Content
Fab Five
July to September 2025 Events
Popular Places and Attractions
Eating and Drinking
July to September 2025 / English
Derby GuideWhat's On
Your summer starts here!
From sunshine festivals and live music to family adventures and heritage gems, Derby is bursting with events all summer long. Whether you're cruising the River Derwent on a Derby Riverboat Trip, catching an open-air film, or browsing independent stalls and foodie offerings at Derby Market Hall, there's something memorable for everyone.
Make the most of every sunny day – Derby’s got your summer sorted.
Take a look at our interactive guide to discover what's happening in Derby - just click on any listing for more details.
The Tourism Team at VisitDerby
Tourist Information
Derby Sales and Information Centre
19 Chapel Street,
Derby, DE1 3GU.
Credit: Derby Museums - Kate Lowe Photography
Don't Miss A Beat
Top things to do and authentic experiences you can't miss in Derby
TK Maxx presents Derby Summer Sessions 2025
5 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025
Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear Street, Derby DE1 1LA
Headline acts for Derby Summer Sessions include Simple Minds, Rag'N'Bone Man, Human League, Jess Glynne and Blossoms.
Derby Caribbean Carnival 2025
20 Jul 2025
Derby City Centre & Osmaston Park,
Celebrating 50 golden years of the vibrant Derby Caribbean Carnival with Street performances, colour, music and festivities.
Darley Park Weekender 2025
29 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2025
Darley Park, DE22 1EN
The three day music event returns on Friday with 80s Mixtape, Saturday with the Ultimate 90s and Sunday, The Darley Park Concert.
Derby Folk Festival 2025
10 Oct 2025 - 12 Oct 2025
Various Derby locations,
Derby's Folk Festival returns! Enjoy a mix of concerts and lively entertainment in the heart of the city all weekend.
Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival 2025
25 Oct 2025
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
A vibrant festival celebrating creativity, innovation, and the art of making at Derby’s Museum of Making.
Derby Market Hall
is now open!
Step into our lovingly restored, Grade II-listed Victorian market hall. Inside, you'll find a fantastic mix of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to activewear, pet supplies and vintage clothing.
Foodies will be in heaven – whether you’re looking for ingredients to take home or fancy a bite to eat! Pick up supplies and locally sourced produce from our butcher, bakery, fishmonger and deli.
Feeling hungry? Enjoy delicious international flavours from our food vendors, bars and cafés. Sample exotic dishes from Asia, South America, the Caribbean and beyond, before indulging in authentic Italian gelato, Dutch pancakes and more. Sit back and raise a glass at one of our bars, or enjoy a cheeky cocktail crafted with spirits distilled on-site.
And Derby Market Hall isn't just about shopping and eating. It's a place where you can experience the vibrant heart of Derby. Regular events and activities will bring a buzz to the market throughout the week. Themed markets and food and drink events will showcase our unique mix of products and traders. Live music and DJs will provide the ambience for you to shop, eat and drink at your leisure.
See you soon!
Seasonal Highlights
Derby is a lively city of events. From July to September, you can enjoy a great mix of festivals, celebrations, exhibitions and cultural events.
Find below a small selection of great events, there’s lots more, see visitderby.co.uk/whats-on
Joseph Wright: Life on Paper
23 May 2025 - 7 Sep 2025
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
An exhibition exploring the life and work of one of Britain’s best loved artists.
Brick By Brick – Building a Solid Foundation
25 Jul 2025 - 21 Aug 2025
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
Discover a unique LEGO art installation & festival at Derby Cathedral celebrating creativity & sustainability.
Derby CAMRA Heritage Beer Festival
3 Sep 2025 - 6 Sep 2025
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
The Derby CAMRA Heritage Beer Festival celebrates real ale and Derby’s rich brewing heritage.
Baton of Hope Tour 25 - Derby and Derbyshire
13 Sep 2025
Derby City Centre,
The baton comes to Derby and will be carried by those affected by suicide on a powerful, purposeful route.
Dracula Returns To Derby – 101 years and Counting
10 May 2025 - 13 Jun 2026
Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA
Explore 100 years of Dracula in Derby - rare items from Stoker, The Dracula Society & Hammer. A must for vampire fans!
Live Music at BEAR Iron Gate
26 Apr 2025, 31 May 2025, 28 Jun 2025, 26 Jul 2025, 30 Aug 2025
BEAR Derby Irongate, 7 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3FJ
Free live music nights at BEAR Iron Gate – cocktails, small plates, and toe-tapping tunes every last Saturday!
Railway200 Open Days: How The Railway Came To Derby
5 Jul 2025 - 6 Jul 2025
Midland Railway Study Centre, Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
Celebrate Railway200! Midland Railway Study Centre opens for the first of two heritage weekends at Museum of Making.
Japan Fest 2025
12 Jul 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
Bringing a small taste of Japan to Derby this is an ideal day for Japan fans of all ages.
A Jurassic Day Out 2025
12 Jul 2025
Cathedral Quarter Derby, Derby DE1 3FJ
Don’t miss Derbyshire’s biggest FREE dino event. A Jurassic Day Out returns with more dinos and fun for all!
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
19 Jul 2025
Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear Street, Derby DE1 1LA
Rediscover Fleetwood Mac’s magic with Rumours - a tribute that brings their iconic hits to life at Vaillant Live!
Hydrangea Open Day 2026
16 Aug 2026
Darley Park, DE22 1EN
The Hydrangea Derby Open Day will be held on Sunday 16 August from 10am to 3pm.
A Night at the Phoenix Comedy Dinner Show
19 Sep 2025
The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
Join Brian, Jerry, Max & Paddy and other favourite characters for a night of non-stop laughter and zany cabaret.
Pride Festival
9 Aug 2025
Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
Get ready for Sadler Gate to SPARKLE! Enjoy tasty food, street entertainment, and a joyful celebration!
Cathedral Quarter Street Circus 2025
9 Aug 2025
Cathedral Quarter Derby, Derby DE1 3FJ
This summer, Cathedral Quarter Street Circus returns to dazzle audiences with thrilling acts and spectacular fun!
RNB Mania
16 Aug 2025
Bustler Derby, The Chocolate Factory, Siddalls Road, Derby DE1 2QD
Derby, ready for a 90s & 00s R&B takeover? RNB MANIA hits Choc Factory this Summer - don’t miss the vibe!
Derby Fake Festival 2025
23 Aug 2025
Markeaton Park, Markeaton Park, Derby DE22 4AA
Derby Fake Festival returns to Markeaton Park this August with a sizzling line-up that’s too hot to miss!
An Evening of Pink Floyd
29 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
An Evening of Pink Floyd live with full band, strings & brass in the stunning Derby Cathedral setting.
Whooverville 16
30 Aug 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
The Whoovers & Derby QUAD are back with the East Midlands’ ultimate Doctor Who convention!
Murder at Midnight
5 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Experience suspense & dark humour with Murder at Midnight - a thrilling New Year’s Eve stage play at Derby Theatre!
DEKA FIT East Midlands
6 Sep 2025 - 7 Sep 2025
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Take on the UK’s first full DEKA FIT at Derby Arena - 10 zones, 5km challenge, test your strength & endurance!
Edge-Lit 11
20 Sep 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
Edge-Lit 11 returns to Derby QUAD - dive into a day of horror, sci-fi & fantasy with top authors, panels & workshops!
Explore Further Afield
On Derby’s doorstep is the stunning Peak District and Derbyshire. There is always a great selection of events, whatever time of year you visit. Find out more at visitderby.co.uk/whats-on
The Wombles at the Heights of Abraham
Every weekend and during school holidays
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NT
Meet Orinoco & friends at The Heights every weekend & school holiday - fun, surprises & more for the whole family!
Buxton International Festival 2025
10 Jul 2025 - 27 Jul 2025
3 The Square Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AZ
Discover world-class opera, music, books, & jazz in the Peak District at one of the UK's top arts festivals!
Bakewell Country Festival 2025
13 Jul 2025
Bakewell, Derbyshire
A fun family day out with agriculture, activities, entertainment, food, drink, shopping, and more!
Elvaston Castle Food & Drink Festival
19 Jul 2025 - 20 Jul 2025
Elvaston Castle Country Park, Borrowash Road , Elvaston , Derby DE72 3EP
Savour global flavours, live music & family fun at Elvaston Castle’s Food & Drink Festival - an unforgettable day out!
Y Not Festival
31 Jul 2025 - 3 Aug 2025
Mouldridge Lane, Pikehall, Derbyshire
Y Not Festival returns with The Prodigy, Courteeners, Madness & more. Don't miss 160+ acts, DJs, comedy & epic vibes!
Peak District Highland Games
24 Aug 2025
Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH
Peak District Highland Games returns - strongmen, caber toss, tractor pulls & family fun at Matlock Farm Park!
Chatsworth Country Fair
29 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Featuring grand ring displays in the air and on land, demos from celebrity chefs plus family entertainment.
Matlock Bath Illuminations
6 Sep 2025 - 26 Oct 2025
Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NR
Matlock Bath Illuminations is a dazzling family event with a parade of illuminated boats on the River Derwent.
Crich Tramway Village: Tram Weekend
13 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025
National Tramway Museum, Cromford Road, Crich , Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP
Celebrate 200 years of rail at and ride vintage trams, enjoy live music & family fun!
Popular Places and Attractions
Derby is a vibrant city with lots of events throughout the year. Many events take place within our award winning attractions. There are always lots of things to see and do, particularly around celebrations and holidays. Here are a few of our attractions where there is always something to see and do.
Artcore
8 Albert Street, Osnabruck Square, Derby DE1 2DS
Derby’s vibrant international centre for contemporary art and creativity, gallery, artist studios, shop, and café.
Bluebells
Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AR
A fun-filled family day out, Bluebell Dairy offers hands-on animal experiences, exciting events and countryside charm.
Derby Cathedral
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
A fascinating place to visit and a venue for musical and cultural excellence in the heart of the city.
Derby Market Hall
Market Place, Derby DE1 2DB
A treasure trove of unique finds and delicious treats, perfect for a day of shopping, dining and entertainment.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Lots of treasures to explore and lots of activities for families to enjoy together at Derby Museums.
Derby Riverboat Trips
Opposite Silk Mill, Derby DE1 2EB
Sit back and enjoy the sun and sights of the river, and learn about Derby’s place in history on the river cruise.
Electric Daisy
1 - 4 Bold Lane, Derby DE1 3NT
A vibrant space where people connect, culture blooms, and nature takes the spotlight with great events happening.
Great Northern Classics
274 – 278 Osmaston Road, Derby DE24 8AE
Welcome to Great Northern Classics A landmark destination where classic motor culture meets modern hospitality.
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
Explore Derby’s 300-year history of making and enjoy events and activities for families to enjoy together.
Pickford's House
Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA
Come and experience our unique museum in the show home of the Enlightenment architect Joseph Pickford.
Eating and Drinking
Indulge in a culinary adventure in Derby's vibrant food and drink scene. From cosy cafes and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants and international cuisines.
BEAR Derbion
Derbion, Level 2, Derby DE1 2PL
BEAR Derbion is a snug little haven that you can use to escape all that retail hustle. Come and make yourself at home.
Bistrot Pierre
18 Friar Gate, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 1BX
Offering the charm and warmth of a Parisian restaurant, unwind and indulge in French-inspired dishes.
Exeter Arms
Exeter Place, Derby DE1 2EU
Award Winning Pub, that has been packing them in with its cutting edge approach, all in a very traditional setting.
Glamberry Café
10 The Strand, Derby DE1 1BQ
A chic boutique-style café, offering a range of artisan cakes, desserts, and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Hickory's Smokehouse Derby
166 Swarkestone Road , Derbyshire DE73 5UE
Discover the flavours & hospitality of the Southern States in this family-friendly restaurant.
Lorentes Darley Abbey
The Cotton Yard, Darley Abbey Mills, Derby DE22 1DZ
The flavours of Madrid and Barcelona, set in a riverside bistro within the World Heritage site of Darley Abbey Mills.
Molly Malones Derby
1 The Strand, Derby DE1 1BJ
Guinness to perfection, as well as a huge range of premium beers and spirits from all over the world.
The Old Bell Hotel
The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
The Old Bell Hotel is one of Derby's last surviving coaching inns and one of the city's oldest bars and restaurants.
The Pepperpot
Nightingale Quarter, London Road, Derby DE1 2UH
Exceptional dishes using the finest locally sourced produce. Awarded AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence 2024-2025.
BEAR Derby Irongate
BEAR Derby Irongate, 7 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3FJ
Offering all-day dining from a locally-sourced menu, including an abundance of fresh seasonal treats.
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Experiences
Unlock a world of unforgettable experiences, plan your next thrilling adventure in Derby and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Letterpress Workshops
The Smallprint Co, 2-3 Friary Street, Derby DE1 1JF
Learn the intricacies of letterpress printing, typography, and bookbinding at our heritage print and design studio.
Spa Treatments at Breadsall Priory
Delta Hotels by Marriott Breadsall Priory Country Club, Moor Road, Morley, Derby DE7 6DL
Relax on a spa day and enjoy access to a leisure centre with gym, classes, pool and jacuzzi.
The Escape Room Guys
1-5 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3FJ
Try a range of immersive escape rooms, perfect for team-building and family outings.
Derby After Dark - Ghost Walks & Vigils
Various locations, Derby
Derby has plenty of spooky experiences waiting for you.... if you dare!
Derby Riverboat Trips
Opposite Silk Mill, Derby DE1 2EB
Sit back and enjoy the sun and sights of the river, and learn about Derby’s place in history on the river cruise.
All details correct at time of going to print, January 2025.
All details correct at time of going to print, January 2025.
