Pick of the Week: 22 - 28 September

Scalarama
It’s your last chance to check out the most eye-opening of flicks as part of Cinema Diabolique’s screen takeover. The month-long celebration of cinema has been going off all over the country, and us lucky Notts lot have got one of the biggest set of listings thanks to the local film buffs who’ve curated some of the most provocative and under-seen pictures, especially for the initiative. Highlights during the last week include the All Night Secret Cinema session at Screen 22 on Saturday, and a screening of The Visitor at Broadway; a tale of "an intergalactic warrior who joins a cosmic Christ figure in battle against a demonic eight-year-old girl, and her pet hawk." 
Monday 22 – Tuesday 30 September, various times, prices and locations

Nottingham Comedy Festival 2014
Laughter's a beautiful mystery and we bloody love it. Tickle your funny bone this week in venues all over the city centre. There's pub poetry at Canalhouse, a fifteen comedian strong stand-up competition at The Maze, an improvisational comedy workshop at Hopkinson 21, and loads more. A chance to get among some real funny boggers, put together by local lads and lasses to ensure everyone has something to split their sides over. Safe as houses. You're sure to bump into someone crackin' a joke or two over the next seven days, so hold on to your arse if you're knocking around town.
Monday 22 – Sunday 28 September, various times, prices and places

Nott Just Ballet Photo Exhibition
Earlier this year, The Renewal Trust, Birmingham Royal Theatre and Dance4 joined forces to deliver intensive dance workshops for sixty whippersnappers from Sneinton and St Ann’s. They performed their little bums off, after just five days of training, to a huge audience at the Theatre Royal. This show of determination and community spirit was captured by local student Katharine McLean and the results are on exhibition from this Tuesday, for seven days. There’s a private viewing for anyone who was involved on Sunday at 4pm, but anyone else who fancies a look at some inspiring young movers and shakers is welcome to a viewing any other time of the week.
Tuesday 23 – Tuesday 30 September, free, Backlit Studios

Open Barbers
The majority of us love getting our mop chopped. Whether male or female, there’s something quite refreshing about walking out of the door with a brand new hairstyle. But maybe you sometimes find the chat in the hairdressers a bit awkward. Well, Open Barbers wants to change all that. It’s a first come, first serve, pay what you like barbers with a difference. Open to all genders, it’s a positive overall space for individuality. There’ll also be a few treatment rooms going off upstairs, including a new installation by Candice Jacobs, and Nail’d It nail bar. Express yourself.
Wednesday 24 September, 11am, free, Syson Gallery

Alternative Freshers Fair
We know some folk may be dreading that student lot coming back, but hold your horses of judgement, cos us locals and students can work in harmony. To introduce the new wave of young ‘uns to some of the best stuff Notts has to offer, Rescue Rooms are putting on an alternative freshers fair, which sees some of Notts best local businesses giving away loads of free stuff. You can expect to see everyone from Mimm to The Music Exchange down there and, to boost the proper fun vibes, there’ll be DJs and a BBQ. Psstt, you don’t technically have to be a student to go.
Thursday 25 September, free, 11am, Rescue Rooms

© J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere 

A Photographic Exhibition of Nigerian Hair
Continuing the hairy theme, this weekend sees the start of a new exhibition over at NAE exploring elaborate Nigerian hairstyles. The photographs are all J.D Okhai Ojeikere’s work, an artist widely regarded as one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century. Through his work, J.D portrays the uniqueness and cultural traditions of Nigeria, and it makes for some really interesting work. Seriously, you’ve never quite seen hairstyles like this. There’s also gonna be a pop-up hair salon created by local artists, communities and barber shops, so you can walk out with a fancy new barnet yourself.
Saturday 27 September - Sunday 11 January, free, New Art Exchange

Soul Buggin' 10th Birthday
The vibe-providers been busting out the disco beats for a whole decade now, and are celebrating their birthday with a couple of favourite guests from over the years. One half of DJ production duo The Unabombers, Luke Unabomber, is bringing his legendary party alongside long-time DJ and crowd-favourite Chris Duckenfield. If a couple of spinning stalwarts weren't enough, the residents themselves, Wrighty, Beane and Mark have all hands on decks too. Whether you're a dedicated bugger or a soul virgin, get down and have a little boogie. Ooh, and here's a sneak peak of our recent interview with the blokes behind the galactic goodness.
Saturday 27 September, 10pm, £8, The Bodega

World Naked Bike Ride
Bike week ran in June, but the pedal palaver has spilled over into the following months. This Saturday, Nottingham will be one of over fifty cities worldwide to host a grand display of protest against oil dependency and for the freedom to breathe. Thousands rally on their Raleighs every year to celebrate the human body and its wheelie extension in a stark awareness raiser for the vulnerability of cyclists on the road, empowering push iron pilots everywhere. So whether you fancy a bomb round the park or just wanna give your doo-dahs a breather, get involved.
Saturday 27 September, free, Highfields Park

COLLABOR-8
If you’ve mastered that perfect pout, you’re gonna love the latest event kicking off ‘Tempreh. COLLABOR-8 is an event inspired by the modern art of taking selfies, and gives you loads of opportunities to take one a bit differently from the norm. You’ll be able to change the backdrop of The Space to take some “silhouette selfies”, or if you’re more of a classic type, they’ve got a good ol’ fashioned photo booth for you and your mates. While you’re pulling your best duckface, there’ll be plenty of ace music from local acts such as Wanderlings, Tray Electric, Ex-Friendly and more.
Saturday 27 September, free, 7.30pm, Nottingham Contemporary

Week for Peace
Peace ain’t just for hippies, dude. If we’ve got any chance of making a good time for oursens on this big rock, it’s gonna involve a bit of serenity. Today’s the UN International Day of Peace, which kicks off a week of activities around the city that’ll have the kumbayas ringing out for miles around. With loads of venues and organisations involved, you’re sure to find something up your street. From writing a letter to defend human rights at Lee Rosy’s, to conflict-resolving talks and discussions, to yoga workshops, to film screenings, plays and a Peace Fair at Sneinton Market, be sure to check out the full listings on the Week for Peace website.
Sunday 21 – Sunday 28 September, free, various times and locations

For the full motherload of everything else going on this week check out our comprehensive Nottingham events listings.

Promoters: Want your event featured in one of our upcoming Pick of the Weeks? If so then you can start by adding your event details into our magazine and website database.