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Event Details
Welcome to the York Food and Drink Festival 2026 in York
From September 18 to 27, 2026, the historic streets of York turn into a ten day celebration of food and drink. At the heart of it all sits the daily market on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, bringing together producers from across Yorkshire and beyond.
Highlights and Attractions at the York Food and Drink Festival
- More than 100 market stalls offering street food, regional specialities and fine Yorkshire produce
- Daily cookery demonstrations and tastings featuring well known chefs
- The Food Factory area, where families can learn how everyday foods are made
- Self guided taste trails with around twenty stops through the city's delis and restaurants
- A look into York's chocolate heritage tied to the Rowntree family at the Guildhall
- Live music every evening from 5pm on Parliament Street
- An entertainment marquee with a wide drinks selection and a stage in support of St Leonard's Hospice
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in York
The market on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square runs throughout all ten festival days and forms the centre of the event. Cookery shows and workshops fill out the program at the new St Sampson's Centre, alongside guided taste trails around the city. In the evenings, live music on Parliament Street sets the mood, while the historic lanes around the Shambles and Guildhall offer further culinary discoveries.
Tickets and Admission for the York Food and Drink Festival
Entry to the market and most stalls is free. Selected program points such as guided cookery demonstrations or special tastings carry a fee, with the demonstration programme priced at around 14 euros, and a reduced rate for children and senior citizens. Exact 2026 pricing will be published on the official website once the full program is confirmed.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in York
- The festival takes place right in the pedestrian city centre, making arrival by train to York station especially convenient
- Since the festival spreads across the whole city, comfortable footwear is a good idea for longer explorations
- Late September evenings in York can turn cool, so a light jacket is worth packing
- Accommodation in central York should be booked well ahead given the high number of visitors
- Book ahead for selected tastings and demonstrations, as these can sell out quickly
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
