This website uses cookies. Read more about our cookie/privacy policy.

Accept and Close

The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

What's On

Our Sheffield culture calendar. Filled with picks of the city’s arts, culture and heritage events, both in-person and virtual. Plus reviews and festival guides.

I Saw the TV Glow

Thu. 23 July 2026

Showroom

Isolated teen Owen bonds with classmate Maddy over a mysterious late-night TV show. As their connection to the show deepens, they question their own reality and identities in this nostalgia-filled trans-allegory horror from director Jane Schoenbrun.

Freak Film Club presents: Tgirls Make Music

Thu. 23 July 2026

Showroom

A documentary about trans woman rapper and producer htmljones (Ishaani Ponniah), framed through the visual language of early-2000s television, 2010s internet aesthetics and contemporary British culture. Screening with a pre-recorded intro.

Stories From The Ancient World

Sun. 5 July 2026 — Sun. 26 July 2026

Showroom

In celebration of The Odyssey, throughout July the Showroom presents four classic films that in their own way portray stories of the ancient world.

Sheffield Cablevision

Thu. 2 July 2026 — Tue. 28 July 2026

Memory Dance

An exhibition about local TV station Sheffield Cablevision, on air from 1973 to 76. With rare archive footage, photos and objects from its programming of kids shows, sports, politics, music, comedy and more.

Free cinema: Sunny Dancer

Tue. 28 July 2026

Showroom

The Showroom is offering free tickets to see Bella Ramsey and James Norton's new coming-of-age comedy drama as part of nationwide free cinema initiative Escapes.

Star Man: David Bowie on Screen

Fri. 9 January 2026 — Thu. 30 July 2026

Showroom

Remembering the legendary David Bowie 10 years on from his unexpected death, Showroom presents a season showcasing his diverse on-screen career, from Goblin King to suave advertising exec.

The Odyssey [35mm]

Fri. 17 July 2026 — Thu. 30 July 2026

Showroom

The only cinema in Sheffield where you can witness The Odyssey on authentic 35mm film.

Backrooms: Everything Must Go with Bonus Footage

Fri. 3 July 2026 — Sun. 9 August 2026

A therapist's patient discovers a strange doorway in a furniture showroom basement. When he disappears beyond reality, she ventures into the unknown to find him, in this disquieting sci-fi horror. A special edition with extra post-credits footage.

PLAY Festival

Wed. 29 July 2026 — Sun. 9 August 2026

Showroom

A new summertime festival of interactive creativity for children and young audiences – for big and small screens. With an Aardman workshop, VR sessions, a Muppet all-dayer, chance to make your own stop-motion Moomin film, and lots more.

Handa Opera: Turandot on Sydney Harbour

Thu. 13 August 2026 — Sun. 16 August 2026

Showroom

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, celebrated director Chen Shi-Zheng brings a unique, contemporary perspective to the classic tale.

WTF: Possession [45th Anniversary]

Thu. 20 August 2026

Showroom

Bizarre. Brutal. Unforgettable. Andrzej Zulawski’s 1981 classic.

Playtime

Fri. 21 August 2026

Showroom

A view into a baffling modern world. Director Jacques Tati’s 1967 feature is one of the most ambitious films ever made – packed with slapstick and endless visual ingenuity, that both celebrates and satirises the urbanisation of modern life.

Spotlight: The Chorus (Les Choristes)

Fri. 18 September 2026

Showroom

The new teacher at a severely administered boys' boarding school works to positively affect the students' lives through music.

Exhibition on Screen: James McNeill Whistler

Tue. 15 September 2026 — Sun. 20 September 2026

Showroom

In an era of great change and great beauty emerged the character of James McNeill Whistler.

WTF: Survive Style 5+ [4K Restoration]

Thu. 24 September 2026

Showroom

Five bizarre stories with no apparent connection to one another eventually become intertwined, resulting in surreal circumstances.

Grease + Highway Child Live

Sat. 26 September 2026

Showroom

Join the Showroom as they bring Grease to the big screen, followed by a performance by local rock n roll band Highway Child.

Spirit of Independence Film Festival

Fri. 25 September 2026 — Sun. 27 September 2026

The Light, The Moor, S1 4PF

A celebration of fiercely independent filmmaking, showcasing raw, bold and passionate films from around the world.

Festival of the Mind

A biennial festival of new ideas. Bringing together the city's creative community and its academic minds through exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more. Stay tuned for dates and details for the next Festival of the Mind in autumn 2026.

Charlie Chaplin: The Gold Rush

Mon. 19 October 2026

Crucible Theatre

Charlie Chaplin’s most ambitious and successful silent comedy presented in a gorgeous restoration. With Chaplin’s own Academy Award-nominated score, performed live by Music in the Round residents, Ensemble 360 and friends, conducted by George Morton.

Sensoria

Thu. 22 October 2026 — Sun. 25 October 2026

Sheffield's festival of film and music. Expect a truly unique mix of performance, live film scores, screenings, exhibitions, and music industry activity. Come back soon for details of the Sensoria 2026 lineup.

WTF: Audition [4K Restoration]

Thu. 29 October 2026

Showroom

This disturbing Japanese thriller follows Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who decides to start dating again. Aided by a film-producer friend (Miyuki Matsuda), Aoyama uses auditions for a fake production to function as a dating service.

Celluloid Screams

Showroom

Sheffield’s horror film festival returns every October – getting you spooked just in time for Halloween. Come back closer to the time for details of Celluloid Screams 2026.

Exhibition on Screen: Renoir & Love

Tue. 19 January 2027 — Sun. 31 January 2027

Showroom

Founding member of the Impressionist movement, Pierre-Auguste Renoir is one of the world’s favourite artists. Exhibition on Screen brings his world class works to cinema audiences.

Royal Ballet & Opera 2026-27

Showroom

The Royal Ballet and Opera bring their work to global audiences next this season, presenting nine productions in cinemas.