OK, weekend we hear you — you’re calling and the East Midlands is answering.
Whether you’re planning a big one or keeping things chilled, there’s plenty going on. Here are the top things to do across the region this weekend, from can’t‑miss events to easy wins.
As always in our guide to things to do in the East Midlands this weekend, both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
Leicester Symphony Orchestra presents A Rousing Evening with Bernstein’s West Side Story – De Montfort Hall, Leicester
An orchestral celebration of dance and rhythm! Bernstein’s West Side Story bursts with Broadway flair, while Rachmaninov and Grieg offer sweeping, dance-inspired works. Toe-tapping, heart-stirring, and bursting with orchestral colour – join the Leicester Sympathy Orchestra for their virtuosic season finale.
6:30 – 7pm Meet the LSO players and their instruments
An opportunity to meet some of the instruments playing in the concert with their players and find out more about the LSO.
Limited places available, free but must still book a ticket.
Tickets for the concert are available HERE
WHERE: De Montfort Hall, Leicester
WHEN: Saturday, May 9. Doors: 7pm
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Elvana (Elvis Fronted Nirvana) – 02 Academy, Leicester
Elvana (Elvis Fronted Nirvana) is a British tribute band that mashes up Nirvana’s grunge anthems with the showmanship of Elvis Presley, founded in 2014. They are known for performing in Elvis attire while playing Nirvana’s catalogue, touring extensively in the UK and performing at major festivals
Tickets on sale HERE
WHERE: 02 Academy, Leicester
WHEN: Saturday, May 9
Nottingham Super Soapbox Challenge – Old Market Square, Nottingham
Expect a thrilling day of soapbox racing for all ages – bring your family, bring your mates, it’s the Nottingham Super Soapbox Challenge!
Get ready to cheer on our fearless soapbox racers as teams zoom down our gigantic four-metre-high ramp into the Old Market Square.
It’s bound to be a fantastic outing for the whole family, complete with lively commentary and all the action broadcast on massive screens. But wait, there’s more!
As well as races, look out for entertainment on and off the track including the chance to meet and have a photograph with champion racer, Sir Sidney Cartalot and the Robin Hood mascot.
The event is absolutely FREE for spectators of all ages.
You can find out more information HERE
WHERE: Old Market Square, Nottingham
WHEN: Sunday, May 10 – Starts 10:45am
Makers at the Mill – Torr Vale Mill, Derbyshire
The Makers at the Mill curated Spring Fair returns on Sunday, May 10.
Drawing in the best makers and craftspeople from the North West, Staffs, Yorkshire and Lancs, Makers at the Mill takes place in the beautiful heritage site of Torr Vale Mill, New Mills.
With forty artisans (including ceramics, jewellery, illustration, print, bookbinding, woodwork) plus food and drink, the Spring Fair is a full day out. And, when you’re done with all that shopping and dining, take a walk around the stunning Torrs and Millennium Walkway.
WHERE: Torr Vale Mill, Torrvale Road, High Peak
WHEN: Sunday, May 10. Doors open at 10am.
Weetwood Mac – Engine Shed, Lincoln
Yorkshire-based outfit Weetwood Mac are rapidly making a name for themselves as one of the UK’s most authentic homages to Fleetwood Mac.
The Northern Fleetwood Mac homage feature all of the hits from the 1970’s ‘Rumours’ era and many other classics such as ‘Rhiannon’,’Say You Love Me,’Everywhere’ and ‘Little Lies’ plus many more.
Weetwood Mac ditch the gimmicks in favour of recreating the sound, place, and time, where one of the world’s best loved bands began creating their legacy.
You can buy tickets HERE
WHERE: Engine Shed, Lincoln
WHEN: Sunday, May 10 2026. Doors open 7:30pm
