 Last few days of Goose Fair
 Until Sun 5 October Forest Recreation Ground
Don't miss the last weekend of Goose Fair at the Forest Recreation Ground, as Goosey flies the nest this Sunday.
Weekend Opening Times Friday 3 October 16:00 – 23:00 Saturday 4 October 12:00 – 23:00 Sunday 5 October 12:00 – 21:00 (SEND session 12:00 – 13:00)
There will be a final SEND session on Sunday, allowing children and people with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy the fair without the loud noises and bright lights.
Get the best views of the fair on the Big Wheel, Starflyer, or Skyfall, the world’s tallest portable drop tower. Other rides for thrill-seekers include Time Machine, Aerospace, Top Scan, Air, and Ice Jet. There's also plenty of fun to be had for younger fairgoers on the Gallopers, Teacups, Helter Skelter, and Cake Walk, plus dozens of side-show games and attractions.
Food is always a highlight at the fair and along with the traditional fairground favourites of mushy peas and Cocks-on-Sticks, visitors can eat their way around the world with a diverse range of food.
It's easy to get to the Forest Recreation Ground by tram, bus, or bicycle. Blue Badge parking is available for £10 per car - there is no other public vehicle parking permitted on site. Visitors are not permitted to park on residential streets in the area, and this will be strictly enforced with extra patrols planned this year. Read more about how to get to Goose Fair.
Stormy weather is forecast this weekend and at present there are no plans to close the fair. Individual rides will have their own wind tolerances, so certain rides may close based on operational requirements. Keep up-to-date by following What's On Nottingham on Facebook, Instagram or X where updates will be posted if required.
 New on sale: Halloween Monster Mash
 Fri 31 October Nottingham Castle
Join It's in Nottingham for a day of ghostly delights, family fun, and Halloween magic at the Monster Mash! Enjoy music and dancing in the bandstand with a family-friendly DJ, free face painting for kids, spooky games, crafts, and tasty treats from food and drink stalls.
The Strolling Bones Parade will also be providing some hair-raising fun. This eerie yet playful walkabout performance, created by Walk the Plank, features lively skeleton puppets dancing to the infectious sounds of the Fat Cat Brass Band.
Tickets are now on sale, priced at £2 per adult and £1 per child (plus booking fees), for timeslots at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Hurry as tickets are selling fast!
 Enter next year's Robin Hood Half Marathon
 Sun 27 September 2026 Victoria Embankment
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Robin Hood Half Marathon and Mini Marathon last weekend. Around 14,000 runners participated in the event, breaking records across the board with the highest number of participants to date and a surge in first-time runners.
If you were inspired or want to run again, early bird entries are now open for the 2026 event - sign up now and get a head start on your training!
 Nottingham International Market
 Wed 8 - Sun 12 October Old Market Square
Nottingham will once again be hosting the award-winning International Market next week. An array of global treats from unusual arts and crafts to fine foods and delis will be available, alongside some amazing mouth-watering street food.
Stalls will include fresh food, treats and quirky crafts from a selection of different countries across Europe and beyond.
 Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk
 Sat 11 October Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Spend an incredible day with others who understand how it feels to be affected by dementia. Sign up for the Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk where you can choose a 2km or 6km route around Wollaton Hall & Deer Park.
Share advice, laughter, and support, and when you cross the finish line, celebrate with your medal, knowing you have walked for a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
 Explorers: The Age of Discovery with James May
 Sun 19 October Royal Concert Hall
James May will premiere a landmark live theatre show, bringing to life the stories of the extraordinary explorers who traversed the deserts, scaled the mountains, and sailed into the unknown. The show combines theatrical techniques and James’ charismatic storytelling to create an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment.
From Ice Age migrations to space travel, the stories of famous, infamous and unknown explorers will come to life, presented by award-winning journalist and presenter James May. James is best known as a co-presenter of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, and as the host of the Our Man in… series.
 The Smeds and The Smoos
 Tue 21 & Wed 22 October Mansfield Palace Theatre
Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories - the company who brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.
 British Championship Basketball: Quarter Final
 Sat 4 October Harvey Haddon Sports Village
Nottingham Hoods have reached the Quarter Final of the British Championship Basketball Trophy games - watch them take on Falkirk Fury in tomorrow's fixture at Harvey Haddon!
Founded in 2009, Nottingham Hoods are the only professional men’s basketball team in Nottinghamshire. The team has enjoyed considerable success, securing two titles and now playing in the top tier of the National League Basketball.Â
 Lumini at Young Hustlers
 Sun 19 October Sneinton Market Square
The Lumini, a spectacular inflatable structure described as 'a sensory dream' is returning to the Young Hustlers festival. Nottingham’s Architects of Air will bring their Dodecalis dome to Sneinton Market Square, where families can explore inside and enjoy performances and workshops celebrating world music.Â
Young Hustlers explores cultures around the world through art, music and food. Taking place across multiple indoor and outdoor venues, the festival features a mix of live performances, interactive workshops, and energetic parties.
 Wollaton Winter Light Trail
 Wed 26 November - Wed 31 December Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Book early to secure your timeslot for the brand-new Wollaton Winter Light Trail this Christmas, as peak slots are filling up quickly! This immersive festive experience will transform the historic grounds into a captivating wonderland of light, sound, and seasonal storytelling.
Developed by a new creative operator, the trail will feature never-before-seen installations, interactive elements, and immersive soundscapes designed to delight visitors of all ages. Attendees can also indulge in festive food and drink from local independent vendors.
Nottingham City residents can receive a 10% discount by entering their council tax number and postcode when booking (available until 31 October).Â
 Michael Starring Ben
 Fri 10 October Motorpoint Arena
Michael Starring Ben features the UK's ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman. Not only does he look and sound like the King of Pop, but he's honed his routine so carefully that audiences truly believe they are watching Michael Jackson himself.
The show features a live band, dazzling costumes and the performer's iconic dance routines, showcasing the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 including Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller and Man in the Mirror.
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