The Wizard of York: Conjuring spellbinding events, tours, trails, workshops, shows and fantastical food and drink at WizardFest from May 23 to 25. Picture: The Story Of You
WIZARDFEST, York’s official Festival of Wizardry waves its magic wand over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend as The Wizard of York conjures up spellbinding events, tours, trails, workshops, shows and fantastical food and drink.
Little Vikings are co-hosting, with Make it York supporting the May 23 to 25 event, which coincides with half-term week too.
Festival maps can be collected from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, in Parliament Street, and from sponsors Loopy Scoops, The Cat Gallery, Baby Boy’s Burgers at SPARK: York and Party Octopus on Parliament Street. A digital map and full list of events with booking links can be found at www.wizardwalkofyork.com/wizardfest.
What a hoot: The Flying Squadron’s owl on broom at WizardFest
Dan Wood, owner of The Wizard Walk of York, says, “WizardFest is back even bigger and better for its second year. There’s a real buzz around the festival with so much going on: magic is what we do, and we’re bringing even more to York this Bank Holiday.”
What lies in store? Wizardry fans can book the award-winning Wizard Walk of York, Brick Magic LEGO workshop, Wizard Family Rave, Giant Bubble Show or Wicked at City Screen Picturehouse.
Expect owl appearances, dragons and the new Wizard Activity Zone on Parliament Street with wand making, face painting and more. Break the Curse at the Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, in Merchantgate, or explore the How To Train Your Dragon School Exhibition at DIG, St Saviourgate.
Wizard Activity Zone: One of the highlights of WizardFest on Parliament Street
Hungry wizards can try a Wizard Ice-Cream at Loopy Scoops, Church Street, The Beastly Burger at SPARK:York, Piccadilly, or Phoenix Fries from The Taylor Made Kitchen, Shambles Market. Look out too for handmade marshmallows with chocolate fondue and smoking bubbles from Florian Poirot – plus his new Magic Macaron – in Shambles.
Visitors are encouraged to dress to impress for the free fancy dress parade from St Helen’s Square on Monday (25/5/2026) at 3pm, looking to match last year’s turnout when hundreds of eager families participated. Prizes are on offer for the best dressed. too,
Hosted by Make It York, the Magical Night Market returns on Monday evening in Shambles Market, with whimsical characters to meet and greet. More than 30 stalls will be offering themed crafts and street food from 7.30pm to 10pm.
The WizardFest fancy dress parade
Dan concludes: “With a packed map featuring York’s most magical businesses, we can’t wait to welcome so many families to our enchanting city. Bring on the magic!”
Plan your visit at www.wizardwalkofyork.com/wizardfest. Early booking is recommended on all paid activities. Some have sold out already; tickets for others are expected to…vanish!
Follow www.facebook.com/wizardwalkofyork and www.instagram.com/wizardwalkofyork for live updates during the event and prizes to be won from York businesses.