Share in the thrill of factual storytelling with our writer Raluca's top 10 picks of the documentaries at this year's festival.
What's On
Our Sheffield culture calendar. Filled with picks of the city’s arts, culture and heritage events, both in-person and virtual. Plus reviews and festival guides.
Out & About
Four summer weekends of family fun, celebrating creativity in Sheffield's Cultural Industries Quarter.
Music picks
Make some dates with excellent bands and artists in Sheffield, with a hand from our Tom's choice of upcoming gigs.
Theatre picks
Our picks of the shows that are taking to the Sheffield stage over the coming weeks and months.
Film picks
Our picks of the cinematic delights on Sheffield's screens and online this month.
Art picks
Take a Sheffield art tour with our picks of the exhibitions and artists' events on now and coming soon – both online and in person.
Sheffield DocFest
Thu. 23 June 2022 — Tue. 28 June 2022
Showroom
The world of documentary film descends on Sheffield each June. With a programme of fascinating factual films, innovative storytelling exhibitions, and inspiring talks.
Alternate Realities
Thu. 23 June 2022 — Tue. 28 June 2022
Step into the lives of others and explore documentaries in entirely new ways. Alternate Realities is DocFest's exhibition of innovative, immersive and interactive documentaries. With VR experiences, digital games and more.
8 Bar – The Evolution of Grime
Multiple dates
Showroom
One of the most exciting docs of the festival, showcasing the people, sounds, fashion, hidden hits and global appeal of grime. Interviewing its originators and unsung heroes in an attempt to give the art form the wide recognition it deserves.
Pongo Calling
Multiple dates
Štefan Pongo starts a campaign for Romani in the Czech Republic to post selfies from their workplaces after the president claims that Romani people are “socially unadaptable and refuse jobs”. As the movement grows, his family life is affected.
The Melt Goes On Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons
Multiple dates
A portrait of the socially committed conceptual artist David Hammons. With interviews with artists, curators and critics, evocative sounds from Marshall Allen, Idris Ackamoor and Shabaka Hutchings, and a reading by hip-hop forefather Umar Bin Hassan.
Marwan – Tomorrow's Freedom
Multiple dates
A portrait of Marwan Barghouti, the ‘Palestinian Nelson Mandela’, serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison while predicted to become the next Palestinian president. The relentless struggle of a people fighting for freedom, justice and peace.
I Didn't See You There
Multiple dates
Reid Davenport offers a first person account of disability and (in)visibility from his wheelchair. Prompted by a circus tent appearing outside his home, he reflects on the ableist consequences of freak shows, (in)accessibility, stigma, and beauty.
Julie on line
Multiple dates
Julie is a survivor of psychiatry, in the pursuit of the autonomy to redefine her present and reinvent her future. Could her childhood trauma and unusual experiences be grounds for identity and culture, resistance and meaning?
Singing In... Hillsborough Park
Multiple dates
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Join a new community choir in Hillsborough Park – open to anyone who wants to sing.
Printmaking in the Park
Multiple dates
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Have a go at printing with Hillsborough-based artist and printmaker Sam Groom. Pick up skills in drawing, mark making, mono printing, paint and stencils, engraving, design, and stamp printing.
Krar Collective
Fri. 1 July 2022
Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD
From London via Addis Ababa, Krar Collective have been called "the White Stripes of Ethiopia" due to their stripped back take on contemporary African roots music. They play hypnotic, groove-laden jams centred around the Ethiopian krar harp.
Music in the Square
Fri. 1 July 2022
Sheffield Plate, 31-33 Orchard Square, S1 2FB
A night of live music from talented local artists, delicious food and summer atmosphere. Hosted by Sheffield Creative Guild with Boxie and Sheffield Plate.
Peddler
Multiple dates
Peddler Warehouse, 92 Burton Road, S3 8DA
Food, music, art. In a former warehouse. At night.
The Deathless Woman
Sat. 2 July 2022
Firvale Community Hub, 127 Page Hall Road, S4 BGU
A film aiming to draw our attention to the persecution of the Roma people from the 1940s to the present day. Screening with an introduction by Rosa Cisneros and a discussion and language workshop with Romani expert Juice Vamosi.
Secrets of the Stack
Sat. 2 July 2022
Sheffield Central Library
Join broadcaster, historian and after-tea speaker Sheridan Shacklethwaite for a light-hearted, vaguely historical, torch-lit exploration of the basement at Sheffield Central Library.
Rock / Paper / Scissors
Thu. 16 June 2022 — Sat. 2 July 2022
Crucible Theatre
Three theatres. Three plays. One cast. All at the same time! This theatrical first brings individual and interwoven stories to the Crucible, Lyceum and Studio theatres.
Going to Pot
Wed. 29 June 2022 — Sat. 2 July 2022
Drama Studio
A laugh-out-loud comedy, showing how the lives of ordinary people can easily turn into the stuff of hilarious farce. Presented by amateur dramatic group Sheffield University Drama Society (SUDS).
The Monochrome Set
Sat. 2 July 2022
The Greystones
Legendary music journalist John Robb called the Monochrome Set "arguably the first truly postmodern pop band." A huge influence the Smiths and Franz Ferdinand, the band are noted for their wry humour and their crisp, well constructed post-punk.
Chance To Dance
Sat. 2 July 2022
Peace Gardens, 50 Pinstone Street, S1 2HH
One big day of music and movement in the city centre.
Filmosophy for Families
Multiple dates
Showroom
Take a philosophical voyage at the Showroom this summer. A series of curious kids' films followed by fun philosophy sessions, exploring some of life's biggest questions and getting those brains whirring.
FlatSpin
Tue. 28 June 2022 — Sat. 2 July 2022
The Library Theatre
A night of romance with the good-looking stranger from next door. What could possibly go wrong? Join long-standing Sheffield amateur group Tudor Players as they bring this Alan Ayckbourne play to the Library Theatre stage.
Classics in the Gardens: Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra
Sun. 3 July 2022
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
An evening of classical music in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanical Gardens, with the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra supported by the Keith Peters’ Big Band. Part of the Music in the Gardens weekend.
Music in the Gardens
Fri. 1 July 2022 — Sun. 3 July 2022
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Three evenings of music and picnics against the backdrop of the Botanical Gardens in full bloom. Take your pick from pop, jazz or classical.
Out & About: Urban Futures Weekend
Sat. 2 July 2022 — Sun. 3 July 2022
CIQ Square in Pinball Park, Brown Street, S1 2BF
Explore what the future of our city could look like at this weekend of free family-friendly fun. With architecture tours, print making, trails of the area, and exciting new artworks to discover on the streets of the Cultural Industries Quarter (CIQ).
SBC Theatre Presents Secret Summer
Sat. 2 July 2022 — Sun. 3 July 2022
Endcliffe Park
An immersive audio adventure for the whole family, leading you on a story walk through Endcliffe Park. Available in English and Arabic.
Drawing the Human Figure
Multiple dates
The Art House
Over nine weeks, learn how to capture the human form and build your drawing skills.
Life Drawing
Multiple dates
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Join Broomhall Life Drawing for relaxed community drawing sessions in Hillsborough Park.
Both Sides Now: The Joni Mitchell Songbook
Fri. 8 July 2022
The Greystones
Both Sides Now are back in Sheffield to mark the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic albums ever made: Blue. Join them as they pay homage to Blue alongside other tracks from Joni Mitchell’s illustrious career.
Sharrow Festival
Sat. 9 July 2022
Mount Pleasant Park, Abbeydale Road, S7 1BY
Sharrow Festival has been a special part of its local community since 1996. Join in the family-friendly celebration of the area's culture and diversity.
Quayside Market
Multiple dates
Victoria Quays, S2 5SY
A monthly market by the water in the beautiful Victoria Quays. Bringing craft stalls, street food, craft beer and live music to the historic cobbles.
Palfest Sheffield
Tue. 14 June 2022 — Sat. 9 July 2022
A festival of friendship with Palestine. Celebrate Palestinian resilience through culture, with dance performances, film screenings, exhibitions and more.
Wild: Women & Nature + Veiled
Sat. 11 June 2022 — Sat. 9 July 2022
Cupola Gallery
Two exhibitions of paintings of women, by artists with an uncompromising, female gaze. Opening evening Friday 10 June.
The Big Hillsborough Poetry Picnic
Sat. 9 July 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
A snack-heavy family event with poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko. Join in silly games, pen a poem, and play some Beatles meets the Beastie Boys-style bangers. BYOB (bring your own biscuits!).
The Chats
Sun. 10 July 2022
The Leadmill
This Australian band rose to fame through the release of their single Smoko, a song about smoking breaks that went huge on Youtube. Their no-nonsense attitude and anthemic singalongs have gained celebrity fans including Alex Turner and Dave Grohl.
Anomaly Life Drawing
Multiple dates
The Millowners Arms, Alma Street, S3 8RY
Non-traditional life drawing classes, aiming to spark new ideas through artist inspiration and set design. Join in this summer in Kelham Island.
For The Love Of: Photography. Writing. Place.
Wed. 29 June 2022 — Wed. 13 July 2022
A photography and writing project about places you love. With free workshops and an open call for entries for a digital publication.
Craft & Flea
Sat. 16 July 2022
Sheffield Cathedral
A one-day shopping experience in the beautiful surroundings of Sheffield Cathedral. With more than 50 stalls from some of the best local producers, makers, designers and collectors.
Pollen
Multiple dates
An inner-city flower market. Taking over a corner of Castlegate one Sunday a month with plants, flowers, fresh produce and more – for a celebration of all things botanical.
Bassfest Summer Festival
Sat. 16 July 2022 — Sun. 17 July 2022
Don Valley Bowl
Two days dedicated to drum and bass, house, bassline, and beyond. Lineup to be announced.
Graphic Novel Reading Room
Mon. 18 July 2022
The Treehouse Board Game Cafe
Delve into graphic novels further, or perhaps for the first time, at this relaxed social event.
Creative Ways to Draw
Mon. 16 May 2022 — Mon. 18 July 2022
The Art House
A nine-week course, teaching you how to build depth, light and form in your drawing.
Painting the Human Figure
Tue. 17 May 2022 — Tue. 19 July 2022
The Art House
Learn to paint a human form and a portrait in this nine-week course.
Lino Printmaking: Introduction
Wed. 18 May 2022 — Wed. 20 July 2022
The Art House
Learn the basics of lino prints and develop your own style, with course tutor Dave Elsom.
Forging Turner & Other Famous Artists
Wed. 18 May 2022 — Wed. 20 July 2022
The Art House
Join an art historian to learn all about the techniques of painting employed by old and contemporary masters in this nine-week course.
Lino Printmaking: Intermediate
Thu. 19 May 2022 — Thu. 21 July 2022
The Art House
Expand your skills in lino printing at this nine-week course at The Art House.
Idris Ackamoor and The Pyramids
Thu. 21 July 2022
Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD
A seminal afrocentric spiritual jazz group led by alto and tenor saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, actor and tap dancer Idris Ackamoor. Formed 50 years ago and resurrected in 2007.
Framed in Friendship: The Connections that Shaped Sheffield’s Art Collection
Thu. 31 March 2022 — Sat. 23 July 2022
Graves Gallery
An exhibition telling the story of husband and wife artists Stephen Bone and Mary Adshead, and George and Babbie Blomfield. It also shows how other relationships and links with Sheffield have led to valuable contributions to the city’s collection.
Tramlines
Fri. 22 July 2022 — Sun. 24 July 2022
Hillsborough Park
A three-day summertime celebration of music.
Evening Talk: Magid Magid and Chris Saunders in Conversation
Thu. 28 July 2022
Millennium Gallery
Find out about how this iconic photograph of Sheffield's former Lord Mayor’s came about. Its photographer, Chris Saunders, and Magid Magid will discuss what image and identity mean to them.
A Reyt Queer Extravaganza
Sat. 30 July 2022
The Leadmill
Join Andro and Eve for a night of queer performance like no other. With performers from across the north of England, hosted by Rikki Beadle Blair.
Out & About: Freshly Squeezed Weekend
Sat. 30 July 2022 — Sun. 31 July 2022
CIQ Square in Pinball Park, Brown Street, S1 2BF
A festival of live music and workshops, programmed by and for young people. Expect a selection of the most talented young musicians and producers in the city. Full weekend details to come soon!
Grease – Outdoor Cinema
Thu. 4 August 2022
Kenwood Hall Hotel, Kenwood Road, Nether Edge, S7 1NQ
Summer Nights don't get much better than this.
The Full Monty – Outdoor Cinema
Fri. 5 August 2022
Kenwood Hall Hotel, Kenwood Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1NQ, UK
The Village Screen will be popping up in the grounds of Kenwood Hall for a local classic this August, alongside a silent disco.
Makers’ Market
Multiple dates
Orchard Square, S1 2FB
Join the folks from Sheffield Creative Guild as they host two Makers’ Markets this spring and summer in Orchard Square. With stalls selling everything from pottery to prints, accessories to audio electronics, as well as family workshops.
Dirty Dancing – Outdoor Cinema
Sat. 6 August 2022
Kenwood Hall Hotel, Kenwood Road, Nether Edge, S7 1NQ
Join the Village Screen in a beautiful outdoor setting for a cinematic classic along with a silent disco.
Jurassic Park – Outdoor Cinema
Sun. 7 August 2022
Kenwood Hall Hotel, Kenwood Road, Nether Edge, S7 1NQ
A summer's evening of classic cinema and silent disco in the grounds of Kenwood Hall.
Out & About: Paint Jam Weekend
Sat. 6 August 2022 — Sun. 7 August 2022
CIQ Square in Pinball Park, Brown Street, S1 2BF
An exciting showcase of live art and creativity in public spaces in the Cultural Industries Quarter. With impressive new work by nationally and internationally recognised artists, celebrating everything that makes Sheffield unique. More details soon.
Family Garden Party
Thu. 11 August 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Have fun with gardening activities and watch the interactive family-friendly musical Errol’s Garden.
O Adversity, I Will Overcome Thee
Fri. 12 August 2022
Hatch
A varied night of bands all united by their love of very, very loud noise. Expect everything from heavy, doom-laden sounds to psych-infused post-rock to math-rock. Earplugs advised. Raising funds for CRIBS International, supporting pregnant refugees.
Outdoor Adventurers
Fri. 12 August 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Learn the skills you need to survive in the forest and break out of the outdoor escape room. For ages 11–15.
Mdou Moctar
Wed. 17 August 2022
The Foundry, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG
A fusion of psychedelia, desert rock and folk from an artist who's been called "the Hendrix of the Sahara." Singing primarily in Tamasheq, he covers topics such as imperialism, women’s rights, the natural world, and oppression of people from Niger.
Spy School with Timothy Oddwood
Tue. 16 August 2022 — Fri. 19 August 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
RivelinCo's fun and exciting holiday club for children aged 7-10: take part in group games, puzzles and challenges on an outdoor adventure around Hillsborough Park.
Circus Skills Workshop
Sat. 20 August 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Try out circus skills in Hillsborough Park with RivelinCo. For ages 11–15.
Villagers
Mon. 22 August 2022
Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD
Irish singer-songwriter Conor J. O’Brien and his band specialise in soul-enriching, life-affirming music that straddles folk, chamber pop and indie rock. NME described their latest album as “woozy, psychedelic soul that conjures another world.”
Fun in the Park
Tue. 23 August 2022 — Fri. 26 August 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
RivelinCo's summer holiday club for children aged 7-10, full of fun, games, and adventures in Hillsborough Park!
Future Filmmakers
Sat. 27 August 2022
Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Learn some of the skills you need to put a film together, and have a go at making your own. For ages 11–15.
New Dawn Fades
Thu. 1 September 2022
The Leadmill
A play about Joy Division and Manchester. New Dawn Fades tells the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the 1970s punk revolution, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time.
Out & About: Sustainability Weekend
Sat. 3 September 2022 — Sun. 4 September 2022
CIQ Square in Pinball Park, Brown Street, S1 2BF
An inspiring weekend of family-friendly activity looking into ideas around environmental, social and personal sustainability. With creative contributions from local community groups and environmentally conscious artists. More info coming soon.
Rockin the Bowl
Fri. 9 September 2022 — Sun. 11 September 2022
Don Valley Bowl
"Forged in fire, set in steel." A three-dayer dedicated to bringing open-air rock back to the Don Valley.
Sheffield Heritage Open Days
Fri. 9 September 2022 — Sun. 18 September 2022
Ten days to explore heritage treasures across the city.
Much Ado About Nothing
Fri. 9 September 2022 — Sat. 24 September 2022
Crucible Theatre
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s raucous comedy, with integrated creative sign language, audio description and captioning. Besotted young couple Claudio and Hero are quickly engaged. But not everyone finds romance so straightforward.
Float Along Festival
Sat. 24 September 2022
A brand new multi-venue music festival for Sheffield. With Manchester art rock band Everything Everything, local psych and post-punk favourites Sister Wives, London dance-rock band Los Bitchos, and more.
Laura Jurd
Thu. 29 September 2022
Yellow Arch Studios
A brass-fuelled party band led by trumpet player and composer Laura Jurd. With music influenced by Celtic folk traditions, the blues and a sprinkling of alt-rock.
Festival of the Mind
Feed your mind with a series of fascinating and inspiring talks, exhibitions and events. Returning in September 2022 – dates and details coming soon.
Creative Connections Sheffield
Thu. 30 June 2022 — Sun. 2 October 2022
Millennium Gallery
Who are the people that represent Sheffield? From pioneers and performers to athletes and artists, this portrait exhibition celebrates the public figures connected with our city.
Sensoria
Fri. 30 September 2022 — Sat. 8 October 2022
Sheffield's festival of film and music. Expect a truly unique mix of performance, live film scores, screenings, exhibitions, and music industry activity.
Mark Thomas: Black & White
Mon. 10 October 2022
Sheffield City Hall
The political godfather of comedy.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist
Fri. 23 September 2022 — Sat. 15 October 2022
Crucible Theatre
At Milan’s police headquarters, Inspector Bertozzo interrogates the fraudster known only as The Maniac. Dario Fo’s 20th century classic is adapted by BAFTA-nominated comedy writer Tom Basden.
No Bounds
Fri. 14 October 2022 — Sun. 16 October 2022
A weekend of bleeps, beats and sweaty grins. Bringing together music, visual art, and technology. Earlybird weekend passes on sale now.
Steel City Beer & Cider Festival
Wed. 19 October 2022 — Sat. 22 October 2022
Kelham Island Museum
Sheffield CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) know a thing or two about good beer, cider and perry. Join them for their 46th festival, alongside live music, street food, a bookshop and more.
Celluloid Screams
Thu. 20 October 2022 — Sun. 23 October 2022
Showroom
Sheffield’s horror film festival. Getting you spooked just in time for Halloween.
Brought to Light: The Remarkable Bateman Collection
Fri. 27 May 2022 — Sun. 15 January 2023
Weston Park Museum
Thomas Bateman was a pioneering Victorian antiquarian. Much of Sheffield's collections of local archaeology, minerals, ceramics, metalwork and fossils can be traced back to him. Explore Bateman’s legacy and the origins of civic museum collections.
Standing at the Sky's Edge
Sat. 10 December 2022 — Sat. 21 January 2023
Crucible Theatre
A musical centred around Sheffield’s Park Hill, with music by the city’s own Richard Hawley. Read our review from its sell-out debut run in 2019, and book now for its return to the Crucible stage.