Looking for something to do in Nottingham this summer? Here’s a roundup of events from July to the end of August that you can get involved with over the summer holiday.
We’ve organised by (click to navigate to each section):
No matter your age, background or interests, we’re sure you’ll find something you can get stuck in with this summer!
For families and children
Nottingham Beach - City by the Sea
July 16 – August 31 from 10am to 11pm (Mon – Sat) / 10pm (Sun)
Location: Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2BY
Cost: Free!
Get ready for a summer of sun, sand, and non-stop entertainment as Nottingham Beach officially returns! Located in the heart of the city at Old Market Square, this much-loved attraction brings all the best bits of the seaside straight to Nottingham City Centre.
From lounging on real golden sand to thrilling funfair rides and live performances, Nottingham Beach promises to be the number one summer destination for families, friends, and fun-seekers of all ages. Highlights include:
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Sandy beach and paddling area - relax and unwind in the heart of the city
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Funfair rides and games - from classic children's rides to thrilling attractions such as the Starflyer
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Delicious beachside food and drink - refreshing drinks, ice creams, and seaside-inspired snacks
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Family fun activities - sandcastle competitions, trampolines, and more
There will also be summer-long entertainment with something exciting happening every day of the week:
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Monday Movie Nights - grab a deckchair and settle in for free, family-friendly films under the evening sky
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Tuesday Salsa with Todo Latino - dance the night away with high-energy Latin beats and expert-led sessions
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Wednesday Volleyball Tournaments - join in or cheer on teams in the weekly beach volleyball showdown
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Live DJs, bands and entertainers will take to the stage throughout the week, ensuring there's always something to see, hear, and enjoy
Robin Hood Festival 2025
July 25 – August 25
Location: Sherwood Forest Country Park, Swinecote Road, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9HN
Cost: Free! (£15 parking charge)
Join Sherwood Forest this summer for four weekends of entertainment from Saturday 25 July to Bank Holiday Monday 25 August, celebrating the legend that makes Sherwood famous across the globe.
The Robin Hood Festival is a celebration of the world’s favourite outlaw and the legends which have been inspired by the landscape of Sherwood Forest.
2025 will be the 39th Robin Hood Festival, with each attracting thousands of visitors every year from across the UK and overseas.
They come to see spectacular displays of jousting on horseback and medieval hand-to-hand combat, archery, historical re-enactment, music, comedy, children’s entertainment and much, much more.
Nottingham Running Festival
August 3 from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4BE
Cost: Free!
Minimum sponsorship:
5K – £100
10K – £150
Half Marathon – £200
Nottinghamshire Hospice are excited to partner with Nottingham Running Festival! There’s something for everyone with a choice of 5k, 10k or Half Marathon distances.
Choose your challenge to complete and get a special edition t-shirt to run in and earn your race medal once you complete your challenge.
The team will be on hand to support you with your fundraising and will keep you motivated with your training!
Choose your distance and register today!
2025 World Masters Hockey European Championship
August 8 – August 17 from 9am
Location: Beeston Hockey Club, University Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2PS
Cost: Free!
Catch all of the action as Masters Hockey returns to Nottingham this August!
80s Silent Disco at Nottingham Castle
August 9 from 7pm to 10pm
Location: Nottingham Castle, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6EL
Cost: £28.56 general admission
A silent disco like no other is coming to the grounds of Nottingham Castle for the first time with a spectacular 80s experience! Expect three epic DJs playing all your favourite 80s tunes in stunning, illuminated surroundings.
What to expect:
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Some of the best DJs playing your favourite decade-defining tunes for a feel-good experience
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Illuminations like you've never seen before
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Hundreds of like-minded 80s fans singing their hearts out whilst wearing state-of-the-art LED headphones
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Select between three different channels of music
Please note this is a strictly 18+ event.
Outdoor Cinema at Wollaton Park
August 22 – August 24
Location: Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
Cost: £15.50 standard (bring your own blanked/camping chair) / £22.50 premium (includes luxury deckchair in prime position) / £9.50 under 12s
Outdoor movie nights you couldn’t script any better. Welcome to a summer to remember at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park!
From heart-warming family favourites to sing-along classics and adventure-packed blockbusters, there’s something for everyone.
Friday 22 August: The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long (PG)
Gates 6pm | Film starts 7.30pm
Saturday 23 August: Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza (PG)
Gates 5pm | Film starts 6.30pm
Sunday 24 August: The Gruffalo & Stick Man (U)
Gates 10am | Film starts 11am
Sunday 24 August: Moana 2 (U)
Gates 1.30pm | Film starts 3pm
Sunday 24 August: Wicked Sing-A-Long (PG)
Gates 6pm | Film starts 7.30pm
Foolhardy Folk Festival
August 24 from 12pm to 9pm
Location: Arboretum, Nottingham, NG7 4ED
Cost: £45 standard / Free entry for under 11s
Now in its fifth year, this family-friendly, one-day event mixes the finest acts from the UK festival circuit with real ales, craft beer, and street food in a truly gorgeous city centre setting.
Beans on Toast handpicks the line-up from his favourite songwriters and bands on the planet and then hosts the day itself playing two shows, opening and closing the event.
The line-up includes Grace Petrie, The Young’uns, Funke and the Two Tone Baby, Ruth Lyon, Nick Parker, Ben Brown, Ann Liu Cannon, Leo Baby, Emily Alice...and of course Beans on Toast will be performing himself.
Alongside the wonderful music, there will be a beer festival, street food vendors, and kids’ corner.
Archery Adventures with Robin Hood and Maid Marian
Various dates and times in July and August
Location: RSPB Sherwood Forest, Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9RN
Cost: £50 per group of 2-6 people
Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian from The Sherwood Outlaws for this unique experience in the most famous forest in the world!
Imagine arriving at your very own secure Medieval archery range and receiving expert tuition which will set you on the path to becoming an outlaw archer!
Your session includes:
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A private 1-hour time slot at our Outlaw Medieval archery range.
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Tuition using an assortment of bows, leading up to the English long bow.
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Unique photo opportunities with Robin and Marian.
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Learn the secrets of this noble and ancient sport.
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Outlaw Scroll for each participant.
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A small free gift for participants under the age of 13 years
Summer White Post Wednesdays
Wednesdays from July 23 to August 27 from 10am to 3pm
Location: Rufford Abbey Country Park, A614, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF
Cost: £3.50 per child
Join us at Rufford for a delightful encounter as we welcome the team from White Post Farm this summer holidays! Enjoy a delightful encounter with some of nature's most charming and curious creatures! From fluffy guinea pigs and bunnies to slithering snakes, quirky lizards, and even a few fascinating creepy crawlies — there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Our friends from White Post Farm will be here every Wednesday during the summer holidays, bringing their expert animal handlers to guide you through this hands-on experience. Whether you're cuddling a bunny or learning about reptiles, it's the perfect mix of fun and education for kids of all ages.
Oaty Bakes
July 31 and August 2 from 10.15am to 2.30pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: £4 per child
Bring the kids to bake some wonderful sticky oaty bakes in this delicious summer holiday activity. All ingredients supplied.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL! To book a place for this activity please call 0115 915 6878. We're running six timed sessions at 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm.
Please arrive ten minutes before your timeslot. The sessions will start on time and we reserve the right to deny access to anyone arriving late.
£4 per child. For ages 3+
Please mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Entry to the windmill and science centre is free.
Games Day
Every Friday from August 1 – August 29 from 10am to 4pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: Free!
Join in the fun at the Green's Windmill Games Day! Can you knock down all the skittles, construct the soma cube or beat the windmill buzzer? There'll also be giant connect 4 and giant snakes and ladders, and a giant chess set too! Plus, the bubble machine will be in action, it's always a winner!
There's no need to book, just turn up. Games will be in the millyard and community garden. The science centre and windmill will be open as usual too.
Runs from 10am-4pm every Friday in August. This is a FREE event, but donations to Green's Windmill Trust (charity no.1163116) are welcome.
Family Workshops Exploring Fabric & Textiles
Wednesdays and Saturdays in August
Location: Lakeside Arts, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD
Cost: Free! (booking required)
Step into a vibrant world where fabric comes to life! These sessions are inspired by our Material Worlds exhibition, where colour, space, pattern, and texture come together in exciting ways. In the workshop, you'll explore the endless possibilities of textiles – experimenting with textures, patterns, and bold, beautiful colours. Bring the whole family to create, play, and be inspired!
Suitable for ages 5+.
Fun Kids Science Weekly – LIVE
August 2 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Location: 9 Arboretum Street, Nottingham, NG1 4JB
Cost: £13.50 - £15.50
Prepare to be wowed as the hugely popular Fun Kids Science Weekly visits a theatre near you on its first UK tour! Fun Kids radio presenter Dan Simpson brings the weirdest and coolest stuff in science to the stage, making it more fun than it's ever been in any classroom! With hilarious experiments, exciting guests and a real-life meteorite. Dan takes young audiences on a one-hour journey into how the world works – and beyond!
Age recommendation: 8+
Contains: Audience participation, live demonstrations & flashing lights.
SUMMER SCHOOL PUPPET PLAY IN A WEEK with Half a String
August 4 – August 8 from 10am to 4pm
Location: Lakeside Arts, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD
Cost: £130
For ages 8+
Join award-winning puppetry company Half a String for an exciting introduction to visual performance, puppeteering techniques, and imaginative crafting. Help create the original performance Tiny Planet, which will be written, devised, and built by the participants, with a performance at the end of the week. Expect drama games, puppetry, and plenty of hands-on fun with paper and card. There is no pressure to perform – just come and be creative!
Fruity Cupcake Baking
August 7 and August 7 from 10.15am to 2.30pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: £4 per child
Bake your own fruity cupcakes in this summer holiday baking workshop, the perfect treat during the school break! All ingredients supplied.
Booking essential. To book a place for this activity please call 0115 915 6878. We're running six sessions at 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm.
Please arrive ten minutes before your timeslot. The sessions will start on time and we reserve the right to deny access to anyone arriving late.
£4 per child. For ages 3+
Please mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Entry to the windmill and science centre is free.
Welbeck Kitchen Garden Tours
August 7 – October 2 from 10am to 12pm
Location: Welbeck Estate, The Courtyard at Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LL
Cost: £25
Explore the hidden gems of Welbeck's Historic Kitchen Garden.
Join us for an exclusive kitchen garden tour of Welbeck's Victorian Walled Garden.
This event gives you access to a rare behind-the-scenes tour with The Harley Café's Executive Chef, Ricky Stephenson, and Head Gardener, Steve Wright.
During the 2-hour tour, visitors will learn about vegetables, herbs, salads, and edible flowers while enjoying samples and friendly tips and advice on gardening and cooking the seasonal produce.
Gloworm Festival at Thoresby Park
August 8 – August 10 from 5pm to 10pm
Location: Thoresby Park, Newark, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EP
Cost: From £231 for families (2 adults, 2 children)
Welcome to the Gloworm Festival 2025, a vibrant three-day family event set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire. Scheduled from August 8th to 10th, 2025, this festival is meticulously crafted for adults and their little ones, offering a warm, welcoming, and creative environment where families can unwind, play, and create lasting memories.
Now in its ninth year, the Gloworm Festival is dedicated to celebrating children aged 0-13, while ensuring there's plenty for teenagers and adults to enjoy. The festival's ethos revolves around the belief that children are the most important people in the world, and this is reflected in the diverse range of activities and entertainment on offer.
Guided Walk of Historic Sneinton
August 10 from 2pm to 4pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: £5 pp
Join Champion of Nottingham and local hero Tom Huggon for a guided walk around historic Sneinton. This walk will take in St Stephen's Church, Bendigo Statue, the birthplace of William Booth and the heart of the conservation area amongst others and will provide the opportunity to learn some of the hidden gems and little-known facts of this fascinating district.
The walk will leave from Green's Mill millyard at 2pm and will end in the same place at approximately 4pm.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Please book in advance to guarantee a place by phoning 0115 915 6878.
Biscuit Baking
August 14 and August 16 from 10.15am to 2.30pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: £4 per child
Bake your own chocolate chip biscuits in this baking workshop with a variety of cookie cutters to choose from. All ingredients supplied.
Booking essential. To book a place for this activity please call 0115 915 6878. We're running six sessions at 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm.
Please arrive ten minutes before your timeslot. The sessions will start on time and we reserve the right to deny access to anyone arriving late.
£4 per child. For ages 3+
Please mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Entry to the windmill and science centre is free.
Beeston Summer Fete
August 16 from 12pm to 4pm
Location: Broadgate Park, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2LN
Cost: Free!
Join us for a vibrant day of celebration as Beeston town centre comes alive with colour, music, food, and fun for the whole family!
The free entry festivities kick off with a lively Carnival Parade at 12pm, bringing rhythm and joy to the streets of Beeston. The parade will march off at Foster Avenue, through Beeston Square, High Road and finish at Broadgate Park. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy a packed line-up of entertainment at Broadgate Park, including:
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Live stage performances.
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Fairground rides and inflatables (small charge may apply).
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Free face painting, puppet shows, Circus skills workshops and donkey petting.
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Local traders, arts & crafts and community stalls.
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Competition for the best homegrown vegetables and flowers, homemade cakes and jams.
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Beeston Food Fair will also take place in Beeston Square from 8am – 2pm, serving up a delicious variety of street food, local treats, sweets, and ice cream – perfect for foodies and families alike.
We encourage residents to walk, cycle or use public transport. If you’re driving, please use the town centre car parks.
Parade Road Closures (11:45am – 12:45pm) - To ensure everyone’s safety during the parade, the following roads will be closed:
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Station Road (B6006) – from Commercial Avenue to Middle Street.
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Commercial Avenue – up to Foster Avenue.
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Foster Avenue – to Chilwell High Road.
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Chilwell High Road – between Styring Street and Foster Avenue.
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Acacia Walk – from Beeston High Road to Tesco Extra Car Park.
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Stoney Street – from Beeston High Road.
More updates about the event can be found on Broxtowe Borough Council's Facebook. Don’t miss out – come along and join the fun!
Scone Baking
August 21 and August 23 from 10.15am to 2.30pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: £4 per child
Bake four scrumptious scones in our latest school holiday baking workshop! All ingredients supplied.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL! To book a place for this activity please call 0115 915 6878.
We're running six timed sessions at 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm.
Please arrive ten minutes before your timeslot. The sessions will start on time and we reserve the right to deny access to anyone arriving late.
£4 per child. For ages 3+
Please mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Entry to the windmill and science centre is free.
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk – Kids & Families Edition
August 21 – November 2 from 6pm to 10pm
Location: Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6AD
Cost: £6 general admission (adults with 4 or more children go free)
Set in the winding streets of historic Nottingham, this family-friendly ghost walk invites younger audiences on a light-hearted journey through the city's spookiest tales.
Led by costumed guides, children aged 6–11 (with adults in tow) will uncover eerie legends, curious hauntings, and mysterious moments from Nottingham’s past — all told with a playful twist and just the right amount of shiver.
With stories that spark the imagination more than scare, this daytime adventure is perfect for little explorers ready to discover the ghostly secrets hiding in plain sight.
Cocktails and Crime: Nearest and Deadliest
August 23 from 7pm to 10pm
Location: National Justice Museum, High Pavement, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG11HN
Cost: £28 pp including cocktail or mocktail on arrival
George V is the King Emperor, and Asquith is the Liberal Prime Minister. Captain Scott is heading to his death at the South Pole, and the White Star Line is about to launch their luxury ship, The Titanic.
Welcome to the Edwardian period before WWI.
It is a time of great wealth, the British Empire and aristocrats. But it's also a time of change with workers' strikes, votes for women and Irish home rule all in the news.
A week ago, local wealthy widow Agatha Sinclair Smythe died in a mysterious house fire in a wealthy district on the outskirts of Nottingham.
Her nearest and dearest, made up of good friends, close associates and only living relatives, have gathered at the Shire Hall to hear the reading of her will.
Each one is hoping for a slice of her vast estate, but who will inherit the fortune? A murder mystery is unfolding right before your eyes, and only you can solve it.
Please note this is a repeat theme of the June 2022 and August 2023.
The National Rabbit Festival
August 23 from 10am to 6pm
Location: East Midlands Conference Centre, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RJ
Cost: £20 adults / £5 children / Free entry for under 3s and carers
The National Rabbit Festival is back for 2025, bringing together rabbit lovers from across the UK for a day of celebration, education, and advocacy.
Now in its third year, The National Rabbit Festival is a one-of-a-kind event dedicated to promoting responsible rabbit care while creating a fun and engaging experience for attendees. After receiving fantastic feedback last year, event organisers are thrilled to be returning to the East Midlands Conference Centre, with exciting plans to enhance the space and improve the experience for all visitors.
This summer, attendees can look forward to a packed schedule featuring incredible guest speakers, engaging panel discussions, a top bunny shopping experience, and delicious vegan food. The event will focus on key topics such as rabbit companionship, housing, diet, and overall welfare, helping to spread knowledge and awareness about these often-misunderstood animals.
Although the event is designed to celebrate rabbits, we kindly ask attendees to leave their bunnies at home, as an event of this scale could be stressful for them.
Notts Street Food Festival & Outlaws v Surrey
August 24 from 12pm to 4pm and from 4pm to 8pm
Location: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5GB
Cost: £6 adults / £3 under 16s
The Notts Street Food team are returning to Trent Bridge armed with 18 traders on Sunday 24 August for the summer instalment of the hit festival, which will run alongside the Outlaws' 50-over clash with Surrey.
Tickets are now on sale for the Bank Holiday feast, with adults priced at £6 and under 16's at £3.
18 traders - some returning and some new to Trent Bridge - will grace the Trent Bridge concourse across two sessions, with the Outlaws' match getting underway at 11am.
As with previous events, the Street Food Festival will be split into an early and a late session - at 12-4pm and 4-8pm - with fans able to enjoy the cricket and street food festival simultaneously.
Live music and a steel band will add to the festivities, whilst a host of Trent Bridge's renowned bars will be open serving a range of beverages throughout the day.
August Bank Holiday Family Fun Day at Southwell Racecourse 2025
August 25 from 11.30am
Location: Southwell Racecourse, Occupation Lane, Rolleston, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0TS
Cost: £15-£23 general admission / £25-£49 family
Looking for a Fun-Filled Family Day Out?
Visitors are invited to enjoy a fantastic day at the August Bank Holiday Family Fun Day, featuring thrilling horse racing, top-quality entertainment, and an unbeatable atmosphere. Children aged 17 and under can attend for free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and spend the day together.
Family-Friendly Activities
There’s plenty to keep the children entertained, including:
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Kids Fun Fair – Exciting rides and attractions
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Face Painting – A chance to transform into a favourite character
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Treasure Hunt – Explore the grounds and stand a chance to win prizes
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Petting Zoo – Meet and learn about a variety of animals
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Children's Entertainer – Enjoy magic shows and interactive games
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Meet a Racehorse – Get up close with a retired racehorse
Please note: The fun fair, face painting, and petting zoo will incur a small additional charge.
Affordable Family Fun in Southwell
Planning an affordable family day out can be a challenge. Southwell’s Family Fun Race Day offers the perfect solution. With complimentary entry for under 18s, engaging entertainment, and the excitement of live horse racing, it’s the ideal destination for families.
For even greater value, the Family Bundle is available in advance for just £23. This includes entry for two adults and up to four children.
Children’s Bread Baking
August 28 and August 30 from 10.15am to 2.30pm
Location: Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 4QB
Cost: £4 per child
Finish the summer holidays with our Children's Bread Baking activity. Bring the kids to bake their very own delicious bread in this fun workshop. Will you eat it straight away or save it for later? All ingredients supplied.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL! To book a place for this activity please call 0115 915 6878.
We're running six timed sessions at 10.15am, 11am, 11.45am, 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm.
Please arrive ten minutes before your timeslot. The sessions will start on time and we reserve the right to deny access to anyone arriving late.
£4 per child. For ages 3+
Please mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Entry to the windmill and science centre is free.
Steaming Sunday at Nottingham Industrial Museum
Last Sunday of each month from 11am to 3.30pm
Location: Nottingham Industrial Museum, Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
Cost: £6 adults / £4 concessions / Free entry for under 16s
On the last Sunday of each month the Nottingham Industrial Museum's hardy crew of volunteers stoke the engines and bring their magnificent working exhibits to life. See the awe-inspiring Basford Beam Engine take its majestic strokes as it recalls the days when Nottingham relied on it for the city’s water. Watch the Fowler ploughing engine generate steam and chat to the fascinating team.
Nottingham Industrial Museum is a volunteer-run community museum focusing on our city's hugely important industrial past.
Cultural and LGBTQ+ events
Nottingham Carnival
August 17 from 1pm to 8pm
Location: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham, NG2 2JY
Cost: £6-8 adult / £3-5 children 10-15 / Free entry for under 10s / £14 early bird family (2 adults and up to 3 under 16s)
Mark your calendars, grab your whistle, and bring your energy to Nottingham’s biggest Caribbean cultural event!
Nottingham Carnival will be headlined by international stars Etana, Stylo G, and Seani B!
Within the Carnival Village, you’ll find live performances and DJ sets to dance to all day, mouthwatering Caribbean food, a licensed bar, fairground rides and undisputed good vibes! Nottingham Carnival will feature an incredible seven hours of entertainment for every generation and background.
BROADWAY AT LAKESIDE: Summer of Soul (12)
August 22 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Location: Lakeside Arts, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD
Cost: £16 general / £20 general + blanket / £20 general + popcorn / £10 under 25s
In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary – part music film, part historical record – created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was largely forgotten… until now.
Summer of Soul shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and more.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
BROADWAY AT LAKESIDE: Buena Vista Social Club (U)
August 23 from 7.30pm to 9.10pm
Location: Lakeside Arts, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD
Cost: £16 general / £20 general + blanket / £20 general + popcorn / £10 under 25s
Traveling from the streets of Havana to the stage of Carnegie Hall, this revelatory documentary captures a forgotten generation of Cuba's brightest musical talents as they enjoy an unexpected encounter with world fame.
The veteran vocalists and instrumentalists collaborated with American guitarist and roots-music champion Ry Cooder to form the Buena Vista Social Club, playing a jazz-inflected mix of cha-cha, mambo, bolero, and other traditional Latin American styles, and recording an album that won a Grammy and made them an international phenomenon.
In the wake of this success, director Wim Wenders filmed the ensemble's members—including golden-voiced Ibrahim Ferrer and piano virtuoso Rubén González—in a series of illuminating interviews and live performances. The result is one of the most beloved documentaries of the 1990s, and an infectious ode to a neglected corner of Cuba's pre-Revolutionary heritage.
For over 55s
Age UK Fundraising and Awareness Day at Dunelm Nottingham
August 24 from 10am to 3pm
Location: Dunelm, The Portal Retail and Business Park, Queens Drive, Nottingham, NG2 1AL
Cost: Free!
Come along to Dunelm in Nottingham where we’re holding a fundraising and awareness day for Age UK Notts.
There will be an information stand, a tombola and even a cycling challenge with an exercise bike to try and ride the distance to Dunelm’s Mansfield store and back!
Age UK Best Foot Forward Walking Groups
Monday – Friday at various times
Location: Various areas around Nottingham
Cost: Free!
Do you want to stay active and make new friends? Join one of our guided wellbeing walks!
Walking has many proven health benefits, from helping you lose weight to reducing your risk of developing type-2 diabetes or certain cancers, and it can also be a great way to meet new people and improve your mood. If all that sounds appealing, Age UK Notts is able to offer regular guided walks around various areas of Nottingham.
Best Foot Forward walks are led by trained walk leaders, one who leads from the front and the other who follows at the back of the group. Walks are FREE and everyone is welcome, though we ask that people under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult.
Our walks take place whatever the weather, so simply dress appropriately and join the group at the start location.
There is a brief health questionnaire to complete before your first walk which is available from the walk leader on the day.
Where do walks take place?
Walks take place in the following locations:
- Woodthorpe Grange Park
- Nuthall Railway
- Old Basford
- Victoria Embankment
- Bestwood
- Wollaton Park
- Strelley Woodland and Countryside
- Forest Recreation Ground (Longer & Shorter Walks available)
- Bulwell Bogs
Our Gentle Walk & Talks are slower paced and are aimed at people who are wanting to become more mobile and may struggle with long term health conditions, who would like to meet new friends.
- Sutton Lawns
- Arnot Hill
Veterans Camaraderie Walk at
- Kingsmill Reservoir
Age UK Men in Sheds
Locations: Blidworth shed (open Tue – Thur 9am to 1pm and mixed sessions for men and women from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Thursdays): Unit 4, Boundary Court, Gilbert Way, Burma Road Industrial Estate, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0RT
Worksop shed (open Mon – Thur from 9am to 1pm): Unit 2, Kilton Terrace, Kilton Road, Nottingham, S80 2DQ
Cost: Free!
Men in Sheds supports older men in search of a hobby as well as those who want to get together, share and learn new skills all in the welcoming setting of a workshop. It also supports older men who are isolated or disengaged from their community or are experiencing major changes in life.
We provide the shed (a workshop), tools and equipment and a team of volunteers for support - but the members take part in the day-to-day running of the shed and decide on activities they want to follow including woodworking, skills sharing and socialising. Essentially, through taking control and ownership of the shed, the shed members are empowered.
Age UK Silver Pride
Every first Friday of the month from 2pm to 4pm
Location: Bradbury House, 12 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ
Cost: £1 per session
A social group for older gay and bi men which holds monthly meetings. Offering a range of activities, walks, discussions, etc.
To put yourself on their email list, email Silver Pride.
For arts lovers
FOREST: Exhibition
May 24 – October 5 from 10am to 5pm
Location: Nottingham Castle, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6EL
Cost: £15.60 (castle annual pass)
Forests are inspirational, fuelling human imagination for centuries.
The ancient forest of Sherwood Forest, or “Shire-Wood”, is synonymous with Nottingham’s worldwide identity, and home to the legendary Major Oak, believed to be over 1,000 years old.
FOREST is an exhibition that delves into the myth and magic of arboreal art, exploring how this timeless and powerful totem can shape artistic thought and creative practices.
The exhibition showcases six newly commissioned works created exclusively for Nottingham Castle, alongside artworks on loan to the city for the first time, presented in the company of prints, drawings and photographs from Nottingham’s own Collection, including the iconic, large-scale painting of the Major Oak (1882) by Nottingham-born artist Andrew MacCallum (1821-1902).
Some artists have reflected on deeply personal connections to Sherwood Forest or the Major Oak, while others take a broader perspective, exploring the essence of woodlands or their relationship with a greenwood canopy, venturing into themes of perambulation, folklore, grief, and climate change.
Featured artists include: Arianne Churchman (London), Tim Fowler and Graeme Hawe (Leicester), Ashley Gallant (Lincoln), Jasper Goodall (Brighton), Jelly Green (Suffolk), Terence Lane (Nottingham), Caroline Locke (Nottingham), Tach Pollard (Buckinghamshire), Yelena Popova (Nottingham), The Window Women (Reggie Pugh and Gina Harries Pugh) (Nottingham), and Jennie Syson (Nottingham).
FOREST concludes with scientific contributions and research from specialists at the University of Nottingham who have focused on the Major Oak, which has helped inform the work of exhibiting artist Caroline Locke and is collated in a film by Georgianna Scurfield.
My Life in Light: Photography Exhibition
May 24 – November 30 from 9am to 4pm
Location: Nottingham Central Library, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 7FH
Cost: Free!
Tracey Whitefoot, one of Nottingham’s most renowned and successful local photographers, is launching a brand-new exhibition this spring at Nottingham Central Library.
Celebrating the beauty of our local area in landscape photos, the My Life in Light exhibition runs from Saturday 24 May – November 2025 and is free to the public.
There will be 65 images on display, captured over the last two decades and featuring scenes from around Nottinghamshire, including tranquil sunrises and sunsets, misty woodland scenes from Sherwood Forest and iconic city centre views. Local landmarks including Newstead Abbey, Wollaton Hall and Trent Bridge are all featured.
Two of Tracey’s most popular and beautiful photographs will be reproduced at almost 4 metres wide to allow visitors to marvel at them up close. One of them is her most well known image of Goose Fair and the other is Narnia, a magical winter scene captured in rural Nottinghamshire.
For the first time, Tracey also plans to use the exhibition space to share the stories of her images – how, where and why they were captured as well as the importance of light in capturing striking images.
Visitors can chat to her about her work during the exhibition launch on Saturday 24 May from 9am-4pm, as well as at other events currently being planned, which will be announced via her website whitefootphotography.com very soon.
Open-Air Theatre at Nottingham Castle
July 30 from 7pm
Location: Nottingham Castle, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6EL
Cost: £20 adults / £14 children 5-16 and NUS students / £60 family (2 adults, 2 children)
The popular Open-Air Theatre season returns to Nottingham Castle this summer with a programme of new and traditional performances.
You are invited to pack your picnics, camping chairs and blankets to enjoy theatre in the great outdoors!
Wednesday 30 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: Robin Hood
Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer. Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a stop to Robin Hood’s charitable crime spree once and for all. Can they outwit the outlaw? Or will Robin hit the target once again? Find out in The Pantaloons’ original take on the classic tales and characters, featuring live music and audience interaction!
Waterfront Festival 2025
August 2 from 12pm
Location: Canalhouse, Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
Cost: £11 general admission
It's back, bigger, better and wetter than ever, the Waterfront Festival is Nottingham’s favourite live band benefit festival!
The Waterfront Festival is a big Notts-centric party designed to showcase the best this fair city has to offer, while raising money for some great local causes to boot.
As usual all profits go to charity.
This event often sells out so booking advance tickets is reccomended. They can be purchased from Canalhouse or using the website link at the top of this page.
It all kicks off at mid-day for 12 whole hours of music with DJs, performance artists and stalls from local traders topping off the experience.
Agitating the Lawless Rabble - Free Guided History Walk
August 9 from 2pm to 3pm
Location: Left Lion/Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT
Cost: Free!
In this guided walk around Nottingham City Centre, we will be exploring some episodes related to Nottingham's proud tradition of independent bookshops and radical publishing.
Utilising primary sources, we will listen to the echoes of incredible people's voices and remember some of their courageous struggles, from Susannah Wright defending her bookshop against riled up bigots in the 1820s to the community papers which fuelled grassroots resistance to the Poll Tax in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Starting at the Left Lion (Council House), ending on Heathcoat Street (back of Broadway Cinema) – stick around to see our free exhibition Regime Change Starts at Home – Nottingham Opposition to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.
No need to register, just turn up.
Duration about one hour, route wheelchair accessible (but there are some hills along the way).
Featuring lots of original documents and Flying Faux Custard Pies!
Paint a Flowery Beach at Cock & Hoop Pub with The Paint Club
August 11 from 7pm to 9pm
Location: Cock & Hoop, 25 High Pavement, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1HE
Cost: £33 pp
The Paint Club hosts monthly painting workshops in pubs and bars throughout Nottinghamshire, led by talented local artists. No prior experience is needed—even those who haven't painted since school can create their own masterpiece in a relaxed and supportive setting.
The sessions are designed to be pressure-free and enjoyable, where mistakes are simply happy accidents. Artists guide each session with encouragement and clear instruction, ensuring a positive experience for all skill levels.
Workshops are held regularly at venues such as Bustler, Faradays, Cock & Hoop, Bendigo Lounge, and Pitcher & Piano. Tickets are priced at £33 and can be booked directly via The Paint Club website.
Fast Love: A tribute to George Michael at Binks Yard
August 15 from 6.30pm to 10pm
Location: Binks Yard, The Island Quarter, The Great Northern Cl, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3JL
Cost: £27.75 standing / £41.50 VIP
Experience the magic of George Michael!
Direct from London's West End with a brand new show for 2024, this is the world's favourite George Michael celebration! This show has it all, the power, emotion, and star quality with full video and light show, as we respectfully recreate the soundtrack to your life.
Expect all the hits, from Wham! right through his glittering career, including, "Wake Me Up", "Too Funky", "Father Figure", "Freedom", "Faith", "Knew You Were Waiting", "Careless Whisper" and many more. Fast Love: for the fans.
Join us at Binks Yard on Friday Aug 15th 2025 for an unforgettable evening!
Paint a Starry Night Stonehenge at Bendigo Lounge with The Paint Club
August 19 from 7pm to 9pm
Location: Bendigo Lounge, 55 High Rd, Beeston, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG9 2JQ
Cost: £33 pp
The Paint Club hosts monthly painting workshops in pubs and bars throughout Nottinghamshire, led by talented local artists. No prior experience is needed—even those who haven't painted since school can create their own masterpiece in a relaxed and supportive setting.
The sessions are designed to be pressure-free and enjoyable, where mistakes are simply happy accidents. Artists guide each session with encouragement and clear instruction, ensuring a positive experience for all skill levels.
Workshops are held regularly at venues such as Bustler, Faradays, Cock & Hoop, Bendigo Lounge, and Pitcher & Piano. Tickets are priced at £33 and can be booked directly via The Paint Club website.
Paint an Emu at Pitcher & Piano with The Paint Club
August 20 from 7.30pm to 9pm
Location: Pitcher & Piano, High Pavement, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1HN
Cost: £33 pp
The Paint Club hosts monthly painting workshops in pubs and bars throughout Nottinghamshire, led by talented local artists. No prior experience is needed—even those who haven't painted since school can create their own masterpiece in a relaxed and supportive setting.
The sessions are designed to be pressure-free and enjoyable, where mistakes are simply happy accidents. Artists guide each session with encouragement and clear instruction, ensuring a positive experience for all skill levels.
Workshops are held regularly at venues such as Bustler, Faradays, Cock & Hoop, Bendigo Lounge, and Pitcher & Piano. Tickets are priced at £33 and can be booked directly via The Paint Club website.
Paint a Palm Tree Beach at Faradays with The Paint Club
August 29 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Location: Faradays, 44-48, 23-27 Pelham St, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 2EW
Cost: £33 pp
The Paint Club hosts monthly painting workshops in pubs and bars throughout Nottinghamshire, led by talented local artists. No prior experience is needed—even those who haven't painted since school can create their own masterpiece in a relaxed and supportive setting.
The sessions are designed to be pressure-free and enjoyable, where mistakes are simply happy accidents. Artists guide each session with encouragement and clear instruction, ensuring a positive experience for all skill levels.
Workshops are held regularly at venues such as Bustler, Faradays, Cock & Hoop, Bendigo Lounge, and Pitcher & Piano. Tickets are priced at £33 and can be booked directly via The Paint Club website.
BROADWAY AT LAKESIDE: The Boy and the Heron (12)
August 29 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Location: Lakeside Arts, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD
Cost: £16 general / £20 general + blanket / £20 general + popcorn / £10 under 25s
A critically-acclaimed fantasy adventure from he legendary Studio Ghibli and the final animated film by Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away).
After losing his mother during the war, young Mahito moves to his family's estate in the countryside. There, a series of mysterious events lead him to a secluded and ancient tower, home to a mischievous grey heron. When Mahito's new stepmother disappears, he follows the heron into the tower, and enters a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey with the heron as his guide, Mahito must uncover the secrets of this world, and the truth about himself.
Featuring the voices of Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh.
Entry is from 7.30pm. Each screening will begin after sunset, as soon as it is dark enough to screen the film.
BROADWAY AT LAKESIDE: A Complete Unknown (15)
August 29 from 7.30pm to 10pm
Location: Lakeside Arts, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 2RD
Cost: £16 general / £20 general + blanket / £20 general + popcorn / £10 under 25s
Enjoy a unique outdoor cinema screening as Broadway comes to Lakeside.
New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota named Bob Dylan arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. He forges intimate relationships with the music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.
Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold's electric true story about the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history.
Giraffe Painting Class
August 30 from 10.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Thoresby Park, Courtyard Café, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EP
Cost: £30 pp
We are excited to be hosting another painting workshop in the Courtyard Café where you can learn to paint your own Giraffe, including afternoon tea!
Saturday 30th August 2025, 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Thistle and Sketch deliver creative, friendly and relaxing painting classes. These sessions give you the opportunity to try something new, or perhaps kickstart. No experience is needed, as you will be patiently and professionally guided throughout. Come along with a friend or alone, all are very welcome! Classes last 1.5 hours, and you are provided with all art materials, including a canvas board to paint, which you take home at the end.
£30 per person.
Booking essential with only limited spaces available.
Please ring 01623 825225 to book your place. Full payment is required upon booking.
