Family day ideas
Plan around nap times and meals
Rainy or shine, term-time or holidays — a ready-made list of things to do with the kids. See our top picks for family-friendly events, things to do in Pontefract and Wakefield.
Get family day ideasLocal ideas this week
Discover things to do in Pontefract and Wakefield.
From castle grounds and riverside galleries to Sunday markets and midweek open mic nights, your next outing is closer than you think. Handpicked events, venues, and local guides for Pontefract and Wakefield — updated by people who actually live here.
Introduction
West Yorkshire's best-kept secrets are worth discovering
West Yorkshire doesn't shout about itself, and that's exactly why it's worth exploring. Pontefract and Wakefield are two towns with centuries of history, genuinely lovely green spaces, and a steady stream of markets, gigs, exhibitions, and family days out that rarely make it beyond the local Facebook group.
What's On Local brings it all together in one place. Whether you've lived here for years and fancy trying somewhere new, or you've just moved to the area and don't know where to start, we'll help you find something worth doing this weekend — free, family-friendly, or just a bit different.
West Yorkshire
Pontefract
A compact local guide to markets, castle grounds, family days, and evening culture across Pontefract.
Discover Pontefract
West Yorkshire
Wakefield
A broader city guide covering gigs, theatre, exhibitions, and after-work plans across Wakefield.
Discover Wakefield
family Free
Castle Explorer Trail
A relaxed family trail around Pontefract Castle with story stops and activity sheets.
Thursday 30 July at 11:00
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract
Great for school-holiday discovery queries and weekend family intent.
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music £12 + booking fee
Indie Club Night
A Friday-night mix of live support acts followed by an indie dancefloor set.
Friday 31 July at 20:00
Warehouse 23, The Murrays, Wakefield
Designed to fit city-centre after-work and late-night browsing patterns.
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family £10 / £6 concessions
Hepworth Late + Makers
An evening gallery opening with creative workshops, music, and local food pop-ups.
Monday 3 August at 18:30
The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield
Works well for “things to do in Wakefield this weekend” and cultural discovery pages.
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music £8 advance
Friday Jazz Social
A low-key live jazz evening with drinks, small plates, and a late-summer feel.
Monday 3 August at 19:30
The Capri @ The Vine, 8 Southgate, Pontefract
Shows how the MVP can promote “what is on this weekend in Pontefract”.
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Evening plans
Simple ideas for date night
No reservations required. Low-key, easy-to-plan ideas for an evening out that doesn't need three weeks' notice or a babysitter rota.
Plan a date nightVisitors & weekends
Build a local weekend itinerary
Just moved to Pontefract or Wakefield? Our quick-start guide covers the essentials — getting around, where the locals actually go, and what's on this month.
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Guides and articles for locals and visitors alike
Best free things to do this month
Not every good day out needs a ticket. Every month, we round up the best free things happening across Pontefract and Wakefield — from castle grounds and park walks to free gallery entry and community markets. Here's what's worth your time this month, no spending required.
Rainy day backup plans
This is West Yorkshire, so let's be honest about the weather. When the forecast turns, these indoor options for families and groups mean the day doesn't have to be a write-off — from museums and soft play to cinema trips and cosy cafés with room to linger.
Local favourites from residents
The best recommendations don't come from a search engine, they come from people who actually live here. We've asked Pontefract and Wakefield residents what they'd tell a friend to do, see, or eat — plus the seasonal traditions that come round every year and are always worth catching.