WizardFest York
The Ultimate Family Guide to May Half Term Magic!

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WizardFest 2026 in York, logo in the centre surrounded by images of events at wizardfest including wizard walks, owl trail, lego workshops, wizardfest parade and more.

Posted on 18th April 2026

Looking for the most magical day out in Yorkshire this May Half Term? Dust off your cloaks and grab your wands! WizardFest is returning to the historic streets of York, bringing a spellbinding weekend of family fun, mythical creatures, and local wizardry.

Created by the award-winning Wizard Walk of York, this festival transforms the city into a playground for witches, wizards, and magic-loving families. From LEGO workshops to dragon meet-and-greets, here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.

🎩 The Wizard Walk of York

You can’t have WizardFest without the man himself! The Wizard of York (voted Experience of the Year 2026) leads his famous tours daily at 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm, and 6pm.

  • What To Expect: Spellbinding magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a tour of York’s most magical corners.
  • Top Tip: These tours sell out faster than a vanishing spell—pre-booking is essential!

🐲 Must-Do Activities for Families

WizardFest is packed with interactive family events hosted by fantastic local businesses:

  • Meet A Dragon: Head to St. Sampson’s Church to meet Ignis, the Wizard’s pet dragon, with dragonkeeper, Zoya. It’s a "ROARsome" photo opportunity for the kids.
    DAILY 10.45-11.30am, 12.30-1.15pm and 2-2.45pm
  • Brick Magic Workshops: Join The Brick Box at York Medical Society for LEGO wand-making and marble mazes and take home treats.
    DAILY 9.30, 11.30, 3.30 and 1.30pm Pre-booking Essential
  • The Black Cat Quest: Pick up a FREE map from The Cat Gallery on Low Petergate. Find the cats in shop windows to spell a magic word and win a prize!
  • The Bubble Wizard's Giant Bubble Show: Ever seen a square bubble? How about been inside a giant one? Enjoy 60 minutes of jawdropping bubble tricks, to leave you amazed and howling with laughter.
    MON 11am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm
Wizard Walk of York, family friendly magic tours in York
Wizard of York leading the Wizardfest parade in York with children dressed as witches, wizards and magical characters
Iggy the dragon with a loop scoops ice-cream cone at Wizardfest in York during may half term
Black Cat Quest free family trail at Wizardfest in York during may half term

🍦 Enchanting Eats & Wizarding Treats

York’s local food scene gets a magical makeover during the festival:

  • Loopy Scoops: Try the Wizard of York Ice-Cream (on a red sherbet cone!) or the crackling Iggy’s Dragon Sundae. Deal: Say "Freeze a jolly good Wizard" for 10% off!
  • Baby Boy's Beastly Burgers: Sink your teeth into a Beast Burger at Spark:York—complete with a green bun and "pickle tongue."
  • York Cocoa Works: Get hands-on with chocolate frog and unicorn making workshops.

📅 Special Highlights (Don't Miss These!)

  • Fancy Dress Parade and Best Dressed Competition: Monday only. Don your best costumes and celebrate WizardFest in style. FREE to participate, so dress to impress!
    Monday Only, 3pm at St Helen's Square.
  • Magical Shambles Night Market: Shambles Market transforms from 7:30pm–10pm with over 30 stalls and roaming characters like Professor Grimbleweed, Ignis the Dragon and Phoenix the Red Wizard.
  • Wizard Family Rave: Get your groove on at Thor’s Tipi on Sunday morning with bubbles, snow machines, and Hocus Pocus hits.
Wizard Walk of York, family friendly magic tours in York
Wizard of York leading the Wizardfest parade in York with children dressed as witches, wizards and magical characters
Iggy the dragon with a loop scoops ice-cream cone at Wizardfest in York during may half term
Black Cat Quest free family trail at Wizardfest in York during may half term

Plan Your Visit

  • When: 23rd to 25th May 2026, May Half Term
  • Where: Various locations across York City Centre
  • Vibe: Magical, Family orientated, Fun
  • Cost: Many activities like the Owl Trail and Cat Quest are FREE, while workshops and tours require tickets. Pre-Booking highly recommended.
  • Official Website: WizardFest and Wizard Walk OF York

Days Out Yorkshire Verdict: "WizardFest is a brilliant way to see York’s historic streets through a child’s eyes. It’s affordable, high-energy, and supports some of our favourite independent local businesses. A must-visit!”

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