In-person events

Explore the wonders of our world and beyond with hands-on creative and scientific activities.

Explore the wonders of our world and beyond with hands-on creative and scientific activities.

Join Penny Bickle of the University of York for a demonstration on how to make prehistoric cheese and discover why archaeologists are so interested in the history of food.

Experience the emotional and healing qualities of music in this extraordinary performance by Maya Youssef, the ‘queen of the quanun’.

Come along for a unique experience mixing magic, mentalism and fMRI research, and discover how University of York scientists are writing the next chapter of fMRI-based research.

Work with historians and coders to use medieval documents and modern technology to peer into the past, then show off your discoveries and win prizes fit for a Lady or Lord of the Manor.

Get your hands dirty (literally!) as you measure a range of Natural Capital features, and discover the importance of things such as soil microbes for nature and your own wellbeing.

Join author and historian John Callow as he explores the remarkable tale of the Bideford Witches and its lasting impact.

World-leading palaeontologist Michael J. Benton offers a new visual guide to dinosaurs, showing how technological advances and new fossil finds have forever changed the way we see these extinct beasts.

Get ready for an immersive journey into the world of ASMR - learn more about what ASMR is and discover its potential benefits for our wellbeing.

Biochemist Andrew Doig provides an eye-opening portrait of death throughout history, looking at particular causes, who they affected and how they were overcome.

Historian Katherine Harvey reveals the surprisingly familiar sex lives of ordinary medieval people.

Come along to see University of York Choir with Eamonn Dougan and a star-studded lineup of soloists perform one of Dvořák’s best-known sacred works in the historic setting of York Minster.

Explore the long-term impact of recent developments for Britain’s role as a peacebuilder and find out what Britain should do next.

Come together with like-minded creatives and harness the power of creative thinking in this hands-on workshop.

Work with historians and coders to use medieval documents and modern technology to peer into the past, then show off your discoveries and win prizes fit for a Lady or Lord of the Manor.

Discover the complex flavours that compose the chocolate we eat, make and share, and explore a range of sensory experiences that allow us to taste chocolate.

Join us for lots of fun hands-on activities and find out about some of the exciting research being carried out in York.

Join our panel of experts for an insightful discussion on how we can overcome the challenges facing the UK economy to deliver a fairer, more prosperous nation.

Shakespeare professor and bestselling novelist Mary Bly - who writes as Eloisa James - discusses the power and appeal of Regency romance fiction in the 21st century.

Come together with like-minded creatives and harness the power of creative thinking in this hands-on workshop.

Explore the history and evolution of the British monarchy from 1066 to the present day with historian and author Tracy Borman.

Join the creative team of INNovating: Audio drama and their project partner Explore York to hear about the making of their immersive audio experience, inspired by the history of York’s coaching inns.

Discover the exciting world of film editing with multi-award-winning film editor and University of York alumnus Joe Walker, who recently received an Oscar for his work on ‘Dune’ (2021).

Mudlarker Malcolm Russell uncovers the hidden (hi)stories of ordinary people in Britain from prehistory to today, based on 200 rare objects discovered on the foreshore of the River Thames.

Embark upon an ancient ghost hunt as you explore the origins, power and meaning of ghosts and ghost stories with British Museum curator Irving Finkel.

Join Francesca Killoran and Charlotte Goodge of the Universities of York and Kent for a talk and zine-making workshop on body positivity and body acceptance from the early 18th century to the present day.

Guardian columnist and author Tim Dowling discusses his brilliant new podcast series, ‘Insult My Intelligence’, in which he gets world-leading experts to help him understand complex, interesting and unique topics.

Join guitarist, composer and ukulele virtuoso Richard Durrant and enjoy his trademark blend of original guitar music, British flavoured folk, Bachs played on the uke and plenty of tales from the road.

Wendy Mitchell explains what a diseased brain can tell us about being human, living our own lives better and helping those with dementia get the best from theirs.

Enjoy a series of short, engaging talks about the remarkable lives of the lesser-known figures involved in Yorkshire’s 18th-century print trade.

Come along to this interactive drop-in event to talk about your experiences and challenges with the Internet and to find out how you can support those who are less confident in using technology.

How can peatlands help save our planet? Come along as Peter Mott explains the importance and potential of peatlands, particularly in terms of sustainability.

In this hands-on session, get acquainted with some key laboratory techniques currently used in hospital labs, and hear about new ways to diagnose and monitor diseases.

Join writer, researcher and producer Maria Leonard for an immersive workshop on possible futures that will challenge, question and develop your notion of what makes a future.

Come along for a new piece of testimonial theatre created from the real-life experiences of 33 women living, working and studying in York, followed by a Q&A.

Join Mariana López and Gavin Kearney of the University of York to discover the core principles of the Enhanced Audio Description methods and to experience cutting-edge examples of it.

Zion Tse of the University of York discusses digital health in and beyond the COVID pandemic, and provides a glimpse into the future of healthcare.

Louise Hampson will discuss the many meanings of ‘sanctuary’ today, share some fascinating stories from the past and offer you a chance to be the judge in several medieval cases.

Come along for a talk by Cobi van Tonder about the Acoustic Atlas project to discover virtual acoustics and real-time auralisation, and learn about digital heritage acoustics via the sites in the Acoustic Atlas archive.

Join historian Steve Hindle as he explores the case of the village stonemason.

Professor Matthew Campbell of the University of York hosts a variety of Joyce and modernism experts for an unforgettable Bloomsday salon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Joyce’s masterpiece.

Yorkshire-based soprano Louise Alp returns to St Helen’s with an exciting new programme featuring a collection of folk songs as well as works by Samuel Barber, Felix Mendelssohn and Vaughan Williams.

Join journalist Brian Groom in conversation with Gweno Williams of the University of York to learn about the fascinating past, present and future of Northern England and its people.

Come along for a unique opportunity to visit York Design Award-winning buildings from the first 13 years of the scheme.

Enjoy screenings of University of York student work, plus talks and workshops by leading professionals in the UK film and television industry.

Explore innovative works by University of York Interactive Media students including virtual reality experiences and games and apps.

Created to celebrate 200 years since Clara Wieck Schumann’s birth in 1819, 'I, Clara' tells her extraordinary life story in her own words, interspersed with live performances of music.

Come along for an evening with Alison Rayner’s widely celebrated, multi award-winning quintet and be moved by their ‘songs without words’, performed in their signature vibrant and communicative style.

Be inspired by this motivational exhibition celebrating the women pioneers of international Rugby League.

Enjoy screenings of University of York student work, plus talks and workshops by leading professionals in the UK film and television industry.

Learn about the problems of the food system and get some inspiration for how we can transform it into one that benefits both population and planet.

Come along for a unique opportunity to visit York Design Award-winning buildings from the first 13 years of the scheme.

Hear the story of the 14-acre estate of Fulford Grange, once the grand Italianate home of merchants, bankers and mayors.

Explore innovative works by University of York Interactive Media students including virtual reality experiences and games and apps.

Celebrate the 252nd birthday of Holgate Windmill at this exhibition exploring the history and recent restoration of the oldest five-sailed mill in the country.

Talk to our pet-loving team about what care means in your family and make your personal care shopping list with them.

Join Cordula van Wyhe and Susan Vincent from the Digital Museum of Dress Accessories in this hands-on workshop to take a look at the beautiful and sometimes mystifying objects that were once fashionable.

Discover the ways emerging ideas are transforming our future railways and learn more about driverless public transport.

Join us for an afternoon of energetic, crafty, puzzling, scientific and historical fun with University of York postgraduate students and staff.

Journalist and adventurer Kit Chapman explores the science that has been translated from racing to the road and explains how the motorsport of today could save the world of tomorrow.

Join author and documentary producer Richard van Emden for a truly insightful investigation into the topic of children and war.

Let archaeologist David Wengrow transform your understanding of the human past and help you imagine new forms of freedom and new ways of organising society.

Join historian, screenwriter and broadcaster Alex von Tunzelmann to learn about one of the most visible and controversial forms of historical storytelling, and why history is not erased but made when statues are pulled down.

Internationally renowned historian and Booker Prize finalist Michael Ignatieff shows how people facing tragedies and crises have looked to each other across time to recover hope and resilience.

Join acclaimed historian, writer and broadcaster William Dalrymple as he reflects upon over three decades of scholarship on India, and its relationship with the East India Company and the Mughals.

Explore the lyrics of the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album and learn about the group’s enduring legacy with Colin Campbell of the University of York.

Join us for an unusual and entertaining performance celebrating Pipe and Tabor, the essential instrument for medieval professional musicians to accompany dancers.

Comprising a popular mix of standards and new compositions, this is the perfect way to spend a summer’s evening.

Join us for a magical evening of classical music in York Minster, a fitting setting for three magnificent pieces composed by Mozart and performed by York Musical Society.

Be inspired by this motivational exhibition celebrating the women pioneers of international Rugby League.

Enjoy screenings of University of York student work, plus talks and workshops by leading professionals in the UK film and television industry.

Explore innovative works by University of York Interactive Media students including virtual reality experiences and games and apps.

Celebrate the 252nd birthday of Holgate Windmill at this exhibition exploring the history and recent restoration of the oldest five-sailed mill in the country.

Join historian and archaeologist John Blair to discover how regionally diverse the built environment of the Anglo-Saxons truly was.

Join the Binding Blocks team from the University of York’s Department of Physics to discover how nuclear physics has shaped the world around you and to see the elements like never before.

Design your own rocket, conduct a virtual Moon landing, and learn about lunar phases and craters.

Our panel of experts discuss the causes, consequences and implications of the invasion and war in Ukraine.

Design your own rocket, conduct a virtual Moon landing, and learn about lunar phases and craters.

Join our speakers from across the world as we explore the European Union’s role in global defence and security.

Explore the skills and techniques of bookbinding with book and paper conservators Catherine Firth and Emma Lloyd-Jones in this hands-on workshop.

Join journalist and writer James Vincent for a revelatory and vibrant (hi)story of measurement that will make you look at the world around you anew.

Hear the spellbinding story of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen, as told by bestselling author and historian Alison Weir.

Design your own rocket, conduct a virtual Moon landing, and learn about lunar phases and craters.

Join us for a special viewing of a wonderful film on William Herschel and the universe, directed by George Sibley.

Magician and historian Ian Keable tells the engrossing stories of 18th-century hoaxes and those who were duped by them.

In this panel discussion, we examine the multiple social, economic, cultural and political causes for the rise in popularity of the radical right across Europe.

All individuals and communities should have access to quality essential health services without suffering financial hardship. But what should a global approach to health issues look like? Join our expert panel and have your say.

Keynote speaker Tom McLeish and a panel of experts discuss the extraordinary creative imaginations of William and Caroline Herschel, both in astronomy and music.

Robin Dunbar from the University of Oxford provides a fascinating and far-reaching analysis of religion and the quintessentially human impulse to believe.

Join acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo for a magical performance combining live music, poetry and storytelling in celebration of the natural world.

Herschel scholar Sarah Waltz guides us through works by William Herschel and composers he may have played and admired during his time in the North of England.

Join journalist Hayley Campbell, in conversation with comedian and writer Clint Edwards, to find out what life is like for people who make a living by working with the dead.

Award-winning psychologist Harriet Ennis explores paradoxical lucidity and other baffling phenomena.

Find out about ‘York Central Co-owned’ and ‘World Localization Day’ and be involved in a discussion on how we can create an alternative future for York Central.

Drop by and see Stonegate’s archival history reimagined through a digital lens.

Discover the hidden stories of the Rowntree family, their famous chocolate company and their work of social reform.

Join York St John students and staff for an interactive panel event including short performances, citizen science activities and mini talks exploring air quality, health inequalities, and the kind of future they envision for York’s public spaces.

Join author, activist and strategist Jon Alexander in conversation with York resident and leading community power advocate Sophia Parker, as they discuss the power we all have to create a better world.

Enjoy an entertaining performance by acclaimed Yorkshire folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow, who gave us the closing theme to the popular TV series ‘Gentleman Jack’.

Come and explore the hidden heritage of Coney Street, courtesy of the StreetLife project.

International guitar star Galina Vale returns to the Festival to present an exhilarating programme of classical and Flamenco music.

Find out how York is creating a new approach to supporting entrepreneurs, driving inclusive economic growth and tackling the impact of COVID-19.

Join award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves and forensic soil science expert Professor Lorna Dawson to discover the connections between writing murder and evaluating soil data.

Travel back in time with historian and writer Tessa Dunlop and war veteran Barbara to find out what it meant to be young, female and at war.

Come and celebrate the release of Isobel Akerman’s new guidebook, Secret York: An Unusual Guide, and learn about the hidden sites around the city and how we can conserve them for the future.

Join us for an exciting open-mic night hosted by renowned local musician, Will Dreyfus, to mark the end of the York Festival of Ideas on 24 June.

Join us as the winners of the 14th annual York Design Awards are revealed.

Come along to this interactive drop-in event for people of all ages to discover the latest research on how people over 65 in the UK are using the internet, and to find out how we can better support each other in the face of digital threats.

Immerse yourself in the innovative work created by the University of York’s talented Interactive Media student community and celebrate their achievements in an exciting field where creativity and technology converge.

Immerse yourself in the innovative work created by the University of York’s talented Interactive Media student community and celebrate their achievements in an exciting field where creativity and technology converge.