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

Off the Shelf

Photos from Off the Shelf 2022

Autumn in Sheffield is pretty much synonymous with literary delights, as Off the Shelf festival of books, words and ideas returns to the city. The festival hosts a programme packed with talks and readings from world renowned authors and poets, famous folk off the telly, and a few knowledgable locals.

Each year, the festival absorbs audiences in topics ranging from pop music to politics, fine art to feminism.

Come back soon for dates and our highlights among the writer talks, workshops and events in the 2026 programme.

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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.

Kelham Island Books and Music

A secondhand book and vinyl shop with a well-curated selection of local history, fantasy, crime thrillers, walking guides, and folk recordings.

Higher Fields Festival

Sat. 27 June 2026

S2

An outdoor grassroots music festival, new for summer 2026. Bringing together DIY musicians, crews and communities from South Yorks and beyond – including Gut Level, Hatch, Groundwork and Grub Records and more. Followed by an afterparty at Steamworks.

Sheffield Food Festival

Sat. 23 May 2026 — Mon. 25 May 2026

Peace Gardens, S1 2HH

Three (hopefully) sunny days of food, food and more food. Come back soon for details of Sheffield Food Festival 2026.