A month-long celebration of The Outdoor City
Sheffield is the city where nature and culture intertwine. As the 4th biggest city in the country we have culture galore, but when you combine that with 61% greenspace and some of the best walking, climbing, biking and running you could possibly wish for (along with 5 rivers running through the city) you'll see we have a pretty important relationship with the outdoors.
And so every March the city celebrates the days getting longer, drier, and warmer so that we can enjoy the unique place that is Sheffield, by hosting the Festival of the Outdoors.
The Outdoor City teams up with everything from large scale international sporting events to small scale community gatherings; from photo walks to some of the worlds hardest bouldering problems; from outdoor markets to film festivals.
Scroll for some of this year's highlights below or see the full list of events here.
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF)
3 - 5 March
Bringing the wild outdoors into the heart of the city, with over 100 of the best new adventure, travel and extreme sports films from around the world.
Now in its 18th year, ShAFF is the largest urban adventure film festival in the UK and welcomes everyone, whether you're an outdoors enthusiast or an armchair adventurer.
Rab Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF)
18 - 19 March
A bouldering competition... but with a difference! With climbers coming from across the world, CWIF offers the chance to see top-level athletes in a brilliantly intimate setting, but not without plenty of fancy dress and fun competitions going on alongside.
Sheffield Half Marathon
26 March
One of the best attended Half Marathons in the country, with some of the most scenic views too!
The route takes runners from the city centre, right out to the boundary of the Peak District National Park (so yes, it's hilly!) and back again. Whether you're running or spectating, expect an incredible atmosphere!
Pollen Market
19 March
Set along the award-winning Grey to Green corridor in Castlegate, Pollen has flourished to become one of Sheffield’s best loved outdoor markets.
With another special edition planned for Festival of the Outdoors, there'll be lots of extended activities happening alongside the standard fare of greenery, live music, art and amazing local produce.
Park Hill Uprise - Urban Cyclo Hill Climb
Saturday 25 March
Sheffield Urban CX returns to iconic Park Hill to offer an uphill cyclocross event with a difference. There’ll be three chances to claim victory over two runs of Cobbled Climbs, all in the shadow of Europe’s largest listed building.
The Outdoor City SUP Taster experience
Every Saturday & Sunday in March
Join DC Outdoors for a Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) experience in the heart of Sheffield at the historic Victoria Quays. Once you've got to grips with the board, you’ll go on a small adventure along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.
Indie Beer Feast
3 - 4 March
Kicking off Sheffield Beer Week in style… the Indie Beer Feast is a two-day indie craft beer festival, taking place at Trafalgar Warehouse.
Showcasing great quality, independent, craft beer from the UK and around the globe, you can expect a host of exceptional brewery bars, along with fine cider, street food, natural wine and a whole lot of fun.
Sheffield Beer Week
6 - 12 March
Taking place on the second week of March each year, Sheffield Beer Week is a citywide celebration, across multiple venues in Sheffield.
Many of the city’s bars, pubs and restaurants join forces with local, national and international breweries to present unique beery events. There's normally a few outdoorsy ones too, to tie in with Festival of the Outdoors...
Skate Jam
19 March
Join Skateboard GB and The House Skatepark for their 2023 Skate Jam, at the Skate Park in Castlegate- the UK's only purpose-built city centre skateboard area.
Expect loads of extra features for anyone to skate throughout the day, appearances by British pro skateboarders and cash prizes for tricks.
South Yorkshire Orienteers Events
1, 11, 16 & 29 March
Once again, there's plenty of opportunity to give orienteering a go in this year's Festival of the Outdoors, as South Yorkshire Orienteers are hosting four events throughout the month. Take your pick from urban orienteering in Kelham Island, to Night Orienteering at North Lees and Dusk Orienteering on Loxley Common, plus the popular Saturday Series at Norfolk Heritage Park.
Walking Events Roundup
There's a fantastic variety of walking events on offer as part of this year's festival!
From guided tours of Europe's largest listed-building to exploring the city's suburbs and surprising green spaces.
You can take a Ghost Walk with Strange Sheffield or discover all about the history of Kelham Island on a walking tour.
See Full Programme
Browse the full list of events taking place as part of this year's Festival of the Outdoors.
Want your event to be part of FOTO 23?
Every year, as well as listing all events on a dedicated section of this website, we produce a large format printed guide which gets distributed throughout the city.
The Festival of the Outdoors is about community as much as it's about world leading athletes - so if you're putting on a wellbeing event for new parents going on a buggy walk, running a photography competition, or putting on some great cultural activities - please let us know by filling out a form and submitting your event.
Please just make sure you include in the title 'FOTO23' so we know to tag it.
Submit your event
