Nottingham February events — 10 things to do this month
Romantic evenings, bookish fun, mindful workshops, and more...
The month of love is officially upon us – and there are plenty of fabulous events to fall for this February around Nottingham.
I’ve curated a mixture of these, from family-friendly fun to swoon-worthy evenings. I have narrowed them down based on their uniqueness, their seasonality, and value for money.
If you’re looking for events in Nottingham this month, these are all worthy things to do. I’ll also be curating a special Valentine’s Day events guide next week. For more guides like these, subscribe to receive The Notts Edit in your inbox for free.
10 things to do in Nottingham this February
By Eve Smallman
1. Nottingham Light Night
When: February 6-7
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Glowing up the city centre for two whole days, Light Night is back with over 30 installations across Old Market Square, Nottingham Castle, Sneinton Market, St Mary’s Church, and other iconic locations. Many of the works this year explore the theme of home, with lots of these being created in Nottingham. Be sure to download the It’s in Nottingham app for a full map of all the pieces, as well as more information about them.
Do if: You’d love to see Nottingham in a new light – this event is perfect for making and capturing memories with friends, families, and even dates.
2. Li Qingyu
When: Until February 27
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: Free entry
The Chinese artist Li Qingyu is exhibiting his exquisite scroll paintings, which are adorned with flowers, birds, and ladies in his distinctive freehand style. He is also the director of the Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Association. This exhibition is part of Lunar New Year celebrations at Lakeside Arts, which also include Chinese arts and crafts (February 22, free entry) and fan painting for kids (February 22, £5pp).
Do if: You’re planning on seeing the Andy Warhol exhibition – this is also a unique opportunity to see some remarkable artwork at the same art gallery.
3. Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity
When: February 9-20
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Various prices
Whizz pop and whizz bang your way around the county, learning from a wide range of scientists, engineers, creatives and inventors in fun and creative ways. Highlights include the Geology Workshops (February 16, Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library, free entry), Big Hero 6 and Robot Activities (February 20, The Bonington Theatre, £5pp), and LEGO Day (February 20, Bassetlaw Museum, free entry), but do check the full programme to find events in your area.
Do if: You’d like to help the kids learn something new this half-term.
4. Blind Date With a Book
When: February 12
Where: Delilah’s Bar and Bistro, Ilkeston
How much: £16.96pp
Yes, this is in Ilkeston – but it’s right on the border and this sounds super lovely, so here it is. During this bookish evening, you’ll be given a romance novel to delve into and read, as well as a drinks sachet, biscuit, and handy bookmark. There will also be stalls from local vendors to browse featuring Valentine’s and bookish-themed gifts and merchandise. This cosy event can be enjoyed by yourself or with friends.
Do if: You’re tired of going on dates with people – books can provide much entertainment, right?
5. Sara Pascoe: I Am a Strange Gloop
When: February 13
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: £29.50pp
With randomness, a touch of weirdness, and plenty of relatable thoughts, this comedy show will be filled with confessionals from one of the UK’s top comedians. Sara Pascoe has appeared on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, and QI, as well as presenting on The Great British Sewing Bee, and is known for her dry, witty sense of humour and a knack for observation.
Do if: You’ve enjoyed seeing Sara Pascoe on TV, and fancy a good giggle on the day of bad luck (Friday 13, that is!).
6. Cocktails and Crime: Don’t Look Back In Anger
When: February 14
Where: National Justice Museum, Nottingham
How much: £28pp
You’re officially invited to the launch party of his latest and hottest magazine, You Got Judged!, by the editor Rex Wright. But the party begins with a shocking discovery – Rex is found dead (spoilers!). You’ll need to get your detective hat on, interview suspects, and find the clues – with a cocktail or mocktail in hand. Doors close at 7.45pm and the event finishes at 10pm.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun date idea – this would work especially well as an icebreaker.
7. Valentine’s Art
When: February 13-15
Where: Splash Art Republic, Nottingham
How much: £15pp keyrings, £80 per couple bear pour, £32pp sip and paint
The fun and funky Splash Art Republic has a range of playfully arty events to try your hand at this Valentine’s weekend. Create your own mini bear at the Galentine’s Keyrings workshop with unlimited paint colours (February 13), decorate a whole bear and two keyrings (February 14), or (and?!), paint your date on canvas with the help of a studio artist (February 15). All the events are BYOB, so you can sip on whatever you fancy as you work.
Do if: You’d like to try something new with someone you love or would like to know better – creative activities are brilliant for this.
8. Nordic Style Open Water Dip & Sauna
When: February 14
Where: WholeHealth Open Water Swim Village & Sauna, Nottingham
How much: £10pp
Refresh your mind and take in the beauty of nature during this open-water dip session, suitable for both beginners and seasoned swimmers. There will also be time to warm back up and unwind in the lakeside sauna. They advise to arrive in clothing you want to wear in the water, as there are limited changing facilities. The lake and sauna are set in Colwick Country Park, which is also a lovely walking and running location.
Do if: Giving yourself some TLC on Valentine’s Day sounds wonderful to you.
9. Doga Yoga
When: February 21
Where: Bliss Yoga & Wellbeing, Beeston
How much: £16.96pp
Bring your pooch along (or even just yourself) to this adorable Doga Yoga experience, where dogs are welcome to join in or simply relax. There will be gentle movements with moments of connection (downward dog, anyone?), sniff time with treats, and tea and tails with hot drinks for humans and water for pups. There will even be a prize for the best stretch partner – so time to get ‘lie down’ down pat.
Do if: You need to unwind properly and would love to do so in the most adorable way possible.
10. An Evening with T. M. Logan
When: February 26
Where: Waterstones, Nottingham
How much: £6pp ticket, £21pp book and ticket
Nottinghamshire author T.M. Logan is known for his gripping psychological thrillers, and his latest novel The Weekend is out on February 26 (the day of the event!). This book follows six friends who come across a backpack brimming with cash, and the storm they go through as they decide what to do with it. The evening will include a talk by the author himself, a Q&A, and a book signing.
Do if: You’d like to read more Nottingham books, or one of your New Year’s resolutions is to read more.
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