Summer in Derbyshire

Y Not Festival

One of the UK’s biggest independent festivals, Y Not brings huge artists and four days of live music to the Peak District. A summer weekend well spent.

When: 30 July – 2 August

Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire

Y Not Festival website

Download Festival

Reunite with your mates in the spiritual home of rock. Download transforms Donington Park for a weekend of major headline acts, big crowd energy and an unforgettable atmosphere.

When: 9 – 13 June

Where: Donington Park

Download Festival website

Bloodstock Festival

Experience on of the UK’s biggest heavy metal festivals as Bloodstock brings legendary headliners and emerging artists to Catton Park. Big riffs, big crowds, big atmosphere.

When: 6 – 9 August

Where: Catton Park, Derbyshire

Visit the Bloodstock Festival website

Bustler on the road

Serving some of the UK's freshest street food at hotspots across Derbyshire. Catch Bustler this summer for great food, craft beers, cocktail bars, live DJs and World Cup screenings.

When: Various dates throughout summer

Where: Popping up at venues across Derbyshire

Visit Bustler Derby website

Pub in the Woods

Hidden among the trees in Derbyshire, this outdoor bar feels like a summer secret worth knowing about. Expect good food, live music and a setting that's hard to beat on a warm evening.

When: Weekends throughout summer         

Where: Brailsford, Derbyshire

Visit Pub in the Woods

Craft Brew Festival

Craft beer expert, or just curious to try something new? Discover more than 150 beers, ciders and spirits from independent breweries at this city-centre festival.

When: 13 June

Where: Elvaston Castle

Craft Brew Festival Derby

Mr Shaw Reminisce 90s House Music

Throw it back to the 90s with an afternoon of old-school dance anthems, feel good nostalgia and Bank Holiday vibes in the heart of the city.

When: 30 August

Where: Mr Shaw’s House, Sadler Gate, Derby

Get Tickets

Classic Ibiza @ Chatsworth House

Think Ibiza anthems, but not as you know them. Dance tracks are reimagined by a live orchestra and vocalists in the impressive grounds of Chatsworth House.

When: 11 July

Where: Chatsworth House

Visit the Event Page

Bongo’s Bingo

Part bingo, part nightclub, part game show. One minute you're playing bingo. The next, you're singing along with hundreds of strangers. Expect a night that goes completely off script.

When: 1 August

Where: Vaillant Arena, Derby

Find out more and book tickets

Alton Towers

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, take on the head-spinning, heart-pounding rollercoasters and rides at Alton Towers for unforgettable summer thrills.

When: Open throughout summer

Where: Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers website

Carsington Water

Carsington water is an easy escape offering paddleboarding, kayaking and more watersports, and trails for walking and cycling. Ideal for making the most of a sunny day.

When: Open throughout summer

Where: Carsington, Derbyshire

Visit the Carsington Water website

Mam Tor sunset walk

Some views are worth the climb. Head up Mam Tor and watch the sun set over the Peak District from one of the region's most iconic viewpoints.

When: Year-round

Where: Castleton, Derbyshire

See the Mam Tor circular walk

ULTRA Warehouse World Cup Fanzone

The next best thing to being there. ULTRA's World Cup Fan Zone brings giant screens, street food and match-day atmosphere together for the biggest games of the summer.

When: Showing all England World Cup matches

Where: ULTRA Warehouse, Derby

Visit the ULTRA Warehouse website

T20 Cricket

T20 cricket is cricket supercharged. Three hours, twenty overs, quick wickets and non-stop action. Fast. Loud. Unmissable for any cricket fan.

When: Dates throughout summer

Where: The Central Co-op Country Ground, Derby

Visit the website

Derby Running Festival

Whether you're chasing a personal best or running for fun, Derby Running Festival offers 5K, 10K and half marathon distances at Elvaston Castle.

When: 2 August

Where: Elvaston Castle

See Derby Running Events

Wicked Sing-Along @ Chatsworth

Pack a picnic and head to Chatsworth for an outdoor screening of Wicked. Embrace your inner Elphaba or Glinda as singing along is encouraged.

When: 24 July

Where: Chatsworth House

See the Adventure Cinema website

Mamma Mia! Outdoor Cinema ExtrABBAganza

Sunshine, ABBA and an outdoor cinema screening at Calke Abbey. If you're looking for a feel-good summer evening, this is hard to beat.

When: 1 August

Where: Calke Abbey

See more details

Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Markeaton Park

Not your average movie night. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of cinema's most iconic cult classics. Experience it outdoors with atmosphere at Markeaton Park.

When: 31 July

Where: Markeaton Park

See more details and buy tickets

Neverland Drone Light Show

Swap fireworks for something a little more futuristic. Head to Elvaston Castle and watch hundreds of drones transform the sky above you for a unique summer evening.

When: 12 September

Where: The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby

More info at visitderby.co.uk

Derby Pride 2026

Derby Pride is more than just a parade, with live entertainment, food, community groups and activities throughout the day. Celebrate diversity and enjoy one of the city's most uplifting events.

When: 12 September

Where: Markeaton Park

Visit the Derby Pride website

Alpaca Treks

Looking for something different? Swap your usual weekend plans for an alpaca trek through the Derbyshire countryside.

When: Open throughout summer

Where: Charnwood Forest, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Visit the website

POINTSIX Coffee House

Offering a seasonal menu of breakfast, brunch and freshly made grilled ciabatta rolls, alongside brownies, cakes and speciality coffee. POINTSIX is fresh, flavoursome and just down the road from campus. Ideal for a laid-back lunch or study break.

• When: Open Tuesday - Sunday
• Where: Kedleston Road, Derby
  
  

View POINTSIX Coffee House on Instagram

The Buttery Café

Just around the corner from our Markeaton Street site, The Buttery is a laid-back local favourite known for friendly service, hearty breakfast cobs and fresh baguettes at student-friendly prices. A reliable go-to for a filling lunch between lectures or a low-key weekend refuel.

• When: Open Monday - Saturday
• Where: Ashbourne Road, Derby
  
  

View The Buttery on Instagram

Milk & Honey Deli

Located on Sadler Gate, Milk & Honey Deli specialises in homemade dishes and locally sourced produce. With its intimate, comfortable seating area, it’s a great spot to slow down and catch up with friends over a relaxed weekend brunch.

• When: Open Monday – Saturday
• Where: Sadler Gate, Derby
  
  

View Milk & Honey on Instagram

Darley Park and River Derwent Circular

Just a short walk from the city centre, Darley Park offers wide open green space and peaceful riverside paths along the River Derwent. The circular route is ideal when you want fresh air without committing to a full-day hike - think coffee in hand, headphones on and a proper study break that clears your head.

• When: Year-round
• Where: Darley Abbey
  
  

Read more about Darley Park

Markeaton Park Trails

On the edge of campus, Markeaton Park’s network of trails makes it easy to escape into greenery between lectures. Whether you’re walking with friends, getting your steps in or stretching your legs after a long library session, it’s a reliable go-to for low-effort outdoor time.

• When: Year-round
• Where: Markeaton Lane, Derby
  
  

Read more about Markeaton Park

Elvaston Castle Country Park Loop

If you’ve got a free afternoon, the loop around Elvaston Castle Country Park feels like a mini adventure. With historic grounds, woodland paths and wide open lawns, it’s a great way to switch off from screens and explore somewhere that feels a little removed from everyday routine - without straying far from Derby.

• When: Year-round
• Where: Elvaston, Derby
  
  

Read more about Elvaston Castle

England v New Zealand IT20

Experience world-class cricket on your doorstep as England take on New Zealand in this thrilling IT20 international. Big hits, fast bowling and a lively crowd make it an unforgettable day out - and a chance to say you’ve watched international sport just minutes from campus.

• When: 20 May 2026
• Where: The Central Co-op Country Ground, Derby
  
  

Buy tickets online at Derbyshire County Cricket Club

Thor’s Cave Walk

A short trip into the Peak District takes you to one of its most dramatic landmarks. The walk to Thor’s Cave winds through rolling hills before opening up to sweeping valley views and the vast limestone cave itself. It’s the kind of weekend plan that starts with fresh air and ends with photos you’ll want to keep.

• When: Year-round
• Where: Manifold Valley, Peak District National Park
  
  

Read more about Thor's Cave

Markeaton Parkrun

Right on the edge of campus, Markeaton Parkrun is a free, friendly 5k every Saturday morning. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just jogging with friends, it’s a great way to get active, meet new people and start the weekend feeling energised.

• When: Every Saturday at 9:00am
• Where: Markeaton Park, Derby
  
  

Register at parkrun

Macbeth at Derby Theatre

Don’t miss this powerful and chilling production of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy brought to life at Derby Theatre. Ambition, betrayal, intensity and a great budget-friendly pick with discounted student tickets.

• When: 1 – 18 April 2026
• Where: Derby Theatre
  
  

Buy tickets at Derby Theatre

Derby Book Festival 2026

Derby Book Festival returns with a packed programme of events. Expect international bestselling authors, exciting new voices and thought-provoking conversations, alongside opportunities for aspiring writers taking their first steps towards publishing.

• When: 22 - 31 May
• Where: Various venues in Derby
  
  

Read more about Derby Book Festival

Darkness in the Fields Folk Horror Festival 2026

Hosted at QUAD, this unique festival explores folk horror through film screenings, talks and special guest appearances. Expect eerie storytelling, cult classics and a deep dive into the genre.

• When: 21 March
• Where: QUAD, Derby
  
  

Read more about Darkness in the Fields Film Festival

discotech in the Park

discotech in the Park brings festival-scale production and big-name DJs to Markeaton Park for an intimate day festival of house, disco and dance anthems. Expect high-energy sets, feel-good beats and a crowd ready to make the most of the spring sunshine.

• When: 23 May
• Where: Markeaton Park, Derby
  
  

Buy tickets at Skiddle

Pablo Carrizo at Mr Shaw’s House

Experience live music up close and discover new artists before everyone else does. Catch Pablo Carrizo at the intimate Mr Shaw’s House for an evening with one of the most talked-about new names on the indie scene.

• When: 21 March
• Where: Sadler Gate, Derby

Derby Unplugged

Derby Unplugged showcases the city’s best up-and-coming bands in one big celebration of independent music. Expect eight hours of live performances spanning indie anthems, rock riffs and everything in between.

• When: 3 May
• Where: Derby Arena
  
  

Buy tickets at Derby Live

We Are WHSE Presents: Easter Sunday

ULTRA is Derby’s new state-of-the-art events space, purpose-built with a 3,200 capacity for cutting-edge sound and large-scale production. This Easter Sunday, expect serious energy and a proper late-night soundtrack.

• When: 5 April
• Where: Chequers Road, Derby
  
  

Buy tickets at Skiddle

Ram Comedy Festival

Bringing big laughs to venues across the city, Ram Comedy Festival showcases stand-up talent from rising stars to established names.

• When: 28 May – 7 June
• Where: Various venues in Derby
  
  

Read more about the Ram Comedy Festival 2026

Bongo's Bingo

Part bingo, part party, Bongo’s Bingo is a high-energy night packed with throwback anthems, sing-alongs, outrageous prizes and plenty of surprises.

• When: 11 April
• Where: Vaillant Live Arena, Derby
  
  

Buy tickets at Bongo's Bingo

London Symphonic Rock Orchestra

Experience iconic rock anthems reimagined with the power of a full orchestra. The London Symphonic Rock Orchestra brings big sound and dramatic staging for an unforgettable evening, blending classical performance with stadium-sized hits.

• When: 17 March
• Where: Derby Arena
  
  

Buy tickets at Derby Live

Heist Society – Bank Heist Experience

Step into the story and put your teamwork to the test in this immersive bank heist experience. Crack codes, solve puzzles and beat the clock in a cinematic, high-stakes challenge.

• When: Year-round
• Where: Derby City Centre
  
  

Buy tickets at I'm Puzzled

Sadler Gate Spring Market

If your idea of a good weekend involves street food, independent stalls and wandering with friends, the Sadler Gate Spring Market is worth exploring. Spend an afternoon sampling local flavours and discovering something new.

• When: 9 May
• Where: Sadler Gate
  
  

Read more about The Sadler Gate Spring Market

Textile Repair Café

Got a ripped seam or a favourite hoodie that’s seen better days? The Textile Repair Café is a relaxed, hands-on session where you can learn to mend, alter or upcycle your clothes - picking up practical, sustainable skills that save money and make your wardrobe last longer.

• When: Every third Saturday of each month
• Where: Museum of Making, Derby
  
  

Read more about the Textile Repair Café