Events in Wakefield From 18th May – 24th May 2026

This week in Wakefield, events offer a varied programme for residents and visitors. From cultural explorations to musical evenings and creative workshops, you can engage with the city’s offerings between May 17th and May 24th, 2026. If you're looking for what’s on in Wakefield this week, you’ll find a focus on arts and heritage. Consider an afternoon spent discovering local creativity, or an evening enjoying live music at a venue just outside the city. Things to do in Wakefield this week also include opportunities to develop new skills through participation in a workshop, or to explore the city’s industrial past. Wakefield’s venues are hosting a variety of activities, offering opportunities for both active participation and relaxed enjoyment. The city, historically a centre for coal mining, now supports a diverse range of industries alongside its cultural scene. This creates a unique backdrop for events, blending heritage with contemporary art and music. Explore the city’s connections to the Aire and Calder Navigation, and the wider region through links to Leeds, Manchester, and beyond via the M1 and M62 motorways. You can find opportunities to explore areas such as Castleford, Pontefract, Normanton, and Knottingley, and engage with the local community. Check the listings below for times and venues to plan your week, whether you're travelling by car, utilising the M1, or arriving via the direct train service to London. The area’s transport links and range of experiences offer a well-rounded visit. A short drive away, Wakefield Cathedral hosts free lunchtime concerts featuring singers, musicians, and school groups performing weekly. Just outside the city, the Wakefield Museum Learning Zone runs workshops including urban sketching in the city centre and heritage visits to Waterton Park Hotel. The Mechanics Theatre in Wakefield offers a performance of 'Whose Life Is It?' on May 20th and 21st. In Leeds, Steam Packet Tour II plays at The Royal Park on May 20th. For live music in Wakefield, check Walton Sports Social Club on May 22nd, where FakerMaker, West Yorkshire’s top Oasis tribute band, performs 90s hits. Plan your week using event details and transport links including the M1, M62, and direct train services to London, Leeds, and Manchester.