Shop York
2026-01-31 - 2026-03-22
Shop York is returning on Saturday 31st January to celebrate York’s high streets.
Delivered by York BID in partnership with Indie York, Shop York invites shoppers to spend £50 in 50 days, across more than 100 participating high street businesses.
Each time a shopper spends £10 in a participating business, they receive one sticker in their passport. Once five stickers have been collected, shoppers can enter the incredible prize draw, with the top prize of a £500 York Gift Card!
Pick up a Shop York passport from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street or from participating businesses across the city from 31st January 2026.

Colour & Light
2026-02-04 18:00 - 2026-02-22 21:00 (Europe/London)
Colour & Light is back and bigger than ever! For the first time, two of York’s landmark buildings will be illuminated together, as York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower become a combined canvas for a fully choreographed show, transforming the Eye of York.
The free event will take place from 4th to 22nd February 2026, with the show running every 10 minutes from 6pm to 9pm.
Colour & Light 26 is brought to you by York BID, in partnership with York Museum Trust, English Heritage, and Double Take Projections. It is made possible thanks to funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

York Ice Trail
2026-02-07 10:30 - 2026-03-08 16:00
York Ice Trail, delivered by Make It York, is back on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February 2026, from 10:30 am to 4pm.
York BID is pleased to sponsor five sculptures, to spread footfall across the entire city. You can find the BID’s Enchanted City sculptures at:

Goodramgate
Tower Street
Micklegate
Walmgate
Bootham

York Restaurant Week
2026-03-09 - 2026-03-22
York Restaurant Week returns from 9th to 22nd March 2026, giving diners a full two weeks to enjoy exclusive offers across the city.
More than 100 venues are taking part this March, offering everything from casual lunches and sweet treats to global cuisines and fine dining experiences. Offers are priced between £5 and £30, making it easier than ever to dine out on any budget. With two weeks to explore, diners can take advantage of great deals while experiencing the very best of York’s hospitality scene.
York Restaurant Week offers can be found and downloaded at www.yorkrestaurantweek.co.uk from Monday 23rd February.

Rejuvenation Days
2026-03-17 09:00 - 2026-03-19 13:00 | King’s Staith, King's Staith, York, YO1 9SN, United Kingdom
Join York BID to help keep York looking its best by cleaning and repainting street furniture like bike racks, benches, bollards, and more on Tuesday 17th and Thursday 19th March. Each volunteering session runs from 9am to 1pm at King’s Staith.
To take part, register your place here.

Reignite XIII: Production & Creative Technologies
2026-03-18 18:00 - 21:00
The 13th edition of York’s flagship cultural event series, Reignite, takes place on Wednesday 18th March at City Screen Picturehouse. This edition pulls back the curtain on some of York and North Yorkshire’s most exciting creative businesses, demonstrating why York is a UNESCO Creative City.
Event details:

Date: Wednesday 18 March
Time: 6pm onwards (doors open 5.30pm)
Venue: City Screen Picturehouse, York
Book Your Free Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reignite-xiii-production-creative-technologies-tickets-1982494342947?aff=oddtdtcreator

Giant Inflatable Octopus
2026-03-28 14:00 - 18:30 | King’s Staith, King's Staith, York, YO1 9SN, United Kingdom
Enjoy a spectacular free city-centre experience this spring as a giant inflatable octopus arrives for York BID’s latest Family Friendly Saturday event.
The giant octopus puppet is set to captivate crowds on Saturday 28th March 2026, with performances at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Towering above onlookers, the friendly character features eight fully articulated tentacles and is brought to life by a skilled puppeteer, creating a striking spectacle and memorable photo opportunity for all ages.
The event will take place at King’s Staith and surrounding area. If King’s Staith is inaccessible due to high river levels, performances will move to the Eye of York – the open space in front of York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower.
This is a free event with no tickets needed.
