Understanding Society: A Festival of Social Science

Free

Understanding Society: A Festival of Social Science comes to venues across Sheffield this October and November. Showcasing Sheffield’s world-leading social scientists and their work on tackling some of the greatest problems facing society today.

Join the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University for a series of free, exciting and thought-provoking events exploring the ideas and issues that shape our everyday lives.

There's something for all ages and interests, including talks, debates, performances, exhibitions, films and quizzes, covering topics ranging from care robots to school dinners.

See the full programme.

Part of the national ESRC Festival of Social Science.

Featured in
Sheffield Festivals Guide

You might also like...

Westival 2025

Sun. 4 May 2025 — Sun. 18 May 2025

Showroom

A full retrospective of Wes Anderson’s cinematic works across two all-dayers. To celebrate the release of the director’s new feature film, The Phoenician Scheme.

Phazed Out

Sat. 3 May 2025

Network

A bank holiday festival of hardcore and alternative, headlined by New York hardcore legends Agnostic Front.

Society of Explorers

A curious, enthusiastic and creative collective of 14-to-19-year-olds, chatting, making and curating art from their Site Gallery base.

Steel City Beer & Cider Festival

Wed. 15 October 2025 — Sat. 18 October 2025

Kelham Island Museum

Sheffield CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) know a thing or two about good beer, cider and perry. Join them for their 2025 festival, provisionally set to take place on 15–18 October – check back soon for updates.