Events

Sun Ring Making – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Sun Ring Making
Sunday 30 August 2026
Drop in between 10.30am – 4.30pm 
Free
Suitable for all ages 

Join artist Seiko Kinoshita for a fun, family-friendly workshop where you’ll create your own colourful woven sun wheel to take home. 

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

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Art Outdoors: Make a Splash – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Art Outdoors: Make a Splash
Sunday 30 August 2026
Drop in between 11am – 4pm
Free*
Suitable for all ages

Join us in the Artist Garden, directly behind York Art Gallery, for an outdoor play activity, inspired by York Art Gallery’s exhibition, Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print. Experiment with mark making techniques, play and create!

*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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Taiko Drumming Performances – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 11:00 am-3:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Taiko Drumming Performances
Sunday 30 August 2026
Performances: 11am – 11.30am and 3pm – 3.30pm
Interactive ‘give it a go’ session: 1.30pm – 2pm
Free
Suitable for all ages 

Enjoy an energetic Taiko drumming performance from York-based Taiko group, Kaminari UK.

Taiko, which originated in Japan, is an energetic and dynamic form of drumming combining both rhythm and movement. The performances incorporate both traditional and contemporary pieces.

During the ‘give-it-a-go’ session at 1.30pm, participants will have a chance to learn the basics of Taiko drumming and will learn a short piece.

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

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The Art of Kokedama – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

The Art of Kokedama

Sunday 30 August 2026 | 11am- 12 noon

£25 pp | Book Tickets

Suitable for ages 10+

In this creative session, Alice from The Outside In will take you step-by-step through the traditional style of creating Kokedama: using leafy plants and moss. Kokedama, roughly translates into English as ‘moss ball.’

You’ll learn the method of binding the root ball of a plant in a clay soil mix and moss, so that it no longer needs a pot to grow in. It’s a great opportunity to learn about handling plants, roots and soil, making the most of time well spent connecting to nature.

When you finish, you’ll have a Kokedama plant ball to take home and love. Your mossy plant ball can then be hung up or displayed sitting on a decorative plate or piece of wood.

All of the materials and guidance will be provided, along with aftercare instructions on how to help your Kokedama to thrive, and a bag to safely transport your plant home.

Participants aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Micklegate Choir Performance: Sound Waves – Sun 30 Aug 2026

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Micklegate Choir Performance: Sound Waves
Sunday 30 August 2026
12 noon
Free
Suitable for all ages 

This year, the Micklegate Choir will be hosting their annual summer concert in York Art Gallery’s Making Waves exhibition.

The choir will be performing excerpts from their programme which explores land, seascapes and choral pieces from Japan amongst the amazing Japanese art on display.

Find out more about the Micklegate Choir via their website.

This session takes place outdoors (weather permitting), directly behind York Art Gallery.

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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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