Nottingham 2025 events — 20 of the best things to do this year
Music, theatre, food and drink, and more...
We’re so lucky to have such a thriving culture scene here in Nottingham — and there are plenty of events to keep you busy this year.
These are 20 of the best ones happening within the city centre and outside of it, across music, food and drink, theatre, and more. I’ve chosen these based on how important they are to the area if they’re re-occurring, how unique they are if they’re one-off events, and how good value for money they are.
For those searching for things to do in Nottingham this year, these are all worth putting in the calendar and booking. For more events throughout the year, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
20 of the best 2025 Nottingham events
By Eve Smallman
1. Light Night
When: February 28-March 1
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Wrap up warm for a sparkling evening of lights, colours, and artwork. From 5pm-10pm on both days, locations such as Old Market Square, Nottingham Cathedral, and Sneinton Market will host dazzling installations by talented artists, family-friendly activities, and performances. The event will span the city centre, so you can spend plenty of time walking around and taking in the views.
Do if: You’re looking for a dazzling date night idea (or just want to get some aesthetic pictures for your socials).
2. Ay-Up Market
When: March 28-30
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Over 60 local stallholders will be bringing their lovely wares to the city centre during this weekend-long event. Whether you’re a foodie looking for sweet treats and drinks or just looking for homewares and trinkets, there’s something for everyone. I went to this event last year and thought it was a really wonderful showcase of the local independent scene.
Do if: You love shopping and especially love Nottingham gifts.
3. Torvill and Dean — Our Last Dance
When: April 23-24 and July 11-12
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £53.80pp
Arguably Nottingham’s most famous duo, ice-skating pair Torvill and Dean are embarking on a farewell tour (*sob*) to round off their spectacular 50-year career. They’re known for their famous Bolero dance, which won gold at the 1984 Winter Games. Most of the April tickets are sold out, but plenty remain for the July dates, which have been added due to phenomenal demand.
Do if: You’d love to see these local legends in action, in person.
4. Men's Test Series — England Men v Zimbabwe
When: May 22-25
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £40pp
Often described as the purest form of cricket, this Test match against Zimbabwe promises four days of thrilling cricket. The men’s team includes famous players such as Ben Stokes and Joe Root, as well as some Nottinghamshire players such as Ben Duckett. If you like a faster pace of cricket, the Vitality Blast group stages (May 31-July 18) and The Hundred (August, dates and tickets TBC) are also worth keeping in mind.
Do if: You’d like to spend a whole day (or long weekend) in the sun watching sporting fun.
5. Dot To Dot
When: May 25
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £33.75pp
This huge music festival that takes place across Nottingham city centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — and its got plenty of fantastic artists planned to celebrate this. Big names include The Horrors, Fat Dog, and Notts favourites GIRLBAND!. There will also be a range of local artists supporting these.
Do if: You’d like to discover new songs to freshen up your playlist — the festival has seen Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and The 1975 play in previous years, so you may just discover the next big thing.
6. Green Hustle
When: May 31-June 1
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Bringing together arts and music with a sustainable twist, Green Hustle is all about sharing how to be greener, healthier, and more connected in our city. This year’s theme is Growing Together, celebrating all that grows and how we can collectively inspire and encourage growth in ourselves and our communities.
Do if: You’d love to learn how to help the environment more or would like to get your green thumbs ready for summer gardening.
7. EM-Con
When: June 7-8
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £15pp adult, £10pp child
The biggest pop culture event in the East Midlands is once again taking over the Motorpoint. It has a seriously star-studded line-up this year, with actors such as Kris Marshall from Beyond Paradise, Peter Davison from Doctor Who, and Tom Rosenthal from Friday Night Dinner. The ticket price varies with entry times, whether you’re going to both days, or if you’re getting a gold or platinum pass for the VIP treatment.
Do if: You’d like to meet people who love your film and TV interests just as much as you do.
8. Rothesay Open Nottingham
When: June 14-22
Where: Nottingham Tennis Centre
How much: TBC — not on sale yet
This historic tennis tournament that has been around since 1887 is the largest one that’s played here, with professional players competing for the Paul Hutchins Trophy and the Elena Baltacha Trophy respectively. There will be food and drink on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day, but you can bring your own in, as well as a limited selection of alcohol (such as one bottle of wine or champagne per person, if you’re interested!).
Do if: You’d rather not travel to Wimbledon — why do that when you can watch tennis in style right here in Nottingham?
9. Nottingham Poetry Festival
When: June 13-22
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and ticketed events
There are so many talented poets here in our city, who will come together during this event and deliver spectacular performances, workshops, panels and more in order to help people dive right into the wonderful world of poetry. The full programme for this event hasn’t been announced yet, so keep an eye on its site and socials for information on these.
Do if: You’d like to explore more of Nottingham’s thriving writing scene.
10. Nottingham Craft Beer Festival
When: June 20-21
Where: Sneinton Market
How much: From £11pp
Head to Sneinton Market to try beers, ciders, and more from makers from across the country. The beauty of this festival is that breweries from across the country all come to one place, so you can chat with them, find out how they make their beverages, and discover the best brew for you. As well as drinks there will be street food around Bustler to tuck into, and music and DJs to dance the days and nights away to.
Do if: You’d like to kick off the 2025 summer festival season properly (and by supporting local independent organisers!).
11. Foodies Festival
When: June 27-29
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £20pp, £5pp child, £50pp VIP
Eat and drink your way around Wollaton Hall during this event with cookery stars, culinary classes, street food, and more. You’ll be able to see cake-maker Eloise Durrant, No. Twelve’s and MasterChef: The Professionals’ Ritchie Stainsby, as well as Michelin-starred chefs and Bake Off contestants. On stage, there will be The Wanted 2.0, Judge Jules, and Blue. There are both day and weekend tickets available, as well as a VIP option.
Do if: You love trying and learning about different and exciting food and drinks.
12. Wonderland Festival
When: July 5
Where: Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead
How much: From £47.25pp, £84.38pp VIP
The festival formerly known as Woodland Disco Festival has been renamed, but it’s still going to be bringing high energy and glittery magic to Newstead Abbey. This year’s performers are sure to dazzle you, with Grammy-winning house music pioneer Roger Sanchez, DJ and style icon Gok Wan, and actor and DJ Craig Charles all being ready to play infectious beats.
Do if: You like dancing to house and disco music and soaking in great vibes.
13. Splendour Festival
When: July 19-20
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £94.50pp for weekend tickets
Splendour is Nottinghamshire’s biggest festival, with five stages of music that span all genres, from up-and-coming talent to famous performers and icons. You can also enjoy comedy, a silent disco, independent market stalls, gourmet food and drink, and more. It’s worth noting that a 10% discount is available for city residents.
Do if: You missed it as much as I did last year — 2025 is definitely the time to go and show it some love.
14. Boho Festival
When: July 25-27
Where: Millview Glamping, Newton
How much: From £98.15pp for weekend tickets
Boho Festival promises to be bougie and brilliant, with a music line-up of DJs and tribute acts, as well as a host of fabulous activities to enjoy. These include forestry fun, arts and crafts, and even massages and yoga. You can also choose the option to camp on-site, either by bringing your own tent or choosing the luxury bell tent hire option.
Do if: Sophisticated hippie vibes are totally your thing.
15. Nottinghamshire Pride
When: July 26
Where: Throughout Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Pride is a huge highlight of the Nottingham events calendar, thanks to it being a vibrant and exciting showcase of our diverse community. The Pride march will start at 11am, starting from Lister Gate and working all the way through town. After this, you’ll be able to walk around various useful and educational market stalls. You can also enjoy various performances from drag artists, musicians, and spoken word performers.
Do if: You’d like to show your support to the area’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
16. Gloworm Festival
When: August 8-10
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: From £60.50pp adult, £49.50pp child, weekend tickets available
Created for grown-ups and kids alike, this event is set in the beautiful Thoresby Park and always has lots to see and do. You’ll be able to watch and meet TV stars and characters, get stuck into workshops, and roam the great outdoor area. There are day and weekend tickets available, as well as camping ones. It’s also one of our top days out with the kids.
Do if: You’re looking for a treat for the whole family to enjoy over the summer holidays.
17. Festival of Food and Drink
When: September 20-21
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: From £10pp, £25pp VIP
Fill your stomach and your soul with good vibes and great food during this two-day festival with street eats, worldwide cuisine, celebrity guests, and more. You can also upgrade to VIP for an extra £15pp, which will allow you access to a special marquee, meet and greets, a goody bag, and priority parking.
Do if: You’d like to wave goodbye to the summer with a foodie extravaganza.
18. Robin Hood Half Marathon
When: September 28
Where: Starts at Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
How much: £43pp, £67pp VIP
Run by landmarks such as Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall and loop your way around the city during this famous half marathon. I did this last year for the first time and I loved how supportive everyone was. I had people cheering me on all the way to the finish line — even people I didn’t know. I’ve signed up again for this again last year, so do let me know if you want any advice or support!
Do if: You’d like to challenge yourself this year.
19. Hockley Hustle and Young Hustlers
When: October 19
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £11pp
Over 50 venues throughout Nottingham's city centre will come alive with music performed by local musicians. You can spend the whole day moving between hidden gem venues like Jamcafe and grand stages like Rock City, discovering a mixture of stars on the rise and well-known names. If you’ve got little ones in tow, Young Hustlers will be providing family-friendly activities on the same day.
Do if: You’d like to have a fun time all while supporting Nottingham artists and charities.
20. Sleeping Beauty
When: November 28-January 17
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £17.50pp
The Nottingham Playhouse panto is iconic thanks to its original stories, local and pop culture references, and hilarious acting. This year’s show is Sleeping Beauty and John Elkington is returning as the Dame (oh yes he is!). I went to 2024’s Jack and the Beanstalk and behind the scenes, and was seriously impressed. It’s always worth booking tickets early, so you get the best seats. For those with young children, The Little Mermaid (December 4-January 3) is also set to be a special show.
Do if: You're a panto fan, or want to take in a unique panto with a distinctly Notts flavour.
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