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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

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.

Sheffield Heritage Fair

Sat. 24 January 2026 — Sun. 25 January 2026

Millennium Gallery

A celebration of Sheffield’s rich history, showcasing the work of key heritage groups from around the city in a weekend-long fair at the Millennium Gallery.

The Words Are Coming

Thu. 29 January 2026

Showroom

Showroom's monthly open mic invites writers of all styles are welcome to perform their work.

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover: Publication Launch with Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad

Thu. 29 January 2026

City of Sanctuary Sheffield, 37-39 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD

Join Arts Catalyst for a celebration of Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover, a new publication by artist Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad. Developed with over 40 refugees and asylum seekers, the book centres on belonging, safety, rootedness and language.

The Handmaiden + Freak Film Club Intro

Sun. 1 February 2026

Showroom

A maid and a reclusive heiress in a story of double-crossing and forbidden romance. Director Park Chan-wook's adaptation of Sarah Waters’s Fingersmith relocates the historical drama to 1930s Korea. With intro from Gut Level’s Freak Film Club.

Making Our Own Table: African Theatre and Performance in the UK

Mon. 2 February 2026

Utopia Creative Hub, 11 Rockingham Gate, S1 4JD

Join Utopia Theatre for their new symposium-style event. You can be a part of an inspiring exchange amongst local, regional and international creatives and academics.

3000 Lesbians Go To York + Q&A

Thu. 5 February 2026

Showroom

A documentary about how a trans lesbian bookseller brought thousands of LGBTQ+ women together at York Lesbian Arts Festival from 1998 to 2008. Featuring writers Val McDermid, Sarah Waters and Jackie Kay. Followed by a Q&A with historian Jane Traies.

Lunchtime Talk: A Life in the Archives – Annie Hindle, Female Husband & Enigma

Tue. 10 February 2026

Weston Park Museum

Discover the fascinating life of an infamous trans-Atlantic drag king. SJ Cooper-Knock and Fiona Moorcroft are writing a play about Annie Hindle. Here they talk about the difficulties writers face pinning down 'facts' about queer historic figures.

The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened

Wed. 11 February 2026

Sheffield Central Library

An intimate history of LGBTQ+ life over four decades, discovered in a stash of notes in the offices of queer helpline Switchboard. Brought together by Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, who share what they've learned from those on both sides of the calls.

The 2026 Leadership & Communication Power Series

Multiple dates

Work Station, 15 Paternoster Row, S1 2BX

Join leadership strategist Billal Jamil to learn how to find your voice, lead with confidence and influence through story.

Fractals & Fugues: Mathematics in Music

Sat. 14 February 2026

Channing Hall, 45 Surrey Street, S1 2LG

As part of Music in the Round’s Percussion, Pattern & Primes weekend, Professor Sarah Hart explores the intriguing connections between music and maths.

An Evening of Edward Carpenter

Wed. 18 February 2026

Sheffield Central Library

An evening of discussion and debate around socialist, poet and philosopher Edward Carpenter (1844–1929). Exploring Carpenter's work and views on sexuality and gender non-conformity, history, class, and the environment.

Lunchtime Talk: Queer Sheffield Part 2

Tue. 24 February 2026

Weston Park Museum

Following last year’s popular lunchtime talk exploring the city's queer past, SAYiT’s Fiona Moorcroft returns to Weston Park Museum for another journey down the streets of historic Sheffield.

Ben Fogle - Wild

Fri. 6 March 2026

The Octagon Centre

Ben Fogle brings to life stories and tales of hope, possibility and positivity.

Sheffield Beer Week

Mon. 9 March 2026 — Mon. 16 March 2026

7 days of beery fun. With brewery tours and tastings, a ceramic tankard-marking workshop, history walks, tap takeovers, and more. And for 2026, a special homage to Sheffield's electronic music heritage.

Film Studies - Looking back at Pedro Almodóvar, Pedro Almodóvar looking back

Wed. 21 January 2026 — Wed. 18 March 2026

Showroom

A course celebrating one of the most important and influential contemporary Spanish filmmakers. Showing how, despite his reputation for beautiful films and whimsical stories, Almodóvar also addresses Spain’s Civil War and dictatorship.

Pint of Science Festival

Mon. 18 May 2026 — Wed. 20 May 2026

Three nights of science fun. Academics bring their research out of the lab for a series of talks, demos and experiments in pubs, bars and creative spaces. Info for Pint of Science Festival 2026 coming soon.

Kelham Pride

Sat. 20 June 2026

Kelham Island

A parade and street party, celebrating and bringing together the local LGBTQ+ community and their allies. With live musicians, DJs, drag queens, comedians, family-friendly activities, fringe events, and more. Stay tuned for Kelham Pride 2026 details.

Crossed Wires Festival

Thu. 2 July 2026 — Sun. 5 July 2026

Bringing some of the UK's top names in podcasting from your headphones to the stage. The 2026 lineup includes: Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball, The Blindboy Podcast, Ash Sarkar & Moya Lothian McLean, Zack Polanski, and more. Plus free BBC Sounds fringe events.

Sheffield Heritage Open Days

Fri. 11 September 2026 — Sun. 20 September 2026

Ten days to explore heritage treasures across the city.

Festival of the Mind

A biennial festival of new ideas. Bringing together the city's creative community and its academic minds through exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more. Stay tuned for dates and details for the next Festival of the Mind in autumn 2026.

Festival of Debate

Get informed, inspired and filled with ideas for positive change. With talks on big social, political, environmental and economic issues. The festival is taking a break in 2026 – come back for details of the 2027 event.