Sweeten your February at the Rhubarb Festival
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Wakefield’s annual celebration of its most famous vegetable returns later this month to paint the city pink.
The Rhubarb Festival is back with an exciting programme of activity across the city centre and beyond, including the main event sites at the Cathedral Precinct and WX Wakefield Exchange, from Friday 20 - Sunday 22 February.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our family-friendly event that celebrates our famous pink vegetable.
“There is so much to see and do. With chef demonstrations, live music, craft activities and a range of delicious rhubarb-themed products at the food and drink market and across our city centre businesses taking part in the Rhubarb Trail. So, pop the dates in your diary and be part of this wonderful event which people come from across the world to experience.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
The legendary food and drink market returns with over 50 chalets featuring delicious food and drink, many with a rhubarb twist. The market will be open from 10am - 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am - 4pm on Sunday.
Visit WX Wakefield Exchange to experience Rebarbara by Fényszóró Visual, a dazzling psychedelic projection artwork inspired by Rhubarb. There will also be family friendly craft activities and free face painting.
Expect a whole new programme of chef demos including Soneet Bhondi from The Spicy Biker, Heather Copley from Farmer Copleys and Ben Hall from The Pizza Yard. This year the demos will be taking place in The Factory at WX.
Live music programmed by Wakefield Music Collective will be on every day at the Rhu-Bar on the Bull Ring, showcasing a variety of local pop, folk, and rock artists.
Families will love the fringe activity happening across the city at venues such as The Art House, Wakefield Museum and The Hepworth Wakefield among others, as well as fun street entertainment from Ruby Rhubarb, Ruby & Barb, and the Rhubarb Fairy.
The Rhubarb Food and Drink Trail is back in partnership with Wakefield BID, with restaurants and bars around the city putting on rhubarb-themed food and drink throughout the weekend.
Find out more at https://expwake.co/RhubarbFestival