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What’s On Derbyshire 2023 Events Guide

A carefully curated list of events you actually want to go to, in Derbyshire and just beyond.

Here’s my guide to the best events and what’s on in Derbyshire (and if it’s really of interest, in surrounding counties) in 2023, all organised by date. There are lots of free activities, and most events (not all) are family friendly – but everything listed here is something I genuinely believed will appeal to my readers.

All information published in good faith but please do check directly with organisers before making a special journey. Some events require pre-booking.

If you’re looking for things to do rather than specific events, check out this post for 40 things to do in Derbyshire.

What’s on in Derbyshire? Your 2023 guide

two girls in front of a colourful graffiti wall - What's on Derbyshire and beyond
Photo credit: Ben Harrison Media

ON GOING EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth

Until October

Featuring commissioned works by 16 contemporary, world renowned designers, the exhibition will be on display throughout the house and garden. Read more about Mirror Mirror at Chatsworth.

Looking for May Half Term events? Head here.

JUNE 2023

Pimms & Rims Car Show at The Kedleston

Friday 2nd June 2023, from 6pm

Free entry classic car show in the gorgeous grounds of The Kedleston Country House (read my previous review).

Ashford in the Water Well Dressing

Saturday 3rd June to Sunday 11th 2023

A Derbyshire tradition in the picture perfect village of Ashford in the Water. More information here.

Craft Market at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Swadlincote

Saturday 3rd June, 11am – 2pm

Free entry craft market with lots of lovely stalls. There’s also an outdoor play area and on-site café. (I’d recommend combining with drinks at Ice & Slice – read my previous review).

Summer Fair at Church Farm

Saturday 3rd June, 10am – 5pm

Free with farm admission (£3 each, under 2s free), local stalls including Knot Too Mention, delicious food, activities and meet the animals. Read my review of Church Farm.

Artisans Uncovered at the Italian Mill at the Museum of Making, Derby

Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June 2023, 10am – 4pm

Free admission event celebrating local artisans. Discounted city centre parking.

The Big 1 at Chaddesden Park

Sunday 4th June 2023, 11am – 4pm

Free event including a great selection of stalls, food, dance displays, live entertainment, and the return of the fantastic dog show. Fun Fair will be available from Thursday 1st June.

Belper Farmers’ Market

Saturday 10th June 2023

A quality market held in Belper’s historic market place, showcasing local artisan producers e.g. local cheeses, honey, bread, brownies and cakes etc.

Matlock Food and Drink Festival

Saturday 10th June and Sunday 11th June 2023

Free entry and set in the beautiful Hall Leys Park, explore artisan stalls, street food, bars etc. Dog friendly.

Egginton Makers Market

Sunday 11th June 2023, 11am – 3pm

Fabric wrapping, jewellery, macrame, embroidery, face painting, street food, refreshments, art, cakes and much more. Egginton Memorial Hall, DE65 6HP.

Wessington Orchard Market

Saturday 17th June 2023, 9am – 2pm

Free entry – rural market featuring locally made crafts, delicious food and drink in the stunning setting of Amber Valley orchard. Book your free car parking here.

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

11th – 18th June 2023

Derbyshire faces Yorkshire in the County Championship, starting on Sunday 11th, before the Falcons take on the Vikings in Vitality Blast action on Sunday 18th.

Artisan and Producers’ Market, Dronfield Hall Barn

Sunday 18th June 2023, 10am – 3pm

Free entry and free parking. 30+ stalls.

Midsummer’s Night Market

Thursday 22nd June 2023, 6pm – 9pm

Free entry – rural market featuring locally made crafts, delicious food and drink in the stunning setting of Amber Valley orchard. Book your free car parking here.

Outdoor theatre at Chatsworth

Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd June 2023

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Romeo and Juliet. Enjoy a picnic and spend a glorious summer’s evening at Chatsworth watching Shakespeare’s timeless love story. Book tickets including luxury picnic.

Peddler Market, Chesterfield

Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th June 2023

Renowned street food market debut in Chesterfield town centre.

Ashe Hall Summer Fayre, Etwall

Saturday 24th June, 11am – 4pm

Hosted by Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre in a gorgeous local venue with lots of local creatives (look out for Ve-Bakes with lots of fresh summery flavours).

Bakewell Well Dressings

Sunday 25th June onwards

See the ancient custom, unique to Derbyshire in the pretty market town of Bakewell.

So Spice Girls Tribute Night

Friday 30th June
Casa Hotel, Chesterfield

£45pp including a three course dinner and music to dance the night away. Booking essential.

JULY 2023

10k Sparkle Night Walk

Saturday 1st July 2023, 10pm 

Light up the night at this annual, iconic event for Ashgate Hospice to raise money to support families across North Derbyshire. Sign up.

Abba Brunch at Einsteins Chesterfield

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July 2023

Abba themed bottomless brunch, £35pp for unlimited prosecco, cocktails and beer – with a free brunch for the best fancy dress.

Woodland Disco Festival

Saturday 8th July

Newstead Abbey. Find out more.

Japan Fest, QUAD Derby

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July from 11am

A celebration of Japanese culture over two days including performances, film, and anime, activities will include workshops, Japanese arts and crafts plus authentic handmade food and Japanese inspired drinks. Family friendly.

Derby Caribbean Carnival

Sunday 16th July 2023

Procession starting at the Market Place and finishing at Osmaston Park. Family fun day.

Bakewell Country Festival

Sunday 16th July 2023

Family friendly event including British Scurry & Trials Driving competitions, offering a fast-paced spectacle plus animals to meet and hold, interactive music sessions, craft activities, fairground rides and festival stage plus local producers in the festival’s food courts and market areas. More information and tickets.

Plastic Free Festival, Chesterfield

Sunday 16th July 2023, 10am – 4pm

Family friendly zero waste festival including craft workshops, live music and food and drink. New Square, Chesterfield.

Jurassic Day Out, Derby Cathedral Quarter

Saturday 22nd July, 11am – 4pm

A free, ‘roooarsome’ day in Derby’s gorgeous Cathedral Quarter. Europe’s largest dinosaur Zeus the T-Rex will be joined by Tank the Triceratops and Emily Bronty as the special guests in the city’s Market Place – with smaller dinosaurs roaming the streets throughout the day, providing lots of opportunities for meet and greets and dino selfies.

Children are invited to train as a Dino Ranger where they can dress up and learn how to look after and control the wild dinosaurs, before visiting The Hatchery to meet new-born baby dinosaurs and learn how to feed and care for them in their early stages of life.

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July, 10.30am to 4.30pm

FREE event in Queen’s Park. Food and family entertainment.

Chesterfield Pride

Sunday 23rd July
Stand Road Park, Chesterfield

The region’s biggest LGBTQ celebration featuring live stage show entertainment.  Book tickets

Medieval Fun Day

Tuesday 25th July, 10am – 4pm

Medieval-themed fun day in Chesterfield town centre. 

Open Air Cinema with Ashgate Hospice

Saturday 29th July 2023

Get together with your family and friends under the stars for a night at the movies watching Top Gun Maverick at this fundraiser for Ashgate Hospice. Book tickets.

Y Not Festival

28th – 30th July 2023

This year’s line up includes Royal Blood, Kasabian and Paul Weller. Find out more/book tickets here.

What’s On Derbyshire AUGUST

Dog Lovers Festival at Elvaston Castle

Friday 4th – Sunday 6th August 2023

Music festival for you and your four legged friend. More info and buy tickets here.

Film night at Carsington: Top Gun Maverick

Saturday 5th August 2023

Carsington Water, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Strap in for the jaw-dropping Top Gun: Maverick, blazing onto an open-air big screen waterside at Carsington Water. Picnics allowed, but alcohol must be bought on site. Read more and book.

Eat in the Park Chesterfield

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August 2023

Live music from top tribute acts, amazing street food and drink and family entertainment. More details and tickets.

Staunton Harold Artisan Show

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th August 2023, 10am – 4pm

Some of the finest craft and artisanal pieces in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and beyond showcased in the beautiful grounds of the Georgian mansion. Admission £5, Under 12s free, parking included.

Plant Fair at Renishaw Hall

Sunday 6th August 2023

The stunning setting of Renishaw Hall plays host to a carefully selected range of specialist nurseries who stock a selection of rare and unusual plants.

Eat in the Park Buxton

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August 2023

Live music, amazing food and drink and family entertainment including face painting, kids rides, giant bubbles etc. See full line up and buy tickets.

Summer Nights Film Festival at Kedleston Hall

Friday 18th August 2023 Grease
Saturday 19th August 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick

An outdoor film night on the lawn at Kedleston Hall. Bring a picnic and watch the 2022 blockbuster with friends and family under the stars. Buy tickets.

Chatsworth Country Fair

1st to 3rd September 2023

One of Britain’s most spectacular annual outdoor events held in the 1000-acre parkland, Chatsworth Country Fair delivers three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, countryside crafts, interactive activities and a vintage fun fair. Book before 30 June for early bird tickets.

hot air balloons at Chatsworth House (What's On Derbyshire)
Chatsworth Country Fair (photo credit: Chatsworth / Red Brick Communications)

What’s On Derbyshire SEPTEMBER 2023

Derbyshire Woodland Festival

16th and 17th September 2023

Annual event celebrating traditional and contemporary woodland crafts set within the beautiful grounds of Elvaston Country Park.

More events coming soon – please bookmark this page.

ceramic artist at work - What's on Derbyshire
Abbie Sunter, Ceramic Artist at Banks Mill Studios

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By Molly Scott

Derbyshire blogger - bringing you the best places to eat, drink, spa and stay in the wider Derbyshire area. Champion of the most fabulous independents.

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