Ay-up East Midlanders!
Autumn is starting to creep in, but there’s still plenty happening across the East Midlands this weekend. From folk festivals and food markets to comedy, walking festivals and live music, here’s our pick of what’s worth leaving the sofa for.
⭐ Editor’s Choice
🚶 High Peak Walking Festival, Derbyshire
One of the region’s best outdoor events returns this weekend with guided walks across some of the Peak District’s most spectacular scenery, including the Edale Skyline Challenge, heritage walks and family-friendly routes. [visitpeakd…strict.com]
🎪 Equinox Festival, Lincolnshire
This much-loved grassroots festival continues near Tattershall with music, workshops, crafts, wellbeing activities and family entertainment across multiple stages. [Tickets]
🎵 Trancecoda & Groovebox Shine Open Air, Nottingham
Paul van Dyk, Cosmic Gate and Aly & Fila headline a huge open-air dance event at Binks Yard on Saturday. [bandsintown.com]
📍 Nottinghamshire
Top Picks
🛍️ Craft & Flea Market
Saturday, St Mary’s Church, Nottingham Browse local makers, independent traders and vintage finds.
🚢 ABBA Boat Party
Saturday, River Trent A floating singalong packed with ABBA classics and disco favourites. [facebook.com]
🎶 Sisters of Mercy
Friday and Saturday, Rock City The legendary gothic rock outfit returns to Nottingham. [ticketmast…r.evyy.net],
🎧 Shine Open Air
Saturday, Binks Yard One of the biggest dance music events of the autumn. [Tickets]
📍 Derbyshire
Outdoors
🚶 High Peak Walking Festival
Across the Peak District, all weekend Guided walks, heritage routes and family-friendly hikes showcasing the county’s best scenery. [visitpeakd…strict.com]
Culture
📚 Edge-Lit 12
Friday, QUAD Derby A must-visit for horror, fantasy and science-fiction fans. [enjoy.ly]
😂 Chris Ramsey
Friday, Vaillant Live The comedian brings his latest stand-up tour to Derby. [enjoy.ly]
Music
🎸 ZZ Toppd
Saturday, The Flowerpot One of Britain’s leading ZZ Top tribute acts. [Details]
📍 Leicestershire
Family & Days Out
🎲 Cardmania Leicester
Saturday, DMU Venue Over 40 traders specialising in Pokémon, sports cards and trading card games.
🏍️ Classic Racing Motorcycle Club Weekend
Mallory Park A full weekend of classic motorcycle racing.
Music
🎤 Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael
Saturday, De Montfort Hall A crowd-pleasing celebration of George Michael’s greatest hits. [Tickets]
🎺 The Dualers
Friday, Athena Jamaican rhythm and blues favourites bring their energetic live show to Leicester. [skiddle.com]
Comedy
🎭 Funhouse Comedy Night
Sunday, Kayal Restaurant A relaxed Sunday evening packed with stand-up. [skiddle.com]
📍 Lincolnshire
Festivals
🎪 Equinox Festival
Near Tattershall Music, arts, healing areas, workshops and family entertainment continue all weekend.
🚐 Motorhome & Campervan Show Finale
Lincolnshire Showground One of the UK’s biggest motorhome gatherings. [Tickets]
🎻 Lincoln Folk Festival
Saturday and Sunday A packed programme of folk performances throughout the city. [bandsintown.com]
Heritage & Family
🏛️ Heritage Open Days at Gunby Hall
Saturday and Sunday Free admission, local stalls and a chance to explore one of Lincolnshire’s finest estates. [nationaltrust.org.uk]
🐶 Lincoln Loves Dogs
Friday, The Lawn, Lincoln A celebration of all things canine with activities and demonstrations.
🎭 Amazing Animals
Sunday, New Theatre Royal, Lincoln Family-friendly theatre aimed at younger audiences. [stayhappening.com]
🎵 Gig Guide
Nottingham
- The Sisters of Mercy, Rock City [ticketmast…r.evyy.net]
- Paul van Dyk & Cosmic Gate, Binks Yard [bandsintown.com]
- Arctic Numpties, Rescue Rooms [bandsintown.com]
Derby
- ZZ Toppd, The Flowerpot
- Panic at the Emo, Hairy Dog [enjoy.ly]
Leicester
- Fastlove, De Montfort Hall
- The Dualers, Athena [skiddle.com]
Lincoln
- Craig Charles Funk & Soul Party, Lincoln Drill Hall [bandsintown.com]
- Illegal Eagles, Theatre Royal [bandsintown.com]
🍴 Foodie Pick
Grantham House Monthly Market
A fantastic Sunday market featuring local food producers, artisan makers and independent traders in the beautiful grounds of Grantham House. [nationaltrust.org.uk]
