Spark:York in Piccadilly in York is celebrating Oktoberfest

From Monday, September 23 to Thursday, September 26 Spark:York is set to be transformed into a cosy haven with the help of Leeds-based designer Sachelle Clarke, complete with a newly installed canvas rooftop.

To prepare for the event, the venue will be closed from Monday (September 23) to Thursday (September 26).

Matthew Kirk, general manager at Spark, said: “We’re excited to host this Oktoberfest party as a heartfelt thank you to our community for their ongoing support.

"The event not only marks the transition into the upcoming winter season but also offers a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together for a weekend filled with Bavarian fun and community spirit.”

Spark:York in Piccadilly in York will be celebrating Oktoberfest (Image: JACK BARTON) Organisers say that they relaunch on Friday (September 27) and from 5pm that day through to Sunday, visitors can enjoy complimentary drinks provided by Spark, with options including beer, cider, wine, or spirit mixers. To claim a free drink, you must reserve in advance via the Eventbrite link, subject to availability.

On Friday evening, guests can participate in two silent discos experienced through headphones, featuring performances by Drag Queen DJ Carrie Fish and DJ Darrell Hooper. Entry to the silent discos is free and does not require prior booking.

On Saturday and Sunday, Spark will host beer tasting sessions featuring four expertly curated beer tasters. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about brewing techniques and connect with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Tickets are priced at £5 per person, plus a booking fee (that brings the total to £6.13), and each ticket includes a complimentary pint of lager. Reservations can be made here.

Spark:York in Piccadilly in York will be transformed (Image: Supplied)

Throughout the weekend, the upstairs SHOW Space will feature a games room with ping pong, board games, and other activities. Additionally, Baby Boy's Burgers, one of Spark's street food vendors, will offer a bratwurst-inspired menu from Friday to Sunday, including bratwurst, currywurst, beer mac and currywurst mac.

Sunday will bring a relaxing atmosphere, with free face painting provided by long-time collaborator Alex from Face Paint York, alongside personalised caricature art by professional caricaturist David Bignall, both available from 12pm to 5pm. The in-house Art Group Studios will also host a complimentary painting class for all ages and skill levels, starting at 6pm. Reserve your spot in the class here.

A Spark spokesperson said: "The weekend celebration will highlight the independent businesses, partners, and initiatives that are part of the Spark community.

"The venue hosts nine street food vendors, a coffee shop, a holistic therapies studio, fitness classes, an indoor vertical farm, and various co-working and meeting spaces, alongside art studios housing six resident artists."

For more information, please visit https://www.sparkyork.org/events/oktoberfest-weekend.