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

Sadler Gate Food and Drink Trail is one of the fun events in our epic listing, deftly combining good food and shopping to create a unique shopping experience for all. (Photo from Celebrate Sadler Gate on June 29, 2024)Sadler Gate Food and Drink Trail is one of the fun events in our epic listing, deftly combining good food and shopping to create a unique shopping experience for all. (Photo from Celebrate Sadler Gate on June 29, 2024)
Sadler Gate Food and Drink Trail is one of the fun events in our epic listing, deftly combining good food and shopping to create a unique shopping experience for all. (Photo from Celebrate Sadler Gate on June 29, 2024) | Ria Ghei
Outdoor movies, a Dracula film festival, food fair and more are all on our list of things to do in Derby this summer

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. 

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Our 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. 

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From 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.

2. Todd Jerm Exhibition

Friday, August 2

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Todd 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

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Derby 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

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Pimms 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

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The 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

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Derwent 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

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Times 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.

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