3 Best Performing Arts Venues in York, Yorkshire

Devoted to compositions written before the 18th century, the Early Music Festival is held each July in York. There's also a Christmas program in early December.

Held every February in York, this weeklong commemoration of the conquest of England by the Great Viking Army in 866 (only the British would hold a festival celebrating a losing battle) has more than 60 events, including a longship regatta. In addition, a Viking Games competition culminates in a battle reenactment featuring hundreds of combatants, and the invading Norsemen confront the Anglo-Saxon defenders using real (!) weapons. There are workshops for kids ranging from Viking-era crafts to fighting skills like archery and swordplay, as well as historical lectures, a banquet, and a Best Beard competition. It ends with a Norse mythology-themed son-et-lumière display.

Based in a lovely 18th-century building, the York Theatre Royal hosts theater, dance, music, and comedy performances, as well as readings, lectures, and children's entertainment.