March in Otley brings one of those rather pleasing mixes of culture, creativity, and fresh-air tradition. From live performance and visual art to music-making and well-loved local rituals, the town’s calendar has a distinctly spring-like energy this month.
Whether you’re in the mood for something thoughtful, entertaining, or simply an excuse to get out and about, there’s no shortage of reasons to fill the diary.
A Month of Gut-Friendly Discoveries
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
Venue: Functional Drinks Club
Functional Drinks Club kicks off a month-long series of gut health workshops with nutritionist James Ellis, beginning with a session designed for the over 60s. The workshop explores how digestion naturally changes with age, why dips in energy are not always as inevitable as they seem, and practical, food-first strategies to support comfort, vitality, and nutrient absorption.
Alongside the discussion, guests can enjoy guided tastings of kombucha, kimchi, kraut, and kefir, bringing the theory to life in a very literal sense. Further sessions later in March will turn to gut health and endurance, mood, and weight management.
Art That Rewards a Proper Wander
Date: March 7 – April 5, 2026
Venue: UpCo
UpCo hosts WALKABOUT, an exhibition of paintings by Alan Pergy, presenting a body of work that has gradually evolved over recent years. The collection invites visitors to slow their pace and spend time with the pieces, offering a thoughtful visual counterpoint to the bustle of everyday life.
For those curious about the ideas and creative process behind the paintings, an ‘in conversation’ event on Saturday, March 21 provides the opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the journey that shaped the exhibition.
Finding Your Inner Songwriter
Date: Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 15, 2026
Venue: Woolpack Studios
Woolpack Studios presents a one-off weekend songwriting special with Richard and Jen, offering a supportive and collaborative environment for anyone tempted to explore their musical creativity. Open to all levels, the sessions are as welcoming to complete beginners as they are to those with half-formed lyrics or melodies waiting to be developed.
With guidance, techniques, and plenty of encouragement throughout, the weekend focuses on unlocking ideas and building confidence. No prior musical experience is required, only a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process.
An Evening of Choral Drama
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Venue: Otley Parish Church
Otley Choral Society joins Ilkley Choral Society for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, a work celebrated for its scale, drama, and emotional intensity. Set within the atmospheric surroundings of Otley Parish Church, the evening promises a rich and powerful choral experience.
Audiences can expect moments of grandeur, reflection, and soaring musical energy from one of the great staples of the choral repertoire.
Big Landscapes, Big Adventures
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Venue: Otley Courthouse
Following last year’s warmly received debut, Otley Film Society once again partners with the London Mountain Film Festival for an evening dedicated to the great outdoors. The programme features a diverse selection of short films, ranging from breathtaking mountain scenery to human stories of challenge, endurance, and adventure.
The varied format ensures a lively and visually engaging night, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing work of Otley Courthouse.
A Chevin Tradition Returns
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Venue: Otley Chevin
One of Otley’s most recognisable seasonal traditions sees the Easter Cross raised on the Chevin, marking the approach of Easter with a well-loved community effort. Volunteers are invited to lend a hand, with meeting points at Surprise View car park and Sinclair’s Warehouse.
As ever, the event blends practical teamwork with a sense of shared ritual, while the cross itself will remain a familiar landmark on the Chevin throughout the Easter period.
A Town Filled with Music and Movement
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Venue: Various Otley Venues
Folk For All’s Spring Gathering brings a full day of workshops, music, and dance to venues across Otley. Designed to encourage participation rather than simply observation, the event welcomes all levels of experience, from the curious newcomer to the seasoned enthusiast.
With sessions covering instruments, singing, and traditional dance styles, alongside ceilidh and tunes gatherings, the day carries a relaxed and inclusive “have a go” spirit. Activities take place at venues including the Black Horse Hotel, Labour Rooms, Parish Centre, and Otley Common.
Shakespeare, But Not As You Know It
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Venue: Otley Courthouse
ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show returns with its distinctive blend of quick wit, audience participation, and theatrical invention. Using suggestions from the crowd, the cast creates an entirely new Shakespearean-style play live on stage, complete with dramatic twists and unexpected turns.
Unpredictable by nature, the performance offers a playful reimagining of the Bard’s world, where no two shows are ever the same.
Market Day Temptations
Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Venue: Market Place
Otley Farmers’ Market returns to Market Place with its familiar mix of local produce, artisan goods, and tempting treats. A relaxed wander among the stalls offers the chance to browse, sample, and stock up on everything from baked goods to kitchen-cupboard curiosities.
It remains a popular fixture in the town’s calendar and a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning.
Handmade Finds and Creative Treasures
Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Venue: Otley Courthouse
The Craft Market at Otley Courthouse showcases the work of local makers and artists, providing an eclectic selection of handmade pieces, creative gifts, and one-off finds. The atmosphere is informal and inviting, encouraging visitors to browse at leisure.
For those seeking something distinctive or simply enjoying a gentle potter through locally crafted wares, the market offers plenty to discover.
For more details of these and other events in Otley, see https://www.visitotley.co.uk/whats-on/calendar/