The leaves are turning brown and the rain has finally returned, which can only mean that it’s time to discover September events around Nottingham.
I’ve curated a range of events, from fun theatre shows to fascinating open days. These have been chosen based on their uniqueness, seasonality, and how good value for money they are.
Just because it’s a little chillier out, it doesn’t mean Nottingham’s events season has slowed down or there are less things to do. For more events and guides like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 of the best events around Nottingham this September
By Eve Smallman
1. Robin Hood Improv Festival
When: August 31-September 6
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and ticketed events, festival pass £120, concessions available
Bringing more than 120 performers to the city for a week, this fun festival will host both international names and Nottingham talent. Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (September 5, Squire PAC, £21.15pp, trybooking.com) is a great option for a Saturday night out. As well as this, local performers feature strongly, including Nottingham Playhouse’s Making It Up Ensemble (September 1, Malt Cross, free entry), and the Brand New Musical (September 4, Squire PAC, £10pp, trybooking.com) featuring festival director Lloydie James Lloyd with a completely improvised concert.
Do if: You’ve always liked the idea of going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – our city’s own comedy festival is a great alternative.
2. Till the Stars Come Down
When: September 5-26
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp
It’s Sylvia and Marek’s big day, and the Stone family have gathered in Mansfield. But once the vows have been made and the drinks start flowing, deep-seated family resentments begin to bubble up. When secrets start spilling out, alliances shift, and by the end of the night, nothing will ever be quite the same again. Beth Steel’s Olivier-nominated, funny family drama comes to Nottingham for the first time in this regional premiere.
Do if: You’d like to see a show with a local feel – Beth is from Mansfield, so expect plenty of authenticity (also keep an eye out for our Q&A with her!).
3. Equinox Star Party
When: September 12
Where: Idle Valley Nature Reserve, Retford
How much: £10pp
Join local experts from Bassetlaw Astronomical Society for a fun-filled evening of talks, demos and guided walks centred around the beauty of the night sky. You’ll learn about astronomy, the effects of light pollution and astrophotography, marvel at the scale of the Solar System, try your hand at using telescopes and learn to identify constellations. There will also be a telescope clinic, offering the chance for one-on-one guidance and tips on how to get the best out of your equipment.
Do if: You got swept up in solar eclipse fever last month, and would like to learn more about what’s above us.
4. Heritage Open Days
When: September 11-20
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Free entry
Explore our county’s past during this free yearly celebration, where venues across the area will be opening their doors for exclusive look arounds, rare opportunities, interesting tours, exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more. One excellent event in the city is St Mary’s Church Tours and Activities (September 12, heritageopendays.org.uk), while in the wider county, the Lowdham Signal Box (September 12-13 and 19-20, eventbrite.co.uk) is a great option for railway lovers. Find out our full curation in our guide.
Do if: You enjoy seeing and learning about areas of real historical importance.
5. The Silence of the Lambs
When: September 15-19
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £22pp
Come face to face with this chilling cultural phenomenon as it makes its world stage play premiere. Based on Thomas Harris’s literary masterpiece, it follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she’s sent to interview the psychiatrist and infamous murderer Hannibal Lecter, when it’s hoped his mind will help catch new serial killer Buffalo Bill. If thrillers aren’t your thing, other highlights at the theatre this month include Heathers (September 8-12, from £22pp, trch.co.uk) and Mamma Mia (September 29-October 10, from £31.50pp, (trch.co.uk).
Do if: You’re just as intrigued as I am about a Silence of the Lambs play.
6. Fabulous Places Autumn Market
When: September 19
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £6.50pp, under 18s free
Fabulous Places – which is known for its thoughtfully curated markets – is returning to Norwood Park for a special autumn edition. Explore over 50 thoughtfully selected stalls showcasing stylish home décor, handmade creations, seasonal flowers and plants, artisan food, vintage treasures, jewellery, gardenware, and more. There will also be food and drink vendors to keep you fuelled up while shopping.
Do if: You’re looking to give your home an autumn refresh, and would like to pick up lovely local pieces.
7. Alan Lodge: Common Grounds: Counterculture and Confrontation Since 1976
When: September 25-December 12
Where: Bonington Gallery, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
This exhibition brings together a range of Alan Lodge’s remarkable photography capturing travelling communities, free festivals, rave culture, environmental campaigns, and anti-war protests. In 1990, Alan Lodge moved to Nottingham to study photography at Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University), where he became involved with the city’s influential music collective DiY Sound System. Now he is one of the most significant chroniclers of British counterculture – and he still resides in Nottingham today.
Do if: Seeing a visually powerful exhibition with thought-provoking themes sounds fascinating to you.
8. Goose Fair
When: September 25-October 4
Where: Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Would it be a Nottingham September events guide without Goose Fair? I think not! For the unfamiliar, this is an annual fairground that rolls into the Forest Rec with hundreds of brightly lit stalls and rides. Think hook a duck, ferris wheels, and ghost trains. Oh, and getting a pot of mushy peas with mint sauce is absolutely mandatory. I highly recommend going in the evening, when the fair truly lights up.
Do if: You’d like to experience a real Nottingham tradition.
9. Portraits Painting
When: September 26
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £70pp, including materials
Discover varied, expressive approaches to painting the face during this relaxed and supportive workshop. Ideal for beginners and intermediate participants, you’ll be guided through dynamic brushwork and colour mixing, before moving onto steady guidance for completing your own portrait. This will be taught by visual artist Jane Stockley and will last five hours. Tickets are down to the final few as of time of publishing.
Do if: You’d like to immortalise yourself or someone else in a special way – after all, a painting has more to it than a phone camera picture.
10. Robin Hood Half Marathon
When: September 27
Where: Across Nottingham
How much: Charity places vary, free for spectators
The city streets will be filled once again with runners pacing through The Park, Wollaton Park, The Embankment, and more. While the event has completely sold out, there are still charity places available, such as for the Richard Whitehead Foundation, Nottingham Hospitals Charity, When You Wish Upon a Star, and Imara. I have ran for Emmanuel House previously, and while I’m not participating this year, I can confirm running for a charity is a lovely thing to do. If you’re not participating, you can join me on the sidelines to cheer everyone on.
Do if: You’d like to support the city and wider community, either by lacing up your shoes or showing up with a sign.
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