Find out about the festivals, events, and activities coming to Rotherham, for everyone to enjoy!
BBC Soft Studio Workshop Programme
For four weeks this September, Creative Lives is taking over the Imperial Building courtyard and filling it with lots of fun creative activities.
Where: Imperial Buildings, High Street, Rotherham S60 1FF
When: Multiple sessions between 2 and 25 of September 2025
Cost: FREE
Grit and Graft
A series of exciting music and dance performances and workshops created by Rotherham artists Mark Fell and Rian Treanor in partnership with local schools, youth groups, and young people.
Enjoy a showcase day of highly accessible and socially engaged contemporary art that celebrates diversity and pushes boundaries of perception.
Where: The Empire Theatre, Ship Hill, S60 1PY, and The Hope Centre, Grove Road, S60 2ER
When: Saturday 12 October, 12:00pm to 5:00pm and 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Festival of Performing Arts
Unleash your creativity and celebrate Rotherham’s talented young people! Enjoy performances by students from Rotherham’s schools and colleges, and take part in free, family-friendly creative workshops.
Where: Rotherham Minster, Church Street, S60 1PD
When: Tuesday 21 October to Monday 27 October
Plug In & Play: Side Quests
Come and try out unique games designed by Rotherham’s young minds. Inspired by video games, these free family activities will pop up in beloved places and spaces across the borough in October half-term.
Where: Various venues including Clifton Park, Boston Castle, and Catcliffe Glass Cone
When: Monday 27 October to Thursday 30 October, 11:00am to 3:00pm
Plug In & Play: Final Level Finale
Game on this October half-term! Step into an immersive world of videogame adventures, right here in Rotherham. Enjoy one epic day of electronic quests and challenges in the town centre.
Where: Rotherham Town Centre
When: Friday 31 October, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Cast Offs Youth Drama Performance
A bold, brand-new theatre piece, created and performed by young people in collaboration with Chol Theatre and Arts.
Inspired by Cast Offs, a life-changing drama provision run by Rotherham’s Youth Services, this new play gives young people a platform to share their worries and wishes for how we can take care of our world.
Where: Rotherham Civic Theatre, Catherine Street, S65 1EB
When: Saturday 15 November
Big House | Short Films: An Interactive Film Festival
For four weeks this September, Creative Lives is taking over the Imperial Building courtyard and filling it with lots of fun creative activities.
Where: Wentworth Woodhouse
When: Saturday 15 November, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Tales Untapped: A Rotherham Opera
This autumn, Rotherham is creating and hosting what is thought to be the UK’s largest ever community opera!
Inspired by Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’, the spectacular Tales Untapped will feature storylines, songs, choreography, sets and performances co-created with over 2,000 of our borough’s children and young people.
Where: Magna Science Adventure Centre, Magna Way, S60 1FD
When: Tuesday 25 November and Wednesday 26 November
SELF: There's More To Me Than What You SEE
An exhibition by artist Rob Young, created in collaboration with local young people. Reflect on identity through interactive installations and thought-provoking displays.
Where: Clifton Park Museum
When: Saturday 3 May 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026
Cost: FREE
House of Fun
In 2025, Wentworth Woodhouse has been transformed into the House of Fun! Wentworth Woodhouse isn’t a whisper-while-you-walk stately home. It’s a place where children can lead the way, adults can let loose, and everyone is free to have fun in a space that belongs to us all.
Explore stories of parties, excess, and fun in a new playful and interactive exhibition – expect costumes, games, and the grandest playground you’ve ever stepped into!
Where: Wentworth Woodhouse
When: Tuesday 5th August to Sunday 16th November 2025
Gallery Town
From murals to sculptures to playful creations, Gallery Town transforms Rotherham into an outdoor art gallery and it’s all created by local children and young people!
This summer, look out for Rotherham Remix, a reimagination of All Saints’ Square through a surreal lens, blending real and fantastical imagery. Created by artist Ian Kirkpatrick in collaboration with 25 students from Bramley Sunnyside Junior School, the artwork features flying fish, dragons, and robots in a vibrant vision of Rotherham.
Where: Across the Rotherham Borough
When: All year round
Cost: FREE
Join us for Children's Capital of Culture 2025!
Together, we will make Rotherham a place that young people are proud to call home.
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