10 things to do in Nottingham this May
A city music festival, WW2 day outs, and a 5k wine run...
If you want to enjoy late spring rays and vibrant days, it’s time to find out things to do in Nottingham this May.
There is something for everyone, from chilled-out evenings eating cheese and sewing fabrics to busy days jumping between music venues. We’ve even got a 5k wine run, which has to be one of the quirkiest events we’ve seen all year.
These are our top picks for the month, but do sign up for our newsletters as we also send out Notts Going On, which features a weekly events round-up.
And, for those planning events for June, please do send us your suggestions for next month at editor@thenottsedit.com.
10 things to do in Nottingham this May
By Eve Smallman
1. Counter Culture 🖼️
When: May 2-July 21
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: Free admission, talks £3pp
This fascinating exhibition — part design show, part social history — will delve into the changing experiences of the shop on the high street, from Boots being a Victorian pharmacy right to the superstores we know and love today. As well as having a gallery available to view, it will also host talks from May to July, including the story of 17 and selling cosmetics to the post-war teenager and dispensing down under in Fiji and New Zealand.
Do if: You’re proud of Boots’ part in our county’s heritage and want to learn more about it.
2. Bad Betty Live 🎤🎵
When: May 5
Where: Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham
How much: £10pp
The award-winning publishing house is bringing its fresh perspective to Peggy’s, with a night of dynamic poetry and music from talented artists local and global. Poetry-wise, you’ll hear from the author of The Illustrated Woman Helen Mort, World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker, GOBS’ Cara Thompson, and Loud Poets’ Katie Ailes. Music will include performances from NeOne the Wonderer and special guests. It’s sure to be an enrapturing, thought-provoking night.
Do if: Powerful performances at a cosy venue is your idea of a perfect Sunday.
3. Notts Street Food Festival 🏏😋
When: May 6
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: £6pp adult entry, £3pp child
Eighteen delicious vendors will be parking up at Trent Bridge for a day of food and fun. Choose from Mexican, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes, as well as burgers, pizzas, and doughnuts. On the cricket pitch, The Blaze will be playing their first home game of the season against Thunder, meaning you can sit down and enjoy some quality sport while you eat. There are two sessions — one 12-4.30pm and one 4.30-9pm — so whether you want to grab lunch or dinner, you can do so whenever your appetite suits.
Do if: You want to get into cricket before the summer season properly starts.
4. Mindful Slow Stitch Workshop ✂️
When: May 15
Where: EverWild Studio, Sneinton
How much: £40pp, including tools and materials
Enjoy a chilled-out evening of sewing and chatting at the gorgeous EverWild in Sneinton Market. Textile artist Rebekah Johnston will show you everything you need to know about slow stitching, which is a soothing practice. Using plant-dyed fabrics, you’ll start a piece you can finish at home and even turn into wall art. Rebekah specialises in creating works based on emotional well-being, so you’re sure to learn some brilliant tips from her.
Do if: You want to properly switch off and relax for an evening.
5. 66 Degrees — An Evening with Tracey Whitefoot 🖼️
When: May 16
Where: Nottingham Central Library
How much: £8.95pp
Join one of Nottingham’s best photographers for an evening of brilliant captures and fascinating tales. Fresh from her trip to the USA and Canada, you’re sure to see beautiful pictures that are brilliant examples of visual storytelling. There will be a bar available at the event, so you can grab a tipple while you ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at Tracey’s snaps.
Do if: You love Tracey’s famous Goose Fair at sunset picture as much as we do.
6. GIRLBAND! 🎵
When: May 18
Where: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
How much: £11pp
One of the hottest bands to come out of Notts recently is bringing their headline tour to Rescue Rooms. Alt-trio GIRLBAND! pull on influences from the ‘50s to the ‘90s and call themselves a punk band making pop songs. Highlights for them so far include performing on BBC Music Introducing, supporting Clifton’s Jake Bugg, and playing at the Isle of Wight Festival. They’ll be supported by The Chase — an indie band also originating from Nottingham.
Do if: You want to support local artists — the tickets are an absolute steal considering the calibre of the two.
7. Spirit of Wartime Sherwood 🌳
When: May 18-19
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: Free entry, £3 parking
Time machines might not exist yet (as far as we know), but you can still be transported to World War Two — at least on this May weekend, anyway. See authentic vehicles, experience life in military camps, browse vintage stalls, and enjoy music from the ‘40s performed live. There is a full event schedule for both days on the site, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Do if: You want to escape to another world for the weekend.
8. 5k Charity Wine Run 🏃🌳
When: May 19
Where: Hanwell Wine Estate, Hickling Pastures
How much: £30pp, £45 for two
Hands up if you’ve we’ve seen running everywhere at the moment! If you want to get into it but are in need of a little motivation, this could be the event for you. You can run, walk, or even crawl through the beautiful Nottinghamshire vineyards, where you’ll be supplied with samples of Hanwell Wine Estate samples en route. This will all be in support of the MS Society charity.
Do if: You loved the energy of that London Marathon guy who had a wine every mile.
9. Cheese and Wine Night 😋
When: May 25
Where: Cleaver and Wake, Nottingham
How much: £45pp
We can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night than this. Hosted by Upstairs at Cleaver and Wake’s own sommelier Linzi Godrich and chef Callum Dovey, you’ll sample six glasses of wine, including rose, red, white, and sparkling. All of these will be accompanied by a decadent cheese board filled with local and international cheeses. For those who do fall in love with a particular wine, you can also grab a bottle of your top pick at a discount on the night.
Do if: You were sold just by the title — we definitely were!
10. Dot to Dot Festival 🎵
When: May 26
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: £36.56pp
This is one of our favourite festivals to hit Notts every year. Spend the whole day hopping between venues throughout the city centre, listening to a range of different artists. Headliners this year include Jockstrap, Wunderhorse, and The Magic Gang. The likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Easy Life have played in the past, so even if you haven’t heard of many of the acts on the list, chances are you’ll find one you’ll love and that might become the next big thing.
Do if: You want to scout out fresh artists for your Spotify playlist.
Enjoying The Notts Edit? Feel free to fuel our work!