Nottingham August events — 10 things to do this month
Festivals, sporting action, music, and more...
The summer holidays are well and truly in full swing — and there are plenty of events around Nottingham this August to keep you entertained.
I have rounded up 10 of the best events from across the county, narrowing these down based on their seasonality, how unique they are, and how good value for money they are. Think family-friendly festivals, sporting spectacles, open air cinema screenings, and more.
If you’re looking for 2025 events, summer events around Nottingham, or summer holidays activities, these are all brilliant things to do in the area. For more events and local guides, including our weekly Notts Going On newsletter, subscribe to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 things to do in Nottingham this August
By Eve Smallman
1. Gloworm Festival
When: August 8-10
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: Day tickets £66pp adult, £55pp child, £231 family ticket, weekend and camping options available
Head out on a magical adventure by heading to Gloworm, which is filled with entertainment and activities that will delight little ones and adults alike. On the stage, you’ll be able to see CBeebies stars Justin Fletcher and Andy and the Odd Socks, along with tribute acts for sing-alongs. You can also take snaps with characters, take part in creative play, and see farmyard animals.
Do if: You’re looking to fill a day or even the whole weekend with serious excitement.
2. The Hundred
When: August 10-27
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £14pp adult, £5pp 3-15-year-olds
This brilliant, fast-paced sporting spectacle is sure to be a blast, whether you’re going with your mates or as a family. Each team bats and bowls for 100 balls an innings, making it much shorter and with faster, higher scoring. The Trent Rockets have some of England’s brightest stars on the team, including Joe Root, Sam Cook, and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Along with cricket action, expect live music, in-ground activities, and food and drink.
Do if: You’d like to try and get into a different sport — The Hundred is an especially accessible cricket format.
3. Nottingham Carnival
When: August 17
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
How much: From £6pp adult, £3pp child, £14 family ticket
Get ready for a full afternoon of colour, culture, and Caribbean vibes during this dazzling event. The Carnival parade will take place from 2pm, starting from the Embankment and moving through Wilford Grove, Felton Road and Green Street, before heading back. After that, the festival site will have live music, sound systems, food, and family-friendly activities. There are early bird tickets available, and it’s worth noting that prices will be higher on the door.
Do if: You’d love to spend the day celebrating and partying in a bold, vibrant way.
4. Nottingham Comic Con and Toy Fair
When: August 17
Where: David Ross Sports Village, Nottingham
How much: £11.37pp adult, £9.21pp teen, £5.98pp child, £28.62 family ticket
Immerse yourself fully in all things Comic Con culture at the David Ross Sports Village, where you can even head down in full cosplay if you’d like (you might stand out if you don’t!). You can try your hand at retro gaming, get your face painted (even as the Joker if you want), and play card games. Plus there will be plenty of exhibitors where you can merch of your favourite characters, games, and films from.
Do if: You or someone you know would enjoy spending the day geeking out.
5. Adventure Cinema Open-Air Cinema
When: August 22-24
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £14.01pp adult, £10.65pp under 12s, £42.56 family ticket
There are a few open-air cinemas around the area this month, but I think this one has the most crowd-pleasing films. Showings include The Greatest Showman (August 22), Mamma Mia with a disco and fancy dress (August 23), a double bill of The Gruffalo and Stick Man, Moana 2, and Wicked (all on August 24). Hot food and an on-site bar will be available, but you can bring a picnic.
Do if: You want to gather your friends and family for an event where everyone can chill out.
6. Southwell Music Festival
When: August 22-25
Where: Various venues around Southwell
How much: Mix of free, pay what you feel, and ticketed events
There is something for everyone at this year’s Southwell Music Festival, with performances such as lively jazz and folk sessions, solo performances, and majestic choral performances. Highlights include Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert (August 22, Southwell Minster, £6-£39.50pp), the Musical Picnic (August 23, Southwell Minster Palace Gardens, pay what you can), and Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening (August 23, Southwell Minster, £6-£45.50pp), but we highly recommend checking out the full programme of events.
Do if: You like the picturesque town of Southwell and/or listening to live music.
7. Water Lantern Show
When: August 23
Where: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
How much: From £29.95pp
The beautiful Holme Pierrepont is set to be transformed into a romantic retreat, with lanterns lighting up the water. Water lantern kits are included in the tickets currently, so you can write a meaningful message onto the lantern and let it go. As well as this, you’ll also be able to listen to live music and tuck into street food from local vendors. Oh, and for those who are sustainability conscious, the lanterns are collected after the event (sorry to ruin the magic!).
Do if: The boat scene in Tangled always makes you well up.
8. The Foolhardy Folk Festival
When: August 24
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: From £46pp, under 11s free
Songwriter and honorary Nottingham lad Beans on Toast has curated his favourite folk performers and is bringing them to The Arboretum for a day filled with uplifting tunes. Acts include Leicester’s ‘protest singer’ Grace Petrie, the heartstring-pulling The Young’uns, and tongue-in-cheek singer Nick Parker. You’ll be able to toast the festival with drinks at the beer festival, stay fuelled up for dancing with street food, and keep the children entertained in the kids’ corner.
Do if: You’re looking for a fabulous Bank Holiday weekend event that the whole family will enjoy.
9. An Evening With Jacqueline Wilson
When: August 25
Where: St Mary’s Church, Nottingham
How much: £10pp standard, £28pp including signed book
Acclaimed children’s author Jacqueline Wilson is known for books like The Story of Tracey Beaker, Dustbin Baby, and The Illustrated Mum — the latter of which she has followed up with new sequel for adults Picture Imperfect. She’ll be discussing this new book, as well as answering questions from the audience. It’s worth noting that you can get a signed copy of Picture Imperfect, but she won’t be doing signings on the day, so be sure to leave your dog-eared books at home.
Do if: Jacqueline Wilson’s books were a core part of growing up for you.
10. Archery Adventures with Robin and Marian
When: August 28
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Family ticket £50
Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian for an archery adventure, where they’ll give you expert tuition during a private one-hour time slot. You’ll learn how to use a mixture of different bows, leading up to the English long bow, learn secrets and tricks, and have photo opportunities with the pair. For more family fun in the forest, Sherwood Forest is also hosting the Robin Hood Festival during weekends in August.
Do if: You’d like to finish the summer holidays with a special event the family will remember for years to come.
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