York’s First-Ever Wizard Festival is Coming this May – And It’s Going to Be Magic
From May 24–26 2025, WizardFest will be bringing three days of magical mayhem to York
Get your robes, wands, and wizard hats ready—York’s first-ever WizardFest is set to cast a spell over the city this May 24–26, and it’s bringing three days of magical mayhem to town. From wizard walks and spellbinding workshops to enchanted ice creams and a magical night market, this is shaping up to be the ultimate event for wizard fans of all ages.
The event is the brainchild of Dan Wood, aka Phoenix the Red, creator of The Wizard Walk of York—which, by the way, just won Experience of the Year 2025 at the Visit York Awards. And now, he’s pulling out all the stops to make WizardFest a reality.
What’s Happening at WizardFest?
Wizard Walks & Storytelling – Extra Wizard Walks of York are running all weekend, taking you on a spellbinding adventure through the city.
Harry Potter Film Screenings – City Screen is showing magical movies on the big screen.
Lego Magic – The Brick Box is hosting wizard-themed Lego workshops.
A Kind of Magic Workshops – Story Craft Theatre is bringing interactive magical sessions for kids (Saturday only).
Craft Your Own Magic – Avocado Events is hosting witch & wizard craft workshops (Monday only).
Owl Trail & Bird of Prey Experiences – Meet majestic owls at Shambles Market, and get up close with birds of prey on Parliament Street.
Dragon Meet-and-Greet – Yes, you read that right. Meet a dragon in St. Crux Churchyard (Monday only).
Magical Cat Quest – The Cat Gallery is launching a cat-hunting challenge, with a new Wizard of York cat joining their famous cat trail. There’s even a competition to name the feline!
Magical Night Market – Shambles Market transforms into a mystical bazaar on Monday night, packed with wizardly wonders and enchanted finds.
Witch & Wizard Feasting
Expect spellbinding food & drink across York including:
Wizard Afternoon Teas – Plush Café is serving up themed delights.
Phoenix Cocktails & Mocktails – Ate O’ Clock is mixing up firey elixirs.
Beastly Burgers – Baby Boys Burgers at Spark:York is cooking up monstrous creations.
Wizard of York Ice Creams & Butter Brew – Loopy Scoops is whipping up magical frozen treats.
Chocolate Magic – Monk Bar Chocolatiers is serving chocolate shots, and Florian Poirot is unveiling his Magic Minster & Mystic Macaron.
Parade & Best Dressed Wizard Contest
Fancy Dress Parade & Best Dressed Wizard Contest – The festival culminates in a magical parade through York on May 26 at 3 PM, starting in St. Helen’s Square. Prizes include:
Phoenix Lego set
Wizard Walk tickets
Dragon hatchlings from The Society of Alchemists
Mystical goody bags from The Shop That Must Not Be Named
Be Part of the Magic
Many events are bookable now, and tickets are expected to disappear… like magic.
Location: York, various venues
Dates: May 24–26, 2025
More Info & Tickets: www.wizardwalkofyork.com
Follow for Updates: www.facebook.com/wizardwalkofyork
Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, a fantasy lover, or just someone who loves a bit of magic, WizardFest is set to be one of York’s most enchanting events ever. Book your tickets, grab your wand, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!
So, round up your friends and, book your tickets and if you need somewhere magical to stay then just go to our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
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.