A carefully curated events guide for discerning Derbyshire women. The best events and what’s on in Derbyshire, the Peak District in 2026. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in live music, indulge in the best foodie events or want to know the must-see exhibitions and cultural events, this is for you! From There’s always lots of free events – and most (but not) listings are family friendly. Everything included here is something I genuinely believe will appeal to you – my lovely reader.
Organised in calendar order, plus a separate section for ongoing events, exhibitions and shows in Derbyshire.
Information compiled and published in good faith but please do check directly with organisers before making a special journey. Some events require pre-booking.
Ongoing Events, Exhibitions and Shows
What’s On Derbyshire MAY 2026
Tissington Well Dressing
14th May – 20th May 2026
Well dressing is a rural art form, unique to the Peak District. Read more about this ancient art here – and if you’re looking for somewhere lovely to stay in Tissington, read my review of High Flatts Barn.
Micro Business Brunch
Thursday 21st May, 10am – 12
Relaxed networking with female founders – hosted by me – in the lovely surrounds of the Walled Garden Workshop. Book your place.
Renishaw Food & Artisan Fair
Sunday 24th May, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Shop local makers and delicious food and drink at the beautiful Renishaw Hall. £3 entry or included in Gardens Day Pass.
Chatsworth Family Festival
23rd – 25th May
A host of entertainment and activities designed to entertain every family member.
Bongo’s Bingo, Derby
Friday 29th May
Expect magic and mayhem to the soundtrack of the 90s and 00s. Bingo, dance-offs, rave rounds and prizes.
Bakewell Farmers Market
Saturday 30th May, 8.30am to 1.30pm
One of the most popular farmers markets in the country. Bakewell’s multi-award-winning market showcases high quality, local, traceable food and crafts from in and around the Peak District including local ales, wines, mushrooms, large vegetable stalls and rare breed meat plus much more. Held undercover with ample parking. Free entry.
Chesterfield Artisan Market
Sunday 31st May 2026, 10am – 3.30pm
Free entry, featuring over 30 high quality artisan makers in the newly revived, historic market place. Discover delicious authentic street food whilst you shop quirky, bespoke and original craft items. Live entertainment.
What’s On Derbyshire JUNE 2026
Wirksworth Farmers Market
Saturday 6th June 2026, 9am to 2pm
Artisan farmers market of fine foods, groceries and crafts, much grown or produced in and around Wirksworth, held every first Saturday monthly. Usually in the region of 50 stalls with most traders being from the local area. Dogs welcome. Memorial Gardens, DE4 4DS.
Buxton for Books
12th – 14th June
Designed for all ages, the FREE festival invites families, schools, readers, writers and cultural visitors to explore a lively programme of activities across the town. From school workshops and hands‑on family sessions to author talks, performances, readings and community participation, Buxton for Books offers something for everyone.
Belper Farmers’ Market
Saturday 13th June 2026, 8.30am – 1pm
A quality market held in Belper’s historic market place, showcasing local artisan producers e.g. local cheeses, honey, bread, brownies and cakes etc – to complement their award-winning high street.
Replika Festival
25th – 28th June
Europe’s biggest tribute music festival, with plans to attempt an Official Guinness World Record for the Most Tribute Acts To Perform At A Music Festival.
10k Sparkle Night Walk
Saturday 27th June 2026, 10pm
Light up the night at this annual, iconic event for Ashgate Hospice to raise money to support families across North Derbyshire. Sign up.
Peddler Market, Chesterfield
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June
Some of the best street food the UK has to offer, alongside great craft drinks, live music and much more.
Derbyshire County Show
Sunday 28th June 2026
Annual agricultural show is a celebration of livestock and rural traditions. Tickets required.
Exile Music Festival
Friday 26th – Sunday 28th June 2026
Small, non-profit, family-friendly festival hosted at a private residence in the Derbyshire countryside, just north of Matlock. Book tickets.
What’s On Derbyshire JULY 2026
Buxton International Festival
9th – 26th July 2026
One of the UK’s leading arts festivals. Discover world class opera, music, books and jazz in the heart of the beautiful Peak District.
Bakewell Country Festival
Sunday 12th July 2026
An exciting mix of traditional agricultural with family activities, entertainment, food, drink, shopping and more.
Foraging Lunch at Fischer’s
Thursday 16th July 2026, 9am – late afternoon
Join Sam from Foraging Forages (named as one of The Guardian’s 10 best foraging courses in the UK), for wild tea and homemade biscuits. Following introductions, get into the mind-set of a forager before heading out to one of Derbyshire’s wild spaces to discover the vast array of wild edibles lying all around us. Return to Fischer’s for a 2-course hosted lunch, with a delectable menu inspired by your day, enjoying truly local, seasonal and fresh wild ingredients at their best. Then enjoy a guided tour around the prolific kitchen garden at Baslow Hall. £110pp.
Stainsby Festival
Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
An established, not-for-profit, community run event in a beautiful rural setting. Stainsby is all about live music and performance: hearing, playing, writing, performing, learning. Family friendly.
Peak District Artisans Summer Showcase at the Octagon, Buxton
Saturday 18th, 11am – 5pm and Sunday 19th July, 10am – 4pm 2026
FREE event (part of Buxton Festival Fringe) bringing together a remarkable group of artists and makers for an exciting exhibition of contemporary artwork in the beautiful surrounds of the Octagon Hall in Buxton Pavilion Gardens. Meet the makers and experience the creativity inspired by the landscapes of the Peak District. More info.
Chesterfield Children’s Festival
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July 2026, 10am – 4pm
FREE event in Queens Park. Family friendly fun including music, theatre, storytelling, dance and art workshops. Celebrate the joy of childhood, imagination and play with a host of family-friendly activities, experiences and entertainment, suitable for children aged 0-16 years. More info.
Y Not
30th July – 2nd August 2025
Annual music festival in Pikehall. See the full line up.
What’s On Derbyshire AUGUST 2026
The Great Chesterfield Feast
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August
Street food from around the world, cocktails, craft beer and barista coffee with live DJ and entertainment.
Ashover Show
Wednesday 12th August 2026
One of the best agricultural shows with a whole host of family friendly entertainment.
JLS in Darley Park, Derby
Saturday 22nd August 2026
Part of the Darley Park Weekender. Book tickets.
The Darley Park Concert 2026
Sunday 23rd August 2026
World-class orchestral music and film favourites in the heart of Darley Park followed by a spectacular firework display. Family friendly and picnics welcomed. Book tickets.
Derbyshire Flower & Garden Show
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August
Stunning floral and vegetable display competitions, garden and plant stalls, offering unique plants and gardening supplies, arts and crafts, live music, artisan food marquee, delectable refreshments and celebrity talks. More info.
Peddler Market, Chesterfield
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August
Some of the best street food the UK has to offer, alongside great craft drinks, live music and much more.
What’s on Derbyshire SEPTEMBER 2026
Chatsworth Country Fair
4th – 6th September 2026
Spectacular family-friendly day out with thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, delicious food, fantastic shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities. Vintage fun fair, children’s climbing wall, bungee trampoline and much more. Buy tickets.
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Every Saturday and Sunday through September and October
Family friendly event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent with firework displays on selected evenings. Booking required.
Wirksworth Festival
11th – 20th September 2026
A leading rural arts festival, a 10 day celebration of the arts with a mix of music, performance and visual arts when Wirksworth transforms into a huge gallery with homes, gardens and public spaces thrown open for artists to exhibit their work.
Derby Pride 2026
Saturday 12th September
Annual celebration of LGBT+ culture, bringing together the diverse communities in and around Derby. Suitable for families and is open to everyone. £3.50 entrance fee.
Melbourne Festival Art & Architecture Trail
19th and 20th September
Easy walking loops around the streets of Melbourne, featuring work by some of the Midlands’ best creative artists exhibiting their work in gardens, halls and local homes not usually open to the public. Entry is via a Trail Wrist Band available from street sellers at just £5 per adult, under 18’s free.