The district is waking up for Spring and the calendar is packed! We’ve broken down the best bits so you can plan your month, whether you’re after high energy raves or a quiet afternoon of culture. Scroll down to find a curated section for days out and events with the kids in the area.
Out Out
Northern Soul: Keeping the Faith | 15th March, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This all dayer brings the timeless sounds of the underground to the city’s newest creative hub. Expect five hours of vinyl only classics, heavy bass, and plenty of floor spinning energy.
Wakefield Exchange (WX), Union St, Wakefield WF1 1BN. £10
Pontefract Festival of Beer (Spring Edition) | Friday, 20th – 22nd March
Head to The Grange for over 50 real ales, artisan local cheeses, and live jazz and blues music. It is a relaxed festival vibe with dedicated family-friendly sessions available over the weekend. If you only go to one event this month, make it this one.
The Grange, Carleton Green Rd, Pontefract WF8 3QW. £7-10 Entry
St Paddy’s Party: Get Shamrocked | Saturday, 21st March, 7:00 PM – Late
High energy Celtic Pub Rock takes over WX for a massive, rowdy St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Expect plenty of Guinness, live music, and green themed fun that goes well into the night.
Wakefield Exchange (WX), Union St, Wakefield WF1 1BN.Free
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.
Harry Potter Paint & Pint Night | Wednesday, 25th March, 7:00 PM Wands at the ready for a magical midweek session at The Mad Ox. Channel your inner wizard with a canvas, brushes, and plenty of snacks while the movies play on every screen. Your ticket includes a drink on arrival and all the gear you need to create your own masterpiece.
Mad Ox, 15-17 Ropergate, Pontefract WF8 1LP. £20
Ultimate Rave Bingo | Saturday, 28th March, 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
This isn’t your nan’s bingo; expect 90s bangers, dance-offs, and genuinely bizarre prizes at Unity Hall. It is a chaotic, high-energy night that usually ends with the whole room on the tables.
Unity Hall, Westgate, Wakefield WF1 1EP. £20
Love To Be… Tileyard | Saturday, 28th March, 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
A premier house music event featuring world-class DJs and incredible production in a stunning industrial setting. If you love deep house and cutting-edge dance music, this is the district’s big ticket this month.
Tileyard North, Union St, Wakefield WF1 1BN. From £31
Rugged Reloaded | Saturday, 28th March, 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Old-school speed garage and bassline vibes return to Mex for those who want to dance until dawn. It is the go-to spot for nostalgic underground beats and a high-energy crowd.
Mex Bar, 26 Albion Street, Wakefield, WF1 3LR. £11.25
Acoustic Showcase | Every Friday, 8:00 PM
Start the weekend right in the heart of the city centre. Local talent takes the stage for a stripped-back, high-quality acoustic session in one of Wakefield’s most iconic buildings.
The Hop, 19 Bank St, Wakefield WF1 1EH. Free entry
Theatre & Live Performances
All held at Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Ln, WF1 2TE
The Freshwater Five | Wednesday, 4th March
This gripping regional drama retells the real-life story of five fishermen caught in a massive drug bust off the Isle of Wight. It’s a powerful piece of storytelling that balances tension with a deep dive into a famous legal mystery. Tickets from £15.
Macbeth | Monday, 9th – Tuesday, 10th March
Experience Shakespeare’s dark tale of ambition and madness in this atmospheric production. It’s a great chance to see the Scottish Play performed in a stunning Victorian setting. Tickets from £15.
Tales From Acorn Wood | Saturday, 14th – Sunday, 15th March
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved characters take to the stage in this charming show. Expect puppets, songs, and a perfect first theatre experience for the kids. Tickets from £10.
Pygmalion | Tuesday, 24th March
George Bernard Shaw’s witty classic about class and transformation returns to the stage. It remains a sharp and funny look at social identity that still feels relevant today. Tickets from £15.
Sherlock Holmes & The Sign of Four | Wednesday, 25th March
A fast-paced mystery that brings Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth to life with a modern energy. Follow the clues in this stylish production perfect for fans of a good whodunnit. Tickets from £15.
Other Happenings
Pontefract Ghost Walk | Thursday, 5th & 19th March, 7:00 PM
A guided trek through the town’s dark and haunted past, revealing stories that still linger in the shadows. You’ll hear bone chilling tales of the local spirits that supposedly still roam the streets today.
Starts at The Counting House, Pontefract WF8 1BQ. £8
CRE8 Career Accelerator | 7th March, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A major event designed for aspiring DJs and music producers looking to scale up their careers. You will get hands-on advice, networking opportunities, and industry secrets from professional audio experts.
Tileyard North, Union St, Wakefield WF1 1BN. £45
Wakefield EXPO 2026 | Tuesday, 10th March, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The district’s biggest business and community showcase takes over the WX for a day of networking. It is a great chance to see the scale of innovation and local talent happening right on your doorstep.
Wakefield Exchange (WX), Union St, WF1 1BN. Free
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years | 21st March – 12th April
The WX flagship art installation: a surreal, 10-metre snorting and purring cat that you have to see to believe. It is the district’s biggest “must-see” art moment this spring—get your camera ready.
Wakefield Exchange (WX), Union St, Wakefield WF1 1BN. Free
Find Your Passion: Kokedama | 26th March, 6:00 PM
Learn the Japanese art of moss-ball gardening in this mindful, hands-on workshop. It is half-gardening, half-meditation, and you get to take your unique plant creation home with you.
Wakefield Museum, Burton St, Wakefield WF1 2EB. £7
Rugby Day 2026 | Saturday, 28th March, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the district’s sporting soul with heritage displays and appearances from local rugby legends. This event highlights the deep, historic link between the mining industry and the game of rugby.
National Coal Mining Museum, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH. Free
Reyt Sauna | Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
A wood-fired sauna experience in the middle of a field. Whether you want a community session or a private booking with friends, it’s the ultimate way to reset after a busy week.
Farmer Copleys, Pontefract Rd, WF7 5AF
For the Kids & Family Days Out
Spring has officially sprung in the Wakefield district, and the March calendar is bursting with ways to keep the little ones entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, hands-on animal encounters, or world class family theatre at Theatre Royal Wakefield, we’ve curated the best local events to help you build those core memories.
Lamb, Goat & Calf Feeding | Starts Friday, 7th March
Spring has officially arrived at the farm. You can get hands-on and welcome the new season by bottle-feeding the babies yourself, a guaranteed core memory for the kids.
Horncastle Farm, Havercroft Ln, WF2 6PB
Little Farmers Trail | Ongoing throughout March
Blacker Hall’s dedicated trail is a hit for a reason. Take the little ones to meet and feed the lambs while exploring the farm, perfect for burning off some energy before a stop at the farm shop.
Blacker Hall Farm Shop, Branch Rd, Calder Grove, Wakefield WF4 3AG
The Tulip Festival | Expected Late March
Keep your eyes on the horizon (and the weather forecast) for the return of this floral giant. Farmer Copleys will be opening their fields for thousands of tulips, it’s the ultimate Instagram backdrop and a great outdoor activity for families.
Farmer Copleys, Pontefract Rd, WF7 5AF
Hidden Forest Nature Play | Thursday, 5th March
A dedicated day for nature-based play in the park’s specialized woodland area. It’s all about getting muddy, climbing, and exploring the outdoors at your own pace.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, WF1 1BN. Free
Imagine a World: Story-led Yoga | Saturday, 7th & Sunday, 8th March
Join author Jenny Clark for a magical World Book Day celebration. Kids will stretch, breathe, and bring a story to life through gentle yoga movements in the Coach House.
Nostell Priory, Doncaster Rd, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1QE. £2
Tiny Tree Tales | Tuesday, 10th March, 10:30 AM
Outdoor storytelling in the magical Hidden Forest. This session is designed specifically for little ones to engage with nature through imagination and play.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, WF4 4LG
Tales From Acorn Wood | Saturday, 14th – Sunday, 15th March
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved characters come to life on the main stage. With puppets, songs, and plenty of heart, it’s the perfect first-theatre experience for toddlers and early primary years.
Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Ln, WF1 2TE. from £10
Sculpture Baby | Wednesday, 18th March
A sensory session designed specifically for parents and non walking babies. Explore texture, light, and sound together in a relaxed, creative environment.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, WF4 4LG
Dads’ Club | Wednesday, 18th March, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A relaxed space for dads and father figures to bring the kids. Expect pool, table tennis, and a proper chance to chat while the kids get stuck into the games.
Platform One, Hemsworth, Pontefract WF9 4AB. Free
Dino Discovery Day | Saturday, 21st March, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A prehistoric adventure at the pit for kids who want to dig for fossils and learn about giant lizards. Discover the creatures that lived millions of years before the coal was formed under our feet.
National Coal Mining Museum, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH. £13 per car
Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure | Starts Friday, 27th March
A landmark project featuring 20-foot inflatable sculptures and interactive tapestries by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE. It’s a striking, colorful contrast to the museum’s industrial setting that the kids will love exploring.
National Coal Mining Museum, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH
Salto Clay Family Workshop | Sunday, 29th March
Get messy and creative. This hands on workshop lets kids experiment with clay to create their own vessels, inspired by the sculptures in the gallery.
The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW. Free
Diggerland Yorkshire | Reopening for Spring
The ultimate construction-themed theme park is back for the season. Kids (and adults) can actually drive real diggers and ride in the scoops of giant machinery.
Diggerland Yorkshire, Willowbridge Ln, Castleford WF10 5NW
The Dinosaur That Pooped (A Musical) | Tuesday, 31st March
High-energy, hilarious, and just a little bit gross, everything a kid wants in a show. Based on the bestselling book series, this musical is a guaranteed hit for any dino-fan.
Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Ln, Wakefield WF1 2TE. From £10
