Events and What's On across the Bradford districtWings of Wonder Friday, 31 July at Bracken Hall FREE Take part in themed arts and crafts activities, enjoy the wildlife garden trail, and explore exhibitions on the local history, heritage and natural history of Shipley Glen and Baildon Moor. Events at Bradford Markets Fantastic events taking place at Bradford Markets: - Northern Indie Collective Market (Saturday, 1 August | 11.30am - 3.30pm) in Bingley Town Square - Join us on the first Saturday of every month for this special market, featuring handmade goods, street food and free kids activities.
- INTA (Saturday, 1 August | 5pm - 7pm) at Darley Street Market - A respected figure in Bradford's electronic music scene, INTA is known for championing new music, supporting local talent and delivering carefully curated sets packed with quality selections. Expect an eclectic mix of electronic sounds and choice picks.
- Mini Magic Flute (Sunday, 2 August | 10am - 12.40pm) at Darley Street Market - Come with us on a fun, enchanting musical adventure inspired by Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Led by a trio of opera singers and an accordionist, Mini Magic Flute follows a prince’s search for a princess, but nothing is quite as it first appears… Join a host of fantastical characters – from a bird-catcher to a dragon! – on this magical quest.
- Play with Bradford Museums (Wednesday, 5 August | 11am - 1pm) at Darley Street Market - Join Bradford Museums at Darley Street Market for a hands-on family activity exploring the district’s four museums through a giant interactive map. Children can meet the museums’ mascots – Suzie Squirrel, Dave Dragon, Billie Boar and Shelly Sheep – and help bring the map to life by drawing, colouring and adding details inspired by the animals and the museums they represent.
- Bradford Family Film Festival (Wednesday, 5 August | 11am - 1pm) at Darley Street Market - Enjoy free family film screenings every Wednesday throughout August at Darley Street Market. Presented by the City of Film team, the festival brings a selection of family favourites to the big screen in the Courtyard.
- Chloe Blood (Friday, 7 August | 12pm - 2pm) at Darley Steet Market - Kick off your afternoon with live music from Chloe Blood. Enjoy a mix of original songs and well-loved covers in a relaxed lunchtime setting at the heart of Bradford city centre.
- Dead Freedom (Friday, 7 August | 6pm - 8pm) at Darley Street Market - Dead Freedom makes his Darley Street Kitchen debut with a set packed with blues-infused guitar work and Americana influences, making it the perfect way to start your evening before heading to Bradford Live. Expect shades of early Springsteen, soaring melodies and exceptional musicianship.
- Courtyard Clash (Saturday, 8 August | 12.30pm - 6pm) at Darley Street Market - Watch local stars and championship contenders clash in the ring during three exciting live wrestling shows. Expect high-energy entertainment, family-friendly action and plenty of dramatic moments as some of the region's top wrestling talent battle it out in the heart of Bradford.
- Charlie Hansen (Saturday, 8 August | 5pm - 7pm) at Darley Street Market - Charlie Hansen returns to Darley Street Kitchen with a crowd-pleasing acoustic set, transforming indie favourites into singalong anthems and bringing a lively energy to the heart of Bradford city centre.
- Lola Simms (Friday, 14 August | 12pm - 2pm) at Darley Street Market - Lola Simms makes her Darley Street Kitchen debut as part of the Live Lunch summer series, bringing beautifully crafted songwriting and intricate guitar work to an intimate lunchtime performance in the heart of Bradford city centre.
Yorkshire Day Celebrations Brilliant events to celebrate Yorkshire Day across the district: - Yorkshire Day in Keighley (Saturday, 1 August | 11am - 3pm) in Lund Park - This free family event promises a fantastic day of entertainment and activities for all ages. Enjoy face painting, henna art, princess appearances, a climbing wall, slackline school, cave trailer, Punch and Judy shows, comedy magic, balloon modelling, live entertainment and traditional donkey rides.
- Yorkshire Day at Bradford Industrial Museum (Saturday, 1 August | 11am - 3pm) at Bradford Industrial Museum - Celebrate Yorkshire Day with a full day of heritage, music, and family fun. Expect a lively mix of live music, Morris dancing, hands‑on family activities, and — if you’re lucky — a horse visiting the site for the day.
- Bingley Market Yorkshire Fun Day (Saturday, 1 August | 11.30am - 3.30pm) in Bingley Town Square - Join us in the heart of Bingley for a Yorkshire-themed day celebrating local businesses, great food and community spirit.
- Yorkshire Day in Baildon (Saturday, 1 August | 10am - late) across Baildon - Celebrate Yorkshire Day with a day of free family-friendly activities, live entertainment and local heritage events across the village.
- Guided Walk: Moorland Around Baildon (Saturday, 1 August | 10am) from Brackenhall Countryside Centre - The route goes across the Glen, to head over fields to Dick Hudson’s. You will then follow the Millenium Way to the 12 Apostles stones for a lunch break. We then pick up the path to Horncliffe Well and across to Weecher Reservoir, before following the last part of the Millennium Way Walk 16 to bring us back to the Centre.
- Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend in Ilkley (Saturday 1 August - Sunday, 2 August) in Ilkley - Two days of free music and family entertainment alongside Ilkley’s biggest Yorkshire market will celebrate Yorkshire Day 2026 in Ilkley.
Bradford City Mela Saturday, 1 August - Sunday, 2 August (12pm - 8pm) FREE Bradford City Mela returns for a vibrant weekend celebrating South Asian culture and Bradford's diverse communities across City Park, Centenary Square and Darley Street Market. Enjoy live music, dance, food, arts, crafts, cultural displays, artisan stalls and family-friendly activities, creating a colourful festival atmosphere in the heart of Bradford. Twelfth Night: Outdoor Theatre Saturday, 1 August (1.30pm & 6.30pm) in Roberts Park FREE Experience Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night brought to life in beautiful outdoor settings across the district. All performances are free and require no ticket. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an afternoon of comedy in the open air. Creative Earth Eco Fest Saturday, 1 August (11am - 5pm) at Cliffe Castle FREE Set in the beautiful grounds of Cliffe Castle, Keighley, this free festival invites people of all ages and backgrounds to make small but important changes that help the environment through creativity. The Beacon Saturday, 1 August - Monday, 31 August in Wibsey Park FREE (Some ticketed events) The Bradford Culture Company brings the Beacon to Wibsey Park this August, taking up residence in Bradford South for a full month of summer‑holiday fun. The Beacon will host a lively programme of family‑friendly events, including comedy, live music, performance and play. Bandstand concerts Fantastic music being played at bandstands across the district. Here's what's coming up: Roberts Park - Sunday, 2 August (2pm - 4pm) - Big Easy
- Sunday, 9 August (2pm - 4pm) - Soul Jazz Collective
Myrtle Park - Saturday, 1 August (2pm - 4pm) - Matt's Open Mic'ers
- Sunday, 2 August (2pm - 4pm) - Hall Royd Band
- Saturday, 8 August (12pm - 4pm) - Vinyl Revival
- Sunday, 9 August (2pm - 4pm) - Bradford Concert Band
Bradford African Festival of Arts Monday, 3 August - Saturday, 8 August at various venues FREE Celebrate the richness, creativity and diversity of African culture at the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA), a six-day programme of exhibitions, film, theatre, fashion, cultural experiences and community events taking place across Bradford. Busy Bees Tuesday, 4 August (11am - 3pm) at Cliffe Castle FREE Discover the fascinating world of bees and pollinators at Cliffe Castle Museum. See our working beehive, learn how bees help plants and wildlife thrive, and take part in fun, hands-on craft activities inspired by nature. Brontës, Storytelling and Miniature Books Wednesday, 5 August (11am -3pm) at Bolling Hall FREE Discover fascinating facts about the inspiring Brontë sisters, learn storytelling techniques, and create your own miniature book to write down your stories – just as the Brontës did when they were children. Islamic Art Thursday, 6 August (11am - 3pm) at Cartwright Hall FREE Get creative this summer by exploring colourful geometric patterns inspired by art and design. Experiment with shapes, colours and textures before decorating your own coaster to take home as a unique souvenir. After the workshop, continue your visit by exploring the exhibitions and collections at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Lister Park, it's the perfect place to enjoy a full day out. Wet Felting Friday, 7 August (11am - 3pm) at Bradford Industrial Museum FREE Be inspired by our exhibition ‘Made by Many Hands’ and make something beautiful with your hands! Wet felting is a traditional craft technique that can transform wool into a colourful piece of fabric. Come to this family event to try something new and creative. Jowett Cars at the Mill Saturday, 8 August (11am - 3pm) at Bradford Industrial Museum FREE If you are into vintage cars, this is an event for you! Come to see amazing old-timer models and join the family craft activity – car making from recycled materials. You can also take part in Jowett’s board game. Keighley Gala Saturday, 8 August (10.30am - 3pm) at Cliffe Castle FREE The much‑loved Keighley Gala returns this summer with a full day of family‑friendly entertainment set in the beautiful grounds of Cliffe Castle. Expect a lively atmosphere, community spirit, and plenty to see and do throughout the day. Heritage Craft Workshop: Leaded Stained Glass Saturday, 8 August (10.30am - 4pm) at Bradford Industrial Museum Tickets: £95 Join Samantha Yates, stained glass artist and conservator, for an exclusive full day workshop creating your own bespoke leaded glass panel. Samantha is a specialist dedicated to the conservation and repair of historic stained and leaded glass, while also designing and creating new stained glass and leaded lights. Saltaire Farmers Market Sunday, 9 August (10am - 3pm) in Roberts Park FREE The Saltaire Farmers Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month at The Promenade in Roberts Park. It offers a wide variety of products from local and independent traders, including hot food and drinks, baked goods, cheese, cakes, pies, pretzels, brownies, chocolates, charcuterie, fish, fruits, vegetables, jewellery, candles, clothes, gifts, and treats. Meet the Butterfields Tuesday, 11 August (11am - 3pm) at Cliffe Castle FREE Meet Henry Isaac, Frederick and Mary Louise Butterfield, as they come back from the past and share their stories of Cliffe Castle. Upcycling Clothes with Dye Tuesday, 11 August (11am - 3pm) at Bradford Industrial Museum FREE A family workshop inspired by the exhibition Made By Many Hands. Instead of throwing your child’s old T-shirt away, bring it along to this creative upcycling workshop and transform it into a unique fashion statement. Moorside Mill Mystery Wednesday, 12 August (11am - 3pm) at Bradford Industrial Museum Tickets: £2 A crime has been committed… can you crack the case? Moorside Mill Mystery is an interactive, family‑friendly puzzle experience taking place at Bradford Industrial Museum on 12 August 2026. Families, puzzle‑lovers and curious detectives of all ages are invited to explore the museum, enjoy the summer weather, and work together to crack the case. The Georgian Era – The Start of Modern Medicine Wednesday, 12 August (11am - 3pm) at Bolling Hall FREE Come and discover the medicines of the past—some surprising, strange and even amusing by today’s standards. Learn about the beginnings of the Ilkley Spa, explore the history of stethoscopes and quack remedies, and uncover fascinating stories from the world of historical healthcare. Live at the Courtyard Friday, 14 August - Sunday, 16 August at Darley Street Market Tickets: £10 - £20 Live at the Courtyard brings a new three‑day music weekender to Darley Street Market from 14 - 16 August, filling the outdoor courtyard with live performances, great food and a relaxed summer atmosphere. Friday opens with Leeds rock favourites Pulled Apart By Horses (supported by Meryl Streek), known for their high‑energy, unpredictable shows and crowd‑igniting tracks like V.E.N.O.M. and I Punched a Lion in the Throat. Saturday features chart‑breaking singer‑songwriter Lucy Spraggan (supported by Lucy Robinson), performing reimagined favourites such as Last Night (Beer Fear) alongside new material from her latest album. The weekend closes on Sunday afternoon with indie‑pop hitmakers The Hoosiers (supported by Marie Franc), bringing feel‑good anthems including Worried About Ray and Goodbye Mr A from their No.1 debut album. Summer Celebration in Lister Park and Cartwright Hall Friday, 14 August (3pm - 7pm) at Cartwright Hall FREE Join us for a joyful afternoon and evening of nature, creativity and wellbeing at our Summer Celebration – a free, family-friendly event for the whole community. Unforgettable Qawwali Night We are delighted to invite you to a special evening of spiritual music, culture, and community with the renowned Ahmed Shah Qawal Group. 📅 Thursday 20 August 📍The Beacon, Wibsey Park, Bradford (Indoor Event) 🍽️ Food: 6:00pm – 7:00pm 🎤 Live Qawwali Performance: 7:00pm – 10:00pm 🎟️ Tickets: £15 Experience the power and beauty of traditional Qawwali music, enjoy delicious food, and spend an evening with family, friends, and the local community in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Summer Cinema at Pictureville Until Saturday, 22 August at Pictureville Cinema Experience the magic of cinema with your little ones at our range of family-friendly screenings. |