There's lots happening this week to kick off August's event schedule, from European parties to family festivals and events - here's our top picks...
When: Until Sat 12 September
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
Currently on display at Hyson Green gallery and community hub New Art Exchange – Matrika: She Who Makes Worlds is an exhibition by Preston born sculptor and artist Saroj Patel, who through her career has explored her experience growing up as a woman caught between British and Indian cultures. This exhibition weaves together mythic ideas from Hindu cosmology and the history of the ‘feminine’ – there’s various installations and artworks, plus the ‘character’ of Matrika: a figure Saroj made from over one hundred hand sewn cloth flowers and petals. As is normally the case at the New Art Exchange, it’s free to visit.
When: From Tuesday 4 August
Where: Various venues
How much: Free
It’s In Nottingham – our city’s business improvement district – have brought back their annual, family friendly adventure trail which each summer proves to be a hit with young and old alike. If you want to get involved with your little ones, you have to pick up a map from one of eleven participating venues across the city centre, which you’ll use to find eleven hidden characters from the Robin Hood myth across the city, from which you have to crack a code. There’s a reward for your efforts at Nottingham Castle. It’s a great option for keeping kids active and entertained on a free Saturday or Sunday.
Big City Reads 2026: in conversation John Allison
When: Wednesday 5 August
Where: Nottingham Central Library
How much: Pay what you can
Cartoonist John Allison created graphic novel Charlotte Grote: Solver, which is part of Nottingham City of Literature’s Big City Reads program: a book-giveaway campaign intended to promote reading among Nottingham young people, via five books chosen by the organisation’s Youth Selection Panel. This month, Allison is going to be in conversation at Nottingham Central Library with Laura Snapes, who is Deputy Music Editor of The Guardian. They’ll talk about his award-filled career, and the variety of vibrant, visual works that he’s created, such as his acclaimed comic series Giant Days, Bad Machinery, and Steeple. Tickets are ‘pay what you can’.
Where: New Art Exchange
When: Friday 7 August
How much: Free, booking required
Over the past couple of years, art gallery and community hub the New Art Exchange has been hosting various cultural events, celebrating the culture and community of countries around the world. The next instalment is a Mediterranean Summer Party, which will provide a great summer atmosphere for people of all ages. There’s going to be live music from Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish artists, dancing, and plenty of delicious food inspired by the region. The New Art Exchange team have been excelling at building a vibrant and energetic corner of Hyson Green, so we recommend that you check this out. Entry is free, but booking is required.
When: Friday 7 August
Where: Rock City
How much: £30
Stiff Little Fingers are a Northern Irish punk rock band, who have been playing together for decades. They’re midway through their ‘Raise Your Voice’ UK tour, and they’re visiting Rock City this month for what’s set to be a really energetic and memorable performance. The group has a long history, which has made them one of the most legendary acts to come out the halcyon days of punk. Formed in 1977, at the height of The Troubles, they toured and recorded for six years, split up then reformed in 1987, and underwent several lineup changes, with two of the original members remaining today.
When: Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August
Where: Thoresby Park
How much: Children's weekend tickets start at £77
Glowworm Festival, one of Nottinghamshire’s largest and best loved family-friendly festivals, is back again this year at Thoresby Park. As always, the line up is going to be very exciting and varied, with acts like Jo O’Meara from S Club, The K Pop Hunters Party, a Taylor Swift and Harry Styles Tribute Act, DJ Pat Sharpe, and more, covering the headline slots. Meanwhile, there’ll be all the expected character-meet-and-greet opportunities for little ones – Bluey, Hey Duggie, and Spongebob – innumerable adventure and arts and crafts areas to spark kids’ imaginations, circus performances, skill workshops, places for parents to decompress, and lots more.
Lost in Detroit and A Love Letter to Bowie
When: Friday 7 August / Saturday 8 August
Where: Movers
How much: From £5.50
This weekend at Movers there's two excellent evenings for music lovers... On Friday Beane of Soul Buggin' will be spinning tracks from futuristic soul of Detroit with artists from Moodymann, Carl Craig, and J Dilla. Saturday sees another installment of their regular 'Love Letter' nights - and this one is sure to be popular. Showcasing the fearless creativity and timeless music of Bowie (and his contemporaries), this is a night for outsiders, devotees and curious listeners.
Check out other things to do in Nottingham this week on our sister website, notts.com.
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