Your last chance for February fun mixes with early March magic this weekend in York! Catch the final shows of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and the incredible 'Barnum' in the city, while out exploring the 'Hop into the wild' trail at Fountains Abbey or meeting 'Springtime Babies' on the farm. Plus, don't miss the free local crafts at the Yorkshire Market on Saturday.
See our top picks
White Rose's Yorkshire Market
White Rose Shopping Centre
Free entry to browse handmade crafts and gifts this Saturday and Sunday.
The Rise of the Unicorn
The Hole In Wand
A fun, indoor mini-golf adventure perfect for a potentially chilly Sunday.
Springtime Babies
Implied Farm Venue
Meet newborn lambs, piglets, and calves before the event ends Sunday.
· February 28
5: Catch the matinee performance of Barnum at the York Theatre Royal on Saturday before the show closes for good. This is your very last chance to see Lee Mead star in this fantastic musical production.This production closes today (Feb 28th), making it the absolute final chance to catch it this weekend.
FREE : Head to the Darley Street Market for the annual Potato Day event on Saturday. You can browse and buy hundreds of locally-grown seed potatoes from the West Yorkshire Organic Group for just 20p each—remember to bring cash and your own bags!A unique, very local Saturday event perfect for families interested in gardening or unusual food events.
FREE : Visit the White Rose Shopping Centre this Saturday for the monthly market showcasing local Yorkshire artisans. It’s a great, free way to browse handmade crafts and gifts while supporting local makers.It runs on the first weekend of every month, confirming it is on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM : This unique winter take on A Midsummer Night's Dream concludes its run today, February 28th. See this magical Shakespeare experience before it disappears.This is the final day of the performance run.
: The York Literature Festival kicks off today and runs for a month across the city, so check listings for family-friendly events happening this Saturday. It is a great opportunity to explore the city's literary side.The festival starts today, February 28th, and spans the entire weekend.
· March 1
6: The magic continues at The Hole In Wand this Sunday with 'The Rise of the Unicorn' running until March 1st. This is a great indoor activity involving their unique brand of wizard-themed mini-golf.This is the final day for this limited-run event, making it a perfect Sunday activity.
STORY EXPLORER DAY : Head over to Skipton on Sunday for Story Explorer Day, aimed specifically at getting young children excited about brilliant stories. It's a great way to spark imagination away from the city centre.This is a specific one-off event listed only for Sunday, March 1st, focusing on younger kids.
SPRINGTIME BABIES : If you want to celebrate the first sign of spring, check out this event running until Sunday where you can meet newborn lambs, piglets, and calves. It's a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning on the farm.This event concludes on Sunday, March 1st, marking the arrival of new baby animals.
: The Lambing Live event wraps up today (March 1st)! Head over to see expectant ewes and learn fascinating facts about sheep at their Maternity Ewe-nit.This event concludes today, Sunday, March 1st, so it’s the final chance to visit.
THE SUNDAY FEAST MENU AT ROOTS YORK : If you fancy a truly special Sunday lunch this week, Roots York is serving their set 3-course Feast Menu. It is pricier, but noted as a family-friendly recurring Sunday option.This recurring event is specifically listed for Sundays, making it relevant for March 1st.
: If you are keen on astronomy, this festival concludes on Sunday! While based outside the immediate city, it is a major regional event celebrating the dark skies. Check listings for family-specific stargazing activities.This is the final day of the festival, running until March 1st.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Take the family on the 'Hop into the wild' outdoor trail at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this Sunday. Inspired by Disney and Pixar, it's a self-guided adventure involving storytelling and play across the beautiful grounds.This outdoor trail runs across the entire target weekend, perfect for Sunday exploration.
: This exhibition celebrating Mary Ward is running through this weekend at The Bar Convent. It's a quieter cultural option that is still accessible for families interested in local history.The exhibition range confirms it is running across the whole weekend.
: Head to the Clayton West Railway for their weekend running programme. Your ticket includes unlimited miniature railway rides and standard return train rides to Shelley Station. Great for transport-loving kids.The description confirms 'Weekend running', making it available on Saturday.
: Take the kids on York’s famous, award-winning magic and comedy walking tour this Saturday. It's specifically created for families with children, promising five-star fun around the city.It's a consistently running, highly recommended family attraction that covers the whole weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in York this weekend?
The best free options are the White Rose's Yorkshire Market (Saturday & Sunday) for shopping, and the Potato Day at Darley Street Market on Saturday morning (though potatoes cost 20p cash).
Are there any farm events happening where we can see baby animals?
Yes! 'Springtime Babies' and 'Lambing Live' both run until Sunday, March 1st, offering chances to see lambs, piglets, and calves.
What can we do on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday offers outdoor fun with the 'Hop into the wild' trail at Fountains Abbey, the final day for farm visits like 'Springtime Babies', or the conclusion of the 'North York Moors Dark Skies Festival'.
