Nottingham May events — 10 things to do this month
Family days out, music festivals, foodie fun, and more...
The sun is finally out and the calendar is firmly jam-packed, with so many events taking place around Nottingham in May.
I’ve curated a range of these and have narrowed them down to 10 based on seasonality, specialness, and value for money. For more activities throughout the month, be sure to keep an eye on our Notts Going On newsletter.
If you’re looking for events and things to do across the city and county this month, these are all wonderful options. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 things to do in Nottingham this May
By Eve Smallman
1. Murder Mystery Night
When: May 8
Where: Kelham Hall, Newark
How much: £60pp
The 19th-century stately home has to be one of the best settings for a murder mystery in the county – and you’re invited to solve this brand-new case. The Garden family are broke and needs to sell their home – but a spirit is scaring potential buyers, and a mysterious ‘spirit cleanser’ is aiming to help. The event is interactive, but you’re not required to roleplay – all you need to do is crack the case and enjoy a three-course meal.
Do if: You’d like to liven up your Friday night with a real treat of a tale in an immersive setting.
2. Wing Fest
When: May 8-10
Where: OUT Nottingham
How much: From £19.50pp, afternoon sessions free for children
The world’s biggest chicken wing festival is landing in Nottingham for the first time ever. Tuck into a variety of wings from popular names in the chicken scene, including our own Mollis from Michelin-starred chef Alex Bond, Derby’s BOA, and Manchester’s Hello Oriental. There will also be eating competitions, axe-throwing, and all the beer and bourbon. It will run across four sessions: Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and a Sunday afternoon finale, so you can choose just the right time for you.
Do if: You just love a good chicken wing – this is the very best place to try the best of the best.
3. Nottinghamshire County Show
When: May 9
Where: Newark Showground
How much: From £15pp, free for children
Discover our county’s farming, countryside life and rural culture during this lovely event, which will host together livestock and equine displays and countryside competitions with over 1,500 competitors. Live demonstrations, music, and family-friendly activities will also keep you busy. Plus, you can meet, sample wares from, and shop with local food and drink producers, along with browsing craft stalls.
Do if: You’d like to learn more about the area’s farmers and makers, and pick up wares straight from the source.
4. Nottingham Super Soapbox Challenge
When: May 10
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free for spectators
Nottingham’s inaugural soap box race will see a range of teams – from businesses to pals – driving their handmade carts down the gigantic four-metre-high ramp. Off track, there will be entertainment too, with family-friendly photo opportunities. The first cart will go down at 11am, so be sure to bag a great spot before then. However, there will be mega screens and lively commentary, so you’re sure to be part of the action wherever you are.
Do if: You always enjoyed watching the Red Bull Soapbox Race on TV – this is our city’s own version of it.
5. Flying Scotsman Legendary Journeys
When: May 23-25, May 30-31
Where: Great Central Railway, Ruddington
How much: From £60pp adult, £30pp child
The famous Flying Scotsman is returning to the Midlands for the first time in 25 years. Step aboard for a return journey, which will take you from the Great Central Railway to Loughborough and back while travelling through the beautiful countryside route. Want to make it a real treat? First Class Observation is £99pp, compartments for up to eight are £420, and premium compartments for up to six are £400. All tickets come with a commemorative brochure.
Do if: Hearing the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most famous trains sounds wonderful to you.
6. Luminarium: Timisien
When: May 23-31
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: From £6.50pp, free under 18 months
The Nottingham-based Architects of Air are presenting their new Luminarium Timisien, which will have soaring domes and winding labyrinths. There are six different sessions – a talk and tour by founder Alan Parkinson (May 22), baby and parent (May 22), the standard one (May 23-31), quieter and calm SEND (May 26), loud and active SEND (May 27), and grown-ups only (May 28). We have been to previous Luminariums and can confirm they’re unique sensory experiences.
Do if: You’d like to escape for just a little while – this remarkable ‘world’ is just a tram hop away.
7. Dot to Dot
When: May 24
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £39.38pp
Over 200 artists will be taking over a host of the city’s venues for a full day of live music. Local ones to look out for include Sancho Panza, Archy and The Astronauts, Drury Hill, and Emidora. The headliners include Lambrini Girls, Ratboys, and Newdad. Many musicians have broken through at this festival, including East Midlands’ own Hard Life, London Grammar, and Jake Bugg – so who knows who you’ll discover?
Do if: You fancy mixing up your playlists with some of the county and country’s finest upcoming acts.
8. Barnum
When: May 26-30
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £17.50pp
Roll up, roll up – P.T. Barnum is coming to town in a spectacular show… well, a show about his life, that is. West End and TV star Lee Mead (who you may recognise from Any Dream Will Do) will lead the way as the showman himself, who brought the magic of the circus to the world. He’ll lead a cast of over 20 acrobats and musicians – so expect plenty of delightful acts, classic show tunes, and a glorious stage set-up filled with fun.
Do if: You loved The Greatest Showman and would like to see the real-life story imagined in a new way.
9. Matt Forde: Defying Calamity
When: May 31
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £28.50pp
Political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (Spitting Image, HIGNFY, British Scandal) is bringing his biggest show to date to the Theatre Royal. This is about finding positivity in life despite evidence to the contrary in politics (Matt is known for his uncanny impressions) and his own health, with Matt having undergone cancer treatment. It will be a homecoming for the Nottingham-born comedian, so it’s sure to be a special show.
Do if: You’ve been feeling a bit down about things and would welcome a new perspective on it all.
10. Italian Car and Motorcycle Show
When: May 31
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £10pp for exhibitors, visitor entry free
See a range of the finest car models and motorcycles out there during this end-of-the-month spectacular. Iconic models from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini and more will park up, as well as Ducatis, Vespas, and Lambrettas. Make sure to vote for your favourites throughout the day. The taste of Italy doesn’t stop there, with trade stands hosting premium coffees, pizzas, and ice cream. It certainly sounds like dolce vita.
Do if: You’re missing the Mediterranean, and would like to experience it without the flight.
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