Boyband in The Buff: Starring Gareth Gates
Gareth Gates performs a musical tribute to boybands in a live stage show at O2 Academy Leeds.
THECITYBRIEF
Bradford
What's On in Bradford – Events This Week & Things To Do
Subscribe now for a free, weekly personalised email on what's going on in Bradford.
Delivered every Thursday.
By subscribing, you agree to receive weekly emails from The City Brief. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Free forever. No spam.
We've sent an email to confirm your address.
You'll receive your first city brief this coming Thursday.
Free forever. No spam.
Only for Bradford and what matters to you.
One email. Every Thursday. No noise.
No spam, no cost.
In Cottingley, where photography history echoes through sunlit trees and the old Odeon’s music has returned, a quiet pulse of activity marks the city. Between Ilkley Moor's open moorland and Bradford Live, redeveloped from the former Odeon Cinema into a major performance space, you’ll find events worth noting if you don’t scroll past them. We don’t flood your inbox. We send only what matters: local highlights, rooted in textile history and cinematic legacy, all curated so you can live it, not search for it.
A peek inside recent issues
Events in Bradford This Weekend
Heritage Craft Workshop: Leatherwork - Glasses Case
Attend a hands-on workshop to create a leather glasses case using traditional craft techniques.
Leeds Tattoo Expo 2026
Leeds Tattoo Expo 2026 features 200+ international tattoo artists and a curated market at the First Direct Arena.
Heritage Craft Workshop: Leather Notebook Cover
A hands-on workshop at Bradford Industrial Museum teaches attendees to craft leather notebook covers using traditional techniques.
Cfsuk26 Culture in Motion: The Fashion & Culture Runway Show
A fashion and culture runway show blending live performance with immersive design at Leeds Dock.
The Lower Angel Band
The Lower Angel Band performs live at The Attic in Leeds.
Events in Bradford This Week
Bradford School of Art And Producing Academy End of Year Show 2026
An end-of-year art exhibition showcasing student work from the Bradford School of Art and Producing Academy.
Dermot Kennedy
Singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy performs a live concert at the Leeds First Direct Bank Arena.
Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped
Singer Rebecca Ferguson performs a special concert celebrating 15 years of her music career at City Varieties Music Hall.
30S & 40s Single's Mixer Event With Love at First Sign
A themed dating event in Leeds uses astrology to spark conversations among single adults.
Mc Hammersmith
MC Hammersmith performs a live freestyle rap set at The Wardrobe Leeds during his third tour.
Indie Thursdays
Indie Thursdays feature live indie music performances at O2 Academy Leeds.
Explore Events by Category
Looking for something specific in Bradford?
What Readers Are Saying
The City Brief keeps me in the loop on local events. I never miss a thing anymore.
A newsletter that actually covers what's happening and not full of ads. Highly recommend.
Simple, useful, and delivered right to my inbox. Exactly what I needed.
It's the main place I check to see what's on at the weekend. Saves me doom-scrolling through everything else.
The City Brief makes it easy to spot the good stuff before everyone else does.
Upcoming Events by Category
Culture & Arts
Mama (we All go to Hell)
MAMA (We All Go to Hell) is a theatrical performance at The Bradford Playhouse - Studio@ on 12 June 2026.
Tedxheaton
TEDxHeaton features a day of inspiring talks on innovation, creativity, and social impact at Bradford Grammar School.
Bradford Chorale's 50th Anniversary Concert
Bradford Chorale performs a special concert to mark its 50th anniversary at St John the Evangelist Church.
Family & Kids
Prize Day 2026 Tickets - y7-y12 - Deadline 12th June
Prize Day 2026 at Woodhouse Grove School is open for Y7-Y12 student ticket purchases, with the deadline on 12th June.
Fitness & Outdoors
Goat Soundbath
A relaxing sound bath experience with goats at Windle House Farm.
Nightlife & Music
Dermot Kennedy
Singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy performs a live concert at the Leeds First Direct Bank Arena.
Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped
Singer Rebecca Ferguson performs a special concert celebrating 15 years of her music career at City Varieties Music Hall.
30S & 40s Single's Mixer Event With Love at First Sign
A themed dating event in Leeds uses astrology to spark conversations among single adults.
Mc Hammersmith
MC Hammersmith performs a live freestyle rap set at The Wardrobe Leeds during his third tour.
Indie Thursdays
Indie Thursdays feature live indie music performances at O2 Academy Leeds.
Shopping & Markets
Heritage Craft Workshop: Leatherwork - Glasses Case
Attend a hands-on workshop to create a leather glasses case using traditional craft techniques.
Leeds Tattoo Expo 2026
Leeds Tattoo Expo 2026 features 200+ international tattoo artists and a curated market at the First Direct Arena.
Heritage Craft Workshop: Leather Notebook Cover
A hands-on workshop at Bradford Industrial Museum teaches attendees to craft leather notebook covers using traditional techniques.
Leeds Ceramics Market at Sunken Studio
Artisans showcase handmade ceramics at a local market hosted by Sunken Studio.
Heritage Craft Workshop: "Nag Hamadi" Codex Style Travel Notebook
Participants create travel notebooks inspired by the Nag Hamadi Codex at Bradford Industrial Museum.
Featured Places in Bradford
Comedy Venue
AbsAbs is a comedy venue on Wellington Street in Bingley, part of Bradford’s wider urban area.
View Info →Food & Drink
Ameen'sYou can find Ameen's on West Street in Bradford, serving dependable Middle Eastern food with a family-run focus.
View Info →Food & Drink
Aunty Wainwright's KitchenYou can find Aunty Wainwright's Kitchen on Wood Street in central Bradford.
View Info →Nightlife & Music
Bar T'atBar T'at is on Great Horton Road in Bradford and offers regular live music events, particularly on weekend evenings.
View Info →Bistro
Bavette BistroBavette Bistro is a casual dining spot on Westgate Street in Bradford.
View Info →Bradford Places And Events Guides
Things to do in Bradford
Events across Bradford unfold in areas like Cottingley and Saltaire, where heritage connects with culture. The Alhambra Theatre hosts stage performances in a Grade II listed building from the early 20th century. Music events take place at Bradford Live, a redeveloped cinema now becoming a major live music venue after an £22 million project. Families can visit Cottingley Beck or walk along Saltaire’s riverfront path, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves Victorian mill architecture. Food experiences come through markets like Darley Street Market, seasonal events such as Mela at City Park, and Bradford Christmas Market. The National Science and Media Museum runs film-related programming weekly with Subtitled Sundays, including BRADSTOCK 2026 activities. Exhibitions on photography history reference Elsie Wright’s father's camera from Cottingley. Fitness is available near Ilkley Moor, part of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Events across categories such as Food & Drink, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Family & Kids, and Shopping & Markets happen in places including Cottingley and Saltaire. Annual events like the Bradford International Film Festival and Mela celebrations occur at City Park.
Common Bradford Questions
What kinds of events happen in Bradford during the week?
Weekly events include theatre performances at The Alhambra Theatre, a Grade II listed venue with early 20th-century origins. Cultural programming is led by the National Science and Media Museum, which hosts exhibitions on photography history, particularly connected to Cottingley Beck, where Elsie Wright’s father used his camera during the famous fairies photographs. Events also occur at Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Titus Salt for mill workers; it now hosts seasonal gatherings showcasing industrial heritage. Food experiences highlight local producers near Darley Street Market. Exhibitions are common at Lister Mills, redeveloped from former textile mills into residential spaces with shared community areas across the city.
Where do most events take place in Bradford?
Central venues such as The Wool Exchange and City Hall host regular programming. Events also happen on Ilkley Moor, a public access area within Yorkshire Dales National Park used for outdoor activities. Saltaire remains key due to its preserved Victorian architecture; similarly, Cottingley Beck reflects the region’s historical interest in photography. The Alhambra Theatre continues as an anchor venue for drama and music.
Are there family-friendly things to do in Bradford?
Yes. Children can visit interactive exhibitions at National Science and Media Museum or join workshops during Mela or Subtitled Sundays. Green space access is available along Cottingley Beck, which links to Ilkley Moor via public footpaths suitable for outdoor exploration.
What nightlife and music events happen in Bradford?
Live performances occur across genres at redeveloped venues such as the former Odeon Cinema now known as 'Bradford Live', a £22 million project transforming it into one of Britain’s largest live music halls with a 4,000 capacity. The Alhambra Theatre also stages evening shows featuring drama and musical acts.
How can I find events happening this week or this weekend in Bradford?
Browse curated listings for current activities across Culture & Arts, Family & Kids, Fitness & Outdoors using venue filters such as National Science and Media Museum or Wool Exchange. Seasonal highlights include Mela and Subtitled Sundays with late-night options available from live gigs to themed events at city centre hubs like 147 Sports Bar during Nightlife & Music category.