Nottingham August events: 10 things to do in the area
Nottingham August events: 10 things to do in the area
Festivals, workshops, theatre shows, and more...
The summer holidays are upon us and the weather is cheering up, which can only mean it’s time to scope out August events in Nottingham.
We’ve got you covered with a huge variety of workshops, festivals, shows, and more from across the county. Whether you’re looking for days out with the kids, a sizzling summer date, or just an excuse to get out and enjoy the sun’s rays, there is plenty on offer.
For those looking for things to do in Nottingham and want to go to specific summer events, these are all worth checking out. If you enjoy these and want to hear about more happening in the area, subscribe to receive our articles in your inbox, including our weekly news and events round-up Notts Going On.
And, if you want us to consider your events for The Notts Edit, drop us an email at editor@thenottsedit.com.
10 things to do in Nottingham this August
By Eve Smallman
1. Monster Fun
When: August 1-September 8
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: Free
NTU alumni and renowned artist Bruce Asbestos is bringing his bright and bold creative perspective to Lakeside Arts. The Djanogly Gallery will be fully immersive and will include a monster lab where you can design your own marvellous creature. From here, you can head outside and follow the trail of Hooboos along Highfields Park. Visitors are also encouraged to befriend Mega Bunny and co, which will make for memorable photo opportunities. Whether you're big or small, there will be oodles of fun to be had.
Do if: You're looking for a day out with the kids for over the summer holidays that won't break the bank.
2. Robin Hood Festival
When: August 3-26
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Admission free, £15 per vehicle per day on selected dates
Bow and arrows at the ready — it’s time to go see Robin Hood and his merry men. Get into the rebel spirit by taking part in medieval fun, with events and activities such as historic enactments, horseback combat, historic enactments, children’s entertainment, and music, as well as axe-throwing, archery, pond dipping, and fascinating wildlife walks. The festival is on during all weekends this month, with key events to pencil into your diary including the Fantasy in the Greenwood (August 10-11), Inspiring Wildlife (August 17-18), and The Outlaws Return and Nottinghamshire Day Festival (August 24-26).
Do if: You’re looking for a fun event you can revisit throughout the summer holidays.
3. The Hundred
When: August 3, 7, and 14
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: £39pp adult, £5pp junior (3-15)
I love a good Test match, but when it comes to summer fun and dynamic play, The Hundred is an especially brilliant format of cricket. The fact all the matches are wrapped up in one day is helpful, too. The premise is that one team faces 100 balls and then the other has 100 more to chase down the total. For the Trent Rockets, key names to look out for include Joe Root and Nat Sciver-Brunt. The matches confirmed so far are Welsh Fire (August 3), London Spirit (August 7), and Oval Invincibles (August 14), but there might be more at Trent Bridge later in the month.
Do if: You’re looking for a family-friendly day out that people of all ages will enormously enjoy.
4. Nottingham Shakespeare Company’s Henry V
When: August 7-17
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Free
Drama, passion, and theatrical magic — this show has it all. The epic tale of power and glory is touring the county, performing in a huge range of areas including Ruddington Green (August 10) Newcastle Circus (August 11) and St John's Annesley (August 17). All the evening shows will start at 7pm and will be performed in the open air for the true, authentic Shakespeare experience. There are also shows with Saturday matinee performances, which are the ones listed above.
Do if: You're looking for a show-stopping evening out that won't cost you a penny.
5. Beauty and the Beast
When: August 7 and 30
Where: Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey
How much: £22.50pp adult, £13.20pp child
This may be a tale as old as time, but I bet you’ve never seen it performed like this. This theatre show featuring puppets, plenty of humour, and original songs will all be taking place outside in enchanting, storybook-style settings. If you aren’t familiar, the story follows Belle, who wants to break the curse on a prince-turned-beast despite him holding her captive. Can she save him and bring the castle back to its former glory? Find out by heading to either Wollaton Hall or Newstead Abbey.
Do if: You want a Disney-esque experience without having to go abroad.
6. Nottingham Carnival
When: August 18
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
How much: £5pp advance, £7pp on the door, parade free to watch
Don your feathers and dance during this glorious day celebrating the wonderful cultures we have in Notts. At the carnival park, there will be three music zones, live bands, and more than 20 DJs and sound systems. Expect to hear sounds from from around the world including reggae, afrobeat and samba. You can also browse a range of stalls and dive into world food stalls, which will keep you fuelled up for all your dancing. The main area is ticketed but the parade, which starts at 2pm, is free for all to see.
Do if: You want to beat out those Sunday blues in the most joyful way possible.
7. Life Drawing (Pregnant Model)
When: August 22
Where: EverWild Studio, Sneinton Market
How much: £39pp
Practice mindful techniques and recharge, all while sketching out one of the most remarkable versions of the human form. The ticket price includes a glass of fizz (alc or non-alc) on arrival, all art materials, and plenty of guidance along the way. This is being held at EverWild, which makes the dreamiest dried flower blooms and is a beautiful setting for a relaxed evening. It’s also being hosted by Bloom and Flow, which is all about helping women be their most authentic selves through creativity and community.
Do if: You're looking to pencil in some you time this month.
8. Trash Fic: The Musical
When: August 23
Where: Rough Trade, Nottingham
How much: £9pp
Head down to Hockley night of debauchery and comedy, courtesy of Ellie Sharpe and LP Mills. They'll be reading fan fiction tales from the cringiest corners of the internet, transformed into a full musical score. I've never heard of anything like this before and think it’s sure to be a performance to remember. Who knows — it might even inspire you to find your own fan fiction stories to make into song. It's worth noting that this is an 18+ event, so make sure to leave the kiddies at home.
Do if: You spent your teenage years on Wattpad and/or Archive of Our Own (no judgement here).
9. Arboretum Beer Festival
When: August 24
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: £16.50pp, £1pp under 18s (accompanied by an adult)
Back for its fourth year, this one-day festival is bringing tipples from near and far to the green heart of the city. Try out beers from Notts breweries like Black Iris, Bang the Elephant, and Magpie, along with ones from further afield like Attic, SALT, and Siren. You can also tuck into street food from big names such as Chilli Kitchen, Homeboys (from Everyday People’s Pete Hewitt), and Kebab Cartel. Plus, you can dance to tunes from Fakemaker, The Outriders, Dorothy Ella, and more.
Do if: You’re looking to plan bank holiday beers in the sun.
10. Grease the Musical
When: August 27-31
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: £23.50-£51pp
When it comes to musical classics, Grease is well up there with the best of them. It has incredibly catchy tunes like You're the One That I Want and Summer Nights, cheesy yet captivating storyline, and is guaranteed to make you smile. This version is filled with cast members who have been in shows such as Legally Blonde, Bugsy Malone, and The Lion King and is choreographed by Arlene Phillips, who was one of the original Strictly Come Dancing judges.
Do if: You want to dig out that leather jacket from the back of the wardrobe.
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