Events

Jiu Jitsu Performance – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Jiu Jitsu Performance 
Sunday 30 August 2026
2pm
Free
Suitable for all ages

Enjoy a demonstration of Jiu Jitsu, the unarmed self-defence martial art the Samurai (armoured warriors) used to train for the battlefield, with a modern twist.

This performance will offer an introduction to the sport, showcasing techniques from falling safely to defence against punches, grabs and weapons and grappling techniques.

This session takes place outdoors (weather permitting), in the Artists’ Garden directly behind York Art Gallery.

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Castle Kitchen – Wed 2 Sep 2026

Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Castle Kitchen

Wedensday 2 September 2026

Drop in between 10.30am – 4pm

Suitable for all ages | Included in general admission

Come watch our cookery demonstrations throughout the day of Mrs Beeton’s picnic recipes including Balmoral tarts, Sponge Cake, Tea Cream and Apple Cheesecake. There’s a sweet treat to satisfy everyone’s palate and there’ll be samples to treat your taste buds!

Pick up a recipe card or scan the QR code available to get the recipes straight to your phone to try recreate yourself at home.

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Open Studio: Make and Play – Sat 5 Sep 2026

Dates: Saturday 5 September 2026–Sunday 6 September 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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Castle Kitchen – Sat 5 Sep 2026

Date: Saturday 5 September 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Castle Kitchen

Saturday 5 September 2026

Drop in between 10.30am – 4pm

Suitable for all ages | Included in general admission

Come watch our cookery demonstrations throughout the day of Mrs Beeton’s picnic recipes including Balmoral tarts, Sponge Cake, Tea Cream and Apple Cheesecake. There’s a sweet treat to satisfy everyone’s palate and there’ll be samples to treat your taste buds!

Pick up a recipe card or scan the QR code available to get the recipes straight to your phone to try recreate yourself at home.

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Community Birdwatching – Wed 9 Sep 2026

Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026, 12:00 am
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Community Birdwatching

Wednesday 9 September 2026 | 10:30-11:30 | Free

Join our Gardens Duty Manager Isabelle for a community bird watch, and spot some of the various bird species in the gardens.

Suitable for all ages, no pre booking required.

Please meet at the bird feeding station next to the rock garden.

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Sketchbook Circle at York Art Gallery – Wed 9 Sep 2026

Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Sketchbook Circle
Wednesday 9 September 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Suitable for ages 16+ | £5 per person* | Tickets Coming Soon

*General admission to York Art Gallery is included.

Pick up a pencil – draw and discover!

Give yourself time to sharpen and share your drawing skills in this 2-hour sketching workshop with artist Griselda Goldsbrough.

Enjoy working in sketchbooks in a relaxed and friendly group, taking inspiration from the collections at York Art Gallery.

These informal practical art sessions run one Wednesday each month for beginners or those who create regularly. Suitable for ages 16+. Materials are provided. Please book separately for each session.

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Life Drawing – Model as Muse – Sat 12 Sep 2026

Date: Saturday 12 September 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Life Drawing – Model as Muse
Saturday 12 September 2026, 2pm – 4pm
Adult only (18+) | £15 per person* | Tickets coming soon

*General admission to York Art Gallery is included.

Join us at York Art Gallery for Life Drawing Workshops; whether you are a regular participant, would like to hone your skills, or try life drawing for the first time. These 2-hour immersive Saturday sessions, led by York based artist and tutor Rob Oldfield, are a wonderful way to experience life drawing in a supportive and friendly environment.

Rob himself has modelled for life classes for many years, as well as teaching life drawing to his students. As workshop leader, Rob encourages, advises and listens, so come along and take advantage of his skills and experience.

Each month alongside our live model muse, there will be an appropriate reproduction of a work specially selected from the Art Gallery collection which we will reference to potentially inspire our activity.

Life Drawing Workshops take place on the second Saturday of each month, tickets will become available approximately a month in advance.

Important information:

Our Life Drawing sessions are suitable for adults only. By booking, you are confirming that you are over 18. Proof of age may be required.

Basic drawing materials will be supplied, but please feel free to bring your own too.

If you’re more than 15 minutes late for your workshop, unfortunately we may not be able to guarantee entry. This is to ensure that participants have the best experience.

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Art for Wellbeing – Sun 13 Sep 2026

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Art for Wellbeing
Sunday 13 September 2026, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Suitable for ages 16+ | Included in general admission | Booking not required

Art activities to release your creative energy!

Set in the beautiful surroundings of York Art Gallery’s Studio space, this 2-hour workshop gives opportunity for discovery and time to explore a variety of art materials and inspiring themes designed to promote wellbeing.

Enjoy the company of others, creating art with gentle guidance from artist Griselda Goldsbrough.

Please note: This practical art workshop is for ages 16+ and runs one Sunday each month. There is no need to pre-book for this session and it is suitable for all abilities.

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York Dog Show – Sun 20 Sep 2026

Date: Sunday 20 September 2026, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

York Dog Show
Sunday 20 September 2026
10am – 4pm
Child £2, Adult £5 | Book Tickets
York Museum Gardens

York Museums Trust is delighted to announce York Dog Show, a new outdoor event in York Museum Gardens. York Dog Show celebrates the bond we share with our beloved furry four-legged friends whilst supporting local organisations and charities.

Browse our pop-up shopping village, filled with pet accessories, toys and treats, informative stalls, and a delicious food and drink offer from local artisans and enjoy a lively programme of activity including talks by veterinary experts, professional dog photography in our beautiful grounds, exciting dog classes and impressive agility demonstrations.

More than just a day out, the York Dog Show brings together a dog loving community in one of York’s most popular outdoor spaces.

Keep an eye out for updates and join us with family, friends and your canine companion for a wonderful day out.