Wizard Fest 2026 – York’s Festival of Wizardry is a diary-filling event that works whether you’re planning a full day out or just fancy a few hours of live energy and people-watching. Expect a programme built around the main entertainment, plus the usual festival side-quests: street food, bars, merch, and those accidental discoveries you only find by following the sound of something interesting.

The best way to do it is to arrive with a loose plan, then let the site do the rest.

Catch your must-sees, wander between stages or areas, and leave space for a surprise set, a new favourite, or a conversation with someone who’s travelled far too many miles for this exact moment. If you’re going with friends, it’s the kind of event where you can split up, compare notes, then reunite for the big highlights without needing a military-grade rendezvous strategy.

Practical bits: check entry times, any age restrictions, and transport notes before you go.

Bring layers (British weather loves plot twists), arrive early if you want a good spot, and keep your phone charged for set-time triage.