The JORVIK Viking Festival will be taking place this February! From Monday 16th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026, York will be taken over by Viking warriors. The world-renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment and dramatic combat performances. Here are some of our family friendly highlights.

Kids’ Crafting

Little Vikings can unleash their creativity with Kids Crafting activities! From crafting their own beard to brooch making and pottery, there’s plenty to keep them busy. These activities are free with admission to Barley Hall.

Date: 16th to 22nd February 2026, 10am to 4pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/kids-crafting/

Barbaric Battle

Every Viking remembers their first battle, and now it’s your little warrior’s turn! In the Kids Battle, up to 150 young fighters will step into the Eye of York to prove themselves worthy of Valhalla (and we’re pretty sure they all are!). This is a practice battle, so safety comes first: foam weapons, shields, and equipment are all provided. Little Vikings under 5 will need an adult by their side on the battlefield.

Date: 21 February 2026, 10am to 1.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/barbaric-battle/

Berserker Bootcamp

Get your little Vikings ready for battle at our Berserker Bootcamp! Led by seasoned warriors, kids will learn the art of combat with wooden swords, try their hand at axe-throwing, and train in the fearsome shield wall. Don’t worry, Norse health and safety is in full effect! Perfect for ages 5–12, this gives young warriors a taste of Viking battle training so they can be strong enough to face Jörmungandr.

Ready to join the ranks of the fiercest warriors? No need to book ahead, just pay at the door and dive straight into the action! Berserker Bootcamp is also the perfect warm-up for the Barbaric Battle. Click here to learn more and get ready for an unforgettable Viking showdown.

Date: 16 to 21 February 2026, 10.30am to 4.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/berserker-bootcamp/

Poo Week

It’s smelly, it’s squelchy, and it’s one of the highlights of the Festival calendar! Believe it or not, poo can tell us a lot about history. Bring the kids to DIG and discover why archaeologists are fascinated by this unexpected treasure. They’ll even get the chance to create their own replica fossilised poo, inspired by the famous Lloyds Bank Turd at JORVIK Viking Centre. While you’re in the area, why not plan a visit to JORVIK and see it for yourself? Please note: This activity involves the use of foodstuffs. If your little Viking has any allergies, please inform a member of staff beforehand.

Date: 16th to 22nd February 2026, 10am to 4pm, DIG

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/poo

Viking Games

Back by popular demand, this family-friendly event returns for 2025! Watch as experienced reenactors battle it out in a test of strength, skill, cunning and wisdom with Odin as the referee. Expect combat, impressive feats of endurance and plenty of laughs along the way.

Date: TBC

Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/viking-games/

March to Coppergate

The Viking March is a Festival tradition like no other! It simply wouldn’t be the JORVIK Viking Festival without the sight of Viking warriors parading through the city. Experience their thunderous war cries echoing through the streets of York!

Date: 21st February 2026

Time: 2.15pm to 2.45pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/march-to-coppergate/

Go on an Adventure with Johnny Chiodini

Go on an Adventure with Johnny Chiodini, the acclaimed Dungeon Master of the popular Oxventure series, returns to the Festival, eager to guide you through the mysterious Mythic North! In this thrilling one-shot, you’ll face strange beings and twisted creatures that dwell in the shadows. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Vaesen is an award-winning tabletop RPG that brings dark legends to life. Johnny is the DM behind The Oxventure, a beloved Dungeons & Dragons series on YouTube featuring the talents of Outside Xbox and Outside Xtra. Don’t miss this chance to dive into a world of Nordic myths and battle the unknown!

Date: 21 February 2026

Time: 1:00 pm – 5:45 pm

Visit the website: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/go-on-an-adventure-with-johnny-chiodini/

Encampment

The Vikings have taken over York city centre! Snap some selfies as you watch them in action, from woodworking to making traditional leatherwork and even get your face painted to look like a true Norse warrior! Visit Parliament Street to experience the excitement up close and catch a glimpse of Viking life right in the heart of the city in the encampment.

Date: 16 to 21 February 2026

Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm

Website – https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/events/encampment/

Read our guide to the best bits of the JORVIK Viking Festival for kids here.

JORVIK Viking Festival 2026 – Monday 16th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026 – Visit the JORVIK Viking Festival website