Summer in Derbyshire

Live music, vibrant food, thrilling sports, dramatic scenery, arts, theatre... whatever you’re into, there’s something for everyone. Derbyshire is the place to be this season, so here's our pick of must-sees this summer.

Festival season

It’s festival season. Don your boots, sequins and rain macs and enjoy some of the best events in the Midlands this summer, all on your doorstep so a warm shower is never too far away! Celebrate underground music and art at Rosa Festival, head to Bloodstock for earth-shattering riffs, enjoy an 80s and 90s mixtape at Darley Park Weekender or explore one of our exciting top picks below.

Y Not Festival

It began in 2005 at a house party for 120 people… 14 years later it retains the same fun and carefree ethos with a line up to feed everyone’s appetite. Act quick, this one’s bound to sell out.

Download Festival

Reunite with your mates in the spiritual home of rock and party all night at the UK’s biggest rock and metal festival held at Donington Park motorsport circuit.

A crowd at a festival stage in silhouette taken at night

Derby Summer Sessions

For the first time Markeaton Park will host star-studded touring concert series, Summer Sessions with performances from Becky Hill, Tom Jones and Madness.

Calling all foodies

Home of pudding (the Bakewell kind), oatcakes and Stilton, we certainly aren’t short of good food. With options to suit every taste and budget, from gin and rum to cider and sausages, there’s something on the menu for everyone this summer in Derbyshire.

Bustler Street Food Market

Release your 'inner foodie' with an array of top-notch street food, cocktails and craft beers accompanied by live DJ's, retro arcades and themed events.

A person on someone's shoulders in a crowd at a festival

Eat in the Park

The self-proclaimed ‘UK’s tastiest tribute festival’, Feast in the Park 2024, will be held in Buxton where award winning tribute acts and international cuisine collide for a weekend of festivities.

Person sitting next to a fire pit in the dark at an outdoor pub

Pub in the Woods

A pub. In the woods. The name says it all! Live music. Firepits. Festoon lights. Friends. Open most weekends throughout the summer. Grab your coat and check the website for dates and to book online.

Dance the night away

There's nothing quite like experiencing your favourite music live and sharing the moment with friends and other like-minded fans. From live DJs at The Hideout's Garden Parties to gigs at The Hairy Dog, there's plenty on offer. Take a look over our picks of live music in the county this summer.

Taylor Swift holding a microphone and singing at a concert

Taylor Swift sing-along

Based on her ground-breaking ‘Eras’ Tour featuring live vocals and a sing-along video wall. Dance the night away to Taylor’s greatest hits in a breath-taking venue. Image credit: Paolo V

A crowd dancing below a stage in the dark

Symphonic Ibiza

The County Ground hosts a celebration of White Isle-inspired classics with a difference. Featuring a live orchestra, DJ and vocalists for a feel-good night of timeless tunes and euphoric dancing.

Drawn to arts and culture?

Derby's cultural scene has plenty to offer including historic buildings, museums and galleries. View a discounted show at university-owned Derby Theatre, enjoy the fun of the fair with the spectacular backdrop of Chatsworth House, try your hand at ceramics at the Museum of Making, or be entertained by comedians, musicians and artists at Ashbourne Street Festival. There's so much to explore.

Pride flags blowing in the wind against a blue sky

Derby Pride 2024

Celebrate the culture of the LGBT+ community as Derby Pride brings together the diverse communities in and around Derbyshire.

Adventure Cinema

A series of outdoor cinema experiences in beautiful locations throughout the summer. Pack your camping chairs and picnic for a spectacular cinematic experience under the stars.

Derby Cathedral with blue sky and flag bunting

Cathedral Quarter Street Circus

A free-to-attend day of jaw-dropping performances, mesmerising acts and endless fun. The Cathedral Quarter Street Circus promises to put on a spectacular show.

A summer of sport

Swimmer or cyclist, player or spectator - get ready for a summer of sport. As well as our top three picks below, why not create waves at Moorways Sports Village and Water Park, explore track cycling at Derby Arena, or participate in the Rural Olympics at Carsington Water.

Derby Running Festival 2024

Ensure your summer hits the ground running with a multi-terrain route going through the grounds of Elvaston Castle which is open to all abilities.

British BMX Championships

See riders return to Derby in August as Derby BMX club host the British BMX Championships (The Brits) 2024 at Alvaston Park.

Explore the outdoors

Home to the beautiful Peak District National Park, you don't have to look far to enjoy the outdoors in Derbyshire. Chill in the sunshine with friends in the city's green spaces including Markeaton Park and Allestree Park or adventure your way through the summer exploring the spectacular scenery. There's rock climbing, gorge walking, caving, abseiling, paddle boarding and much, much more.

Carsington Water

Derby may be the most landlocked city in the UK, but there's plenty of outdoor fun to be had at Carsington Water, from a range of watersports to cycling and horse riding.

Alton Towers

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, take on the head-spinning, heart-pounding, world-class rollercoasters at Alton Towers, home to 40 rides and attractions designed to thrill and delight all ages.

Ladybower Reservoir bridge with three boats on the water

Ladybower Reservoir cycle route

Take a picnic and take in the views of water and woodland as you explore this scenic waterside cycle route which follows the shores of Ladybower Reservoir.

Lucky dip

Looking for something a little different? Take a lucky dip and visit one of the events below.

Comic Con Mania 2024

The pop culture extravaganza is coming to Derby, bringing with it celebrity guests from film and TV, props and set recreations, console gaming, workshops and more.