Nottingham September events: 10 things to do this month
Nottingham September events: 10 things to do this month
Wrap up warm, head out into our county, and enjoy these amazing events...
Summer has been and gone and September is officially here. But, just because it’s a little darker, a little cooler, and a little quieter, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in Nottingham this month.
I’ve rounded up a range of the best things happening, and there’s literally something for everyone this month — brilliant theatre, fascinating heritage, dazzling fairs and festivals, and more feature below.
If you’re looking for autumn events in Nottingham and want to start the season with a bang, these 10 big events are worth having on your radar. We also send Notts Going On every Monday which includes the best events each week, so if you want to see more throughout the month, you can sign up to receive our articles in your inbox.
10 things to do in Nottingham this September
By Eve Smallman
1. Dear Evan Hansen
When: September 9-28
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: £9.50-£68pp
This is one of the hottest theatre shows in Nottingham this year, with Nottingham Playhouse hosting this new production before it goes on tour across the UK. The musical follows Evan — an anxious kid whose big lie ends up causing a lot of headaches. With a score composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman) and a storyline full of dramatic twists and turns, this is well worth going to see.
Do if: You enjoy watching things that will make you smile and cry.
2. Robin Hood International Improv Festival
When: September 4-8
Where: Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
How much: Prices vary per show, day and for concessions, festival day pass £15-£30pp, festival pass £90/£100pp
Over 100 improvisers from all over the world are heading to Nottingham for a whole host of improv events. Highlights include Rhymes Against Humanity (September 4, £12/£8pp), Shamilton (September 7, £18/£12pp), and Sherwood: Improv In Tights (September 8, £9/£6pp). If you pick up a festival day pass you will get tickets for the headline act that day, so if you want to spend the whole day watching theatre, you’ll get a lot for your buck.
Do if: You fancy seeing a completely unique show that will never be repeated.
3. Heritage Open Days
When: September 6-15
Where: Various venues across Nottinghamshire
How much: Free
Explore a huge range of the area’s heritage sites with these special open days that offer exclusive access and events that normally aren’t on offer. In Nottingham, interesting events include BBC Proms: Lace Machine Music (September 8, booking required), Lace Connections Store Tour (September 13-14, booking required), and Bromley House Library & Garden (September 15, booking required). Meanwhile, in the wider county, the Cyanotype Workshop in Ruddington (September 15, booking not required) and Lowdham Signal Box (September 7-8 and September 14-15, booking preferred) are also worth checking out.
Do if: You want to learn more about the area’s history and have been looking for an excuse to do so.
4. D.H. Lawrence Music Festival
When: September 7
Where: Various venues around Eastwood
How much: Free entry
Over 150 bands from around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will be playing across Eastwood at this one-day music event. Bands to watch out for include Ugly Mayfly (Old Wine Vaults, 3pm), Joey Collins & The Bushido Code (Old Wine Vaults, 9pm), and Lucille (Dog and Parrot, 10pm). While entry is free, the festival is aiming to raise awareness and funds for Nottingham charity BlindEye, so donations will be greatly appreciated.
Do if: You’d like to shake up your Spotify list by finding up-and-coming local talent.
linktr.ee/d.h.lawrence.music.festival
5. Taste of Nottingham
When: September 9-15
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £18pp
Our county has an amazing food and drink scene, which you can try a slice of during this week-long celebration. From gourmet dinners to unique food tours, there’s something to appease all palettes, including the Taste of Nottinghamshire at Table 47 (September 11 and 13), the Chocolate Making Workshop with Studio Chocolate (September 12), and the Beers and Caves Tour (September 11 and 15).
Do if: You’re an adventurous foodie who loves trying new things.
6. Art Fest Nottingham
When: September 21
Where: Green Heart area, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
This is the inaugural event of this festival that’s all about celebrating the wonderfully artists we have in the area. You’ll be able to see murals and graffiti (including live art demonstrations), take part in interactive workshops, and chat to a range of talented creatives. As well as this, you can book one of the tours throughout the day to learn more about all the projects that have shaped the Green Heart area.
Do if: You want to spend the day soaking in creative energy.
7. Festival of Food and Drink
When: September 21-22
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: £10pp, £32 family, £25pp VIP per day
The biggest food and drink show in the East Midlands is back for another weekend of mouth-watering treats. Tuck into bites from artisan food producers and street food eateries from around the world, watch TV chefs such as Rosemary Shrager and Rachel Allen, and take part in cookery school workshops. Day tickets are £10pp, but for £15pp extra you can upgrade to VIP (only Sunday remaining) which includes benefits like a goody bag and chef meet and greets.
Do if: You’d like to have a weekend without having to cook (or wash up!).
8. Inspire Poetry Festival
When: September 26-October 3
Where: Libraries around Nottinghamshire
How much: Free-£10pp
Explore exhibitions, take part in workshops, and watch films and performances at this week-long festival that’ll showcase the brilliance of the written word. Desert Island Poems with Daljit Nagra MBE (September 26, West Bridgford Library, £10pp), Personalised Poems While You Wait (September 27, Sutton in Ashfield Library, free), and Taking Your Poems Out into the World with Jane Commane (September 28, West Bridgford Library, £8pp) are a few stand-outs, but there are events happening across Beeston, Mansfield, Stapleford, Southwell, Sutton-in-Ashfield, West Bridgford, and Worksop libraries.
Do if: You want to start writing poems yourself and want some motivation and help to do that.
9. Goose Fair
When: September 27-October 6
Where: Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
If you go to one event in Nottingham this year, make sure that it's the Goose Fair, as it’s a huge Nottingham bucket list item. The iconic travelling funfair is the largest in Europe and is an amazing whirlwind of rides, attractions, and delicious food and drink stalls (make sure to get a pot of mushy peas with mint sauce for the true, authentic experience). It’s particularly wonderful in the evening when you can see all the bright lights illuminating the sky.
Do if: You want to have a fun night out that doesn’t involve going clubbing (it’s an especially good one for new students going out with new friends!).
10. Robin Hood Half Marathon
When: September 29
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
How much: £44pp
Entries are still open for this major half marathon, which is the largest charity fundraising event in the city. The picturesque route will take you along the Embankment, past the Castle, through the Nottingham Park Estate and Wollaton Park, before finishing at the Embankment next to the River Trent. I’m doing this myself and I’m raising money for Emmanuel House.
Do if: You fancy challenging yourself for a good cause.
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