We’ve got a wonderful round-up of the top 5 fun things to do in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this weekend, complete with times and prices!
And while you’re out and about, don’t forget - if you are out having a great time in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, you can use #LoveNotts to share the love, or tag us using @visitnotts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We’re also on TikTok under @visitnottinghamshire!

1. Nottingham Riverside Festival 2023

Friday 4 - Sunday 6 August 2023 |  Victoria Embankment  | Tickets - FREE event

Get ready to immerse yourself in the largest free family festival in the East Midlands as the Nottingham Riverside Festival returns to Victoria Embankment from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August.

Stretched along the picturesque banks of the Trent, a mile-long array of fairground rides, games, and attractions will captivate visitors of all ages. Savor the delectable offerings from numerous street food vendors, bars, and market stalls.

River-based activities return, including the thrilling Dragon Boat Racing, an event that has raised thousands for charities over the years!

Music enthusiasts will be delighted as the heart of Riverside Festival pumps with the rhythms of three stages hosting a diverse lineup of solo artists, bands, and musicians. The Monument Stage will showcase world music performances, boasting exciting and innovative global beats. On Friday evening, the stage will come alive with the spirited performance of Buffo’s Wake, armed with accordions, violins, and boundless gusto, accompanied by the Afrobeat and reggae-inspired Soothsayers.

Saturday will welcome the soulful sounds of Senegalese band Awalé, the fusion of popular chaâbi riffs, Berber melodies, and rock'n'roll spirit from Tiwiza, the captivating Soukous band Kasai Masai, and the foot-tapping rhythms of the six-piece bhangra group Achanak.

Closing the Monument Stage on Sunday will be the toe-tapping European purveyors of Cajun and Zydeco, the Cajun Roosters; the fusion of Hebrew jazz and global grooves by Noga Ritter; and the sounds of Congolese and Cuban music by Grupo Lokito.

The Big Top Stage will set the mood on Friday with an exciting lineup of DJs playing a variety of music. On Saturday, the spotlight shifts to folk music, featuring acclaimed acts like 5 Hills Out, Del Scott Miller and his folk-blues-jazz vibe, Winter Wilson's original compositions, Kootch's toe-tapping tunes of love and loss, seasoned folkie Marc Block, the tongue-in-cheek The Lost Notes, the alluring and playful Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, the Americana folk duo The Black Feathers, and the emotive ballads to foot-stomping anthems of Sound of the Sirens.

Sunday's Big Top Stage performances include delightful choral groups Fun Chorus and Carlton Male Voice Choir, as well as the enchanting seven-piece jazz band Cranberry Flick.

Local artists will shine on the Bandstand Stage throughout the weekend, featuring singer-songwriter Jimmy Evans, writers/poets Sophie Driver and Cheska, and bands like Goodgoodbye, Cam Mannix, Katie Keddie, and Kelsey & The Embers.

Don't miss the spectacular firework display, a ten-minute show that draws crowds of up to 40,000 lining the Trent! lighting up the night skies with colour on both Friday and Saturday at 10.30pm.

The Little Big Top area on Saturday and Sunday will be a delight for younger festival goers, offering interactive workshops with stilt walking, plate spinning, and juggling, all guided by the talented Wolly the clown.

For easy travel, pre-book your parking for just £8 per car (on the day it's £10). Access the car park from Queens Drive (A453), and follow the signs from the A52 and the A60. The postcode for the car park is NG2 2GJ.

2. Robin Hood Festival 2023

27 July - 28 August 2023 | 10am - 4pm | Sherwood Forest | Tickets - Free Entry | Parking charges apply (check Visit Sherwood for details)

Be transported back in time during the weekend of 4th August as the fabulous Knights of Nottingham ride into the forest, presenting a breathtaking Medieval jousting show, performed twice daily. Prepare to be entertained by the hilarious Medieval Maniax, along with enthralling performers like Bill Brookman, What A Palaver, and Nathaniel Bagshot.

The third weekend is dedicated to the splendid flora and fauna of Nottinghamshire's only National Nature Reserve, where the RSPB will be joined by other conservation organizations, including the Wildlife Trust and Plantlife, for captivating activities, talks, and demonstrations.

Relive the tumultuous Wars of the Roses on 19th and 20th August as Sherwood Forest becomes the stage for re-enactment groups, recreating one of the bloodiest eras of English history.

The grand finale on August Bank Holiday Weekend will feature the superb Sherwood Outlaws taking center stage in a captivating arena performance. Notably, the Nottinghamshire Day Festival also returns to Sherwood on Saturday 26th August, celebrating the greatness of the county.

While admission to performances is free, parking charges will apply, and there may be additional charges for some activities. Cinema screenings will require ticket purchases. For more information, check visitsherwood.co.uk.

The Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest promises an immersive and unforgettable journey into the heart of the legendary tale, making it a must-visit destination throughought the month for those seeking an adventure-filled day out.

3. Summer Family Fun Day at National Ice Centre

Saturday 5 August 2023 | 10:45am - 4.15pm | National ice Centre |Tickets: Adult – £11, Junior (up to age 15) – £10

Prepare for a day of entertainment at the Summer Family Fun Day, hosted by the National Ice Centre.

The festivities will offer a plethora of on-ice and off-ice activities for all to enjoy! Head to Bolero Square from 12 noon for an array of off-ice fun, including an inflatable ice hockey rink, shooting cage, table tennis, garden games, and more exciting surprises to be revealed.

Step inside the venue for arts and crafts activities to unleash your creative side.

The on-ice activities feature Taster Sessions for Tots, Skating Lessons, Speed Skating, Synchronized Skating, and Ice Hockey, providing the perfect opportunity to try out sports and lessons that you might not have experienced before.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this delightful family event hosted by the National Ice Centre. Participate in interactive workshops, where stilt walking, plate spinning, and juggling will be taught by the talented Wolly the clown.

Secure your tickets now for a day of joyous entertainment on ice and off ice.

4. British open Wheelchair Tennis Championships 2023

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August 2023 | Nottingham tennis Centre | Tickets Week ticket £24 (Children FREE) - Day ticket £8 (Children FREE)

Witness the world's top wheelchair tennis players in action at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, organized by the LTA. This prestigious tournament features competitions across the men's, women's, and quads divisions, as well as a junior event.

Among an expected star-studded lineup of international stars, three of Britain’s most decorated wheelchair tennis players are confirmed to compete.

Alfie Hewett, Lucy Shuker, and Andy Lapthorne will be among the leading contenders for the men’s, women’s, and quad singles titles at the ITF Super Series event. This tournament is among the top tier of international wheelchair tennis events outside of the sport's four majors.

Alfie Hewett, currently world No.2 and 24-time Grand Slam champion, is set to return to the British Open for the first time since becoming the first British player to win the men's singles title in 2021.

Last year's British Open brought a long-awaited victory for current world No.8 Andy Lapthorne, who won the quad singles title for the first time after six appearances in the final.

Lucy Shuker will return to the British Open 20 years on from it being her first international event. The world No.10 will aim to replicate her 2022 performance when she reached the women's singles final for the first time.

Besides the singles events, Hewett and fellow Brit Gordon Reid will aim to regain the men's doubles title. The record-breaking 17-time Grand Slam doubles champions celebrated one of their biggest early successes in Nottingham in 2015 when they became British Open champions for the first time, before reclaiming the title in 2021.

Tickets for each day of the event are available now. Priced at £8 for adults and free for children, week-long tickets are also available for £24 for adults and free for children.

Be part of this exciting wheelchair tennis championship and witness the thrilling performances of these outstanding athletes.

5. Sherwood Forest Up Close

Wednesday 5 July - Thursday 10 August 2023 | Mansfield Central Library | Tickets - Free event

Delve into the captivating world of Sherwood Forest's special species up close and in fascinating detail with an exhibition of images by natural history photographer Alex Hyde.

Sherwood Forest Up Close provides a captivating insight into the smaller, often hidden species that play a vital role in the complex ecosystem of the Sherwood Forest landscape.

Commissioned by the Miner2Major project, natural history photographer Alex Hyde ventured to various sites across the Sherwood Forest area to unveil the wonder of these species.

A selection of his photographs from these visits has been beautifully curated to create this exhibition, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the forest's diverse wildlife.

Alex Hyde, the accomplished natural history photographer, has an incredible ability to capture moving subjects smaller than a grain of rice. His exceptional work involves highly specialized equipment and a fair measure of patience.

Notably, Alex has won the Hidden Britain category in both the 2015 and 2017 British Wildlife Photography Awards, attesting to his expertise in capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Experience the wonder of Sherwood Forest's hidden inhabitants through Alex Hyde's lens at Mansfield Central Library until 10th August. The exhibition will then travel to Worksop Library from 6th September to 18th October and West Bridgford Library from 28th November to 20th December 2023.