FINALLY! We get to say goodbye to January this weekend! Good riddence!

So, it’s been a long time coming, but the first month of the new year is finally drawing to a close.

Spring is almost in touching distance, so of course, we’re really not short of exciting activities and events to be getting up to right across the East Midlands – with everything from open mic nights to day clubbing happening over the next three days.

We’ve chosen a few of the highlights to give you some ideas for filling up your weekend below.

Times and dates were correct before publication, but probably still worth a check with the venue before you attend…

Dean Z – The Ultimate Elvis – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

For nearly two decades, Dean Z has been performing thousands of shows for millions of people around the globe, being named by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) as the world’s greatest Elvis tribute artists in 2013.

Dean was officially awarded EPE’s “Ultimate” title, and starred in their international touring production Elvis Lives (with over 500,000 tickets sold). Dean Z has thrilled Elvis fans across Europe with his portrayal of the King performing to sold out audiences in some of the UK’s most historic venues including the London Apollo, Manchester Arena and The Echo in Liverpool. He is the only Elvis tribute artist to host SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio channel, and currently serves as an ambassador and contributor to Graceland and the Elvis Presley estate.

“Dean Z -The Ultimate Elvis” is a musical journey spanning the 20 year career of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, from his rise to fame in the 1950s, to his infamous Las Vegas performances of the 1970’

Tickets are still on sale HERE

WHERE: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
WHEN: Friday, January 30 – 7.30pm

Open Mic Night – Market Hall, Derby

Join us for Open Mic Night at Derby Market Hall, a vibrant monthly showcase of local talent held on the last Friday of each month.

Whether you’re a musician, poet, comedian, or performer of any kind, this is your stage to shine in a welcoming and lively atmosphere.

Entry is free, and signing up to perform is as easy as showing up — slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Don’t miss your chance to share your voice or enjoy an evening of diverse entertainment in the heart of the community! As we are a public venue, we do ask all performers to consider our audiences and keep their content suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Hosted by Sean Daly.

Fri 30 Jan 2026, 6pm – 10pm

Brayford Comedy Night – DoubleTree by Hilton, Lincoln

DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln is hosting an evening of non-stop laughter at the Brayford Comedy Club, Featuring some of the best comedic talent from across the UK.

The bar opens from 6:30 PM, serving a selection of refreshing drinks to start the evening, while a variety of delicious food options will be available to purchase on the night.

Take your seats at 7.15pm and get ready to laugh the night away.

There’s an after-party in the Electric bar to keep the night going after the show with cocktails and spectacular rooftop views at The Electric.

Tickets are £15pp and you can get them HERE

WHEN: Saturday, January 31, 2026
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln, Brayford Wharf North

Day Fever – Athena, Leicester

The day-time clubbing event started by Vicky McClure, Jonny Owen and Reverend & The Makers has swept the UK since it’s launch in 2024 and this weekend it returns to Leicester.

‘The day-time disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday’ has amassed a huge following with thousands of punters packing out clubs and theatres every weekend to dance the day away. A whole generation who perhaps thought their clubbing days were behind them are blazing a trail for a new way to enjoy themselves.

The music policy is simple: the greatest hits of the 20th century. Why can’t Madonna sit next to Madness? Pulp go back to back with Prince? The Stone Roses and The Rolling Stones?

You can get tickets HERE

WHEN: Saturday, January 31 – 15:00pm to 20:00pm
WHERE: Athena, Rutland Street, Leicester

Katherine Priddy – Rough Trade, Nottingham

Katherine Priddy has announced the release of her third album, These Frightening Machines on March 6 via Cooking Vinyl. The new record follows Priddy’s highly acclaimed debut The Eternal Rocks Beneath and sophomore LP The Pendulum Swing which firmly established her as one of the most exciting artists on the contemporary British music scene.

Rough Trade Nottingham has a live in-store performance and signing from Katherine to celebrate the release of her new album via Cooking Vinyl. CD/LP purchases will be shipped at release from 6th March via Second Class Mail. Please note as the album will not be out yet, Katherine will be giving away a free Making of the album booklet for signing.

You can buy tickets HERE

WHEN: Sunday, February 1, 2026 – 6:00 pm
WHERE: Rough Trade Nottingham, Broad Street