Families in York are being invited to enjoy a spectacular free city-centre experience this spring as a giant inflatable octopus arrives for the latest Family Friendly Saturday event.
Organised by York BID, the larger-than-life octopus puppet will appear on Saturday 28th March 2026 at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Towering above onlookers, the friendly character features eight fully articulated tentacles and is brought to life by a skilled puppeteer, creating a striking visual display and a memorable experience for children and adults alike.
The performances will take place at King’s Staith and the surrounding area. If the riverside location becomes inaccessible due to high river levels, the event will move to the Eye of York, the open space in front of York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower.
The Giant Inflatable Octopus marks York BID’s seventh Family Friendly Saturday, following six successful events in 2025 which attracted thousands of families into the city centre for free early-evening entertainment.
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, said:
“Our Family Friendly Saturdays have been a fantastic way to bring playful, memorable experiences into York’s public spaces. The Giant Inflatable Octopus will be a truly eye-catching spectacle, giving families another great reason to spend time in the city centre together.”
York BID says it remains committed to creating vibrant and welcoming experiences for residents and visitors, with Family Friendly Saturdays forming a key part of its programme to transform familiar public spaces through large-scale installations and performances.
Families are encouraged to arrive early and bring cameras to capture the moment as the giant octopus makes its way into York this March.
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