Find by need
Current programmes and verified event routes for things you can attend in and around York.
Current listings
Events are time-bound activity. Dated events are shown before ongoing or annual programmes, and finished dated events are removed from the current view.
Free York filmmaker networking event designed to help people meet collaborators and connect with BFI NETWORK talent-development staff.
Useful for: Filmmakers who need contacts, collaborators or a first connection with regional film-development support.
Next step: Check the event page and register for 14 October 2026.
14 Oct 2026–14 Oct 2026
York board-games convention with public play, independent traders and a playtesting zone relevant to tabletop creators.
Useful for: Tabletop creators who want to meet players, see independent games and understand a public playtesting environment.
Next step: Check the 23–25 October 2026 programme and playtesting information.
23 Oct 2026–25 Oct 2026
York film festival combining screenings with masterclasses, workshops and networking across film and creative technology.
Useful for: Filmmakers who want to see current work, learn from practitioners and meet people around the film sector.
Next step: Check the 4–8 November 2026 programme and booking information.
4 Nov 2026–8 Nov 2026
Maker-led annual ceramics fair in York bringing together contemporary ceramic work, demonstrations and talks.
Useful for: Ceramicists, makers and people trying to understand York's ceramics community and professional work.
Next step: Check the official programme for the 27–28 February 2027 fair.
27 Feb 2027–28 Feb 2027
Long-running York board-games club providing a welcoming regular route into playing and meeting other tabletop enthusiasts.
Useful for: People interested in tabletop games who want a low-friction local community before entering organised design or publishing networks.
Next step: Check the current meeting information before attending.
Current programme
Acomb independent bookshop and cafe stocking new and pre-loved books, local authors and hosting talks, workshops and write-alongs.
Current programme
Independent crime-focused bookshop covering crime fiction, true crime, mystery and related literary events.
Current programme
Free monthly creative workshops for adults in York, designed as a welcoming route into making without requiring previous experience.
Useful for: Adults who want to try creative activity without already having skills, materials or a creative network.
Next step: Check the current Creative Café dates and booking instructions.
Current programme
York's public library network, with city and community branches, borrowing, reading groups, events and practical access to books and information.
Current programme
Citywide library support for reading groups, including group book sets and volunteer-run groups at some libraries.
Current programme
York-based publisher and zine project promoting local authors, submissions and literary events.
Current programme
Yorkshire games-industry network providing regional connections, events and industry-facing activity.
Useful for: Game makers ready to connect beyond a local meetup into the wider Yorkshire games network.
Next step: Check the current Game Republic events and membership information.
Current programme
Participatory York music charity running welcoming group music activity and choirs, including routes designed for older, isolated and vulnerable people.
Useful for: People who want to make music socially without needing previous training or a professional route.
Next step: Check the joining information and current session options.
Current programme
Poetry-led bookshop on Coney Street developing readings, launches, a reading room and workshop space.
Current programme
York-rooted spoken-word collective programming poetry slams, workshops, open mics, gigs and performance opportunities.
Current programme
York Centre for Print offering letterpress and book-arts workshops, memberships, equipment access, events and collaborative publishing activity.
Current programme
Large independent bookshop on Museum Street with a year-round author-event and reading-group programme.
Current programme
University of York programme of public readings, conversations and workshops with contemporary writers.
Current programme
Professional training seminar in York for booksellers, librarians and collectors covering the rare and second-hand book trade.
Annual programme
York association bringing together people interested in fine art, applied arts, architecture, conservation and making through talks and shared activity.
Useful for: People who want to meet others involved in art, design, making and related practice.
Next step: Check the current programme and attend a public meeting or talk.
Current programme
Major York rare, antiquarian and out-of-print book fair bringing booksellers and book-related trades to the city.
Annual programme
York St John hub for writing events, projects and publications, working with literary and community partners.
Current programme
York creative network offering community membership, local information, opportunities, events and routes to find other creative people.
Useful for: Independent creatives who want a broad local network rather than an institution-specific route.
Next step: Read the current membership information and join if the network fits what you need.
Current programme
University of York-led annual festival with a substantial programme of author talks, books and ideas events across the city.
Annual programme
Recurring local game-development meetup within the York Developers community, giving game makers a direct route to meet other developers.
Useful for: People making or wanting to make games who do not yet know other local developers.
Next step: Check York Developers for the next Game Developers meeting.
Usually the third Wednesday of the month
York literary festival presenting author events and book-focused programming, with additional events beyond its main annual festival period.
Annual programme
Local social group providing a simple route for musicians and music-interested people to meet others in York.
Useful for: Musicians who want to meet other local people before they have a band, gig network or professional contacts.
Next step: Check the Meetup page for the next event.
Current programme
Annual York open-studios programme connecting the public with local artists and makers across 2D, 3D, photography and other practices.
Useful for: Artists and photographers who want to understand York's open-studio route, and people looking for local creative communities.
Next step: Check the official site for the current programme and the next application window.
Annual programme
Established York photography society with meetings, project activity, competitions and exhibitions, with routes for prospective members and guests.
Useful for: Photographers who want local peers, regular activity, feedback and routes toward exhibiting work.
Next step: Check the current programme and visitor or membership information.
Current programme
York photography classes and photo walks with practical instruction for different skill levels, including beginner activity.
Useful for: People who want to improve photography through practical local sessions without joining a formal qualification.
Next step: Check the current York session calendar and choose a suitable level.
Current programme
Regular open-mic spoken-word event in York welcoming readers and listeners, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.
Usually the first Tuesday of each month
Long-established York writing support group providing a local route into peer contact, meetings and writing activity.
Current programme