What’s On At Dean Clough This Weekend? Halifax Artisan Market, LEGO F1, Art Trails And More

If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls or just fancy doing something a bit different, Dean Clough in Halifax has packed this weekend with enough stuff to keep everyone entertained, without costing you a penny to get in. From live music and LEGO F1 cars to free art trails and face painting, it’s like someone took your Pinterest board and turned it into a real place.

Let’s break it down so you can plan your day (or weekend) out.

Big day out for families (and anyone who likes nice stuff)

You don’t need a big budget to have a proper good time. This Saturday and Sunday at Dean Clough, you’ll find a mash-up of family-friendly activities, tasty food, and genuinely interesting things to see. There’s even free parking, which is basically gold dust these days.

The centrepiece? The RSH Artisan Market is back on Sunday 27th July 2025, from 10am to 3pm. Expect 40+ stalls packed with handmade goodies, food, crafts, and that kind of local charm you just don’t get at chain shops. Plus, there’s live music, face painting for the little ones, and a market trail where kids can pick up a sticker, a sweet treat, and maybe even win a special prize. Pretty sure that beats dragging them round a supermarket.

Build your own F1 car… out of LEGO

Yep, you read that right. There’s a FREE LEGO “Make & Take” F1 workshop happening in the Crossley Gallery inside D Mill, running from 11am to 2pm. You can build your own Formula One car and take it home (while stocks last). Perfect for mini motorheads or any kid who’s obsessed with bricks and wheels.

There’s also LEGO on sale if you fancy topping up your home collection. Or just stepping on it later. Your choice.

Art that actually makes you stop and look

If your idea of art galleries is hushed rooms and confusing paintings, Dean Clough might change your mind. There are six free gallery spaces, and they’re not just for grown-ups who like reading plaque labels.

Here’s what’s on:

• Anthony Earnshaw – The Imp of Surrealism at Crossley Gallery (on until 28th September)
• Millie Thompson – Just As It Is in the Upstairs & Mosaic Galleries (until 17th August)
• Pete Defty: The Outlaw Project at the Focus Wall in D Mill Reception (until 10th August)

These aren’t massive exhibitions, so you can dip in and out while grabbing a coffee or chasing your toddler around.

Want to meet the artists? You can

The Mill House Artist Open Studios will be open too, meaning you can wander into actual working studios, see how stuff gets made, and have a natter with the artists. Think paint-splattered desks, scribbled notes, and loads of inspiration.

Trails, tunes and free fun

There’s a whole bunch of free trails you can pick up from D Mill reception. Whether it’s the Children’s Trail, the Art Trail, or a bit of local history with the Heritage Trail, it’s a great excuse to explore the site.

And the site itself? It’s made up of 16 Victorian mill buildings, once home to the world’s biggest carpet manufacturer. So yeah, it’s a bit cooler than your average shopping centre.

And if that’s not enough, there’s live jazz too, catch the Unity Jazz Trio at Stod Fold from 12pm to 2pm.

What else is open at Dean Clough?

Here’s a handy list of food, drink and shops you can drop into while you’re wandering around:

Food & Drink

• Spill Coffee House (8am–4pm, kitchen shuts at 3pm)
• Thai Corner (3pm–9pm)
• The Engine Room Halifax (9am–3pm)
• True North Restaurant (10am–5pm)
• Lucy’s Little Bake House (10am–3pm)
• Babar Khan Restaurant (4pm–11pm)
• Stod Fold Bar (12pm–8pm)

Shops & Wellness

• Design Shop (10am–4pm)
• Wed4Less Outlets (10:30am–5pm)
• Next Level (11am–10pm)
• Stanley’s Store (10am–3pm)
• Prestige Flowers Gift Shop (10am–3pm)
• Eight Wellness Club + café (8am–9pm)

Parking
Free all weekend. Use the West Entrance car park for easy access, and yes, there are EV chargers too.

TL;DR: Why you should go

• 40+ stalls at the artisan market (Sunday 27th July, 10–3)
• Free LEGO F1 workshop (Sunday, 11–2)
• Face painting, live jazz, trails, galleries
• Free entry and parking
• Proper day out without spending a fortune

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, want to support local makers, or just fancy mooching around somewhere that smells like good coffee and fresh paint, Dean Clough has you covered this weekend.

Go on. Make a day of it.