Saddle Up! York Raceday Season Has Returned
Here are our favourite racy things happening in the next few months to put in your diary
The thundering hooves, the roar of the crowd, the clink of celebratory glasses – raceday season is galloping back into York and it’s bigger and better than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned punter, a family seeking fun, or just in it for the fizz and fashion, there’s something for everyone over the next few months.
Unmissable Racing Events - here are the Runners and Ryders
Dante Festival – York Racecourse
Wed 14 – Fri 16 May
Gates open from 11:15am
Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
Kick off the season with three days of top-tier flat racing, featuring the prestigious Dante Stakes. It’s a must for racing enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.
Sky Bet Ebor Festival – York Racecourse
Wed 20 – Sat 23 Aug
Gates open from 11am
Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
Four days of elite racing, fashion, and entertainment. It’s York’s racing event of the year!
YorkMix Family Raceday – York Racecourse
Sun 7 Sep
Gates open from 11:15am
Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
A day packed with family fun, including a seven-race card, giant inflatables, a children’s zoo, zorb football, face painting, and a special appearance by a popular children’s character.
Summer Music Saturday 2025 and Olly Murs
York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
Sat 28 Jun
Gates open from 11:15am
After winning the nation’s heart on The X Factor (yes, we’re still not over “Dance With Me Tonight”), he’s back to belt out the hits live after racing. It’s your perfect excuse to mix a flutter on the horses with a full-on singalong. Racing + pop bangers = a proper day out.
Music Showcase Weekend 2025
York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
Fri 25 – Sat 26 Jul
Gates open from 4pm (Fri) & 11:15am (Sat)
On Friday 25 July, the iconic Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be bringing all the glitter and disco you can handle — and she’s not coming alone. She’s joined by none other than Natasha Bedingfield, so expect a post-racing dance floor moment filled with Murder on the Dancefloor and a bit of Unwritten magic too.
And the party doesn’t stop there — Saturday 26 July, it’s time to warm up those vocal cords because Ronan Keating is taking to the stage! The Boyzone legend (aka the man behind “Life is a Rollercoaster”) will be crooning live after the final race. Prepare to sway.
As for the racing? It’s top-tier stuff. Friday features the Listed EBF Lyric Stakes, and Saturday sees the serious horses step up for the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes, with a juicy six-figure prize pot up for grabs. Fast horses, big tunes — what more do you need?
For more information on all the events and fixtures at York Race Course this year just visit here
Whether you’re there for the thrill of the race, the family activities, or the chance to don your finest attire, York racing season promises unforgettable experiences. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season of excitement and as always, if you are coming to York to see some racing and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.