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
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.
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.
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