Content
Fab Five
October to December 2024 Events
Popular Places and Attractions
Eating and Drinking
October to December 2024 / English
Derby GuideWhat's On
Image Credit: Derby Museums - Kate Lowe Photography
Welcome to Derby
Derby... a small city that has a big impact on the world; home to International companies and creative communities. These influences combine to bring a rich culture to the city and a calendar packed with events for everyone.
Autumn and Winter are the ideal time to explore our restaurants and pubs to sample local or international food and craft ales and spirits. Spend precious time with family and friends visiting makers markets, engaging exhibitions, and cultural performances. Find out what’s on in the October school holidays, Halloween, bonfire night and the festive season.
Use this interactive guide to find out more about What’s On in Derby, simply click on the listing to find out more.
The Tourism Team at VisitDerby
Tourist Information
Derby Sales and Information Centre
19 Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU.
Don't Miss A Beat
Top things to do and authentic experiences you can't miss in Derby
Derby Folk Weekend 2024
11 Oct 2024 - 13 Oct 2024
The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
Derby's Folk Weekend returns! Enjoy a mix of concerts and lively entertainment in the heart of the city all weekend.
Derby Film Festival 2024
7 Nov 2024 - 10 Nov 2024
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
Derby Film Festival is one of the leading regional film festival in the UK and will run from 7 - 10 November 2024.
Autumn Edition: Derby Book Festival 2024
15 Nov 2024 - 18 Nov 2024
Various Derby venues,
The Autumn Edition will run 15 - 18 November with a packed programme of events for all the family.
The Sadler Gate Night Market 2023
30 Nov 2023
Cathedral Quarter Derby, Derby DE1 3FJ
Join us as we open our doors and fill Sadler Gate, Old Blacksmith's Yard, The Strand Arcade and the fab outdoor space at Electric Daisy with a trail of over 70 artisan stalls, full…
Festive Derby
Delve into the enchanting holiday spirit with our ultimate guide to the festive wonders of Derby.
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Seasonal Highlights
Derby is a lively city of events. From October to December, 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
Creatures of the Night - Halloween on Sadler Gate
31 Oct 2024
Cathedral Quarter Derby, Derby DE1 3FJ
This Halloween we’ll be marking 100 years of Dracula at Creatures of the Night - Halloween on Sadler Gate.
Derby Fireworks & Fun Fair
2 Nov 2024
Derbyshire County Cricket Club, The OurCoop County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby DE21 6DA
Derby’s biggest fireworks display will be back at The County Ground in 2024.
Cinderella 2024
6 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment invite you to take your seat for this lavish & larger than life pantomime.
New Year's Eve at the Derby Conference Centre
31 Dec 2024
The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8UX
Bring in 2025, and Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Derby Conference Centre.
Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent
5 Jul 2024 - 24 Nov 2024
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Discover Derby Museums’ captivating exhibition, re-examining its Egyptian collection with loans from national museums.
Think Human
27 Sep 2024 - 22 Dec 2024
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
Think Human connects people, products, places, and processes to create a safe, productive, and enjoyable world.
Derby Poetry Festival 2024
2 Oct 2024 - 6 Oct 2024
Various Derby venues,
Derby Poetry Festival (DPF) is a four-day poetry and literature event held in the heart of Derby.
TR28 – Tomb Raider Day
12 Oct 2024
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
The unofficial fan event returns in 2024 for its 4th year, celebrating Lara Croft with new games and an anime.
Dracula or The Undead: A Macabre Matinee
13 Oct 2024
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Join us for a macabre matinee as Don't Go Into The Cellar presents a one-man show from Bram Stoker's Gothic novel.
Oliver!
16 Oct 2024 - 19 Oct 2024
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Step into the enchanting world of Oliver!—the timeless musical based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.
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.
Fairy Tale of New York
7 Nov 2024
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Direct from the West End, the Irish-inspired Christmas show returns in 2024 with a bigger production after two sellouts.
Sarah Millican 2024
8 Nov 2024
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Sarah Millican will be back at Derby Arena in November 2024.
Jason Manford - A Manford All Seasons
10 Nov 2024
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Jason Manford is back with his brand-new live show.
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.
A Christmas Carol 2024
22 Nov 2024 - 4 Jan 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Join us Christmas 2024 for a magical, vibrant adaptation of Charles Dickens’ treasured novel.
Santa’s Enchanted Christmas 2025
29 Nov 2025 - 24 Dec 2025
Bluebells, Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AR
Meet reindeer, make a bear, visit our Elves, and get a gift from the magical chimney.
Chicken Licken
5 Dec 2024 - 4 Jan 2025
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Hiccup Theatre, Derby Theatre, and Polka Theatre present Chicken Licken—a festive treat for ages 3+ this Christmas 2024.
Fairy Tale An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins
7 Dec 2024 - 3 Jan 2025
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
After the success of A Christmas Carol in 2023, The Lost Boys and QUAD are teaming up again for the 2024 festive season.
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
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Sat & Sun 7 Sep - 7 Oct 2024
Derwent Gardens, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NS
Experience the magical Matlock Bath Illuminations with illuminated boat parades, live entertainment, and fireworks.
Wirksworth Wizarding Day 2024
6 Oct 2024
Wicksworth, Matlock
An enchanting day of magic, activities, and wizarding fun for fans of all ages.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Halloween Special
27 Oct 2024
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirksworth Station , Station Road, Coldwell Street , Wirksworth DE4 4FB
Halloween steam train ride with a fish and chip supper, departing Wirksworth at 6pm on 27th October 2024.
Halloween Fun at Crich Tramway Village
25 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
National Tramway Museum, Cromford Road, Crich , Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP
Enjoy spooky family fun with tram stories, face painting, Halloween crafts, a show, and a trick-or-treat woodland trail!
Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks
31 Oct 2025 - 1 Nov 2025
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
An evening of family entertainment complete with a bonfire, firework displays, and seasonal food and drink.
Christmas at Chatsworth
8 Nov 2025 - 4 Jan 2026
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Experience Christmas magic at Chatsworth with a festive house, garden light trail, and seasonal farmyard fun!
Lights of Abraham - A Winter Lights Trail
21 Nov 2025 - 30 Dec 2025
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NT
This winter, see the Heights of Abraham shine with their dazzling light trail, 21 Nov – 30 Dec!
Blue John Stone Activities & Events 2024
Various dates between 7 - 22 Dec
Buxton Rd, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WP
Explore the heritage of Blue John Stone with tours, workshops, and events in Castleton throughout 2024.
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.
Image credit: Visit Derby
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.
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
41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA
Come and experience our unique museum in the show home of the Enlightenment architect Joseph Pickford.
Derby QUAD & Cinema
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
QUAD is a CINEMA, GALLERY, BAR & LOUNGE and WORKSHOP that anyone can use.
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.
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.
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.
Derbion
London Road, Derby DE1 2PQ
Conveniently located in the heart of Derby, Derbion is the city’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and…
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.
Pieminister Derby
34 Victoria Street, Derby DE1 1ES
Award-winning pie feast, pies made using quality, sustainable ingredients, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free pies…
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.
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.
The Bookcafé Derby
21 Cornmarket, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 1QH
Great coffee, drinks & food are our passion; freshly made & locally sourced dishes on our menus.
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.
BOA Derby
32/33 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NR
BOA brings a fresh take on street food, cocktails and tapas to Derby.
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.
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.
Introduction to Track Cycling at Derby Arena
Available Sundays
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
This could be your first go at track cycling and can be a one-off taster session just for fun or to see if it’s for you…
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!
All details correct as of August 2023
All details correct as of August 2023