Arty Nights Out in Wakefield

Artwalk is Wakefield’s free evening celebrating art, performance, music, heritage and culture, and it takes place on the final Wednesday of every other month.

Diverse venues from across the city – including galleries, churches, bars and restaurants – open their doors late, filling their spaces with an eclectic range of art disciplines from Wakefield’s vibrant creative community.

Artwalkers can enjoy traditional sketching and painting, ceramics, jewellery, needle-work, sculpture, photography, performance art, music, and spoken word to name a few.

Previous venues have included Westgate Studios, The Art House, Wakefield Cathedral, Wakefield Museum, WX and many more.

The last Artwalk of 2025 is 26 November – check the Artwalk website for programme details!

The Hepworth Wakefield is known for its exciting exhibitions programme – and their vibrant opening parties are a fantastic way to have an arty night out.

Held in the beautiful Hepworth Wakefield Garden to celebrate the launch of major new exhibitions, these special evening events offer after-hours access to the galleries, plus a buzzing atmosphere with music, talks, food and drink.

Completely free to attend – and no need to RSVP – opening parties are a great way to experience The Hepworth in a more informal, sociable setting. Previous events have featured pop-up bars and foodie experiences, live DJs, sneak-peeks of The Hepworth’s speciality markets and more.

The next opening party is on Friday 21 November as part of Light Up Wakefield and celebrates the launch of Playing with Fire and Unspeak the Chorus – as well as giving you a sneak-peek at The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market!

Other dates vary, but coincide with the opening of new exhibitions, so keep an eye on The Hepworth Wakefield website or sign up to our newsletter so you never miss out on the latest dates!

📸 © JMA Photography

The Art House is home to some of Wakefield’s most thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions, often from grass-roots, up-and-coming artists, and their drinks receptions offer the chance to see the latest works before they open to the public.

These evening preview events are an opportunity to hear directly from the exhibiting artists, with short talks or introductions often forming a central part of the event. Visitors can explore the galleries after hours, enjoy a complimentary drink, and delve into the themes behind the exhibition in a relaxed, inclusive setting.

Previous receptions have launched exhibitions involving film, sculpture, mixed-media, light installations and socially engaged practice – often developed during residencies at The Art House itself.

Like The Hepworth, dates are tied to new exhibition openings, so keep an eye on The Art House website or their Experience Wakefield listing for what’s coming up next.

WX’s creative craft evenings invite you to try your hand at a new artistic skill each month in laid-back evening sessions.

The next craft evenings are Halloween Pumpkin Painting (30 October), Bauble Painting (13 November) and Wreath Making (11 December). All the sessions take place from 7pm-9pm (so you’re not too late to bed…), and tickets are £20.

Guided by professional artists, and with all materials (and inspiration!) provided, you’ll explore creative techniques to craft unique artworks in a cosy and supportive atmosphere.

Grab a delicious drink, courtesy of The Exchange Tap (alcoholic or not – depending on how brave you’re feeling!) and let your imagination flow in these relaxed group settings as you build skills, make friends, and leave with beautiful pieces perfect for displaying at home.

This year’s Light Up Wakefield is an art aficionado’s dream come true! With more dazzling light installations than ever before illuminating Wakefield city centre, this night-time extravaganza of light and colour will delight

Start your adventure at the Event Hub in WX – Wakefield Exchange and pick up a free trail map to locate all the art installations appearing across the city.

Become the artist and unleash your imagination at ‘Let’s Draw’ where you can create designs for an ever-changing digital mural. Let the stunning, Norse mythology inspired ‘Ship of the Gods’ take your breath away, or step into the ‘Rhythm of Rhubarb’ – a surreal, otherworldly landscape where giant rhubarb stalks pulse, ripple and glow. Journey through dreamscapes with ‘Rever’, a vivid symphony of radiance and sound – and lots more.

Plus, enjoy crafts, cocktails and more at Late for Light Up at The Art House and more fantastic fringe events!