Date: Thursday 27 August 2026, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Art Outdoors
Fortnightly on Thursdays from 30 July – 27 August 2026
Drop in between 11am – 4pm
Free*
Suitable for all ages
Come along to York Museum Gardens for an outdoor play activity, inspired by the Yorkshire Museum’s exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard.

*Please note, this activity is weather dependent.  In the case of bad weather, the activity may take place indoors, but general admission charges apply. 

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Date: Friday 28 August 2026, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Creative Families: Pattern Prints
Friday 28 August 2026
Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Included in general admission 
Suitable for all ages  

Design your own motif, inspired by the beautiful patterns found in Japanese textiles and woodblock prints. You’ll experiment with simple relief printing techniques to design and print your pattern in this drop-in family workshop. 

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Date: Friday 28 August 2026, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

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Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Face Painting
Saturday 29 August 2026
10am – 4.30pm  
Prices: Glitter Tattoo £5, Face Painting £7, Magic Combo (face painting and glitter tattoo) £10 
Suitable for ages 3+ 

Choose from a range of face painting designs by Fairy Dream Face Painting, including a striking wave inspired by Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave. Glitter tattoos are also available.

Children under 16 will need permission to be painted from their parent, guardian or carer and must be accompanied.

 This session takes place outdoors, directly behind York Art Gallery.

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Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Koto Japanese Harp Music Performances
Saturday 29 August 2026
Performances throughout the day
Free 
Suitable for all ages  

Koto music will fill the air at York Art Gallery with live performances throughout the day by musician, Michael. Experience the calming distinctive sounds of the Koto, a traditional Japanese harp with a rich musical heritage, as its delicate melodies fill the foyer.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an atmospheric and relaxing performance during your visit. 

General admission is not required to enjoy the musical performances in the foyer, however, tickets must be purchased at the admissions desk to explore the exhibition and galleries.

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Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Making Waves: A Closing Celebration
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026
10am – 5pm
Suitable for all ages

Join us to celebrate the Making Waves exhibition by marking its closing weekend with a 2-day festival of music, workshops, creative activities, food and drink for all the family in York Art Gallery and York Museum Gardens. 

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Dates: Saturday 29 August 2026–Sunday 30 August 2026, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Open Studio: Make and Play
Every Saturday and Sunday from 18 July – 6 September  except 25 July and 8 August 2026
10am – 4pm
Included in general admission 
Suitable for all ages  

Discover family friendly stamp and ink activities inspired by the Making Waves: The Art of Woodblock Print exhibition in The Studio. Experiment, collaborate and create! 

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Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Paddle in the Surf: Mokuhanga Printmaking 
Saturday 29 August 2026
10am – 4.30pm (Sessions run every 25-minutes) 
£15 per person, tickets available to purchase on the day *
Suitable for all ages and abilities  

Join printmakers, Andy and Naomi to watch a live demonstration of Mokuhanga printmaking, a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique. You’ll be guided through a short session creating 4 beautiful, printed designs inspired by ‘The Great Wave’ using rich Prussian blue ink and authentic materials to take home with you.   

*Workshop tickets do not include general admission to York Art Gallery.  This session takes place outdoors (weather permitting), in the Artists’ Garden directly behind York Art Gallery.

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Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

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Date: Saturday 29 August 2026, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Creative Families 
Saturday 29 August 2026 
Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Included in general admission 
Suitable for all ages 

Join artist Lendita, for a fun, family workshop inspired by the Victorian York Gala. Surrounded by a themed paper-cut installation, created by Yorkshire artist Pippa Dyrlaga, you’ll make a colourful hot air balloon creation. 

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