Families take centre stage at Aesthetica Film Festival 2026, running from 4-8 November. Across York, children and parents can discover a world of creativity and imagination, with experiences designed to inspire, entertain and bring families together. From film screenings and workshops to VR, games, music and interactive events, the festival offers young audiences the chance to explore new worlds, try something different and share unforgettable experiences. It’s a welcoming space for families to discover, play and create together, while inspiring the next generation of storytellers and artists.

Specially curated film screenings introduce children to inspiring stories whilst interactive workshops let young minds explore filmmaking, acting, coding for games and stop-motion animation with expert support. Children can produce mini movies, design characters and spark new passions.

Beyond workshops, the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO celebrates cutting-edge art, tech and design. Explore 360° cinema, virtual reality, interactive games and podcasts as we celebrate storytelling through sound, play and digital art. See York light up in an Immersive Media Arts Trail. Aesthetica is an adventure for the whole family.

• – Tickets on sale now from £7 for single screenings. 
• – York residents Save 25% on all Day Passes with proof of residency. 
• – Adult Day Passes £29.25. Child Day Passes £22.50. Family Day Passes £74.95 (2 Adults & up to 2 Children).

Aesthetica York 2026 – Top 10 Events for Families and Young People

1. Family Friendly Film Screenings, 4 – 8 November

Aesthetica 2026 offers specially chosen U, PG and 12 films designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. From heartwarming animations to exciting dramas and comedies, the films celebrate friendship, resilience, identity and adventure. These screenings provide a place for parents to watch, discuss and share meaningful stories with their children, sparking conversation, imagination, and creativity that continues beyond the cinema. For York families, this is a chance to enjoy world class film experiences together in their own city.

Screenings are split across three programmes:

• – Belonging and Big Adventures (U): Brave heroes, curious dreamers and unlikely friends discover the power of kindness, teamwork and imagination. These stories celebrate friendship, courage and the adventures that bring us together. 
• – Finding Your Place (12): In these heartfelt films, young people embark on journeys of courage, creativity, friendship and self-discovery. These stories empower us to find our voice, embrace our uniqueness, and grow through life’s unexpected adventures.
• – Growing Up, Looking Forward (PG): In this powerful reel, we follow young people as they navigate grief, friendship, identity, ambition, heritage, and first promises. These films capture the challenges, hopes and discoveries that shape the path to adulthood.

2. Make Your Own Film: Kids’ Workshop, 7 & 8 November

• – Want to be a Filmmaker?
• – (7-10 years): 7 November | 10:00 – 12:00; 8 November | 14:00 – 16:00
• – (11-14 years): 7 November | 14:00 – 16:00; 8 November | 10:00 – 12:00

Discover the magic of cinema behind the scenes in our hands-on workshop for kids. Through engaging activities and practical experience, budding directors will begin developing a comprehensive understanding of how the filmmaking process works. Those taking part will learn the fundamentals of camera operation, sound design and direction. By the end of the workshop, each child will have the exciting opportunity to plan, direct and shoot a short film, gaining practical experience of what it’s like behind the camera. Delivered by Pauline Quirke Academy.

Workshop Tickets £20. Book Your Place.

3. Learn to Code: Kids’ Workshop, 7 & 8 November

How to Make a Game (7-10 years)

• – (7-10 years): 7 November | 10:00 – 12:00; 8 November | 14:00 – 16:00
• – (11-14 years): 7 November | 14:00 – 16:00; 8 November | 10:00 – 12:00

Join experienced instructors who are passionate about gaming and nurturing young talent in a workshop that introduces children to coding software. This is the perfect place to start with coding, enabling children to create digital stories, games and animations. Begin your journey to become a game developer by learning the basics of game design. Discover the fundamentals of character development, level creation and storytelling. Boost your skills and make friends; unlock endless possibilities. Delivered by ComputerXplorers.

Workshop Tickets £20. Book Your Place.

4. Create Stop-Motion Animation: Kids’ Workshop,  7 & 8 November

How to Make Stop-Motion Animation

• – (7-10 years): 7 November | 14:00 – 16:00; 8 November | 10:00 – 12:00
  – (11-14 years): 7 November | 10:00 – 12:00; 8 November | 14:00 – 16:00

Dive into the enchanting world of stop-motion animation in this engaging workshop with Animation Nation. Working in pairs or small groups, children will learn the essentials of stop-motion animation production. Each group will work together to brainstorm ideas, create their own models, characters, and props using modelling clay, before bringing their creations to life with the incredible magic of stop-motion in a short video that will capture their creativity and inspiration. Delivered by Animation Nation.

Workshop Tickets £20. Book Your Place.

5. NEW Screen Acting Workshop, 7 & 8 November 

Screen Acting for Kids

– (7-10 years): 7 November | 14:00 – 16:00; 8 November | 10:00 – 12:00
– (11-14 years): 7 November | 10:00 – 12:00; 8 November | 14:00 – 16:00

In this practical workshop, participants devise and create an original super short film in a single shot from scratch, combining scripting, acting, choreography and filming. Young storytellers explore story development and performance on camera, brainstorming imaginative plots and crafting compelling characters while working collaboratively in groups. They learn what it takes to bring an idea to life on screen through planning and teamwork. Delivered by Pauline Quirke Academy.

Workshop Tickets £20. Book Your Place.

6. VR & Games Lab, 4-8 November

Enter new and immersive worlds at our Games and VR Labs at the National Centre for Early Music. Play new independent games and experience cinema in 360 degrees. With projects that are suitable for U and PG audiences, these interactive labs will transport you into the heart of the story, immersing audiences of all ages. This unique environment allows parents to see firsthand how interactive technologies can inspire learning, play, and creativity in their children. No other event in York provides this level of exposure to immersive digital experiences.

Free with Child, Adult & Family Day Pass but Pre-registration Recommended Here,
Both Labs are at the National Centre for Early Music.

7. UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO, 5-6 November

York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts puts the city on the global stage for innovation in digital media and storytelling, and this year’s festival brings that to life for local families. The EXPO at De Grey Rooms gives children and adults the rare opportunity to see how creative industries operate, from VFX and graphic design to interactive storytelling and digital technology. 

This year’s event also features an inspiring workshop programme presented by York Business School at York St John University with speakers from Innovate UK, Argonon and Screen Yorkshire. Parents can explore the many pathways and career opportunities available in media arts with their children, opening conversations about future ambitions and inspiring young people to dream bigger than ever before.

The EXPO and workshops are free. Find our more and register for talks online. 5-6 November.

8. New Music Stage, 7 November

Enjoy a day of live music with the whole family. Discover the New Music Stage at Aesthetica, an all-day music festival, bringing together live performances from 10 breakthrough artists, who are creating music across an array of genres, including indie, folk, jazz and pop. Taking place at York Theatre Royal, this is the place to see the headliners of tomorrow. The day features panels, masterclasses and opportunities to meet BBC Introducing on Radio 1, Beggars Group (Rough Trade & Matador Records), GQ, Dazed, Universal Music, Futuresound Group (Live at York Museum Gardens) and more. This is an invitation to hear what’s next in music.

Free with Child, Adult & Family Saturday Day Pass.

9. Immersive Media Arts Trail, 4-8 November

Three new installations will light up York this November. For the Radical Listening Immersive Media Arts Trail, Audible and Aesthetica invited artists to create installation-based artworks where sound is central to the experience. From 4-8 November, see installations from Squidsoup, the acclaimed light, sound and technology pioneers; Steve Messam, whose works are characterised by their colour and scale; and Being Now Here, who specialises in immersive and interactive installations. 

The trail runs from Exhibition Square and York Theatre Royal to King’s Square and is free to all.

10. Explore Aesthetica’s Full Programme, 4-8 November

The Screening Programme boasts more than 300 films, spanning Animation, Comedy, Dance, Drama, Documentary, Family Friendly and more. These screenings shine a spotlight on both established and new talent, offering you the chance to discover stories from around the world, with many going on to win BAFTAs and Oscars. This year’s screening programme is rich with innovative storytelling and features stars such as Aisling Bea, David Jonsson, Maxine Peake, Michael Sheen and Stephen Fry.

Aesthetica invites some of the most renowned names in screen and media to York through its award-winning masterclass series. Hear from organisations including Aardman, BBC Introducing on Radio 1, BBC Writers, Film4, Framestore, ITV, Neal Street Productions, Ridley Scott Associates and Ubisoft.

Aesthetica’s family programme ensures that children and adults alike feel part of a vibrant festival unlike anything else in the city. 

Explore the full programme and book tickets for the whole family!