Spring in Derbyshire

Snowdrops are popping, lighter nights are approaching and soon spring will be in full swing. Come out from winter hibernation and check out our top picks of unmissable experiences across the county this jam-packed season. Whether you're local or new to the city or county, there's always something to explore in Derby and Derbyshire.

Calling all foodies

Derby isn't short of good food. With options to suit every taste and budget, from vibrant street food to St Patrick's Day pints and stacks of pancakes, there's something on the menu for everyone this season in Derbyshire.

The exterior of the building housing The Bookcafe in Derby

The Bookcafé

A quirky café in a beautiful building. Whether it's brunch, lunch, tea or coffee, The Bookcafé is the perfect place to catch up with cosy corners and great books.

Bustler Spring Weekender

Celebrate the arrival of spring, Bustler style! Indulge in epic food from the UK's finest street food vendors, browse a crowd of independent makers and enjoy acoustic acts throughout the weekend.

A selection of Korean street food dishes on a table

Omomo

Omomo brings the vibrant flavours of Korean street food to the heart of Derby, with a commitment to serve authentic food bursting with flavour and to have a positive impact on society. It's win, win!

Dance the night away

There's nothing quite like experiencing your favourite music live and sharing the moment with friends and other like-minded fans, or letting off steam over a few drinks after a busy week. As a proud Purple Flag city, Derby offers a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment, especially during the evenings, and there's plenty on offer to enjoy. Take a look over our picks of nightlife in the city this season.

Love the '90s Fest

Love the '90s Fest is returning to Derby's Chocolate Factory with live performances from huge headliners from one of the biggest decades in music.

A crowd of people viewed from behind who are dancing in a dark room

13 Years of discotech x UNUM Festival

Celebrating 13 years of parties across the UK and Europe within a brand new space in the city. If house, garage and breaks is your thing, you won't want to miss this.

An image of a singer with a microphone in an Arctic Monkeys tribute band

Electric Daisy Live with Antarctic Monkeys

Put on your dancing shoes as Electric Daisy welcomes Antarctic Monkeys, the UK's Number 1 Arctic Monkeys tribute band, to Derby.

Drawn to arts and culture?

Derby's cultural scene has much to explore, from museums and sport to theatre and festivals. Derby is set for a transformative year in 2025. The opening of Becketwell Live arena promises to deliver fresh energy and entertainment to the city from music and comedy to sports, whilst the revamped Market Hall will provide a buzzing new dining, retail and events destination.

Derby Book Festival

Derby Book Festival returns for its tenth anniversary with a packed programme of events. Its diverse schedule attracts internationally renowned writers, poets, illustrators, politicians and more.

Format25 Photography Festival

FORMAT International Photography Festival returns in March, transforming the city into a vibrant showcase of the best photography and lens-based media that represent the theme of 'CONFLICTED'.

Derby Theatre

Showcasing local and national productions from thought-provoking performances to comedy and classics. Catching a show at Derby Theatre is a good budget-friendly choice with discounted student tickets.

Derby after dark

If music and dancing isn't your thing, why not immerse yourself in Derby's cultural scene? Check out our picks of alternative evening experiences this season.

Ram Comedy Festival

Featuring more than 100 shows taking place at multiple venues across the city, this showcase will feature some of the best UK talent in comedy including touring comedians, improv and comedy cabaret.

Bustler's Big Fat Pub Quiz

Gather your gang and get ready for an evening of nostalgia, trivia and friendly competition in the ultimate test of your pop culture knowledge.

A dark cinema with people sat in seats watching the screen

Derbion Leisure

Derbion is home to a leisure hub including 12-screen cinema, Hollywood Bowl and Paradise Island Adventure Golf as well as a vibrant food terrace. The perfect night out, indoors!

Explore the outdoors

The sun is shining (sometimes), carpets of snowdrops and bluebells are emerging and it's almost time to leave your winter layers behind. Whether you enjoy exploring the green spaces of Derby's local parks or the spectacular scenery of the Peak District, immerse yourself in nature as the county bursts into life with all of the colours of spring.

Hands of a group of people reaching to catch the Shrovetide ball in mid air

Royal Shrovetide Football

An unconventional game of football, where the goals are three miles apart, there are very few rules, and the game is played throughout an entire town. It's like nothing you've ever seen before.

A person standing on a rock formation at the top of Kinder Scout

Kinder Scout Challenge

Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District, and offers true adventure for those daring enough to venture up to its forbidding summit.

The legs of a group of runners running along a path

Markeaton parkrun

A weekly 5k taking place every Saturday at 9am. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. It's free to join in and a great way to start your weekend outdoors, whether spring sunshine or April showers.

Lucky dip

Looking for something a little different? Take a lucky dip and visit one of the activities below.

The Escape Room Guys

For a fun and creative challenge, visit The Escape Room Guys where you will find three thrilling immersive escape rooms. Race against time, work as a team and you might just escape…

Silhouettes of people partying with pink lighting in the background

Bingo Loco

Get ready for a night of bingo like you've never experienced before, as the global phenomenon Bingo Loco returns to Derby for a wild night of dancing, DJs and lots of confetti.

A person's arm who is serving noodles at a street food market stall

Derby Vegan Market

Derby Vegan Market takes over the heart of the city, on just three weekends over the year with a variety of vegan street food, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, zero waste champions and loads more.