February Events and Festivals

As February arrives, bringing with it romance and valentines there is also an abundance of amazing events that will make you fall in love with God’s Own County.

35th JORVIK Viking Festival

Recognised as the largest event of its kind in Europe, the annual JORVIK Viking Festival is a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. Visit York in February 2019 for a week-long celebration of all things Viking!

With an exciting programme of events including living history encampments, walks, talks, tours and of course, dramatic combat performances, there will be something for everyone at JORVIK Viking Festival.

Dark Skies Festival

National Parks remain some of the darkest places in England and the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors will be running a joint festival from 15 February to 3 March 2019.

The Dark Skies festival is all about discovering, learning and enjoying the dark and the stars you can see as a result. This could mean getting out for an activity such as cycling, walking, running or caving at night, attending a stargazing party, or taking part in a daytime event, learning more about star constellations or making a rocket.

There are events for families, first-time stargazers and those wishing to expand their knowledge or astrophotography skills further. We work with local astronomy clubs and other star loving organisations to help you discover the wonder of the night skies above your National Parks.

Operation Ouch! Half Term at the National Science and Media Museum

For February half-term, the National Science and Media Museum is joining forces with hit CBBC programme Operation Ouch! to explore the wonderful world of medicine, set up some crazy experiments, and give young visitors the chance to meet the stars of the show - Dr Chris, Dr Xand, and the latest member of the team, Dr Ronx. 

A whole range of free half term activities and live shows have been created at the museum for families to discover more about the fascinating (and sometimes gross!) science of the human body. Visitors can also delve further into the show through clips, trails and a look at some of the medical-themed objects in the museum’s collection.

Snowdrop Festival

Fabulous drifts of snowdrops will be on display at York Gate Garden near Leeds, which opens to visitors for its snowdrop festival from 16 – 24 February. Following its first ever and very successful snowdrop event last year, the charming one-acre garden in Adel opens its gates again to visitors and galanthophiles during February.

The garden is owned and run by Perennial, the charity that helps people in horticulture whenever they are facing tough times.

BANFF Mountain Film Festival

Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world's most prestigious mountain film festival. Follow the expeditions of some of today's most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline packed action sports and be inspired by thought-provoking pieces shot from the far flung corners of the globe.

This year there are two evenings that will ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel. For double the adventure come along both nights for two entirely different film programmes - the Red film programme (Thursday 7 February) and the Blue film programme (Friday 8 February). Two-night discounts are available.