Whilst the main ticketed event takes place in Hillsborough Park over the weekend of 26-28 July, a whole bunch of pubs, bars and clubs across the City Centre, Kelham Island and beyond take part in the fringe festival, which also includes an outdoor stage on Devonshire Green. The majority of fringe events offer free entry. We’ve taken a look at what some of the real ale serving venues are doing to help you plan an enjoyable weekend featuring live music, DJs and good beer!
Of course there will be much more going on than we’ve been able to include here – this should give you a flavour – keep an eye on venues social media for the latest or there is a page on the Welcome to Sheffield website for the official fringe or the Clashfinder website provides a handy listings service for all venues.
The Dorothy Pax at Victoria Quays despite being a small, cosy, railway arch bar has a busy programme of live music and if its busy they’ll be piping the audio outside to their waterside seating area! Their “Canal Lines” kicks off early on Thursday 25th at 6:30pm with a line up curated by Waterbear the college of music then on Friday from 6pm it’s an indie showcase. Saturday is an all-dayer with music kicking off at 1:30pm with a mix of live music and DJs under the “Dorothy Pax presents” banner.

At the Washington on Fitzwilliam Street they have live music inside and DJs outside until 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday followed by the usual late night DJs keeping the party going until 4am (3am Sunday!). On Friday festivities kick off at 4pm with 5 bands on, headlined by “Bag of Cans”, Saturday they’re open from 2pm and the headline band is “The Hot Soles”. Sunday is also a 2pm opening with 7 bands on the roster with “We Hate The Sharkman” headlining.

The Dove & Rainbow at Hartshead Square (off High Street) also has live entertainment over Friday to Sunday and as you’d expect is a little more alternative. Friday is “Reyt Against the Machine” and “Play Dead”, Saturday is “Firegarden” and “Baranovich” whilst Sunday the stage is graced by “Skip Rat”, “Inequality Street” and “Ball Britain”.
The Church House, located by the Cathedral tram stop (and of course by the cathedral too!) is well known for having bands on at the weekend, usually but not always of the classic rock genre, naturally has live music for the Tramlines Fringe and have really pushed the boat out with 15 acts over 3 days. Things kick off at 5:30pm on Friday with Saturday and Sunday seeing all day entertainment – from 2:45pm Saturday and 1:30pm Sunday.

Shakespeares Ale & Cider House on Gibraltar Street is a well known Tramlines fringe venue with a busy programme of gigs in the upstairs room on Friday and Saturday. Friday is “Shamlines” presented by Earwig featuring “Queen Cult”, “Guts”, “Mouthparts” and “Dearthworms” whilst Saturday is “Shakelines” presented by Jarred Up featuring 10 different bands.


Another pub well known for its Fringe action is the Frog & Parrot on Division Street. On the Saturday they will be opening their doors at 11am ready for the first act of 12 coming on at midday!

Alder has goings on all weekend. Things kick off Friday night with a gig by Mass House at 8:30pm (ish) then Saturday has 5 bands on stage from 6pm onwards with a whole mix of genres ranging from pop to post punk whilst Sunday is a more chilled out vinyl playing affair.

Saw Grinders Union have their own little festival on the Friday with food, drink, music and an exhibition.
The Fat Cat starts their party on Friday night with blues from Rocket 88 at 8pm; then on Saturday 11am to 11pm the entertainment is both kicked off and concluded by DJ sets from Big Shaun, in-between are performances from Sarah Mac, Banjo Jen and Kiziah & The Kings. The weekend here is finished off on Sunday with Billy & The Axe Man playing at 3pm.

If you are wanting to go somewhere a bit fun, perhaps after seeing a few bands, then the Three Tuns has karaoke from 8pm until 2am on Friday and Saturday night then on Sunday it’s a “Laughternoon” with comedy and music from 4pm.
Meanwhile out at Heeley (get there by bus 20, 24, 25, 43, 43a, 44 or X17) the Sheaf View are hosting “Sheaf Lines” with live acts over the weekend.

Jabbarwocky on London Road are also participating in the festivities on Saturday with “Jabzlines” featuring live entertainment from 3pm until 11:30pm. Buses 20, 43, 43a, 44, 75, 76, 86, 97 and 98 go there.

If you are looking for something more laid back the Old Shoe in Orchard Square have acoustic live music along with vinyl DJ sets. If you want something to eat whilst in the area the Sheffield Plate food hall across the square will be open and also have entertainment!

If you’re visiting the outdoor stage on Devonshire Green on the Saturday and fancy some decent beer and a burger then True North Brewery is next door and hosting an open day.

The Red Deer, freshly reopened, has live performances on Saturday with Harri Larkin from 4pm and Martha Makes Mistakes from 6:30pm.

The Dog & Partridge have their usual Sunday acoustic session in the back from from 6pm.