It’s the time of year where the temperatures slowly drop, nature starts to take on beautiful orange and red hues, and our thoughts turn to warm drinks, fires, and cosy nights in. However, there is still so much to see and do in York throughout Autumn so forget going into hibernation, pull your woollies on and head into the city to try out some of the great events that are on throughout October!
Haunted York
From the 1st of October to the 5th of November York will be celebrating that it is the most haunted city in Europe. The beautifully historic city also has a dark past, with a history of gruesome stories that cannot be escaped. This Autumn discover lots of spooky ways to discover the dark past of York, from ghost walks to exploring some of York’s more frightening attractions, there is something to do for all ages.
To find out more about the events on head to Visit York
Made In Yorkshire
Between the 6th and 9th of October there will be a ‘Made In Yorkshire’ craft fair showcasing a variety of items made by local Yorkshire businesses. The fair will be based in Parliament Street.
York Restaurant Week
York restaurant week is taking place between the 10th and 16th of October and is all about taking the opportunity to enjoy and explore the fabulous food and drink businesses that York has to offer! For the 7 days restaurants, cafes, bars, street vendors, and hotels will offer a variety of deals on their food and drinks, this could be from £5 off to £20 off. This is a great chance to try something new or to dine out at affordable prices, to find out which eateries and bars are taking part head to the ‘Restaurants’ page.
Yorktoberfest
Last years ‘Yorktoberfest’ debut was so successful it is back for a second time! Running from the 20th to the 23rd of October, and the 27th to the 29th of October, Yorktoberfest is a great way to experience the tradition of the first Oktoberfest staged in Munich in 1810 where the citizens were encouraged to eat, drink and be merry at the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his princess bride. The festival is held in a fully-styled marquee where you can fill your stein with authentic German beer, grab a tasty bite from the German-inspired food stall and head to your table for some hearty fun with friends.
To find out more head to the Yoktoberfest page.
The Tragedy of Guy Fawkes
Playing at the York Theatre Royal from the 28th of October to the 12th of November.
York born Guy Fawkes is a war weary man with a plan and a treasonous purpose; to restore a Catholic monarch to the English throne, whatever the cost. In the private room of an upmarket tavern, a clandestine meeting takes place between this dark dissident, a Poundshop Machiavelli, a portly boob, a clumsy princess, a preposterous toff and a shoddy ham. Together, this group of misfits set the first sparks of rebellion that will flare up to become the most audacious crime ever attempted on British soil. But will things go to plan? It’s…unlikely. Facing bickering, backstabbing and ineptitude at every turn, poor Guy quickly realises the impossibility of the task that has been assigned to him and, as things begin to unravel, he starts to lose the plot.
David Reed, one-third of multi-award winning comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls, brings a hilarious new take on one of the most notorious tales of all time. This brand new comedy about York’s traitorous trigger man is a devilishly dangerous mix of Blackadder and Horrible Histories – and sure to be a barrel of laughs.
York Fashion Week
York Fashion week runs from the 6th of October to the 10th of October and is a celebration of fashion in the beautiful city of York. Over the 5 days there will be runways. workshops, in-store events, and much more. To find out more head to York Fashion Weeks website.
Hallowtween
Hallowtween at York Maze is the UK’s only Halloween event for families with children aged 10-15yrs. Venture inside 4 of York Maze’s infamous Hallowscream scare houses where nothing is what it seems. You will need to keep your wits about you as you experience all the shocks and thrills of Corny’s Cornevil, Barnaggedon 3D, The Singularity and The Flesh Pot!
PLUS there’s a street theatre, death defying stage shows, fairground rides (extra charges apply for the rides) and plenty more going on to keep the whole family entertained! To find out more head to the York Mazes Page.
Chocolate Baking Masterclass for Cakes
On the 15th of October learn how to bake the Cocoa Works favourite chocolate cake with a rich chocolate layered centre and chocolate decorations. Chocolate is the perfect friend for a novice baker, if all else fails, chocolate will always save the day! The Cocoa Works will share with you the secrets of making classic, gorgeous cakes, before dressing them up with a variety of chocolate decorating techniques, from butter icing, piped ganache frosting, chocolate glace to working with tempered chocolate to perfectly dress and glamour up your chocolate creations. Each participant will be able to take home their own gorgeously dressed chocolate cake.
To find out more head to the Cocoa Works page.
York Guided Historic Pub Walk
On the 4th of October discover an alternative history of York by taking this unique guided walk through the city centre. York has a reputation for having a pub for everyday of the year. Find out about some of the oldest as well as the people and events associated with them. Inquests, riots, politics, plagues, religious influence, bizarre entertainments and strange auctions, York’s pub history provides a strong picture of the social life of the city.
To find out more or to book tickets head to the York Historic Pub Walks page.
Swan Lake
On the 23rd of October head to the York Barbican to enjoy the sensational and infamous ‘Swan Lake’ Ballet. Swan Lake is the compelling legend of a tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse. Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful young woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?
To book tickets head to the York Barbican page.
Making Moves
On the 15th of October, York Dance Space, along with their partners Young Thugs bring you an evening of dance at York Theatre Royal! Professional dance artists and community groups will leap onto the stage for Making Moves, showcasing brand new dance work each accompanied by original music composed by professional music artists. Following the success of the community dance event Dance It Up North pre-pandemic, Making Moves will have a new, original format whilst still committing to celebrate the movers and shakers in York and North Yorkshire in this evening of contemporary dance fusion.
To book your tickets head to the York Dance Space page.
Stately Superstitions: Eerie Encounters at the Castle
Explore the uncanny on this behind-the-scenes tour of the House where not all is as it seems. If you were to venture beyond the visitor route, below stairs, you’d encounter a labyrinth of dark cellars and never-ending corridors. Long since servants walked the halls and a fire ripped through the now empty wings, these parts of Castle Howard have remained largely unchanged. Those interested in the history of the House may revel at the chance to explore these quarters, but a stay longer than necessary provokes a sense of unnerving discomfort causing the imagination to try and make sense of the darkness. Flickers of light, footsteps, and the unexpected sounds of a servant’s bell can pierce the silent eeriness of these spaces, making this grand House feel somewhat awry. A guide will lead you through the ghostly cellars, dark passages, and fire-damaged rooms, revealing stories and surprises that you may never had known before.
To book tickets head to the Castle Howard website.
We hope you find this blog useful and manage to enjoy some of the great events going on in York this October! Do you need somewhere to stay which is ideally located whilst you enjoy all that York has to offer? Than head over to our enquiries page to check the availability on our luxury self-catering apartments based in the centre of York!
