Bradford continues to shine as a beacon of culture in 2025, with its official status as the UK’s City of Culture offering more brilliant events as the weather gets warmer.
With the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to get out and about in Bradford to check out some of the incredible activities taking place, be it at Wibsey Park with younger family members or a chance to take in some cinematic goodness at Cannon Mills’ drive-in theatre.
That’s on top of St George’s Hall being taken over by orchestras, EDM DJs and an utter plethora of events at the pop up Loading Bay location - exclusive to Bradford2025.
We’ve rounded up 39 of the events and exhibitions taking place across April and May that are worth your time - and even travelling from afar to Bradford. Tickets and more information about the events are available through the Bradford2025 website.
But what’s caught our eye at the City of Culture in the next two months?
31. Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group (May 14)
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, will host the Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group for their only show in the North this year. The group, led by the nephews of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, performs Qawwali music, a Sufi tradition, known for its devotional and transcendent qualities. | Evan Dawnson
32. The Bradford Progress (May 17-18)
Various locations in Bradford will host this musical journey created by Paraorchestra, Charles Hazlewood, Jeremy Deller, and the people of Bradford. The event celebrates the music made in Bradford, featuring local musicians and singers in collaboration with Paraorchestra. | Karol Wyszynski
33. Nadine Shah (May 21)
St George’s Hall will present a concert by Mercury nominated singer-songwriter Nadine Shah. Known for her powerful voice and acclaimed album Filthy Underneath, Shah will perform with her band. | Bradford2025
34. Portrait of Mai (May 22-August 17)
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery will exhibit Sir Joshua Reynolds’ Portrait of Mai. The portrait depicts Mai, the first Polynesian to visit Britain, and the exhibition explores his story and the painting's significance. | Bradford2025
35. Tape Letters (May 23 – June 15)
Loading Bay will host Tape Letters, an exhibition exploring the practice of sending recorded messages on cassette tapes among Pakistani migrants to the UK. The exhibition features original cassette recordings, oral histories, transcripts, and portraits, offering a unique insight into this communication method. | Maryam Wahidb
36. Wild Uplands (May 24 – October)
Penistone Hill Country Park will showcase a series of new artworks created for the location's landscape. Featuring sculptures and site-specific installations by national and international artists, the exhibition reimagines the moorland setting. | Bradford2025