What's on in Derby: 20 cool things to do in Derby this summer for grown-ups

Summer holidays are well and truly upon us in Derby. There are plenty of ace activities and fabulous events happening in the city to keep people of all ages entertained.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur What’s On guide is jam packed with fun things to do for the whole family.
Keep little ones happy with a jungle park adventure inside a shopping mall, you could even make a day of it and grab some food from the food court and countless eateries at Derbion.
If throwing shapes on the dance floor is more your thing, we have a selection of music events. These include the Darley Park Weekender concert with starry performances from Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and more.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFrom shopping to food, theatre and comedy, dive in and get these dates marked in your diary.
1. Jungle Park
Friday, July 26 - Monday, September 2
Jungle Park aerial tree top circuit is a fun day out for little ones giving them a taste of the great outdoors… but inside!
Time: 9.30 am – 4pm Mondays to Saturdays | 10.30am – 4pm Sundays.
Tickets: £3.50
For more information click here.
Read more: What's On in Derby?
2. Todd Jerm Exhibition
Friday, August 2
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTodd Jerm’s exhibition opening party and live music from Soaper, Ask My Bull, and more.
Time: 7pm
Where: Dubrek Studios Derby
Tickets: Free
For more information click here.
3. Outdoor cinema
Friday, August 2
Outdoor film screening of Wonka
Time: 9pm
Where: Markeaton Park Craft Village
Tickets: £16
For more information click here.
4. Movies under the stars
Saturday, August 3
Outdoor film screening of Barbie
Time: 9pm
Where: Markeaton Park Craft Village
Tickets: £15
For more information click here.
5. Jazz night
Wednesday, August 14
Jazz Session platforming creatives and local talent from Derby
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Dubrek Studios
Tickets £5
For more information click here.
6. Derby Ghost Walk
Thursday, August 15
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDerby Ghost Walks and Gaol Tour promises a spooky, informative night out running over multiple dates
Time: 7pm
Where: Meeting at Guildhall Clock
Tickets: £15
For further information as it becomes available click here.
7. Ibiza White Night
Saturday, August 17
Ibiza White Night is a celebration of summer with guest DJ El Johno spinning tunes till late
Time: 6pm - 11.30pm
Where: Kedleston Country Park
Tickets: £8
For more information click here.
8. Pimms and Rims Car Show
Friday, August 23
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPimms and Rims car show is one for fans of motors, be it vintage, supercar or modern
Time: 6pm
Where: Kedleston Country Park
Tickets: Free
For more information click here.
9. 80s afternoon
Friday, August 30
80s Mix Tape 2024 concert featuring Chesney Hawkes and Jason Donovan
Time: 4pm
Where: Darley Park
Tickets: From £29.50
For more information click here.
10. 90s concert
Saturday, August 31
Ultimate 90s 2024 concert featuring Blue, Honeyz and DJ Chris Moyles
Time: 4pm
Where: Darley Park
Tickets: From £29.50
For more information click here.
11. Darley Park Concert
Sunday, September 1
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Darley Park Concert 2024 featuring classical music and fireworks
Time: 6pm
Where: Darley Park
Tickets: From £5
For more information click here.
12. Dial M for Mayhem
Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 September
Dial M for Mayhem world stage premiere of comedy-drama following acting troupe trekking across the country
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Derby Theatre
Tickets: From £30
For more information click here.
13. Food and drink trail
Saturday, September 7
Sadler Gate Food and Drink Trail 2024
Timings are yet to be released.
Where: Sadler Gate
Free to attend.
For updates when they become available click here.
14. In conversation with Dame Patricia Routledge
Sunday, September 8
Dame Patricia Routledge in conversation with Edward Seckerson promises to be an insightful, fun evening
Time: 2pm
Where: Derby Theatre
Tickets: £30
For more information click here.
15. Sounds of the movies
Saturday, September 14
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDerwent Brass Stage and Screen playing blockbuster soundtracks from across the ages
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Derby Theatre
Tickets: £16
For more information click here.
16. Comedy Night
Sunday, September 15
Comedy Night featuring ‘Best In Standup’
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Derby Theatre
Tickets: £18.50
For more information click here.
17. Anything for Love
Friday, September 20
Anything for Love The Meat Loaf Story 2024 live band and show filled with music and humour
Time: 8pm
Where: Derby Arena
Tickets: From £34.50
For more information click here.
18. George Michael tribute night
Saturday, September 21
Tribute to George Michael direct from London’s West End
Time: 8pm
Where: Derby Arena
Tickets: From £29
For more information click here.
19. Dracula film festival
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 September
Dracula Film Festival celebrating one of fiction’s most spooktastic characters with screenings of classics including Bela Lugosi’s 1931 hit Dracula
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTimes vary per showing. A full festival pass is £60, tickets for individual screenings are available at QUAD’s standard cinema prices.
For more information click here.
Sunday, September 22
ELO Again’s Rediscovery Tour packed with orchestrations, soaring strings and vocals
Time: 8pm
Where: Derby Arena
Tickets from £30.50
For more information click here.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.