Looking for something to do this weekend? From free heritage events and illuminated boat parades to live music, theatre and castle adventures, there’s plenty happening across the East Midlands.
Here’s our pick of the best events across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
🔥 Editor’s Choice
Heritage Open Days 2026
This weekend sees the start of one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of local history, with dozens of attractions across the East Midlands opening their doors for free. Historic buildings, guided tours, museums and hidden gems can all be explored without spending a penny.
📍 Nottinghamshire
🏭 Discover Nottinghamshire’s Mining Heritage
Everyday Histories: The Miners’ Stories
Bassetlaw Museum, Retford Saturday, September 12
Explore exhibits showcasing the lives of local miners, browse historic artefacts and hear fascinating stories from Nottinghamshire’s coalfield communities. [her.nottin…ire.gov.uk]
🏛 Behind-The-Scenes Newark
If Walls Could Talk
National Civil War Centre, Newark Saturday
Meet costumed characters, discover hidden graffiti and uncover centuries of history inside Newark’s fascinating heritage buildings. [visit-nott…hire.co.uk]
🧠 Inside the Mind of a Psychopath
Holiday Inn Nottingham, Castle Bridge Road
Are you ready to confront the darkest minds? Join Darren Stanton live for “Inside the Mind of a Psychopath”—an immersive, chilling experience where you’ll uncover how to identify a psychopath hiding in plain sight.
🤼 Live wrestling hosted by Angleos Epithemiou from Shooting Stars
Unwitting star of Shooting Stars (BBC2), cult favourite Angelos Epithemiou is going ON TOUR… to host an action packed show of LIVE WRESTLING!!! EpithemiouMania!!! [Tickets]
🕺OVER 30’s CLUB – Daytime Open Air Festival
Binks Yard, Nottingham
Take a trip down memory lane with us with the ultimate over 30s Outdoor Open Air festival this September 2026 at BINKS YARD Nottingham. Get ready for a nostalgia-packed evening covering bangers from the 80’s 90’s and 00’s in an eclectic night that wraps up by 10 PM! [Tickets]
📍 Derbyshire
✨ Matlock Bath Illuminations Return
Matlock Bath Illuminations Preview Night
Saturday Evening
One of Derbyshire’s most iconic events gets underway with illuminated boats floating along the River Derwent. Entertainment and family attractions accompany the stunning display. [ticketsource.com], [findglocal.com]
🏰 Hardwick Opens Its Gates
Heritage Open Day at Hardwick
12-13 September
Enjoy free entry to Hardwick Hall’s grounds along with architecture tours, craft demonstrations and family activities. [eventslist.co.uk]
🚥 Neverland: The Peter Pan Drone Light Show
The OurCoop County Ground, Derby. Saturday
Watch as hundreds of synchronised drones fill the night sky, painting scenes from Neverland through a mesmerising symphony of light, music, and narration. [Tickets]
📍 Leicestershire
🎭 Theatre Highlight
The Girl on the Train
The stage adaptation of the bestselling thriller continues its run in Leicester this weekend. [visitleicester.info]
🎸 Live Music Pick
Jamie Webster
O2 Academy Leicester Sunday, September 13
The Liverpool singer-songwriter brings his acclaimed live show to Leicester. [Tickets]
🏛 Free Heritage Visit
Leicester Guildhall Guided Tours
Take a guided tour around one of the city’s oldest buildings and learn more about Leicester’s rich history. [visitleicester.info]
📍 Lincolnshire
🏰 Lincoln Castle History Talk
William Marwood: Cobbler, Chaplain and Executioner
Lincoln Castle Saturday
Learn about the life of one of Lincolnshire’s most notorious historical figures during this lunchtime talk. [lincolncastle.com]
🐉 Meet Lincoln’s New Dragon
Meet Hastings, Lincoln Castle’s New Dragon
A brand-new attraction at Lincoln Castle celebrating the city’s Norman history. Perfect for families and younger visitors. [lincolncastle.com], [lincolncastle.com]
👨👩👧👦 Best Family Day Out
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Make a full day of the Illuminations with fish and chips beside the River Derwent before the illuminated boats take to the water. Boats parade on Saturdays 12 between 7.30pm & 8.00pm (this is dependent on the light – the earlier dates starting nearer 8.00pm and the later dates moving closer to 7.30pm). The parade will finish at around 9.00pm.
🌳 Great Outdoors
Hardwick Estate, Derbyshire
With free access available through Heritage Open Days, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore one of the East Midlands’ finest historic landscapes. [eventslist.co.uk]
🍽 Best Place To Eat
Matlock Bath
Make a full day of the Illuminations with fish and chips beside the River Derwent before the illuminated boats take to the water. Boats parade on Saturdays 12 between 7.30pm & 8.00pm (this is dependent on the light – the earlier dates starting nearer 8.00pm and the later dates moving closer to 7.30pm). The parade will finish at around 9.00pm.
💎 Hidden Gem
CWGC Tour of East Retford Cemetery
History lovers can join a guided tour of East Retford Cemetery and learn about local wartime stories and memorials. [heritageop…ays.org.uk]
