March across the Wakefield district is officially heating up. We’ve sifted through to bring you a chronological edit of the best heritage, art, and cultural moments. From massive purring installations to deep-dives into our coal history, here is how to fill your calendar this month. And to boot, a lot of them are free!
The cultural powerhouse event for March is the Artwalk. If you only have time for one, Artwalk is your one (sorry Tim!).
An Afternoon with Tim Weaver | Wednesday, 4th March
Crime fiction fans, this is for you. Bestselling author Tim Weaver is heading to the district for an exclusive talk about the David Raker series. Grab a spot early.
Pontefract Library, WF8 1BD. Free
Copper-Foil Terrarium Masterclass | Saturday, 7th March
Channel your inner artisan. You’ll be using traditional copper-foil techniques to build your own glass terrarium from scratch!
Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH. £60
Launchpad X Wakefield Exchange | Friday, 20th March
Launchpad teams up with WX once again to spotlight the best emerging talent from across Yorkshire. This evening features live performances from About-Faces, Eva Kiss, and Lucas Assagba.
Wakefield Exchange (WX), 57 Westgate, Wakefield WF1 1BW. Free.
Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours | Weekends until 29th March
If you haven’t done this yet, now is the time. Descend into the dark to see where Civil War prisoners carved their names into the rock. It’s eerie, historic, and a must-do.
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract WF8 1QH. £4.40
Artwalk Wakefield | Wednesday, 25th March, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The city’s legendary decentralised gallery experience returns, turning everything from independent bars to vacant units into temporary exhibition spaces. Grab a programme and discover pop-up galleries and live performances hidden in the most unexpected corners of the city centre. It is a completely self-guided, cultural scavenger hunt that lets you explore Wakefield’s creative heartbeat with a drink in hand.
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years | 21st March – 12th April
Wakefield’s newest creative hub hosts this surreal, 10-metre snorting and purring cat installation. It’s an immersive, large-scale art experience that’s designed to be touched and explored.
Wakefield Exchange (WX), Union St, Wakefield WF1 1BN. Free
Walk and Write: Poetry Workshop | Saturday, 21st March
Step out of the museum and into the streets. This poetry-walking workshop uses the city’s heritage to spark new writing. Perfect for clearing the cobwebs and getting creative.
Wakefield Museum, Burton St, Wakefield WF1 2EB. Free
Rugby Day 2026 | Saturday, 28th March, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A celebration of the district’s sporting soul, featuring heritage displays and star appearances. This event highlights the deep, historic link between the local mining industry and rugby.
National Coal Mining Museum, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH. Free
Paradise Carpet: An Audio-Visual Meditation | Ongoing until 31st March
Acting as a legacy to Zarah Hussain’s mesmerising gallery installation, this digital experience blends vibrant animation with ambient sound for a deep meditative session. The project features guided meditations voiced in multiple languages by members of the Studio of Sanctuary, celebrating the rich cultural identity of the local community. The Art House, Drury Ln, Wakefield WF1 2TE. Free
