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Big City Reads 2026
Nottingham City of Literature
29 June-12 August
Now in its fourth year, the free book giveaway campaign features five compelling Young Adult titles which selected by our Youth Selection Panel from a shortlist of 14 books submitted by both large and independent publishers. Centred on the theme of Identity, this year’s selected titles will give readers the opportunity to engage in a city-wide shared reading experience. Mia Hagues, Chair of the Youth Advisory Board said:
Big City Reads hopes to empower and inspire young minds with feel-good, upbeat stories, alongside promoting reading as a practice that enhances wellbeing. This year, the campaign extends into libraries across Nottinghamshire with the opportunity to borrow most of the chosen titles through BorrowBox. Eighteen libraries across the County will also be encouraging their readers to get involved with the campaign for the chance to win an entire set of the five titles.
To find out more about how to get involved with this year’s Big City Reads, and for clues on where to find the five books between 29th June and 12th August, keep an eye on our social media!
Much Ado About Nothing
Theartre Royal Consert Hall
Mon 21 Sep 2026, Mon 28 Sep 2026
Pre-booked tickets: £5
On the day tickets: £7
The Theatre Royal Players Present: William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
Love. Wit. Mischief. And a little bit of scandal…
The Theatre Royal Players bring Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to life in a vibrant queer reimagining that places identity, attraction, and fluidity at the heart of the story.
As Beatrice and Benedick spar, Claudio and Hero navigate a complex relationship under scrutiny, and Don John quietly stirs trouble, misunderstandings spiral and loyalties are tested. This playful and contemporary production explores the many ways we love, resist, and reveal ourselves to one another – a joyful reclaiming of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
MATRIKA: SHE WHO MAKES WORLDS BY SAROJ PATEL
New Art Exchange
23 MAY – 12 SEP
Matrika: She Who Makes Worlds by Saroj Patel is an exhibition exploring women’s strength, ancestral memory, and the futures we imagine into being. In Hindu cosmology, Matrika refers to the divine mothers, a group of powerful feminine energies connected to creation, protection, and transformation.
Drawing on mythology and intergenerational stories, the works reflect on how worlds are carried forward through courage, care, and transformation. Through material, gesture, and collective presence, the exhibition honours the power of women to shape the past, present, and what is yet to come.
Everyone Welcome | Free
NEWARK HUSTLE 2026
Saturday 29th August, various venues
Since 2022, we’ve joined forces with Newark Festival to bring a slice of Nottingham’s music scene to the venues of Newark for a glorious day in late August.
This year, we’re delighted to present 9 lineups of Notts’ finest and freshest acoustic artists and bands, curated by us @the.hustlecollective and I’M NOT FROM LONDON, all gathering together on Bank Holiday Weekend, Saturday 29th August. 
Join us at Loose CannonThe Fox and CrownOscar’s InnDave DuddlesThe Organ Grinder Newark The Old King’s Arms The locke and keye NewarkAnn et Vin Wine Shop + Just Beer Micropub to see out the Summer Hustle style!
Oh, and did we mention.. it’s completely FREE 
Horrorshow Edinburgh Fringe Preview
Fisher Gate Point
21 Aug 2026 at 19:00 – 20:00
Catch this exclusive preview before Horrorshow opens at Summerhall (one of the Fringe’s most prestigious venues.)
Dan’s got a rucksack full of stolen drugs and a plan that’ll definitely work. Ollie’s got his A-level reading list and serious reservations. They’ve been mates their whole lives. They’re also becoming strangers. Set against the 00s music festival that swallows their town every summer, this gig theatre show tears into class, nostalgia and masculinity, backed by a live band playing original songs that hit like a headline set. Messy, honest and completely on your side, from multi award-winning theatre company Chronic Insanity.
Written by Doug Deans
Original Music and Musical Direction by Anya Pearson
Performed by Doug Deans and Joe Matty
Directed by Joe Strickland.
NAE OPEN 2026
New Art Exchange
23 MAY – 12 SEP
The NAE Open returns for its sixth iteration in 2026, with a presentation of works that includes paintings, print, video, installation, photography, textiles and sculpture.
This dynamic exhibition was created through a competitive open application process for Nottinghamshire based artists and Global Ethnic majority* artists living anywhere in the UK.
Tasked to seek out the most innovative and high-quality artworks that address key societal concerns and interests, a panel of advocates including neighbours, artists and curators chose from a substantive number of submissions. The result is an eclectic and compelling selection of artists at different stages of their careers.
Everyone Welcome | Free
Drop-in Gardening Sessions
Primary
Friday April 17 – Friday July 31 , 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Free weekly gardening sessions are back every Friday!
Join us for gardening activities and relax in a friendly, informal social space. Learn more about growing vegetables, fruit, flowers and dye plants and gardening in urban areas.
All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Refreshments provided.
NOTTINGHAM CARNIVAL
SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2026
VICTORIA EMBANKMENT
Don’t miss the most vibrant celebration of summer!
Get ready for colour, culture, and Caribbean vibes as Nottingham Carnivalreturns in full force! Expect one of the UK’s most colourful parades featuring hundreds of spectacular carnival costumes and amazing dancing, plus live music, sound systems, delicious food, and family-friendly fun along the Trent riverside.
Get early bird tickets and be the first to access discounted entry before general release.
Nottingham Carnival Parade
Numerous troupes from Nottingham and beyond will be taking part in the colourful Carnival Parade which starts at 2pm and is free to watch.
As before, the Parade route will start on the Victoria Embankment, head up Wilford Grove, Felton Road and Green Street before making its way back down to the Embankment via Bunbury Street returning to the Carnival site via Wilford Grove, where they will perform on the dedicated stage within the Carnival site. The complete parade should take no more than 2 hours and you can watch the parade at any point along the Carnival route.
Loose Goose Improv Jam
11 Aug 2026 at 20:00 – 22:00
Fisher Gate Point
Loose Goose is fun, friendly and FREE to come along. It’s where improvisers come to create new work for the evening and where anyone can come to see the chaos unfold.
A gaggle of improvised funtimes. All experience levels welcome. Anyone can play and be put into a team for the night – or you can just watch if you prefer.
Come fly the friendly skies – HONK!
Want to play? Sign up on our Facebook event of just turn up on the night.
CENTRAL LIBRARY PHOTO CLUB
After the success of the 2025 World Photography Day program, Nottingham Central Library are proud to initiate a seasonal photography club.
The Library is nestled within the Green Heart, a budding nature scape that changes with the seasons which has provided a rich source of material on our previous photography walks. Now, the library are formalising a free space in the building, once a season, for local photographers to meet, socialise, learn and head out on their own photo walks with the Green Heart as stop number 1.
With some sessions self-directed, and others featuring bite-size lectures from partners across the city, this club is an open and inclusive space to experiment and create.
Group Information:
Location: Nottingham Central Library, Atrium
Dates:
- Spring: Saturday 11 April, 12pm to 3pm
- Summer: Saturday 13 June, 12pm to 3pm
- Autumn: Saturday 12 September, 12pm to 3pm
- Winter: Saturday 5 December, 12pm to 3pm
GOBS Summer Saunter
Saturday 8 August 2026, 11:00-15:00
Windmill Community Gardens, Ascot Road, Nottingham
A relaxed community day centred around creativity, nature connection, poetry, shared food, and welcoming you into the GOBS poetry community
Join us for a beautiful day of poetry, nature connection, shared food, and community creativity in one of Nottingham’s loveliest hidden green spaces.
Nestled away in the city, Windmill Community Gardens is a peaceful and vibrant space full of growing things, wildlife, handmade structures, and creative energy — the perfect setting for slowing down and reconnecting with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
The day will include:
🌱 shared picnic-style lunch vibes
🌱 creative writing activities
🌱 collaborative artwork using natural materials
🌱 gentle nature connection exercises
🌱 space to chat, reflect, and create together
Art activities will be led by Alan Withington from the Windmill Community Gardens.
Whether you’re already part of the GOBS Community or looking to join for the first time, you’re warmly welcome.
Please note:
- this event is open to registered GOBS Community members. If you’d like to attend and aren’t yet signed up, you can join the community here: gobscollective.org/get-involved
Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
METRONOME NOTTINGHAM
Just the Tonic has been producing comedy shows in Nottingham for over 25 years. We have now found a new home in Metronome. Described by many comedians as one of the best comedy venues in the country. With Just the Tonic’s notorious reputation for the best comedy line ups in the country… you can be sure you are getting one of the best nights in town…
We bring you four different acts at every Standard Saturday show including some of the best up & coming comperes and headliners from the UK & abroad. We open from 8pm so you can have a pre show chat and grab some drinks from the bar. Our show starts at 9pm, so you get your laughs in then make further plans for the night. Or catch the Early shoes from 6pm.