What Events Are On At Dean Clough Halifax This August 2025?

Ever get that feeling the summer holidays are flying by and you've not done half the cool stuff you planned? Well, what if there was a place that had art, food, history, and massive community events all in one spot? And what if it was right on the doorstep in Halifax?

Dean Clough has got a whole list of exciting attractions lined up for August, and it's not just one type of thing. It's a proper mix. From amazing artistic workshops and free public gallery exhibitions to a huge Pride celebration and a brilliant outdoor Artisan Market, there's genuinely something for everyone. And the best bit? It's an award-winning destination that's easy to get to, with plenty of public transport just minutes away and even free parking at weekends. So, here's the full list of what's on at Dean Clough from this weekend and beyond.

A bit about this historic venue

Before jumping into the events, it's worth knowing that Dean Clough isn't just any old place. This historic venue has a story. Picture this: it was once home to the largest carpet manufacturing business in the entire world. Yep, right here in Halifax. That's a pretty big deal. Now, it's been transformed into a buzzing hub of culture, business, and fun. It's kept its amazing Victorian mill backdrop but filled it with modern creativity. Walking around, you get a real sense of that history mixed with all the new, exciting attractions happening today.

Get your art fix with these public gallery exhibitions

If you fancy a bit of culture, the public gallery spaces at D Mill are packed with brilliant exhibitions. And they're not the stuffy, silent kind of galleries either. This is art that gets you talking. The galleries are open weekdays from 9am to 5pm and weekends from 10am to 4pm.

Here's what you can see:

• Anthony Earnshaw: The Imp of Surrealism at the Crossley Gallery, D Mill. This is a celebration of Earnshaw's rebellious, rule-defying spirit. He was self-taught and wasn't bothered by traditional art rules. His surreal, playful works turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's on until Sunday, 28th September 2025.
• Millie Thompson: Just As It Is in the Upstairs & Mosaic galleries, D Mill 1st floor. Ever looked at a cluttered corner of a room and seen something beautiful? That's what Millie does. Her hyper-real paintings capture everyday moments - the overlooked objects and messy spaces - and transform them into moving, intimate studies of modern life. It's like seeing your own world in a whole new way. But be quick, this one is ongoing until Sunday, 17th August 2025.
• Nudrat Afza: Kehilla at the Photography Gallery, D Mill 2nd floor. Starting from Saturday, 16th August, this is a deeply evocative photographic series. Nudrat Afza documents Bradford's diminishing Jewish community with a quiet intensity that's incredibly powerful. It's a thoughtful and important look at local history and community. This exhibition runs all the way to Sunday, 19th October 2025.
• Kate Sully: The Upside Down in the Upstairs & Mosaic galleries, D Mill 1st floor. Launching on Saturday, 23rd August, this is a vibrant and thoughtful series. Kate Sully explores dementia and perception through bold abstract shapes and playful experimentation. It's a colourful and moving collection that will make you think about how we all see the world differently. It's showing until Sunday, 5th October 2025.

The big events you won't want to miss

Beyond the galleries, Dean Clough is hosting some massive events this August that are perfect for a family day out or a get-together with mates.

First up is Calderdale Pride 2025! Taking place on Saturday, 16th August, this is going to be huge. The E Mill Courtyard will be buzzing as they welcome over 20,000 people for a day filled with exhilarating live entertainment. The press release says it's set to be "bigger, bolder and more fabulous than ever!" Expect a full day of music, fun, and celebration from 12pm until 10pm. It's a completely free event, with no booking required. Just turn up and join the party.

Then, there's the fantastic outdoor Artisan Market in the D Mill Courtyard. After two hugely successful events, it's back on Sunday, 24th August, from 10am to 3pm. With over 50 stalls, you can find a fine selection of high-quality, handmade goods, food, and crafts from local artisans and traders. Set against that stunning Victorian mill backdrop, it's a brilliant atmosphere. There will also be live music and even face painting to keep the little ones happy. It's another free entry event, so there's no reason not to pop down. These markets take place on the fourth Sunday of each month.

For the foodies: Padres Tacos Takeover

Feeling peckish after all that art and shopping? You're in luck. Padres Tacos are continuing their residency at Stod Fold in the D Mill Courtyard. They'll be taking over the kitchen to conjure up the best tacos around. Seriously, forget anything you think you know about tacos. This is a fiesta full of flavour that's perfect for sharing with friends. They'll be serving on these dates in August 2025:

• Friday, 15th August & Saturday, 16th August (from 6pm on Friday and 5:30pm on Saturday)
• Friday, 29th August & Saturday, 30th August (from 6pm on Friday and 5:30pm on Saturday)

It's the perfect way to round off a day at the historic venue, especially during the Calderdale Pride weekend.

Something fun for the kids (and big kids!)

To go along with the Artisan Market, there's a fun activity for the whole family. It's the Market Trail! The story goes that some of the market traders have lost their stock around the site and they need your help to find it. You can pick up a trail map from the D Mill reception, follow the clues, and write down what you find. Once you're done, just hand your completed sheet back in at reception to win a prize and get entered into a special prize draw. It's a great way to explore the whole of Dean Clough and have a bit of an adventure. The trail runs on Sunday, 24th August from 10am to 3pm and is completely free.