Your East Midlands weekend starts here.
Hello and welcome to this week’s Weekend Edit.
The school holidays are still in full swing and this weekend is packed with carnival celebrations, outdoor festivals, food events and plenty of family-friendly adventures across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and beyond.
Grab a coffee and start planning.
🌟 Editor’s Choice
Nottingham Carnival returns
One of the biggest cultural events in Nottingham’s calendar takes place this weekend, at Victoria Embankment bringing colourful costumes, live music, dance and community celebrations to the city. The carnival has become a highlight of the summer and is expected to attract thousands of visitors.
Why go? Vibrant atmosphere, family entertainment and one of Nottingham’s most-loved annual events.
🎪 Festivals & Big Events
Lincoln Pride
📍 High Street
Pride returns for 2026, filling the city centre with colour, music and thousands of people marching side by side. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, attending with friends or bringing the whole family, everyone is welcome. Starts 12pm.
Park Fest 2026
📍 Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
A family festival set in the grounds of Wollaton Hall featuring live entertainment, activities and food vendors. It’s free, but you may need to reserve a spot HERE
Garage Republic Outdoor Festival
📍 Binks Yard, Nottingham
A major outdoor music event bringing DJs, live performances and festival vibes to the banks of the canal.
Ranch Jam Festival
📍 Cattows Farm, Leicestershire
Dust off your cowboy boots. The UK’s biggest country music tribute festival returns for a weekend of Americana, live music and family fun. [skiddle.com]
Vegan Camp Out
📍 Walesby Forest, Nottinghamshire
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this hugely popular festival combines food, talks, fitness, camping and entertainment. [Details]
👨👩👧👦 Family Days Out
Nottingham Beach
📍 Old Market Square
The seaside comes to the city centre with sand, deckchairs and summer attractions running throughout August.
🚓 Cleethorpes 999 Day 2026 🚒🚑
📍 Kings’ Parade
This free festival takes place between 10am-4pm on Kings’ Parade. Meet the local emergency services, explore police, fire and ambulance vehicles, take on fun challenges and discover the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes to keep communities safe.
Open-air adventure at Go Ape
📍 Sherwood Pines
Perfect for energetic youngsters with zip lines, high ropes and woodland adventures available throughout the summer holidays.
Lincolnshire Wolds escape
📍 Lincolnshire
The Wolds remain one of the East Midlands’ most underrated family destinations, offering walking routes, picnic spots and some of the best countryside views in the region.
🍔 Food & Drink
Beeston Food Fair
📍 Beeston Square
A new town-centre food fair showcasing local producers, street food and artisan traders. Ideal if you’re looking to spend a Saturday grazing your way through local food stalls.
Street food at Binks Yard
📍 Nottingham
While you’re enjoying the weekend festivals, Binks Yard continues to offer one of the city’s strongest line-ups of street food vendors and outdoor dining experiences.
Derby FAB Food Fest
📍 Derby Rugby Club
FAB Food Fest returns with 15+ incredible world street food traders, massive tribute headliners, live DJs and fully-stocked festival bars. Entry is free and takes place all weekend.
🎭 Arts & Culture
Open-Air Theatre at Newstead Abbey
📍 Newstead Abbey
Pack a blanket and enjoy theatre in one of Nottinghamshire’s most beautiful historic settings. Few venues in the region can match it for atmosphere. [visit-nott…hire.co.uk]
Nottingham Contemporary
📍 Nottingham
Several free exhibitions and creative events continue throughout August, making it one of the best no-cost days out in the city.
Derby Comedy Club Night
📍 Derby Conference Centre
A night of top-notch comedians takes to the stage on Friday evening. Tickets HERE
Alternative Artisans Market
📍 Engine Shed, Lincoln
From gothic jewellery to leather goods, alternative fashion to unique creations – discover items made with passion, not mass production this Sunday at Engine Shed from mid-day [Tickets]
🎶 Live Music Picks
Mystery Jets
The indie favourites are in town this weekend for a special live performance and signing session.
[Tickets]
Midnight Shift
📍 Binks Yard
Rockabilly sounds and riverside drinks make for a perfect summer evening. [allevents.in]
Caribbean Night Concert
📍 Potters House, Nottingham
A family-friendly community event bringing Caribbean music and culture to the city.
[Tickets]
R&B Lovers
📍 Athena Leicester
Enjoy a summer celebration of all things R&B with six hours of Old School 90s & 00’s anthems along with live performances.
[Tickets]
🌳 Hidden Gem of the Week
Wollaton Walled Garden
While many visitors head straight for Wollaton Hall, the nearby Walled Garden remains one of Nottingham’s loveliest quiet corners. This weekend offers a perfect chance to explore the gardens, enjoy a slower pace and escape the crowds.
📸 This Weekend’s Instagram Spot
Nottingham Carnival
Expect colour, costumes, music and countless photo opportunities. If you’re looking for the most photogenic event of the weekend, this is it.
