Summer events in Nottingham — 15 of the best things to see and do this season
Festivals, outdoor theatre and cinema, sports, and more...
Whether you want to soak in the sun or just have fun with friends and family, there are plenty of summer events in Nottingham worth heading out to.
I have rounded up a mixture of different events, including outdoor theatre and cinema, festivals, sports fun, and more. I have narrowed these down based on the quality of the offering, their seasonality, and how good value for money they are.
If you’re looking for summer 2025 events and things to do around the county, these 15 events are all well worth slathering on the suncream and stepping out to visit. For more local guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit for free. We also send out Notts Going On every Monday, which always has events for the week.
15 of the best summer events in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Open-Air Theatre
When: July 3 and July 30
Where: Nottingham Castle
How much: £20pp adult, £15pp child, £60 two adults and two children
The splendid grounds of Nottingham Castle is a picturesque place for watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 3) in traditional Shakespearean style or seeing our famous outlaw Robin Hood (July 30). It’s worth noting that the events will go ahead even if it’s raining, so be sure to be prepared whatever the weather. You will also need to bring your own picnic blankets and low-backed seating if required.
Do if: You’d like to unwind and watch an exciting show while enjoying the outdoors.
2. Wonderland Festival
When: July 5
Where: Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead
How much: £49.28pp, £84pp VIP
Set in a magical woodland oasis, this day-long festival will provide all the disco vibes — so get your glittery and shiny garms at the ready. The star-studded roster includes Grammy winner Roger Sanchez, Heather Small, Gok Wan, and Craig Charles. The VIP ticket gets you access to the exclusive VIP area, private bar, and fast-track entry. Plus, Nottingham city residents can get a 10% discount when booking.
Do if: You’d love to be transported to another world for a day of dancing.
3. Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance
When: July 10-12
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £53.80pp
This event may not be the most summery as it literally takes place on ice, but the opportunity to see two Nottingham legends perform together before they retire is just too big of a deal not to include. See them in action as they reflect on their half-century partnership through dance, including their famous Bolero dance. It’s worth noting that there are limited tickets available for all the dates, so be sure to be quick — especially for the Saturday, which will be their last-ever performance together.
Do if: Bolero always gives you goosebumps — or you’d just like to wave goodbye to two local icons.
4. Nottingham Chamber Music Festival
When: July 10-13
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and ticketed events
This musical festival brings classical music to a variety of locations around the city, from the Grade II-listed Victorian tunnel to the stunning Nottingham Contemporary. This year’s theme is Beyond Borders, featuring performances with global influences, such as Tunnel Vision featuring music by Eurovision’s SuRie (July 13, The Park Tunnel, £10-12pp) and African Concert Series’ Rebeca Omordia (July 12, St Peter’s Church, free entry). You can also celebrate 20 years of Delilah’s (July 10, £45pp), seeing it transform into a European cafe while drinking wine and eating canapes.
Do if: You’ve always liked the idea of getting into classical music.
5. Nottingham Beach
When: July 16-August 31
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
It just wouldn’t be summer in Nottingham without Nottingham Beach taking over the square. This year’s theme is Santorini, so expect Greek vibes and food to match. As always there will be the sandy beach and paddling area, funfair rides and games, and family activities such as Monday movie nights, Tuesday salsa, and Wednesday volleyball tournaments. It is free entry, but the attractions and rides are all ticketed.
Do if: You want to be beside the seaside without making the trip to Skeggy.
6. Splendour Festival
When: July 19-20
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: Day tickets £69pp adult, £49pp youth, free for under 10s, weekend tickets available
After a year’s hiatus, Splendour is back with a storming line-up to boot. Saturday’s acts include Bloc Party, Clean Bandit and Clifton’s own Jake Bugg, while Sunday’s include the Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. There will also be plenty of local acts, including the winner of the Future Sound of Nottingham competition. You can also dance at Vicky McClure’s Day Fever daytime party, revel in the cabaret stage and cocktail bar, and marvel at the circus tent.
Do if: Singing along to songs you know and love sounds like your idea of a very nice day out.
7. Boho Festival
When: July 25-27
Where: Millview Glamping, Newton
How much: Day ticket £38.75pp adult, £22.25pp teen, £11.25pp child, weekend tickets available
Step out into the gorgeous countryside and sing along to tribute acts like Wonderwall and The Rozzers, as well as music from big names like Graeme Park and The Dub Pistols. Meanwhile, the Mongolian Disco Yurt will be hosting pilates in the morning and kids’ entertainment in the afternoon. There are also camping options available, where you can either pitch up your own tent or indulge in a luxury bell tent.
Do if: You want to experience a Glasto-style experience without having to leave the county.
8. Films in the Forest
When: July 25-27
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: £16pp adult, £8.50pp child
Sherwood Forest (aka one of Nottingham’s most famous tourist attractions) is a gorgeous place to unwind, relax, and watch a movie or two. All of the films for this series have forests in them, making for a very immersive experience. These include The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers (July 25, 7pm), Tangled (July 26, 1pm), and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (July 26, 4pm). Oh, and of course there are two Robin Hood films — Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (July 26, 7pm) and Disney’s Robin Hood (July 27, 12pm) — so you can settle the argument of which is the better tale about our famous outlaw.
Do if: You’d like to experience a truly unique outdoor cinema experience.
9. Notts Pride
When: July 26
Where: Around Nottingham city centre
How much: Free entry
This day-long extravaganza celebrates our city’s wonderful LGBTQIA+ community. The Pride march will start at 12pm from Listergate, moving past Old Market Square and Hockley, before finishing in Sneinton Market. The avenues will be hosting educational stalls, while the main stage will host local artists including Girlband! and Rob.Green, as well as drag acts like RuPaul’s Drag Race star Rileasa. Meanwhile, venues around Hockley’s Broad Street will have DJs and dancing.
Do if: You’d like to show your pride and support for the queer community.
10. Nottingham Running Festival
When: August 3
Where: Colwick Country Park
How much: 5k £24pp, 10k £28pp, half marathon £30pp
One of our favourite running locations around Nottingham, Colwick is hosting a festival where you can run whatever distance you want. Choose between 5k, 10k, or a half marathon (great if you’re training for the Robin Hood Half Marathon like me!) and explore park’s great lakes while running along the park’s wide trail paths. The festival is hosted by RunThrough and is in support of Nottinghamshire Hospice.
Do if: You’d like a goal to work towards during your summer running routine.
11. Gloworm Festival
When: August 8-10
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: Day tickets £60.50pp adult, £49.50pp child, £209 family ticket, weekend and camping options available
Gloworm is a magical adventure for adults and little ones alike. On the stage, you’ll be able to see CBeebies stars Justin Fletcher and Andy and the Odd Socks, along with tribute acts like Carrie Fern as Sabrina Carpenter, Do it Like Dua, and The Killerz. Elsewhere, you can take fun snaps with characters such as Mr Blobby, Chase and Rubble from Paw Patrol, and Zippy and George (so a real mix for kids and grown-ups!), take part in creative play, and woodland and farmyard fun.
Do if: You want to treat the family to a fun, memorable occasion during the summer holidays.
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12. The Road to Nashville
When: August 9
Where: Binks Yard, Nottingham
How much: From £39.85pp
Put on your cowboy hat and strap on them boots — this is a set to be a real-life hoedown. Tribute acts for Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Morgan Wallen will be providing all the country tunes on the stage. Beyond the music, you can try line dancing, riding a rodeo bull and axe throwing. Once you’ve worked up an appetite with all that excitement, you can tuck into BBQ and smoked food vendors.
Do if: You don’t really want to go to America at the moment, but you still love the country vibes.
13. The Hundred
When: August 10-27
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £14pp adult, £5 3-15-year-olds
While we love a traditional Test, The Hundred is a brilliant, fast-paced day of action. Each team bats and bowls for 100 balls an innings, making it much shorter and filled with more dramatic shots. The Trent Rockets has a super line-up, with Joe Root, Sam Cook, and Nat Sciver-Brunt all in the squad. Along with cricket action, expect live music, in-ground activities, and food and drink.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun family day out that will keep the kids entertained.
14. Southwell Music Festival
When: August 22-25
Where: Various venues around Southwell
How much: Mix of free, pay what you feel, and ticketed events
With lively jazz and folk sessions, intimate solo performances, majestic choral performances, and more, there is something for every musical taste at this year’s Festival. Highlights include a talk by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason (August 22, Southwell Minster, £10pp), Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert (August 22, Southwell Minster, £6-£39.50pp), and Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening (August 23, Southwell Minster), £6-£45.50pp), but we highly recommend checking out the full programme of events.
Do if: You like the picturesque town of Southwell and would like to enjoy it in a new way.
15. The Foolhardy Folk Festival
When: August 24
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: £46pp, under 11s free
Songwriter Beans on Toast is rounding up his favourite performers and bringing them to The Arboretum for an uplifting celebration of folk music. Acts include Leicester ‘protest singer’ Grace Petrie, the heartstring-pulling The Young’uns, and tongue-in-cheek singer Nick Parker. As well as swaying along to folksy tunes, you’ll be able to get drinks at the beer festival and food at the street vendors, while little ones can play in the kids’ corner.
Do if: The Arboretum is one of your favourite beauty spots in Notts — this festival really makes the most out of the stunning setting.
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