While we’ve packed every egg hunt and bunny meet-up (not like that) into our dedicated Big Easter Egg-dit, there are so many things to do in Wakefield and Five Towns this April.
The absolute highlight of the month has to be the return of Tailgate at LOT on Saturday 18th. An all day session including live music, barbecue, and an after party into the early hours. It’s the ultimate way to soak up the Wakey atmosphere.
From Taylor Swift by candlelight to creative resets at The Art House, here is everything else (non Easter related!) making April in Wakey and the Five Towns great fun.
The Big Experiences
If you’re looking for something big to do in the area, these are your best bets!
The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight | Saturday 11 April
Swifties, get ready to swap your bracelets and Shake It Off at Wakefield Cathedral. Breathtaking live performances of Taylor’s biggest hits will fill the historic space in an unforgettable candlelit setting. Choose from two sittings for a total atmospheric spectacular. Wakefield Cathedral, WF1 1HG
Tailgate Country Rock All Dayer | Saturday 18 April
Tailgate is back for 2026, and it’s officially the highlight of our April calendar. Head down to THE LOT for an all dayer packed with country rock vibes, live sets from Matt Hodges & friends, and a line-up of special guests. Expect plenty of sunshine, springtime BBQ goodness, and flowing drinks. Rock up early to grab a spot, and don’t miss the RBT Video afterparty! Lot, Wakefield, WF1 3BN
Farmer Copleys Tulip Festival | April – 4 May
Experience a massive burst of Dutch colour right here in the district. With over half a million tulips and 65 different varieties, this is the ultimate spring stroll. Farmer Copleys have gone full Netherlands this year, featuring a working windmill, a themed Dutch bar for snacks and drinks, and live music to set the soundtrack as you wander. It is incredibly dog friendly and packed with photo ops like vintage bikes, making it a guaranteed win for your Insta grid. Ravensknowle Farm, WF7 5AF
Diggerland Yorkshire | All April
The construction themed adventure park in Castleford is fully open for the Easter holidays. It is the perfect day out for kids to drive and ride full size machinery, from real diggers to dumper trucks. Castleford, WF10 5NW
Pontefract Races Season Opener | Tuesday 7 April
The flat season is officially back! Dust off your binoculars for the ultimate afternoon of local sporting action. Whether you are a into horse racing for the love of the game or just in it for the atmosphere and a glass of fizz, the Season Opener at Pontefract should be a good time. Pontefract Racecourse, WF8 4QD
Food and Drink
Whether it’s locally brewed beer, or festive wine and cheese tasting (is St George’s Day a festivity? Who knows!), there’s plenty of things to do in the area this month.
The Lost Social Pop-Up Taproom | 24 and 25 April
Join this friendly Whitwood craft brewery for their monthly HQ taproom weekend featuring fresh brews and vibrant Malaysian street food from Nasi Lemak. Expect bold, fragrant coconut rice and spicy sambal in a relaxed, dog friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone. If you can’t stay, grab a gift box or take advantage of a takeout discount. It’s the perfect hidden gem for a laid back Castleford afternoon. Whitwood, WF10 5PX
St George’s Day Wine and Cheese Tasting | Wednesday 22 April
Celebrate St George’s Day with The Last Drop Wine Tasting Events. This evening at Wrenthorpe Village Hall features English white, rosé, and sparkling wines paired with delicious English cheeses. Wrenthorpe Village Hall, WF2 0NS
Snack Bonanza at The Cricketers Beerhouse | 3 to 5 April
A weekend dedicated to the very best pub snacks including crisps, nuts, and meats. Live music runs all weekend, featuring Sally and Russ on Friday and Aelfen on Easter Sunday. Horbury, WF4 5AF
Music and Out Out
Looking for the best night out in Wakefield and Five Towns this April? From bottomless brunches in Pontefract and Britpop nostalgia to high energy Cuban nights in Wakefield the district’s nightlife scene is heating up.
80’s Bottomless Brunch at Myxology | Saturday 18 April
Rewind the clock for a party Myxology style. Expect 80’s anthems, throwback vibes, and flowing cocktails from 12pm to 7pm. Pontefract, WF8 1LG
Magic Mike Live at The Last Bank | Friday 24 April
Get ready for a bold, electrifying night as Magic Mike Live takes over. Expect a lotion filled, high energy spectacle with incredible dancing and an atmosphere that is wild, loud, and fun. Pontefract, WF8 1BG
Britpop Brunch at Old Post Office | Saturday 25 April
Head to Ropergate for a live band and a celebration of 90s nostalgia. It is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to relive the Cool Britannia era with a side of brunch. Pontefract, WF8 1LG
The Sunday Showdown: My Darling Clementine | Sunday 19 April
The CAT Club presents My Darling Clementine at The Robin Hood. Acclaimed as one of the finest Americana duets, they bring their critically acclaimed sound to Pontefract for two sittings (3pm and 6:30pm). The Robin Hood, Pontefract, WF8 1HG
Ignite Easter Party: Grand Theft Shuffle | Sunday 5 April
Level up your Easter Sunday at Jaspers Bar. Start with GTA anthems from 6pm before the Shuffle kicks in at 9pm with rock, indie, and pop-punk floorfillers. Jaspers Bar, Pontefract, WF8 1BG
Comet Club: Atomic Age Dancing | Saturday 11 April
The Comet Club brings mid-century music and vision to life. Blend smooth RnB grooves with 1950s Rock n Roll and 60s Swing, all set against a backdrop of atomic-age visuals. Carleton Grange Community Centre, WF8 3RJ
Surrender Dorothy at Jaspers Bar | Saturday 4 April
Fancy a night of the finest Grunge and Alternative Rock from the 90s onwards? Surrender Dorothy are bringing the noise to Jaspers for a high-energy Saturday set. Jaspers Bar, Pontefract, WF8 1BG
Havana Night at Qubana | Saturday 4 April
Get ready to transport yourself to the streets of Cuba as Havana Nights lands at Qubana. DJ Ziggy takes over the decks from 9pm, bringing those high-energy Latin beats to Wakefield city centre. Expect incredible cocktails and pure holiday vibes. Wakefield, WF1 2EL
Get Outdoors
With the warmer weather finally here, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and explore. Whether you’re going for a group jog with a great coffee or joining a guided wildlife walk at Fairburn Ings, April is all about soaking up the fresh air. If these specific events don’t spark joy, don’t forget to check out our curated guides to Accessible Walks and Forest Walks for even more local inspiration.
Spring Wildlife Guided Walk | Saturday 25 April
Witness Fairburn Ings burst into life this April. Join knowledgeable guides to spot returning migrants and vibrant warblers. Tickets include a complimentary hot drink. Castleford, WF10 2BH
Bar 23 Running Club | 4 and 11 April
Run Club is back for a scenic 5k morning run. It is a no-pressure, all-welcome kind of club designed to connect people and start your Saturday right. Pontefract, WF8 1LG
Wonders of Wakefield Cycle Ride | Sunday 5 April
Join the Cycle Wakefield team for a guided ride exploring the district. It is a great way to see the local sights and get some fresh air. Pugneys, Wakefield
Get Your Creativity Flowing
Whether you are looking to master a new craft, visit a world class gallery in Wakefield, or catch a unique exhibition in the Five Towns, April is packed with inspiration. From creative writing in Ossett to sustainable art at The Art House, discover the best things to do to get your creativity flowing this month.
Under the Lobby Lights | Wednesday 8 April
Join Kay Mahon, Julia Deakin, and Susan Butler for a fantastic night of Spoken Word at Lobby 1867. Open mic slots are available for those wanting to take the stage. Lobby 1867, Wakefield, WF1 1QR
Film Wakefield: An Evening With Industry | Thursday 9 April
Wakefield’s screen industry is growing fast, and this is your chance to get inside the room where it happens. Hosted at Policelot Ltd, this free evening brings together the district’s filmmakers, writers, and performers for a relaxed night of networking and expert panels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just curious about the local film scene, come along from 6pm to hear from industry ambassadors and discover the pipeline projects shaping the future of TV and film in the North. 22 Tadman Street, Wakefield, WF1 5RG
Earth to Cloth: Natural Dyeing Workshops | Tuesday 14 April
The Art House is hosting free natural dyeing workshops as part of their latest residency with Aidan Moesby. These sessions are perfect for those looking to connect with sustainable making in a professional studio environment. Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE
Women’s Restore and Connect Evening | Friday 10 April
A wellness and connect experience at The Kirklands Hotel. Enjoy wine glass painting, Temple Spa facial tasters, and wellness talks from female led businesses. The Kirklands Hotel, Wakefield, WF1 5AY
Moon Workshops at Newmillerdam | Thursday 2 April
Join Colour Witch by Raychel at The Boathouse on Newmillerdam Lake for gentle, creative spaces to reconnect. Choose from an afternoon Art Workshop or an evening Moon Craft session. Witchcraft with the best view in the district! Newmillerdam, WF2 6PZ
Animating a Miniverse Family Workshop | 1 to 10 April
Head to the National Coal Mining Museum for creative stop motion and model making sessions for kids. Overton, WF4 4RH
A Northern Conflict Talk | Sunday 19 April
Join volunteers at Pontefract Castle for a talk on the 15th-century feud between the Percies and the Nevilles. Booking is required as places are limited. Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH
The Debut Writers’ Book Club | Thursday 30 April
Meet at Books on the Lane to explore fiction from writers publishing for the very first time. Share your views among friends over a cuppa. Books on the Lane, Walton, WF2 6AS
Creative Writing and Lino Print Workshops | Various Dates
Lakeside Creative Arts Centre is hosting “Scribble Larks” creative writing and beginner lino print tote bag workshops this April. Perfect for finding your creative spark. Lakeside Creative Arts Centre, WF2 6QQ
Botanical Painting and Jesmonite Workshops | 14 and 25 April
A Touch of Craft Yorkshire is hosting a Beginners Botanical Painting class (14 April) and a Jesmonite Oval Tray workshop (25 April). Ossett, WF5 0HW
Nicola Turner: Time’s Scythe | Throughout April
Explore the striking new exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. While you are there, check out the YSP Made x Design Nation Showcase for local craftsmanship. West Bretton, WF4 4LG
Something Different
If you’re searching for something different in Wakefield and Five Towns here are some alternative events, from and creative workshops to tabletop gaming, try something new in April across the Wakefield district.
Paws at the Pub Dog Show | Saturday 4 April
Bring your four legged friends to The Red Kite for a family dog show in aid of the RSPCA. They’ll have stalls, a raffle, and plenty of fun categories. Durkar, WF4 3BB
Dog Life Drawing at WX | Saturday 11 April
A unique twist on traditional life drawing, because these models are dogs! Bring your creativity to capture local canine models in this relaxed session. Wakefield, WF1 1AS
Warhammer 40k: Return of the Geeks | Sunday 19 April
A full day of tabletop strategy and gaming. Connect with the local Warhammer community for an intensive 40k session starting at 9:30am. Pontefract, WF8 1DA
Theatre & Comedy
Looking for the best things to do in Wakefield district and love the theatre? From smash hit musicals at Theatre Royal Wakefield to high-energy comedy nights at WX, the district is packed with world class entertainment.
Rapunzel | 31 March to 5 April
The big Easter panto is back with all the glitter, gags, and hair-raising adventure you would expect. It is a great high-energy treat for the kids in the beautiful Victorian surroundings of the theatre. Theatre Royal, Wakefield
Haunted Shadows: The Gothic Tales of Edith Nesbit | Thursday 16 April
Step into the darkness with this atmospheric production bringing Nesbit’s ghostly stories to life. Directed by renowned horror expert Jonathan Rigby, this gripping insight into the darker side of Edith Nesbit, author of The Railway Children, won Claire Louise Amias the 2025 Hamilton Deane Award. A must for fans of classic Victorian horror. Theatre Royal, Wakefield
Tony Christie: A Life of Music | Wednesday 15 April
Celebrate 80 years of a legendary career as Tony Christie takes to the stage. Expect a journey through his biggest hits and a celebration of a true musical icon. Theatre Royal, Wakefield
The Invisible Man | Friday 17th April
A fresh, riotous take on the H.G. Wells classic. This fast-paced adaptation sees 15 different characters brought to life by just three energetic actors. Expect a theatrical, comedic retelling filled with quick costume changes, whacky imagination, and plenty of tongue in cheek fun. Fresh from a sell out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it’s a mystery that’s as impressive as it is silly. Theatre Royal, Wakefield
We Will Rock You | Wednesday 29 April to Saturday 2 May
The global smash-hit musical featuring the iconic music of Queen arrives in Wakefield. Set in a dystopian future where rock music is outlawed, follow the rebels Galileo and Scaramouche as they fight for freedom and the right to be different. Brought to the stage by the “theatrical powerhouse” Diva Productions, get ready for a high-octane performance packed with anthems you know and love. Theatre Royal, Wakefield
Comedy Night at WX | Saturday 25 April
A night of laughs featuring a sharp lineup of circuit comedians. Perfect for a Friday night out with friends and a few drinks from the bar. Wakefield, WF1 1AS
