May half term in Sheffield city centre
Get ready for a fun-filled half term in Sheffield city centre.
Here's a round up of just a few of the things you may want to seek out over the May half term period for some guaranteed fun for all ages.
đ Article published 13 May 2026. All information correct at time of publication.
Editorial note: This guide highlights a selection of events and activities that are happening between Saturday 23 May and Sunday 31 May 2026 to support orientation and discovery. It is not intended as a complete list of every event or activity that is taking place in Sheffield city centre during this time.
Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May
Sheffield Food Festival
đ Fargate and Peace GardensÂ
Sheffield Food Festival returns to the city centre to celebrate 15 years as one of the cityâs biggest free events for all ages.
Expect a wide variety of food and drink (from more than 60 traders), alongside live music and plenty of festival fun.Â
Visit the Sheffield Food Festival website for full details of what is sure to be a packed weekend.
Saturday 23 to Friday 29 May
Robots to the Rescue
đ National Emergency Services Museum
Visit the National Emergency Services Museum and discover how robots help the 999 services save lives.
The museum will be filled with hands-on activities, including designing and building your own robot, the robot-driving challenge, moving and lifting objects robot-style, a robot trail, and more.
Visit the National Emergency Services Museum website for full details.
Please note the Museum is closed on Tuesday 26 May.Â
Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May
Sheffield of Stories: The Big Sheffield Build
đ National Videogame Museum
Grab your pickaxe, choose your blocks and head to the National Videogame Museum to add your own build to their Sheffield-inspired Minecraft world.
The National Videogame Museum and Sheffield DocFest have teamed up with Minecraft artist Adam Clarke to create Sheffield in Minecraft, block by block, and they need your help to build it!
The final build will be presented as the centrepiece of Sheffield DocFestâs free Alternative Realities Exhibition (Wednesday 10 to Monday 15 June) hosted at Yorkshire Artspace, which explores the creative possibilities of gaming worlds.
Visit the National Videogame website for details.
Sunday 24 May
Custom Car Show
đ The Moor
Car lovers, enthusiasts, and families are in for a real treat as The Moor hosts a spectacular Custom Car Show.
Over one hundred custom and modified vehicles will be on show. From immaculate restorations to powerful performance builds, this is your chance to see these impressive cars up close.
Visit The Moor website for full details.
Sunday 24 May
Back to the Bangers
đ Sheffield Cathedral
Sing your heart out with on-screen lyrics and live piano accompaniment.Â
Sheffield Cathedral invites you to enjoy an afteroon full of laughter and feel-good nostalgia as Back to the Bangers brings the joy of school assemblies, with all your favourite classics.
Visit Sheffield Cathedral website for full details.Â
Sunday 24Â to Sunday 31 May
May half term activities
đ Waterstones, Orchard Square
Visit Waterstones in Orchard Square, for fun activities including a book themed treasure hunt around the children's section, activity sheets, and the regular story-time on Wednesday 27 May at 11am.Â
Visit Waterstones website for full details.
Monday 25 to Friday 29 May
Frog Trail
đ Sheffield Cathedral
Get ready to bounce, hop and leap around the Frog Trail at Sheffield Cathedral this half term. Follow the leap pads around the building to collect all the tadpoles and collect your prize.
Visit Sheffield Cathedral website for full details.
Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May
Creative Holiday Hub
đ Crucible Rehearsal Room, Sheffield Theatres
Sheffield Theatres are offering a packed week full of creative adventures for 8-12 year olds.
The Creative Holiday Hub could be the perfect way to combine creative learning with childcare this half term.
Tuesday 26Â to Friday 29 May
Free family art workshops with ArtWorks 2026
đ Cambridge Street Collective
Bring your family to Cambridge Street Collective to join in a free fun, relaxed and creative art session run by artists from Sheffield based company ArtWorks.
Artists will guide you from âwhat is that, what does it meanâ to âwow thatâs cool and I can show you what I think and feel about itâ!
For full details on these workshops and other events taking place at Cambridge Street Collective during the May half term period, visit the Cambridge Street Collective events page.Â
Wednesday 27 May
Family Activity: Painting Stories
đ Millennium Gallery
Taking place at the Millennium Gallery, families will have a go at drawing stories using paint and colour, all inspired by the new exhibition at the Graves Gallery, When the Day is Done: New Paintings by Ryan Mosley.
You'll be helped to create artworks to take away with you.
Visit the Sheffield Museums website for more details.
Thursday 28 May
Justin Live! Justin Time to ROCK
đ Lyceum
Justin Fletcher is back on stage in a brand-new live show!
Get ready to sing, dance and laugh along with BAFTA Award-winning Justin, star of Something Special, Justinâs House, Gigglebiz and Gigglequiz as he and his friends are back in a brand-new live theatre show bursting with music, dancing and plenty of giggles.
Visit the Sheffield Theatres website for details.
Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May
Craft Workshop & Paw Trail
đ The Moor
This vibrant event is part of the Pride of Yorkshire celebrations and offers a perfect day out for families looking for free entertainment in the city centre.
Get creative with craft workshops
Children can take part in hands-on craft sessions where theyâll design their very own lion mask or create a unique Pride of Yorkshire masterpiece. These workshops are perfect for sparking imagination and giving little ones something special to take home.
Follow the Paw Trail
Visitors can also join the Paw Trail, exploring The Moor to find hidden lion paw prints. Those who complete the trail will be in with a chance to win a prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day.
Meet Scales & Tails
Adding to the experience, Scales & Tails will be hosting interactive reptile encounters, giving visitors the chance to get up close with fascinating creatures in a safe and engaging environment.
Visit The Moor's website for details.
This activity is linked to the Pride of Yorkshire trail which will be running across Sheffield city centre and the whole of South Yorkshire between Monday 8 June and Sunday 6 September.Â
