What's On
Experience the best of Derby with our ultimate guide to what's on in the city. From exciting festivals and live music to captivating theatre, art exhibitions, and family-friendly events, Derby offers something for everyone. As a proud Purple Flag city, Derby guarantees a vibrant and safe atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Whether you're a local or a visitor, stay up to date with the latest events and immerse yourself in the dynamic cultural scene that makes Derby a top destination for entertainment and nightlife.
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Top Events for 2025
01
Nov
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Dracula Returns To Derby – 101 years and Counting
Explore 100 years of Dracula in Derby - rare items from Stoker, The Dracula Society & Hammer. A must for vampire fans!
Platinum Partner
01
Nov
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The Wombles at the Heights of Abraham
Meet Orinoco & friends at The Heights every weekend & school holiday - fun, surprises & more for the whole family!
Platinum Partner
01
Nov
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Platinum Partner
01
Nov
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Tracey Meek: A Celebration in Colour
A vibrant retrospective celebrating the life and work of British multimedia artist Tracey Meek.
Platinum Partner
01
Nov
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Derby Season of Light 2025 is back! Oct–Dec celebrate Derby’s dazzling creativity and diversity.
Platinum Partner
01
Nov
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Halloween Dark v Light Festival
Get ready for an avalanche of dark beers – matched pint for pint with plenty of lighter pours.
Platinum Partner
03
Nov
An Evening with David Walliams
Join UK comedy legend David Walliams for an unforgettable night of laughs, stories, and surprises!
Platinum Partner
08
Nov
Derby’s biggest Fireworks Night lights up The County Ground on Sat 8 Nov 2025!
Platinum Partner
08
Nov
Local legend Liam Sharp will be joining us Saturday 8th November between 2pm and 4pm.
Platinum Partner
14
Nov
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Derby Book Festival returns this autumn with author talks, workshops and stories to inspire.
Platinum Partner
14
Nov
Comedy star Jason Manford brings his latest show A Manford All Seasons to Vaillant Live.
Platinum Partner
17
Nov
Level 42 will embark upon their ‘World Machine’ 40th Anniversary Tour in 2025, visiting 28 UK venues including our very own Vaillant Live.
Platinum Partner
22
Nov
Expect winter warmers, mulled favourites and plenty of cosy vibes – perfect for foodies, families and friends.
Platinum Partner
22
Nov
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Platinum Partner
27
Nov
The Sadler Gate Night Market 2025
Ditch the Bah Humbug and come along to our annual Night Market!
Platinum Partner
27
Nov
Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Derby Opening
Join us in Derby city centre as we switch on the Christmas lights and kick off Festive Derby in style!
Platinum Partner
27
Nov
Light up Derby! Families, schools & communities unite for the dazzling Derby Lantern Parade.
Platinum Partner
29
Nov
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Platinum Partner
29
Nov
BOXXER Presents Fight Night: Clarke vs TKV
Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV meet in a blockbuster battle for the British Heavyweight Title on Saturday, October 25 at the Vaillant Live…
Platinum Partner
29
Nov
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Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2025
Get your skates on and glide onto this year’s ice rink in the city centre, with views of the Nordic Bar!
Platinum Partner
29
Nov
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Santa’s Enchanted Christmas 2025
Meet reindeer, make a bear, visit our Elves, and get a gift from the magical chimney.
Platinum Partner
05
Dec
Dracula By Night – A Gothic Christmas at Pickford’s House
Experience an exclusive after-hours viewing of ‘Dracula Returns to Derby: 101 Years and Counting’ at Pickford’s House.
Platinum Partner
05
Dec
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Join Dick Whittington this Christmas on his quest for fame, fortune & streets paved with gold... or are they?
Platinum Partner
26
Dec
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The Seniors British Open comes to Vaillant Live, Derby for the first time 26-28 December. Legends. Drama. Snooker.
Platinum Partner
23
Jan
Join TV icon and wellness advocate Davina McCall for a special live evening of uplifting conversation, personal stories, and plenty of…
Platinum Partner
27
Feb
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The UK Ghost Story Festival returns for 2026, with a new weekend and an exciting new home!
Platinum Partner
27
Feb
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Derby Dracula Presents… Dracula’s Bazaar! Join us at QUAD, Derby, for a weekend of alternative delights.
Platinum Partner
21
Mar
Murder Trial Tonight IV - Death of a Landlord
A fresh case that once again puts you in the front row to a true crime that echoes long after the gavel strikes.
Platinum Partner
23
Apr
Blue come to Vaillant Live on the 23rd April 2026 as part of their 25th Anniversary tour, this is set to be in an incredible show of…
Platinum Partner
28
May
+ more
Platinum Partner
06
Aug
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Bloodstock 25th Anniversary 2026
Bloodstock Open Air 2026 will take place from 6–9 August 2026 at Catton Park, Derbyshire, marking the festival’s 25th anniversary.
Platinum Partner
05
Sep
The Whoovers in association with Derby QUAD are delighted to bring the East Midlands favourite convention for fans of the BBC’s Doctor Who,…
Platinum Partner
11
Oct
After performing his smash-hit show ‘Horizons’ to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new…
Platinum Partner
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Disclaimer: The event details on this website are sourced from event organisers, advertisers, and partners of Visit Derby. We strive to maintain the accuracy and reliability of this information. As we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, we strongly recommend that you verify all event information directly with the event host or facilitator before making any bookings or plans.
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