaurant Week Guide
Pho
Our delicious fresh produce is grown in the grounds of Goodness Farm in Strensall, North Yorkshire.
We hand pick and pack our seasonal veg, fresh for delivery in and around York. You can also collect direct from the farm for a tasty 10% discount.
GOODNESS GROWING
Keep your body in tip-top condition this Autumn by signing up to York’s local organic veg box scheme. Grown in the grounds of Goodness Farm in Strensall, Goodness Growing deliver delicious, handpicked fruit and vegetables all across York.
Their service is fantastic whether you’re a business that likes to prioritise locally grown produce, or you simply want to introduce more freshy picked, tasty, and nutritious food into your diet. Take your pick from fruit, veg, farm eggs, organic apple juice, local honey, and more.
Head to www.goodnessgrowing.co.uk for more info.
