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 - 9 – 26 July 2026
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 09-26 July, the Fringe provides a showcase for performers and artists of all kinds in a variety of venues.
Bakewell Country Festival – 12 July 2026
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.
Meet the Wombles at the Heights of Abraham – from 24 July 2026
Meet Orinoco and Womble friends at the Heights of Abraham every weekend and during the school holidays this year. Great Uncle Bulgaria says "You'll love it, and you'll meet lots of new people, and I think we'll start our holiday in a cable car!.
Derby Caribbean Carnival - 19 July 2026
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 - 18-19 July 2026
A free weekend of fun for families at the town’s scenic Queen’s Park, including live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops.
Y Not Festival - 30Jul – 2Aug 2026
This fabulous annual music festival, Y Not Festival is set in the idyllic Peak District countryside. Catch your favourite bands, surrounded by the green landscape that Derbyshire has to offer.
Dog Lovers Festival - 21 – 23 August 2026
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.
Summer Saturdays at Peak Village - 1 -22 August 2026
Bring the family along to entertaining craft and activity drop-in sessions, during the summer holidays and enjoy live music.
Cromford Steam Rally - 1 - 2 August 2026
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
Sounds of the 50s and 60s at Crich Tramway Village - 8- 9 August 2026
Step back in time to enjoy the infectious sounds from this era. Have a go at learning dance crazes from the 1960s and enjoy live music from our popular groups and singers. Find out more and book your tickets online.
Cromford Mills Comic Con - 9 August 2026
An intergalactic display of models, props, puppets and costumes from classic Sci-Fi productions of Gerry Anderson, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Blake’s 7, Star Trek, Stranger Things, Star Wars … and beyond!
Ashover Show - 12 August 2026
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 - 15 August 2026
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
Great British Summer at Bolsover Castle - 18 July - 26 August 2026
A whole host of exciting events at Bolsover Castle this summer. Celebrate a classic Great British Summer with a fun day out for the whole family; witness expert horsemen in flamboyant 17th century costume in the spectacular surroundings of the Riding School or experience an exhilarating spectacle as four legendary knights compete for glory in the grand medieval joust.
Peak District Highland Games - 30 August 2026
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.
Darley Park Weekender - 21 - 23 August 2026
Back for 2026 with three days of musical entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Darley Park. Party on friday with Britain’s Caribbean King of Pop, Billy Ocean plus special guests. Saturday turns up the volume as JLS take to the stage for a night packed with chart-topping favourites. The weekend reaches a spectacular finale on Sunday as Sinfonia Viva present an unforgettable concert of music from the worlds of dramatic films and hit musicals. Book tickets online.
Chatsworth Country Fair - 4 - 6 September 2026
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.
National Trust Summer of Play until 6 September 2026
Play your way with the National Trust’s Summer of Play . Discover a world of adventure at National Trust places across the Peak District & Derbyshire. No need to pre-book activities included within standard admission/FREE for National Trust members.
Pokémon joins Calke Abbey's Summer of Play
Secret Garden at Kedleston Hall
Pokémon joins Hardwick's Summer of Play
Summer of Play at Longshaw
Earthly Delights Art Installation at Ilam Park
Marble Run by Wild Rumpus at The Children’s Country House, Sudbury
Kids go FREE this summer
Great British Car Journey, an interactive car museum, has a whole host of events this summer and what's more kids go FREE - explore the museum and join in the number plate hunt as well as the popular Hot Wheels track. 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 Stoney Middleton July 25 - August 2; Eyam August 29 - September 6; and Chesterfield September 12-20. 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
Adventure Cinema at Kedleston Hall
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
1 Coach House Mews Matlock Bath
From £150 [1 night] *book direct only on 07738 428539. Stylish 2 bedroom ground floor apartment with parking set in an attractive stone conversion…
Business
Alton, The Star Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Close to the rolling hills of the Peak District National Park, our Club Site at Alton, The Star offers plenty of choice when it comes to heading…
Business
Ashbourne Camping Cabin
Our cosy Camping Cabin is perfect if you are looking for glamping accommodation in the Peak District. Occupying a south-facing position overlooking a…
Featured
Business
Ashford Mill
Ashford Mill is an award winning watermill on the River Wye at Ashford in the Water. A Grade 2 listed 3 bedroomed historic conversion. incredibly…
Whats On
Events
Christmas Family Festivities at Markeaton Park
Enjoy festive food, music, Christmas crafts, free Elf Trail and much more!
Events
The Darley Park Weekender
The event of the summer is back with three days of musical entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Darley Park.
Events
Bloodstock Festival
The UK’s biggest independent metal festival held at the picturesque village of Walton on Trent in Derbyshire.
Featured
Events
Cromford Steam Rally
Derbyshire’s premier steam heritage and vintage rally, showcasing the very best in steam, transport and leisure industries
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