Autumn in Derbyshire

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

Retro Gaming Night

Think you can beat your mates at the classics? Head to Derby Computer Museum for a BYOB Retro Gaming Night. Play old-school consoles, challenge friends and rediscover forgotten gems.

When: 17 October

Where: Derby Computer Museum

Find out more about Retro Gaming Night

Twilight marathon

Team Edward or Team Jacob? With all five Twilight films on the big screen at QUAD, you can settle in for the ultimate Twilight marathon.

When: 17 October

Where: QUAD

Get tickets for the Twilight marathon

BBQ & BEATS

BBQ & Beats brings together BBQ food, live DJs and a party atmosphere in Derby. Grab your friends, tuck into some BBQ favourites and dance the night away.

When: 26 September

Where: Electric Daisy, Derby

Get tickets for BBQ & BEATS

Fireworks weekend 2026

Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s fireworks and funfair returns to illuminate the sky with the city’s biggest fireworks display alongside fairground classics of rides, games and food.

When: 6 and 7 November

Where: The OurCoop County Ground

Get tickets for Fireworks weekend 2026

Oktoberfest at Ultra Warehouse

Oktoberfest with a club twist. Bavarian vibes and DJs come together for a big night of Oktoberfest fun.

When: 10 October

Where: Ultra Warehouse

Buy Oktoberfest tickets

Helios

See the sun up close at Derby Cathedral with Helios, a seven-metre model brought to life through light, sound and NASA imagery. Visit after dark for live music and drinks beneath its glow.

When: 20 – 31 October

Where: Derby Cathedral

Find out more about Helios

The Comedy Store 2026

The Comedy Store is known as a breeding ground for new comedy talent. This touring stand-up showcases top international and national comedy talent for an evening of big laughs.

When: 11 October

Where: Derby Theatre

Find out more about The Comedy Store

Scarefest at Alton Towers

Immerse yourself in a spooktacular world of tricks, treats, spine-tingling scare attractions and face hair-raising rides in the dark.

When: Dates throughout October

Where: Alton Towers Resort

Get tickets for Scarefest at Alton Towers

Outdoor cinema: Hocus Pocus 2

Settle in for an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus 2 with pizza and popcorn under the stars in the Electric Daisy garden.

When: 29 October

Where: Electric Daisy, Derby

Get tickets for Outdoor cinema: Hocus Pocus 2

Cult film club

QUAD’s Cult Film Club brings cult classics and gloriously weird films to the big screen, with introductions, audience internation and a mini quiz at every screening.

When: Bi-monthly

Where: QUAD

Find out more about Cult film club

Screamfest

One of the UK’s best scream parts, featuring a delightfully horrifying line up of scare attractions, live music, street food, bars and thrill rides. Are you brave enough?

When: Dates throughout October

Where: National Forest Adventure Farm

Get tickets for Screamfest

Osnabruck Oktoberfest

Get into the Oktoberfest spirit at Derby Market Hall. Expect music, German food and a lively atmosphere as the city celebrates its twinning with Osnabrück.

When: 2 – 4 October

Where: Derby Market Hall

Find out more about Osnabruck Oktoberfest

Road to Nashville Indoor Rodeo Show

After a run of sold-out shows across the UK, The Road to Nashville is bringing country magic to Ultra Warehouse with an indoor rodeo, country music and live entertainment.

When: 11 October

Where: Ultra Warehouse

Buy tickets for the Rodeo Show

Derby Feste

Derby’s streets become a stage for circus, dance, theatre, parkour and aerial performance. Discover spectacular performances from local and international artists, with surprises around every corner.

When: 26 September

Where: Derby city centre

Find out more about Derby Feste

Bustler

Bustler’s new St James’ Yard brings street food, independent shops, coffee, matcha and more to the heart of Derby. Grab good with friends and soak up the weekend buzz.

When: Every week Wednesday - Saturday

Where: St James’ Yard, Derby

Find out more about Bustler

Padel

Try padel at s3padel, with 10 indoor courts, shuffleboard and table tennis. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular, it’s a fun way to get active and compete with friends.

When: Open throughout the week

Where: Derbion, Eagle Market

Find out more about Padel

Wild Park

Temperatures may be dropping but that’s no reason to be stuck indoors. Get your kicks at Wild Park; the ultimate paintball, quad trekking, laser tag and archery experience.

When: Open year-round

Where: Wild Park, Brailsford

Find out more about Wild Park

Rollerworld

Get your skates on at Rollerworld, where you can skate, listen to music and hang out with friends. Grab your mates and see who can stay upright the longest.

When: Open year-round

Where: Meteor Centre, Derby

Find out more about Rollerworld