Nottingham summer events — 15 of the best things to do this season
Festivals, music, cinema, and more...
Whether you’re hoping to make the most of the sunshine or simply spend quality time with friends and family, there are plenty of brilliant events to fill your summer calendar around Nottingham.
I’ve rounded up a mix of standout experiences, from outdoor theatre and open-air cinema to festivals, sporting events and family-friendly days out. Each one has been chosen for the quality of the experience, its seasonal appeal, and its value for money.
If you’re looking for the best events and things to do across Nottinghamshire, these 15 picks are all worth pencilling in and heading out for. For more local guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit for free. You’ll also receive Notts Going On – our weekly newsletter packed with the best events happening across the county.
15 of the best summer events around Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Nottingham Puppet Festival
When: June 27-July 5
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for events
Returning after a hiatus, the fourth edition of this festival will transform libraries, community centres, cinemas and theatres into spaces filled with puppets of every shape and size. One of the biggest highlights is City Centre Day on June 27, when Nottingham will become a living stage from 10.30am–4.30pm. We also recommend snapping up tickets for Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (July 2-5, from £15pp), starring Nottingham’s own Chelsea Da Silva.
Do if: There’s something about puppets that always enchants you – and you’d love to introduce your little ones to that magic too.
nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk
2. Nottingham Chamber Music Festival
When: July 9-12
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for events
Bringing four days of world-class classical music to some of Nottingham’s most extraordinary spaces, this festival stages performances everywhere from medieval churches to Victorian buildings. Key ones include the opening night Music & Wine: Aquilae Duo at Delilah Fine Foods (July 9, £45pp), The People’s Hall – Music for Violin with violinist Darragh Morgan (July 11, from £14pp), and Tunnel Vision: Vivaldi Four Seasons (July 12, £13pp) inside the breathtaking Park Tunnel. Be sure to check the website for the full programme.
Do if: Classical music always gives you goosebumps – this is one of the very best ways to experience it in the city.
3. Summer Nights at Nottingham Castle
When: July 10-12
Where: Nottingham Castle
How much: From £31.90pp
It has been more than a decade since live music on this scale came to the Castle, and it’s returning in style this July. The 80s MixTape will bring everything from synth-pop classics to rock anthems on Friday, Country at the Castle will deliver a taste of Nashville on Saturday, and Musicals Live on Sunday will feature songs from West End favourites including Hamilton, Six and Frozen. Each evening will also have a fully licensed bar, street food vendors and festival-style entertainment.
Do if: You love the idea of singing and dancing against one of the city’s most iconic backdrops.
4. The Nottingham Food Festival
When: July 11-12
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
How much: From £7.95pp adult, £5.95pp under 16s, under 5s free
The first edition of this festival promises a weekend of food and fun by the riverside. Wander through the street food arena to sample global cuisines, watch masterclasses from leading chefs and pick up artisan treats to take home. There will also be family entertainment, free activities, Sports Day-inspired mini games and what organisers describe as ‘eccentric production’ (so hopefully no Willy Wonka-style antics here).
Do if: You miss Nottingham Riverside Festival and/or fancy spending a weekend diving into delicious food.
5. Beyond Gogh and Monet
When: July 18-August 7
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £27pp
Immerse yourself in the world of art through these mesmerising installations celebrating two of history’s most iconic artists. Van Gogh’s masterpieces include The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Café Terrace at Night, while Monet’s dreamlike works feature Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise. It’s worth noting that tickets are sold separately, as the exhibitions run on different days. Plus, we’re hosting a competition to win tickets to either exhibition during the first week (@thenottsedit).
Do if: You’d love to experience beautiful artworks in a way you’ll remember for years to come.
6. Splendour
When: July 18-19
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £85.60pp adult, from £64.20pp youth, under 17s free
The biggest festival in Nottinghamshire, Splendour returns for two days packed with huge acts. This year’s headliners include The Wombats and Snow Patrol, alongside Primal Scream, Hard Life, Estelle, Craig David and many more. Local artists such as Jayahadadream and Archie and the Astronauts will also perform. And don’t worry, football fans – the World Cup will be shown too. I went for the first time last year and can confirm it’s a relaxed, fun and genuinely family-friendly atmosphere.
Do if: You’d love to spend the weekend singing along to favourite tunes while discovering some new ones too.
7. Notts Pride
When: July 25
Where: Various locations around Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Show your pride at this glittering free event, which begins with a midday march through the city centre. Sneinton Market will host the main stage and stalls, while fringe events will take place across Hockley. This year’s music line-up includes Nottingham artist and viral sensation LYVIA alongside Manchester-based ballroom and queer collective Ghetto Fabulous, while drag performers include local favourites Bella Bestia and Priscilla Shona Krakow.
Do if: You’d love to support our city’s LGBTQIA+ community – especially this year, with the Rainbow Quarter now officially recognised.
8. Gin & Rum Festival
When: July 25
Where: The Nest, Nottingham
How much: From £23.65pp
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking for a great night out with friends, this is the perfect way to get into the summer spirit (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun). More than 120 premium gins, rums and tequilas will be available to sample, while the cocktail bar will demonstrate how to mix them into delicious drinks and DJs provide the soundtrack for dancing it all off. Your ticket also includes a reusable steel cup and straw, a Gin & Rum guide and – perhaps my favourite part – a drink on the way out.
Do if: You’re looking for tasty tipples to bring to summer parties – and what better way to sample them all first?
9. The Hundred
When: July 26-August 10
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £44pp adult, £5pp child
For those who like their sport fast-paced, The Hundred is a brilliantly dynamic version of cricket. Each team bats and bowls for just 100 balls an innings, making matches shorter and packed with big moments. The Trent Rockets has a stellar squad, including Nottinghamshire’s Ben Duckett and the legendary Nat Sciver-Brunt. Alongside the cricket, expect live music, DJs and family entertainment. After finishing second in the men’s competition and fourth in the women’s last year, expectations are high for another exciting tournament.
Do if: You’d like to introduce yourself – or someone else – to the beautiful game of cricket in an accessible and entertaining format.
10. Gloworm Festival
When: August 7-9
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: From £57.75pp adult, £46.75pp child, £198pp family ticket
Celebrating its 10th birthday and returning to Thoresby Park, Gloworm offers the chance to meet TV favourites including SpongeBob and Bing, sing along to tribute acts, and take part in everything from arts and crafts to laser tag and skateboarding. The dedicated Playmobil play tent, White Post Farm’s animals and colourful circus acts are also well worth a visit. Campers can also enjoy a pamper area and morning campsite activities this year.
Do if: You have little ones and would love a day where you can happily say ‘yes’ to almost everything they want to do.
11. Robin Hood Festival
When: August 1-2, 8-9 and 29-31
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Free entry, £15 per vehicle parking
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Robin Hood Festival returns to Sherwood Forest with spectacular arena shows, performances and displays for all ages. Expect medieval jousting, combat demonstrations, drama, comedy, storytelling and music inspired by Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Events take place across several weekends in August, including the fantasy costume competition (August 8–9, £3 entry). The festival concludes with a grand finale over the August bank holiday weekend featuring storytelling and appearances from the Outlaws themselves.
Do if: Like me, you wish the area celebrated Robin Hood a little more and would love to embrace the spirit of Nottinghamshire’s most famous export.
12. Southwell Musical Festival
When: August 28-31
Where: Various venues around Southwell
How much: Mix of free and paid-for events
Welcoming professional musicians from across the UK while shining a spotlight on Nottinghamshire’s own talent, this festival celebrates a wide range of musical genres. Nottingham-born, internationally renowned pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will serve as the festival’s 2026 artist-in-residence, giving audiences several opportunities to hear her perform. Other highlights include A Night at the Opera (August 29, from £6pp) and the Festival Fringe, with free performances in venues and outdoor locations across the town.
Do if: You’ve been meaning to visit this picturesque town – this is the perfect excuse.
13. Outdoor Cinema
When: August 28-30
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £12.89pp adult, from £9.80pp child
It might be summer, but there’s always time to settle in and watch a great film – especially outdoors. This year’s programme offers something for everyone: Dirty Dancing (August 28) and Jurassic Park (August 30) make excellent date-night choices, while Sing (August 29) and Bing (August 30) are perfect for families. Music lovers can enjoy screenings featuring Queen (August 29) and Andrea Bocelli (August 30). Hot food, snacks and an on-site bar are available, although you’re welcome to bring your own refreshments too.
Do if: You’re looking for a memorable way to round off the summer with family, friends or someone special.
14. Nottingham Running Festival
When: August 30
Where: Colwick Country Park
How much: From £28pp
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Colwick Country Park, this festival offers the chance to tackle a 5K, 10K or even a half marathon if you’re preparing for the Robin Hood Half the following month. Scenic lakeside paths, wide open trails, and the unique opportunity to run through one of the UK’s oldest racecourses make this a particularly special event. Afterwards, Wired on Wheels is the perfect place to reward yourself with a coffee, cob or ice cream. Your entry includes chip-timed results, a medal, race photos and post-run goodies.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun run or hoping to chase a new PB – it’s a wonderfully flat course and one of my favourite places to run in Nottingham.
15. The Foolhardy Folk Festival
When: August 30
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: From £46pp, under 11s free
Personally curated by folk artist Beans on Toast and set within one of Nottingham’s loveliest green spaces, this one-day festival promises beautiful music throughout the day. This year’s headline act is Badly Drawn Boy, one of the UK’s most distinctive songwriters, known for songs like Something to Talk About and The Shining. Skinny Lister, 3 Daft Monkeys, K.O.G, Gecko, Nuala and King Killership will also perform, while local street food and bars featuring Nottingham breweries will keep you fuelled for dancing.
Do if: You love discovering thoughtful, independent music and hearing it live – this is a fab way to fall in love.
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