What to do in Nottingham this February
From poetry writing to dazzling tunes, there is lots to fall in love with this month...
It’s officially the month of love, which means it’s time to find out what to do in Nottingham this February.
With romantic performances, child-friendly creative workshops, and energetic events, you certainly won’t be bored this month.
We’ve rounded up ten top picks, but sign up for our newsletters and keep an eye out for our Notts Going On every Monday, as we often post last-minute events and things to do in there, too.
And, as ever, if you’d like to feature in our what’s on guide, please do email us at editor@thenottsedit.com with all the details.
10 things to do around Nottingham this February
Curated by Eve Smallman
1. Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity 👪
When: February 5-16
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Most free
Izzy whizzy, it’s time to get busy and learn all things sciencey and mathsy at this wonderful festival. Highlights include The Big Maths Gameshow at Broadway Cinema, the Inflatable Planetarium Shows at Nottingham Central Library and The Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop, and the Egg Drop Challenge at Bennerley Viaduct in Ilkeston, but there are events around the whole county. Most things are free, but some need to be booked in advance, so be sure to check on the site before heading out to any.
Do if: You’re looking to keep little brains occupied over half-term.
2. Romeo and Juliet 🎭❤️
When: February 7-17
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: From £11.55pp
It just wouldn’t be the most romantic month of the year without a performance of one of the most famous love stories. Nottingham Shakespeare Company is bringing Romeo and Juliet to a range of venues around the area, including Southwell Minster, Cleaver and Wake, and The Embankment which is hosting an intimate performance upstairs on V-Day itself. The prices do vary per venue, but only by a few pounds.
Do if: You’d like to see a traditional performance in true Shakespearian style.
3. Gobs Collective Love Poetry Workshops ✍️❤️
When: February 9 and 12
Where: Nottingham Central Library
How much: £10pp, £7pp concessions
Roses are red, violets are blue, poetry is sweet, and… Okay, maybe we need to get down to this workshop. In this relaxed creative writing session, Gob Collective’s Bridie Squires and Ben Macpherson will help you explore the concept of love. Bridie is an especially brilliant local poet with bags of experience, including producing the Nottingham Poetry Festival and previously being appointed NTU’s first-ever Writer in Residence.
Do if: You’d like to surprise that special someone with a lovely personal poem.
4. Chinese New Year at Lakeside 👪🎨
When: February 10-11
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: From £3 per child
Ring in the Year of the Dragon by heading to Lakeside and enjoying the amazing array of family-friendly workshops it has to get you into the spirit. Take part in a lucky bracelet workshop, create your own paper dragon puppet, and even paint your own traditional fan. There is also a ribbon dance workshop for those who’d like to move and groove. These are suitable for children and take place at various points throughout the afternoon, so you can attend all of them if you like.
Do if: You’re looking for a creative, mindful way to entertain the kids.
5. A Walk with Robin Hood and Maid Marian 👣❤️
When: February 11
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: £7.50pp
Name us the most iconic Nottingham couple. No, we aren’t talking about Torvill and Dean or Leo and Oscar lions in Old Market Square. We’re on about Robin Hood and Maid Marian of course, who are hosting a Valentine’s Day storytelling walk in Sherwood Forest. They’ll be recounting tales of their adventures and how the greenwood is entwined in their romance. The walk will last 90 minutes, so wear appropriate attire.
Do if: You or your partner’s idea of romance is a long, love-filled walk.
6. The Marvin Gaye Songbook 🎵❤️
When: February 14
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £31.50pp
Is cosying up in a beautiful theatre with romantic tunes a gorgeous date night idea or what? Marvin Gaye’s chart-topping songs will be brought to life by West End and X Factor star Nate Simpson. Expect tunes such as I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Sexual Healing, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and more. Tickets are the same price across all the stalls, so you can choose whichever view you prefer.
Do if: You’re looking for a show-stopping Valentine’s Day date night event.
7. Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham 👣
When: February 18
Where: Meet outside Visit Nottingham Tourist Centre
How much: £15pp plus booking fee
Our city has so much stunning architecture, which you have Watson Fothergill to thank for. Learn all about the buildings he designed, his signature style, and the influence of Gothic on Nottingham’s buildings during this fascinating tour. This walk will last just over two hours, so wear footwear appropriate for city centre walking. It finishes at the Fothergills, where you can stay for refreshments afterwards. A good walk and a pub after? Count us in.
Do if: You’ve ever looked up and wondered why so many of our buildings are so detailed.
8. Rick Astley 🎵
When: February 22
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £39.48
We’re never going to give Rick Astley up, and he’s not going to give up playing for big crowds any time soon. If his Glastonbury appearance last year is anything to go by, you’re in for a super fun night whether you know all the words or not. He’ll also be joined by special guest Belinda Carlisle. Tickets are quite limited, with most of the remaining seats together at £76.20. So, if you want to be Together Forever with your favourite person, you might want to be snappy.
Do if: Energetic live music and big tunes are your thing.
9. Broxtowe Women’s Project Gala Dinner 🥂
When: February 23
Where: Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell
How much: £65pp, £500 for a table of eight
Enjoy a night of sparkle and shine at this fabulous gala. You’ll be treated to a three-course meal, live music, and plenty of entertainment including a silent auction and raffle. They are still looking for sponsors and raffle prizes, so if you are able to help with this, do get in touch at events@broxtowewp.org. The Broxtowe Women’s Project helps women, children, and young people affected by domestic violence, making it a cause well worth supporting.
Do if: You’d like a glitzy night of fun to round off your month.
10. Live Ceilidh 🎵💃
When: February 24
Where: Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham
How much: From £11pp
Shake a leg and get stuck into traditional Scottish dancing, if you fancy a fun Friday night activity. Whether you’re a Ceilidh newbie or a pro, Schuggie will be on hand to shout out what you need to do and keep the dancing going. You’ll be moving along to live music by The Big Moose Ceilidh Band for a fully authentic experience. Early bird tickets for £11pp are on sale until February 15, then go up to £20, and then are £25 on the night, so you might want to book early if interested.
Do if: You want to meet new people in an entertaining setting.