What's On: Things to do this summer in the Peak District & Derbyshire
There's always so much to do in the Peak District & Derbyshire, this summer is no exception. Read on to discover some of our highlights.
Buxton Festival 4 – 21 July
Experience world class opera, music, books and jazz in the heart of the Peak District. The Buxton Festival Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK's leading arts festivals. Buxton Fringe Festival runs 3-21 July, the Fringe provides a showcase for performers and artists of all kinds in a variety of venues.
Timber Festival 5-7 July
This three-day forest festival connects people to the natural world through music, talks, workshops and wellbeing sessions in the beautiful Feanedock woodland near Swadlincote. Visit the website for more details timberfestival.org.uk
Bakewell Country Festival – 14 July
Bakewell Country Festival is run by Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society, this exciting family day out combines an exciting mix of traditional agricultural elements with family activities, entertainment, food, drink, shopping and more.
Derby Caribbean Carnival - 21 July
This annual event brings positive vibes to everyone through creative art and dance. Street performances from over 300 troupes from Derby and out of town will take to the streets to perform. A family fun day in Derby Market Place & Osmaston Park with food, entertainment and arts & craft stalls.
Chesterfield Children’s Festival 27-28 July
A free weekend of fun for families at the town’s scenic Queen’s Park, including live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops.
Cromford Steam Rally 3-4 August
Derbyshire’s premier steam heritage and vintage rally showcases the very best in steam and transport, with fun for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the website for more details cromfordsteamrally.co.uk
Chesterfield Eat in the Park 10-11 August
A family-friendly festival of music, food and entertainment, in the heart of Chesterfield’s Queen’s Park. More details can be found on the website eatinthepark.uk/chesterfield-festival
Ashover Show 14 August
One of the finest agricultural shows in the country, with competitions for cattle, Shire horses, sheep, light horses, poultry, horticulture, dog agility, vintage tractors and more. Find our more ashovershow.co.uk
Ashbourne Show 17 August
A great family day out with the traditional showing of horses, cattle, sheep and more, alongside a busy arena with family fun and trade stands. More details can be found on the website ashbourneshow.co.uk
Summer fun at Bolsover Castle
A whole host of exciting events at Bolsover Castle this summer. Enjoy UK Prom Tour orchestra perform dance anthems or the stirring melodies of classical music under the starlit sky. Witness expert horsemen in flamboyant 17th century costume, training for art and battle to baroque music in the spectacular surroundings of the Riding School; see the castle under attack in 'Siege!'or experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust. See the website for dates and more details.
Peak District Highland Games 25 August
Matlock Farm Park once again hosts the Peak District High Games - see the country’s leading strongmen and women compete in this popular annual event at Matlock Farm Park. Cheer them on as they tackle challenges including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and the Tossing of the Caber.
Derby Summer Sessions in Markeaton Park 12 – 14 July
Some of the UK’s most celebrated music acts are heading to Derby for the Summer Sessions festival. Tom Jones, Madness and Becky Hill will headline the first ever Derby Summer Sessions event at Markeaton Park.
Darley Park Weekender 30 August - 1 September
Three days of family-friendly musical entertainment at Darley Park. Ultimate 90s features pop-tastic names and a 90s Hangover DJ set from Chris Moyles. 80s Mix Tape returns with Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes and a DJ set from Scott Mills. The Darley Park Concert will delight once again with one of the UK’s biggest outdoor classical concerts. Book tickets online.
Chatsworth Country Fair 30 August - 1 September
One of Britain’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, held in the 1000-acre Chatsworth parkland, delivers three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, countryside crafts and plenty of interactive activities. All this plus a vintage fun fair, children’s climbing wall, bungee trampoline and much more. Book tickets online.
Shardlow Inland Port Festival 7-8 September
A celebration of the Trent and Mersey canals, the port and the historic village of Shardlow.
Calke Abbey Summer of Play 1 - 29 August
Little wheels cycle skills sessions at Calke Abbey. Held every Thursday in August, our cycle hire team will bring you a new course each week. Build your confidence on two wheels by weaving through slalom poles, balancing over bridges and tackling ramps.
Heights of Abraham – Punch & Judy Anniversary Spectacular 20 July – 1 September
Fun for all the family, with masterful and hilarious puppet shows this summer.
Dog Lovers Festival 2 – 4 August
This amazing festival is a must for dog lovers. It takes place on the first weekend of August in the 362 acre grounds of Elvaston Castle. The Dog Lovers stage has some of the UK’s best tribute bands performing across the weekend hosted by a Dog Lovers compere, so as the sun goes down, you can relax in the jaw dropping surroundings of the Country Park.
Wheely good fun with cars
Great British Car Journey, an interactive car museum, has a whole host of events this summer. Why not celebrate the classic Mini at the Mini 65th Birthday Party or discover cars that lay behind the Iron Curtain at East Meets West. To find out more and discover other great events visit greatbritishcarjourney.com
Well Dressings
Nothing says ‘summer’ like these beautiful handmade works of art dotted around local towns and villages. Highlights include Chapel-en-le-Frith July 6-13; Buxton July 5-14; Eyam August 24-September 1; and Chesterfield September 7-15. For full details visit our Well Dressing web page.
Outdoor Cinema – you’re spoilt for choice
Sit back relax and enjoy your favourite movie in some stunning surroundings this summer.
Some great venues to watch classic movies outdoor this summer.
Adventure Cinema at Calke Abbey
Adventure Cinema at Hardwick Hall
QUAD Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival
With so much happening this summer you may want to stay longer. Check out our latest offers and last minute deals and book yourself a short break here in the Peak District & Derbyshire.
Places to Stay
Business
Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel & Spa
Hotel for travellers looking for local and authentic experiences
Business
Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel
Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel is a hotel in Sheffield centrally located in the sought after Quay Side quarter of Sheffield.
Business
The Kedleston Country House
The Kedleston Country House is an award-winning Georgian property on the Kedleston estate, with 5 boutique bedrooms, and a car park which welcomes…
Business
The Machine Inn
Modern British dishes delivering simplicity, freshness and flavour. Enjoy a diverse selection of dishes crafted by our incredible chefs.
Whats On
Events
Makers Market - Mother's Day Weekend at…
Join us at Thornbridge Estate as we celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of our local and independent makers and creators!
Events
New Years Day Brunch at Matlock Farm Park
Join us on New Years Day for a chilled out day in the fresh air. We will be serving BRUNCH from 10am.
Events
Peak District Artisans Showcase
A showcase of original works created by Peak District-based artists, designer makers, and contemporary artisans, staged in the Stables gift shop.
Events
Buxton Regency Ball
The Fourth Annual Buxton Crescent Regency Ball takes place in the Assembly Rooms on Saturday, 27th September 2025
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