A summer of music, theatre, and family fun at York Minster

Spend your summer at York Minster with an exciting programme that includes the cathedral’s ever popular Summer Organ Recital series, innovative theatre and classic cinema both in the glorious surroundings of Dean’s Park

Spend your summer at York Minster with an exciting programme that includes the cathedral’s ever popular Summer Organ Recital series, innovative theatre and classic cinema both in the glorious surroundings of Dean’s Park, fascinating exhibitions and fun new trails for children and families to help them explore the medieval Minster.

Summer visitors to the York Minster Precinct will also be able to experience two new welcoming, green spaces both with wonderful views of the cathedral: a newly revamped and replanted College Green and Minster Gardens, a peaceful new garden oasis next door to the York Minster Refectory. These green spaces have been planted with trees, shrubs, flowers, grass and wildflower turf all specially selected to provide colour and scent all summer long. Perfect for wildlife and pollinators, picnics and a peaceful escape from the heat and bustle of the city.
 
General admission is free for York residents and students with valid proof of a York address. Don’t forget that up to four children aged 17 and under go free with a paying adult. General admission tickets last up to 12 months so visitors can keep their ticket and return for as many summer activities as they like.
 
York Minster’s full summer programme is as follows:

Majesty: Monarchy & York Minster 
Free with General Admission 
Discover York Minster’s royal connections and collections through an exhibition exploring the cathedral’s centuries-old relationship with the monarchy in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III.
 
Maths Quest and Light Quest
Free with General Admission 
Look for shapes, patterns, colours, light and numbers as you journey around York Minster on our brand-new children’s trails – Maths Quest and Light Quest. Perfect to keep little brains busy over the summer holidays!
 
Little Explorer Backpacks
Free with General Admission 
Grab one of our ever-popular Little Explorer Backpacks filled with gadgets including maps, binoculars, and a magnifying glass to help your young adventurer explore the medieval Minster.
 
Undercroft Museum 
Free with General Admission 
Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers as you discover 2000 years of history in our state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Delve beneath the cathedral’s floor and see archaeological finds from across the centuries through digital displays and interactive chambers.
 
Climb the Central Tower 
See medieval stonework and gothic grotesques up-close as you climb the 275 steps to the top of York Minster’s Central Tower, the highest point in York, for panoramic views of the city.
 
Enjoy our green spaces
Relax in Dean’s Park, College Green or the brand-new Minster Gardens and take in these vibrant green spaces nestled in the heart of York. Perfect for family picnics and dog walks.
 
Orchestral Evensong in partnership with St Peter’s School
Wednesday 28 June, 5.30pm
Join the Chapel Choir of St Peter’s School and the Choir of York Minster for a special Orchestral Evensong to mark the Feast of St Peter, the cathedral's patron saint.
The choirs will sing Stanford’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B flat and the anthem All wisdom cometh from the Lord by Dr Philip Moore, Organist Emeritus of York Minster.
This service will also be livestreamed.
 
Open air theatre in Dean’s Park by The Three Inch Fools
Friday 23 June, Sunday 25 June, Friday 15 September & Saturday 16 September, 7.30pm
Rushed off their feet with musical instruments in hand, a hapless troupe of actors is coming to Dean’s Park with endless costume changes, chaotic comedies and confusion.
The Three Inch Fools are bringing their innovative touring theatre company to York Minster this summer for fast-paced, musically-driven outdoor theatre with performances of legendary folktale Robin Hood and Shakespeare’s most chaotic comedy As You Like It.
 
Summer Organ Recitals
Thursdays 20 July – 24 August, 7.00pm
Experience York Minster’s magnificent Grand Organ through a series of summer recitals. Join world-class visiting organists alongside York Minster’s own accomplished musicians for six evenings of spectacular organ music in the cathedral’s awe-inspiring Nave.
Programme highlights include much-loved classics from Debussy, Bach and Widor, as well as exciting contemporary compositions.
- Thursday 20 July, John Scott Whiteley
- Thursday 27 July, Benjamin Morris
- Thursday 3 August, Katherine Dienes-Williams
- Thursday 10 August, Robert Quinney
- Thursday 17 August, Colin Walsh
- Thursday 24 August, Robert Sharpe.
Tickets are now available for just £12, with a combined season ticket price of £60 for all six recitals. A concession ticket for under-27s priced at £5 is also available.
 
Luna Cinema in Dean’s Park
Tuesday 29 August, Wednesday 30 August & Thursday 31 August, 8.00pm
The UK’s leading open-air cinema is returning to York Minster’s Dean’s Park with a line-up of all the latest blockbusters, alongside classic feel-good favourites on the big screen.
See Elvis, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Sister Act against the beautiful backdrop of the medieval Minster.