York art festival announces 2026 dates

York Open Studios, which celebrates Yorkshire based artists’ creativity, has announced their dates for 2026.

The cultural event is set to run across two weekends in the city of York from Saturday and Sunday 18 – 19 April and 25 – 26 April 2026. 

More than 100 artists, who live or work within a 10-mile radius of York, have been invited to open their workspaces to show and sell their work, giving visitors a rare insight into where they work, their methods and inspirations.

With work on show and on offer across all budgets, styles and media, YOS has something for everyone from traditional and contemporary painting and print, illustration, drawing and ceramics, mixed media, glass and sculpture, jewellery, textiles and photography, York Open Studios is a brilliant opportunity to see behind the scenes and meet the artists, as well as buy.

Regular artists such as fine art printmaker Jane Duke, sculptor and ceramist Tim Pearce and stained-glass artist Helen Bower, will help you build your collection.

Alternatively, visitors can seek out something entirely new with artists such as jewellery designer Amelia Donohoe, printmaker Melanie Hill, textile artist Nicola Harper and studio potter Danny Aitken who are new to YOS.  

Visit the website for more information visit the York Open Studios website and access the interactive map York Open Studios interactive map.  Alternatively, a free printed directory is available from various tourist hubs and artist locations throughout the city of York and the wider city region. 

Plan your route to maximise the range of artists or organise your day interspersed with something entirely different! It’s time to put the dates in the diary.