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Fab Five
October to December 2026 Events
Popular Places and Attractions
Eating and Drinking
October to December 2026 / English
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There’s a huge amount to look forward to across Derby as we move from autumn into winter, with a packed calendar of unmissable events lighting up the city.
From spine-tingling Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations to the return of the Christmas ice rink, the city comes alive with atmosphere, live entertainment, exhibitions, and family fun.
This October, Derby Cathedral will be transformed by Helios by Luke Jerram, a breathtaking giant sun installation, while Derby Folk Festival adds even more energy and music to the city’s cultural line-up.
Explore what’s on across the city and discover your next experience - just click any listing for more details.
The Tourism Team at VisitDerby
Fab Five
October to December 2026 Events
Popular Places and Attractions
Eating and Drinking
Derby Sales and Information Centre
19 Chapel Street,
Derby, DE1 3GU.
Image Credit: Kate Lowe Photography
Image Credit: Seamus McKenna Photography
Image Credit: AV-IT Media
Top things to do and authentic experiences you can't miss in Derby
Derby Folk Festival 2026
9 Oct 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
Various Derby locations,
Derby Folk Festival returns autumn 2026, celebrating folk music, dance, workshops and city centre community spirit.
Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival 2026
24 Oct 2026
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
A celebration of all things making – meet the makers and discover what you can make!
Derby Book Festival 2026
22 May 2026 - 31 May 2026, 13 Nov 2026 - 15 Nov 2026
Various Derby venues,
Derby Book Festival will returns in 2026 with Summer and Autumn editions.
Sadler Gate Night Market
26 Nov 2026
Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
Late-night indie shopping, unique gifts, fashion, festive food, drink & entertainment in one sparkling evening.
Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Derby Opening
28 Nov 2026
Derby Market Place, Derby DE1 3AH
Join Festive Derby as Christmas lights switch on in the city centre with free entertainment & lantern parade!
Shop our historic market with changing product lines from our independent traders. Discover warmer tones in hand-crafted gifts and artisan treasures, or pick up supplies and taste Autumn with fresh local produce from our on-site grocer, bakery, fishmonger and deli counter.
Discover delicious food from award-winning independent businesses with an array of sweet and savoury flavours from around the world, including food from Asia, Europe, South America and the UK.
Enjoy expertly brewed speciality coffee, tea and more, paired with freshly baked pastries, artisanal cakes and sweet treats. Later on in the day, grab a drink from our bars with local craft beers, cocktails, wines, and premium soft drinks, or sample craft spirits made on-site at The Spirit Run, our very own distillery bar.
There’s plenty happening at Derby Market Hall over the next few months. Enjoy weekly live music and monthly Farmers’ Markets, plus Oktoberfest celebrations, family-friendly Halloween activities, Haunted Derby Festival and Vintage Fairs.
Make Derby Market Hall your go-to spot this season. We can't wait to see you!
See what’s on and find out more at derbymarkethall.co.uk.
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
Wright of Derby: From the Shadows
13 Jun 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Discover Wright of Derby’s ‘Candlelight’ masterpieces – drama, intrigue, and sublime art in From the Shadows!
Lara Croft: 30 Years On - From Derby to Global Icon
24 Jul 2026 - 28 Nov 2026
Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA
Celebrate 30 years of Tomb Raider - step into Lara Croft’s world as Pickford’s House transforms into Croft Manor.
Helios by Luke Jerram
20 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
A 7-metre sun model will light up Derby Cathedral this autumn, marking the start of its centenary celebrations.
Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2026
28 Nov 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
Derby Market Place, Derby DE1 3AH
Bring the whole family to Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink this Christmas - festive fun on ice for all ages.
Osnabrück Oktoberfest
2 Oct 2026 - 4 Oct 2026
Derby Market Hall, Market Place, Derby DE1 2DB
Derby Market Hall becomes a lively German festival with music, authentic food and fun for all!
Shocktober
9 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
Dive into terror at Derby QUAD this October - where shivers rise and nightmares take hold.
Oktoberfest at Ultra Warehouse
10 Oct 2026
Ultra Warehouse, 9 Downing Road, Derby DE21 6HA
Germany’s biggest celebration lands at Ultra Warehouse - beer, live music, epic energy and unforgettable entertainment.
Derby Heritage Beer Festival 2026
14 Oct 2026 - 17 Oct 2026
Derby Market Hall, Market Place, Derby DE1 2DB
Derby Market Hall hosts the Derby Heritage Beer Festival for the first time this autumn.
Road to Nashville Indoor Rodeo Show
17 Oct 2026
Ultra Warehouse, 9 Downing Road, Derby DE21 6HA
After sold-out UK shows, The Road to Nashville brings its country magic to Ultra Warehouse!
Haunted Derby Festival
31 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Derby Market Hall, Market Place, Derby DE1 2DB
Step into Haunted Derby Festival - ghostly tales, eerie legends and spine-tingling experiences around every corner.
Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
24 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
Bluebells, Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AR
Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween at Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
All Hallows Haunts
30 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
This Halloween weekend, enjoy talks and author interviews delving into the darker side of horror and storytelling.
Dracula's Bazaar: Halloween Edition
30 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
Step into the shadows this Halloween for a dark, decadent celebration of all things gothic at Dracula’s Bazaar.
Fireworks Weekend 2026
6 Nov 2026 - 7 Nov 2026
Derbyshire County Cricket Club, The OurCoop County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby DE21 6DA
Derby’s biggest fireworks display returns this November at The OurCoop County Ground.
The Peter Rabbit and Santa Experience
26 Nov 2026 - 24 Dec 2026
Derbion, London Road, Derby DE1 2PQ
Visit Santa at Derbion this Christmas and enjoy a brand-new, heartwarming Peter Rabbit & Friends adventure!
The Railway Children
27 Nov 2026 - 2 Jan 2027
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
All aboard for an enchanting journey through steam trains, adventure, and courage.
Christmas at Bluebells
28 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2026, 5 Dec 2026 - 6 Dec 2026, 12 Dec 2026 - 13 Dec 2026, 18 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026
Bluebells, Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AR
Step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas at Bluebell Dairy, where magical memories await around every corner.
The Lost Boys: A Christmas Carol
3 Dec 2026 - 17 Dec 2026
The Old Bell Hotel, 51 Sadler Gate, Derby DE1 3NQ
Scrooge: A Christmas Dinner returns to The Old Bell Hotel - back by popular demand, a sell-out festive experience.
Dracula’s Bazaar: Gothmas Edition
4 Dec 2026 - 6 Dec 2026
Derby QUAD & Cinema, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 3AS
Step into a darker festive season at Dracula’s Bazaar: Gothmas Edition - Christmas meets the macabre.
Snow White
4 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
Mirror, mirror… Snow White returns in a dazzling festive panto - full of sparkle, slapstick and wickedly good fun.
The Owl and the Pussycat
5 Dec 2026 - 9 Jan 2027
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby DE1 2NF
Join Owl & Pussy Cat on a nonsense high-seas adventure with honey, money and a runcible spoon!
Home Alone In Concert
10 Dec 2026
Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear Street, Derby DE1 1LA
Experience a festive classic like never before - John Williams’ iconic score, performed live by orchestra and choir.
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 2026
12 Sep 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NR
Matlock Bath Illuminations lights up the River Derwent with a dazzling illuminated boat parade - a true family…
Fright Fiesta at at Gulliver’s Kingdom
10 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Gulliver's Kingdom, Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3PG
Join Gulliver’s Fright Fiesta this Halloween - spooky vibes, costumes, colour & music!
Halloween Fun at Crich Tramway Village
26 Oct 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
National Tramway Museum, Cromford Road, Crich , Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP
It’s Eerie-sistable!!! Join us for some spooky half term family fun!
Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks
30 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
An evening of family entertainment complete with a bonfire, firework displays, and seasonal food and drink.
Fright Night 3 - The Mills Have Eyes!
31 Oct 2026
Cromford Mills, Mill Road, Matlock DE4 3RQ
Fright Night returns to Cromford Mills this Halloween - bigger, darker, and more terrifying than ever.
Tramlight at National Tramway Museum
7 Nov 2026 - 8 Nov 2026
National Tramway Museum, Cromford Road, Crich , Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP
The National Tramway Village glows with magic as night falls, illuminated beautifully by tramlight.
Christmas at Chatsworth
7 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
Experience Christmas at Chatsworth with a decorated house, garden light trail, and festive farmyard activities.
Lights of Abraham
20 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NT
Experience the Heights in a new light!
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market 2026
Wed-Sun between 11th Nov and 20th Dec 2026
Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LA
Experience Christmas magic at Haddon Hall’s Mercatum, a truly enchanting artisan market and festive must-visit.
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: @aechphotography
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
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.
Bustler Derby
St James' Yard, St James Street, Derby DE1 3NQ
A vibrant street food, drink and social destination, independent traders, experiences and entertainment in the heart of…
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Spice Lounge
10 Friar Gate, Cathedral Quarter, Derby DE1 1BU
Offering a stimulating range of Bangladeshi and Southern Asian dishes with a creative twist to appeal to the western…
Houseboat
89 - 91 St Peters Street, Derby DE1 2AB
Authentic Kerala flavours, enjoy South Indian dishes in a cosy houseboat-inspired setting.
Bluebells Ice Cream Parlour
Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AR
Award-winning farm-made ice cream, shakes and sweet treats at Bluebell Dairy near Derby.
Good Thai Derby
34 Victoria Street, Derby DE1 1ES
Authentic Thai cuisine in Derby with classic dishes, street food favourites and vegan options.
Hickory's Smokehouse Derby
166 Swarkestone Road , Derbyshire DE73 5UE
Discover the flavours & hospitality of the Southern States in this family-friendly restaurant.
Cast Iron Bar & Grill
Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Moor Road, Morley, Derby DE7 6DL
If you find yourself in Derby, make sure to pay a visit to Cast Iron Bar & Grill situated in the recently refurbished…
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.
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.
Image Credit: @aechphotography
Lotus Indian Kitchen
Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington, Derby DE65 6DW
The first Indian tapas restaurant in Derby, bringing a casual, relaxed tapas vibe of Indian food.
The Engine Room
Riverlights, Morledge, Derby DE1 2BB
The Engine Room is a bold new addition to Derby city centre, serving inventive dishes in a stylish industrial-chic…
The River Kitchen
Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
The River Kitchen is all about community. Their delicious food is locally sourced, homemade, always within season and…
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
7 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3FJ
Offering all-day dining from a locally-sourced menu, including an abundance of fresh seasonal treats.
The Elephant and Peacock
Derby Road, Milford, Belper DE56 0QW
The city's first Indian Gastropub. A warm and inviting space where tradition meets comfort.
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.
Café 42
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, , Derby DE24 8JB
A range of delicious and nutritious food and hot and cold drinks, enjoy a coffee or refuel after a workout.
Bustler Derby
St James' Yard, St James Street, Derby DE1 3NQ
A vibrant street food, drink and social destination, independent traders, experiences and entertainment in the heart of…
The Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026 finalists have been announced, spotlighting the very best of the city’s thriving hospitality scene. From standout restaurants and lively cafés to stylish bars, this year’s shortlist celebrates the talent, passion, and creativity that make Derby a true food and drink destination.

The Engine Room
Yassou Greek
Dovecote Restaurant at Morley Hayes
To be announced on the night.
Unlock a world of unforgettable experiences, plan your next thrilling adventure in Derby and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Saturday Supper Club
4 Jul 2026, 1 Aug 2026, 29 Aug 2026, 19 Sep 2026, 3 Oct 2026, 24 Oct 2026
Derby Market Hall, Market Place, Derby DE1 2DB
Discover a secret, intimate dining room at Derby Market Hall and enjoy 3 courses of culinary wizardry.
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.
Craftcore - The City’s First Public Ceramic Studio
5 Osnabruck Square, Derby DE1 2DS
Craftcore, the city’s first fully equipped public ceramic studio, offering an immersive and hands-on experience in the…
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…
Afternoon Tea at Breadsall Priory
Delta Hotels by Marriott Breadsall Priory Country Club, Moor Road, Morley, Derby DE7 6DL
Spoil someone special with a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience, surrounded by serene and rolling…
All details correct at time of going to print, October 2025.
All details correct at time of going to print, October 2025.
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