What's On in Nottinghamshire

Cheer Up Chuckaboo Trail

Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A fun trail for all ages discovering the long lost words of Victorian slang. Go back in time to the 1800s and uncover the meaning behind delightful words and phrases used in the Victorian era. Trails are...

Attic Theatre School

Venue: 11 Radcliffe Rd (entrance on Pavilion Rd), West Bridgford

Website: www.attictheatreschool.co.uk

Attic Theatre School run mid week classes as well as Saturday classes in acting, musical theatre, Contemporary and choir alongside 1-2-1 singing lessons and acting coaching. Visit the website for more...

Cannock Chase Junior Parkrun

Venue: Cannock Chase Forest

Website: www.forestryengland.uk

A 2K run through the forest every Sunday for ages 4-14. Meet at 9am, parents can also run with their children if they like. Volunteers are all given training and they have Marshalls in high viz jackets...

Family Saturdays

Venue: National Civil War Centre

Website: www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com

Visit National Civil War Centre for interactive games and activities in the galleries, fun family trails, meet a civil war soldier, enjoy the interactive galleries, short film and playing Pikes and Ladders...

Feel Good Activity Bag at Cannock Forest

Venue: Cannock Chase Forest

Website: www.forestryengland.uk

Connect with nature through sensory exploration and uncover the wellbeing benefits of forest.This activity is ideal for children aged 4-13 years and their parents/guardians. You might find this activity...

Get ahead with Kumon

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

At the Kumon Study Centres in the Nottinghamshire area, Instructors and their teams aim to help children of any age or ability become confident, independent learners. The Kumon programmes aren’t limited...

Go-Kan-Ryu Karate (GKR)

Venue: Various Venues

Website: www.gkrkarate.com

GKR Karate is taught in a non-contact environment and promotes both character and physical development. GKR is a club for all ages and promotes self-defence, fitness, coordination, discipline, confidence...

Hocus Pocus Soft Play

Venue: 131 Queens Road Beeston

Website: www.hocuspocussoftplay.co.uk

Hocus Pocus is a wonderfully themed magical indoor play and party venue with a difference! They boast a huge four tier play frame with a separate toddler area, amazing party packages with themed private...

Razzle Dazzle Pots

Venue: 852, Woodborough Road

Website: www.razzledazzlepots.co.uk

Looking for a fun, screen-free activity this summer? Get creative at Razzle Dazzle Pots in Mapperley, where children and adults can enjoy painting their own pottery in a relaxed and welcoming studio. Perfect...

Room on the Broom Trail at Hicks Lodge

Venue: Hicks Lodge

Address: Willesley Woodside, Moira Rd

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge

Forestry England Hicks Lodge invites families to step into a magical forest adventure with the new Room on the Broom Trail. Each stop on the trail is packed with fun activities, fascinating forest facts...

The Enormous Crocodile

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks,...

Galactic Gathering - Festival of the Force

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Head to a galaxy not so far, far away for a weekend of intergalactic fun for all the family.Meet iconic Star Wars characters in person, step into the universe with real props and sets, try lightsaber training,...

Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Venue: Nottinghamshire Libraries

Website: www.inspireculture.org.uk

Open to children aged 4–11, the challenge is simple: sign up for free, choose six reading goals to complete over the summer, borrow books from your library, and collect rewards along the way. Children...

At Sea

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

A fantastical puppet adventure, At Sea is an uplifting tale of a sailor’s triumph over darkness. Our Sailor is lost without their Heart Compass. Journeying through coral reefs, a siren’s lair and to...

Nottingham Food Festival

Venue: Victoria Embankment

Website: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

Brand-new for 2026 is the Nottingham Food Festival. Includes live cookery theatre, where the region's leading chefs share crash courses in mastering your favourite dishes plus family entertainment, such...

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need...

The Magical Major Oak: Down in the Pond

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Be transported to the legendary land of the Magical Major Oak in this immersive, multi-sensory storytelling experience. Dip beneath the surface of the pond to explore a shimmering place of magic. Join...

Accessible Afternoon

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

An afternoon to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience. Tickets include full access to...

Community Kicks

Venue: David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham

Website: www.facebook.com/nottspolice/events

Join this free seven-a-side Community Kicks football tournament and fun day, brought to you by Nottinghamshire Police. Sign up your team (boys and girls, U11s, U12s, U13s and U14s) before 31 May for your...

Community Kicks

Venue: David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham

Website: www.facebook.com/nottspolice/events

Join this free seven-a-side Community Kicks football tournament and fun day, brought to you by Nottinghamshire Police. Sign up your team (boys and girls, U11s, U12s, U13s and U14s) before 31 May for your...

No Sugar No Milk

Venue: Djanogly Theatre

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Following last year’s hugely popular sell-out performance, TS Crew returns to Lakeside with a thrilling new show channelling the bold spirit of Hong Kong cinema, the raw energy of street culture, and...

It’s Not a Game - Starring award-winning Illusionists Jay and Joss

Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

It’s Not a Game invites you into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. With jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking visuals and moments that defy belief, reality and illusion are about to dissolve. Can...

Nottingham Beach - City by the Sea

Venue: Old Market Square

Website: www.nottinghambeach.co.uk

Nottingham Beach brings six weeks of summer fun, entertainment and seaside vibes right into the heart of Nottingham City Centre. Includes Monday Movie Nights, Wednesday Beach Volleyball and live music...

Open Air Theatre: Treasure Island

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

It’s pirate ships, pieces of eight and salty old sea dogs in Quantum Theatre’s new adaptation of the classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island. Bursting with buccaneers, brouhaha and dastardly double...

Treasure Island

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

Presented by Quantum Theatre, this swashbuckling, action packed adventure is bursting with high drama, swordfights, sea shanties and of course Long John Silver and his parrot Cap’n Flint in a brand new...

This Is My Theatre: Alice in Wonderland

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

This Is My Theatre return with their adaptation of Lewis Carol’s much-loved classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems…

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet

Venue: Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Website: www.motorpointarenanottingham.com

An experience which brings the works of Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh to life. The immersive spectaculars are staged on different days throughout the three-week run and there are a range of entry...

Clipstone at War

Venue: Clipstone Headstocks and Raleigh Museum

Website: www.clipstoneheadstocks.com

A unique historic experience centre in Nottinghamshire. Includes vintage vehicles, military re-enactment period entertainers, vintage traders living history groups and food and drink. An immersive treat...

Farmarama

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

This year includes 5 gigantic paddling pools and over 250 tonnes of golden sand to make the farm the best beach going! Each day there will be fun seaside shows, super sand art, the huge maize maze and...

Splendour Festival

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk/splendour-2026

The two-day festival will be back at its Wollaton home with a brand-new line-up to appeal across the generations, from long-term regulars to families and youngsters. Two huge international acts have been...

The Summer Trail

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

This summer, grab your pencils and lace up your walking shoes! Enjoy a brand new outdoor quest through the beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect summer activity for curious minds and mini-explorers.Only...

Annual Duck Race

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com

The annual duck race is back and starts at 3pm, all in aid of St. Johns Church Perlethorpe. Ducks available on the day at £2 each. Ducks also available from Jo Rose – jorose@live.co.uk or 07938586831...

Pawsby Dog Show

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com

Don’t miss out on this fun filled day out for all the family! Includes food and drink, fun activities, stall holders, demonstrations and more. Enter your dog into a class on the day, which class will...

Discover Wistow Maze

Venue: Wistow Rural Centre & Wistow Maze

Website: www.wistow.com/wistow-maze

Enjoy a fun day out exploring one of the country's largest maize mazes, set in 8 acres of living maize and sunflower crop. In celebration of Sir David Attenborough’t 100th birthday, the maze has been...

Nature Explorers Yoga and Craft for 5 - 8 year olds

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A fun and interactive yoga adventure where children journey through forests, gardens, rivers and wild landscapes. Expect imaginative storytelling, playful yoga flows, teamwork games and creative craft...

Wild Flow and Creative Nature Lab, Yoga and Craft for 9 -12 year olds

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A more grown-up approach to yoga and mindfulness designed for older children and pre-teens. Sessions blend flow-based yoga, strength, balance and breathwork with creative nature-inspired activities such...

Films in the Forest – Wicked

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

As dusk settles beneath the ancient oaks, follow the untold story of the witches of Oz — a tale of friendship, courage, and choosing your own path (preferably one less travelled than the Yellow Brick...

Pinocchio - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. How can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up...

Festival of Archaeology

Venue: University of Nottingham Museum

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Young visitors can take part in prehistoric-themed craft activities, including coil pot making – perfect for budding archaeologists.Handle archaeological artefacts with York Archaeology’s finds officers....

Films in the Forest – How to Train Your Dragon

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Take to the skies above the treetops of Sherwood Forest for a day of fire breathing adventure and big-hearted bravery! Join Hiccup, Toothless, and the whole Viking crew for an outdoor cinema experience...

Films in the Forest – Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

With the crackle of the forest around you Sherwood becomes the perfect backdrop for this high seas escapade. Follow Elizabeth, Will, and the ever chaotic Jack on a quest filled with swordfights, superstition,...

Police Family Fun Day

Venue: Titchfield Park, Mansfield

Website: www.facebook.com/nottspolice/events

A family fun day giving local communities the chance to learn all about policing and the wealth of opportunities through interactive and engaging police demonstrations, activities and positive conversations....

Sherwood Forest Trust Woodland Festival

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com

The outdoor festival celebrates woodlands and traditional woodland crafts. Visitors will be able to see the likes of green woodworkers, a coracle maker, have a go at kids eco art, listen to tree stories...

Summer FoamFest

Venue: Manor Farm Park and Woodlands

Website: www.manorfarm.info

Get ready for the ultimate summer party with bubbles at daily foam parties. Expect lots of laughs and mountains of foam in the family-friendly foam zone, perfect for cooling off and making unforgettable...

Summer of Play at The Workhouse and Infirmary

Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Stack ‘em high and watch ‘em fly as you enjoy a game of Tin Can Alley, capture the speedy Bishop in the new game of Chess Catcher, hunt for the wooden spoons in A Spoonful of Gruel or enjoy traditional...

Tales from The Workhouse

Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Step back in time at The Workhouse and Infirmary. Meet costumed characters and learn about what life was like for the inmates who lived here. There will be 3 storytelling sessions at 11.30am, 12.30pm and...

Films in the Forest – Disney’s Robin Hood

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

As the forest hums with that unmistakable Sherwood magic, follow the dashing fox hero, the ever cheerful Little John, and the wickedly wonderful Prince John (boo! hiss!) in a tale packed with charm, cheer,...

Moving and Mindset for Children with Coaching by Kirsty

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Interactive wellbeing sessions for children, combining movement, mindset, and practical strategies children can actually use in everyday life — all set in the beautiful surroundings of Clumber Park....

Playhem!

Venue: National Civil War Centre

Website: www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com

Enjoy fun and creative play with giant blue building blocks. Visitors of all ages can get creative, building your own brilliant Castles and structures to play in and have fun making a marvellous mess!...

Summer Holiday Clubs

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

This summer, young explorers can take their curiosity to the next level with two unique National Space Centre clubs designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and fuel big ideas. Choose one adventure...

Summer White Post Wednesdays

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

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...

The Sword in the Stone

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Young Wart dreams of becoming a squire, while his childhood friend Morgan sets her sights on fame and fortune. Along the way, they meet a host of colourful characters who guide them through adventures...

This Ain’t Texas

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

This Ain’t Texas is a country and Western-themed evening festival bringing together live tribute acts, dancing, food, drink and hands-on activities in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.Dress up, join...

Ministry of Science Live

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Over the last few years Science has led the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Join the presenters as they dive deep...

Pauper Picking

Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Take time to explore the kitchen garden and sample its harvest. Chat to the volunteer gardeners, dressed in costume as paupers, to learn about what they grow, how they grow it and historically what would...

Robin Hood Festival 40 – Jousting Weekend

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Sherwood will echo with the thunder of hooves as the Knights of Nottingham deliver an all-action arena performance for the 40th Robin Hood Festival.Headlined once again by the Knights of Nottingham Medieval...

Sky Glow

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

SkyGlow Music Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of music, lights, and entertainment. As the sun sets, the festival transforms with breathtaking tethered hot air balloon night glow displays,...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse...

Summer School 2026 – Shrek The Musical JR.

Venue: Attic Theatre School

Website: www.attictheatreschool.co.uk

Attic Theatre School is excited to announce their Summer School production will be Shrek The Musical JR. Children will rehearse from Monday to Thursday, with two performances taking place at The Bonington...

Summer Circus Spectacular

Venue: Manor Farm Park and Woodlands

Website: www.manorfarm.info

Get ready for big-top entertainment, farm park favourites and plenty of summer fun.Your ticket includes a full day of farm park fun plus entry to one of four circus performances (11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm...

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the much loved Beatrix Potter classic – a treat for all the family. Take rugs or low-back seating. The event...

Children's Art Workshop: Bugs, Butterflies and Botany

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

In this workshop led by Derbyshire Dyer Olivia, children will be introduced to eco-printing. After thinking about the different insects they know, they will be able to recreate their favourite insect on...

Gloworm Festival

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com

The Gloworm Festival is a brilliant 3 day Festival that has been especially created for grown ups and their little people. Designed with young families in mind, this festival brings together the magic...

Robin Hood Festival 40 – Fantasy in the Greenwood

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Sherwood will be alive with curious characters and creatures from folklore for the Fantasy in the Forest weekend! Pick up your Festival programme from the Visitor Centre or the Robin Hub for the full time...

CommuniTree Festival

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

CommuniTree Festival returns for a day of global music, workshops, creativity and community. Visit one of Nottingham’s most beautiful green spaces for live music, dance, family activities and hands-on...

Space Lates - Partial Solar Eclipse

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Experience a rare partial solar eclipse safely with experts, a planetarium show, live astronomy, family activities and exclusive evening access at a special Space Lates style event. Eclipse glasses are...

Panto in the Park: The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Follow Dorothy and her new friends along the Yellow Brick Road as they help the wonderful Wizard of Oz defeat the Wicked Witch of the West! Join Talegate Theatre over the rainbow for a fun-filled pantomime...

Hoopla!

Venue: Vicar Water Country Park

Website: https://city-arts.org.uk

Running from 11am to 3pm, this fun-packed day of music, performance, puppetry, and art is suitable for children under four years old. Kids can explore their senses with colourful textile world The Delights,...

Panto in the Park: Rapunzel

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Will Rapunzel escape the tower and the evil Witch Gothel? Find out in this fun-filled family pantomime full of pop songs, puppets and plenty of laughs! Book your tickets now for this outdoor production...

Twelfth Night

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present their own brand of Shakespearean mayhem in the Bard’s comedy of fools, duels and dual identities. Family-friendly fun with live music and audience...

As You Like It

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Join the troupe for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ like you’ve never seen before. In usual HandleBards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack...

The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Mud, blood and stiff upper-lips! Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain...

Panto in the Park: Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Book your tickets now for this outdoor production of Sleeping Beauty from TaleGate Theatre. Get ready to cheer for the good and boo for the bad with this traditional family pantomime full of songs, slapstick...

Adventure Cinema

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

From heart-warming family favourites to sing-a-long classics and adventure-packed blockbusters, there’s something for everyone including Sing (U), Bing and his Friends at the Cinema (U) and Jurassic...

Robin Hood Festival 40 – The Grand Finale

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Sherwood signs off this 40th Festival year with three days of performances, displays and activities, headlined by none other than the The Sherwood Outlaws. A different tale will be told in two parts on...

Annie

Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire,...

The Three Musketeers

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

All for One; One for All! Young D’Artagnan is determined to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war,...

Home Education Days

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

A day dedicated to home educated children age 6-14 and their families, with hands-on activities, expert-led talks, and inspiring planetarium shows.The day also includes time to explore the galleries and...

Pokémon joins Clumber Park's Summer of Play

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Planning your summer holidays? Unleash your energy with the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon. Discover a summer full of imaginative ways to play with 6 exciting zones, jam-packed...