The Romans are marching back into York this spring as the Eboracum Roman Festival returns from 16 to 31 May 2026, with two weeks of events, activities and living history celebrating the city’s fascinating Roman past.

Once known as Eboracum, York was one of the most important cities in Roman Britain, so there’s no better place to step back in time. There’s a packed programme of family activities, expert talks, guided walks and hands-on experiences across venues in the city, with plenty happening during May half term.

Living History Encampment in York Museum Gardens

The highlight of the festival is the Living History Encampment, taking place in York Museum Gardens on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026.

During the weekend, the gardens will be transformed into a bustling Roman camp where families can meet costumed interpreters and discover what life was really like nearly 2,000 years ago.

Visitors can:

• – Meet Roman soldiers and learn about life in the army
• – Watch re-enactments and demonstrations of Roman life
• – Try Roman-style crafts and activities
• – Handle replica objects from everyday Roman life
• – Take part in mini archaeological digs
• – Join Roman battle activities!

Historians and curators from across York will also be on hand to share fascinating stories and artefacts from the city’s Roman past.

After exploring the festival in the gardens, head into the Yorkshire Museum to see the incredible Roman collection, including a real Roman mosaic! There will also be performances, family activities and hands-on experiences taking place throughout the half-term week. Please note that entry to the Yorkshire Museum and activities taking place within the museum are included in general admission.

A brand new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum

The festival also coincides with the opening of a major new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum. Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard will showcase a remarkable discovery dating back more than 2,000 years, offering a rare glimpse into Iron Age Britain and its connections with the Roman world.

Roman discoveries, walks and activities across York

The festival is a real city-wide collaboration, with partners across York helping bring Roman history to life.

• – York Archaeology will host an archaeology zone during the Living History weekend, sharing Roman discoveries from the region.
• – York Civic Trust will run guided walks throughout the festival, exploring York’s Roman heritage.
• – At York Minster, costumed interpreters from Days Gone By will reveal the Roman history hidden within the site.
• – The University of York will help deliver Roman-themed trails across the city.

Special guest talks

Two much-loved historians will also be appearing at the Yorkshire Museum during the Living History weekend.

• – Greg Jenner, historian, author and host of the You’re Dead to Me podcast, will appear on 23 May.
• – Terry Deary, the much-loved author of Horrible Histories, will give a talk and book signing on 24 May.

Event info

📍 Various venues across York (main events in York Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum)
📅 16–31 May 2026
🎟️ Many events free, some ticketed activities
🌐 Website: https://yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

More details about the full festival programme will be announced soon. Follow the festival online for the latest updates.