Autumn events in Nottingham: 12 amazing things to do this season
Autumn events in Nottingham: 12 amazing things to do this season
Fabulous festivals, terrific theatre shows, family-friendly events, and more...
Looking for autumn events in Nottingham to fill your calendar with? Even though the nights are getting darker and the weather is a little cooler, there are still plenty of reasons to head out and explore our county.
No matter what you like to do, I’ve rounded up a range of the very best things happening over September, October, and November. I’ve split these up into fabulous festivals, sparkling theatre shows, and fantastic family-friendly events to make it easy for you to find what you need.
If you’re searching for things to do in Nottingham this season, these are my top picks that are all worth booking and planning in advance. But, if you do want to keep up with everything that’s going on every week, subscribe to get our articles in your inbox, including our news and events round-up Notts Going On.
12 amazing autumn events in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
Nottingham autumn fairs and festivals 2024 🎡
Heritage Open Days
When: September 6-15
Where: Various venues across Nottingham
How much: Free
This series of remarkable history and culture events is taking place across the country — but of course, Nottinghamshire has so many fascinating people and places woven into its fabric, so there are over 70 happening here. Highlights include the Inspire Nottinghamshire Archives (September 6 and 12, pre-booking required), the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and Heritage Centre (September 9 and 12, pre-booking not required), and the Lace Connections Store Tour at Nottingham City Museum & Galleries (September 13-14, pre-booking required).
Do if: You want to learn more about our county’s heritage in ways you normally can’t.
Goose Fair
When: September 27-October 6
Where: Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
The Goose will be loose once again this year, with 10 whole days of fairground fun. This is Europe’s biggest travelling fun fair and it’s always absolutely packed with hair-raising rides, classic games like hook-a-duck and darts, and a huge stretch of food and drink stalls. I recommend getting a pot of minty mushy peas from Nottingham’s Traditional Mushy Peas Stall, trying a cock on a stick (it’s a cockerel lollipop, FYI!), and taking a ride on the big wheel to see the fair in all its glory.
Do if: You want to tick off a big Nottingham bucket list event.
Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival
When: October 9-12
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: £16pp half days, £27pp full days
Who needs Oktoberfest when you have Robin Hood Beer and Cider Fest? Sample tipples from local breweries like Castle Rock, Blue Monkey, and Bang the Elephant, as well as from ones from across the country. Wednesday and Thursday tickets are for 4-11pm, Friday and Saturday tickets are for the whole day, and you can also get a Saturday party night ticket if you just want to live it up in the evening.
Do if: You want to discover your new favourite beverage (there’s only so much Madri one can drink, right?).
Hockley Hustle
When: October 20
Where: Venues across Hockley
How much: £16.50pp
The music scene in Nottingham is absolutely incredible, but it can be hard to make time to see all the best upcoming artists. This festival does the hard work for you, putting on over 400 acts across 40 venues over 18 hours, meaning you get major bang for your ticket buck. If you have little ones, Young Hustlers is taking place on the same day and will have kids' music and arts to enjoy for £8.80pp.
Do if: You want to support local artists and find new ones to add to your Spotify playlist.
Nottingham Comedy Festival
When: November 1-10
Where: Various venues across Nottingham
How much: From £5pp
Back for its 16th year, this fun festival is bringing comedians from across the country together for 10 days of laughs and giggles. There are so many brilliant-looking events, but some of the hot-ticket items include Rhymes Against Humanity: The Improvised Musical (November 9, Squire PAC, £12pp), It's a Trap! The Improvised Star Wars Show (November 9, Malt Cross, £5.50pp/£7pp on the door), and Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby (November 10, Canalhouse, £8pp).
Do if: You know you’re going to need a reason to smile as the nights draw in.
nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk
Nottingham autumn theatre shows 2024 🎭
Dear Evan Hansen
When: September 9-28
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £9.50pp
Packed with a heartfelt storyline and iconic show tunes, Dear Evan Hansen is one of the most popular musicals of the last decade and has scooped up Tony, Olivier, and Grammy awards. It follows Evan — an anxious kid who gets caught in a tangle of lies as he fights to fit in. The brand-new production is premiering at the Playhouse before it tours the country, so you’ll be among the first to see it.
Do if: You want to see an outstanding show that will make you smile, laugh, and cry.
Blood Brothers
When: October 22-26
Where: Palace Theatre, Newark
How much: £29.50-£47.50pp adult, £24.50-£42.50pp child
Two twins separated at birth live their lives completely separately — until eventually, they meet again, with fateful consequences. The emotionally-charged score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the heart-wrenching hit Tell Me It’s Not True. It’s one of only three musicals to surpass 10,000 shows on the West End, which is a sign that you’re in for a treat.
Do if: You want to watch a remarkable show in a gorgeous venue (the theatre is an Art Deco beauty).
Hairspray
When: November 4-9
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £23.50pp
When Baltimore dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad gets her groove and lands a spot on The Corny Collins Show, she becomes an overnight sensation and leads the way in fashion, fun, and fabulous moves. Can she use her newfound fame to bring around social change? The show is filled with sing-along songs and dazzling dance routines that will sweep you away and make you want to get up and jive.
Do if: You want a feel-good event to look forward to this season.
Our House
When: November 5-9
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
How much: £19.50pp
This Olivier award-winning, West End hit musical brings together some of the catchiest Madness songs out there with a dramatic storyline. Joe Casey commits a petty crime — but should he stay and face up to it or go on the run? The show shows the two different paths he can take and the consequences of both. Mansfield’s own amateur dramatics society Masque Productions will be performing this, so you’ll be able to support local talent while singing along to top tunes like Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love.
Do if: You know all the words to Madness’ songs (even if you aren’t a musical lover).
Nottingham autumn family-friendly events 2024 👨👩👦
Tricker Treater Maze Farm
When: October 25-29
Where: Notts Maze, Lime Lane Woods
How much: £12.50pp adult, £10.50pp child and concession
Get into the spooky spirit by exploring this maze that will be filled with tricks and treats. You can take part in pumpkin carving, hear scary stories around the fire, take part in Halloween crafts, and even follow a special scavenger hunt. As well as this, the East Midlands Ghostbusters (yes, they’re a thing!) and other fun characters will be around to interact with. Every ticket-goer will also get a complimentary pumpkin to take home — cute!
Do if: You want to celebrate Halloween properly, whether you’re young or or not.
Pinocchio
When: October 30-November 3
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £10.50-£12pp
Have you ever wondered what happened to Pinocchio after he realised his dream of becoming a real boy? Three funny men seek refuge in an old house, where it turns out that one of them used to be the OG nose puppet himself. Puppetry, music, incredible staging, and ‘physical tricks’ will all bring this to life on Lakeside Arts’ stage.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun family theatre trip.
Disney on Ice
When: November 14-17
Where: National Ice Centre, Nottingham
How much: £18.45-£58pp depending on seating
Join Mickey Mouse and his friends as they embark on a whirlwind adventure across the globe. Expect to see favourites from films such as Moana, The Lion King, Toy Story, Aladdin, and more. Dress-up is highly recommended, so gather the whole family and don your best outfits to really feel part of the Disney world.
Do if: You want to treat the kids to some magic before the festive period begins.
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