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
More info coming soon!
What’s on Derbyshire SEPTEMBER 2026
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.
Belper Farmers’ Market
Saturday 12th September 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.
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.
Fabulous Places Autumn Market
Saturday 19th September 2026, entry now available 11.30am onwards
Shop carefully curated small businesses. Seasonal inspiration, decorative interiors, jewellery, vintage and salvaged goods, flowers, plants, gardenware, delicious artisan food, creatives, makers and more – all in the stunning setting of Norwood Park Estate, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Dogs welcome. More info.
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.
Bakewell Farmers Market
Saturday 26th September, 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.
Wirksworth Farmers Market
Saturday 3rd October 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.
What’s on Derbyshire OCTOBER 2026
Foraging Lunch at Fischer’s
Thursday 15th October 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.
What’s on Derbyshire NOVEMBER 2026
Fabulous Places Christmas Market
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th November 2026
Seasonal small business shopping at Shottle Hall.
Peak District Artisans Winter Art Fair
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November, 10am to 4.30pm
Explore the high quality work of talented local artists at Peak District Artisans’ annual fair. The Winter Art Fair will be located on the ground floor in the Brunel Room and Gallery of the The Whitworth Centre in Darley Dale. With plenty of natural light and interesting architectural features, this is a perfect setting to find unique and special Christmas gifts.
Free admission. On site parking is available for a small charge.