Summer is in full swing across the East Midlands, and this weekend offers everything from country shows and outdoor theatre to family activities, festivals, music and heritage experiences. Here’s our round-up of some of the best things happening across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and beyond.
🌟 Top Pick: Heckington Show, Lincolnshire
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July
One of the UK’s largest village agricultural shows returns to Heckington near Sleaford. Expect livestock competitions, food and drink, equestrian events, shopping, crafts, family entertainment and traditional countryside attractions. It’s a quintessential Lincolnshire summer day out.
Perfect for: Families, foodies and countryside lovers.
🎭 Outdoor Theatre Under the Stars
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Grantham House – Sunday 26 July
Enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy in the beautiful grounds of Grantham House. Folksy Theatre brings music, comedy and audience participation to this magical open-air performance.
Open-Air Theatre at Wollaton Park
Nottingham’s outdoor theatre season continues this weekend, offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live performances in one of the region’s most stunning park settings.
🎉 Festivals & Major Events
Nottingham Pride – Saturday 25 July
Nottingham city centre hosts one of the East Midlands’ biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture, featuring a colourful parade, live entertainment, community events and activities throughout the city.
Beach Fest, Skegness – 24–26 July
A weekend of live tribute acts, family entertainment, food, drink and seaside fun on the Lincolnshire coast.
Boho Festival, Nottinghamshire – 24–26 July
A boutique festival featuring live music, woodland experiences, camping and family-friendly entertainment.
👨👩👧 Family Days Out
Summer of Play at Tattershall Castle
Kids can enjoy outdoor games, challenges and medieval-themed activities in the grounds of one of Lincolnshire’s most iconic castles.
Summer of Play at Clumber Park
Explore six themed play zones including sports, nature activities, storytelling and Pokémon-themed experiences.
Belton Estate Adventure Activities
Families can take part in Pokémon trails, arts activities and outdoor games throughout the weekend.
Leicester Dino Fest at Leicester Cathedral
Join Baxter the cheeky T.Rex, Ruby the Megalosaurus, Zuki the Stegosaurus, and Sherbet the Stygimoloch at Leicester’s Dino Fest at Leicester Cathedral this weekend.
🚶 Great Outdoors
Historic Grantham Walking Tour
Discover the fascinating history of Grantham on a guided walk exploring Saxon origins, royal visits and local legends.
Clumber Park Trust10 Trail Run – (4th Sunday of every month)
Join runners of all abilities for a scenic 10k through one of Nottinghamshire’s most beautiful National Trust estates.
Guided Estate Walks at Gunby Hall
Explore the wider Gunby estate and countryside around Spilsby with expert guides.
🎵 Live Music Highlights
Classic Ibiza at Burghley House
Orchestral performances meet iconic dance anthems in a spectacular outdoor setting near Stamford.
Archy and the Astronauts – Lincoln Drill Hall – Saturday, July 25
A great live music option for those looking to discover local talent in Lincoln.
Nah Then Music Festival – Calverton
Featuring folk-punk favourites Skinny Lister among a packed weekend line-up.
🏰 Heritage & Culture
Gunby Hall Exhibition: Moments in Time
A vibrant exhibition featuring works from Lincolnshire’s Art on the Map artists, including paintings, ceramics and mixed-media works.
The Workhouse, Southwell
Experience family trails and interactive summer activities while exploring one of Britain’s best-preserved workhouses.
Lazy Sunday, The Phoenix Leicester
Every Sunday, the 12.30pm film has a Lazy Sunday option – a breakfast and film ticket for £18.95. Films showing this week are The Odyssey and 2001: A Space Odyssey
Lincolnshire 1940s Weekend
Step back in time with vintage vehicles, live music, re-enactments and wartime entertainment at Hanworth Country Park.
Bollywood Candlelight Concert, Leicester – July 25
Step into an unforgettable evening at Bollywood Candlelight — where your favourite songs come to life in the most breathtaking setting of Hansom Hall
