 One week to go until Goose Fair
 Fri 25 September - Sun 4 October
Forest Recreation Ground
Excitement is building as the first fairground rides begin arriving on site, with Goose Fair now just one week away! Attending for the very first time is Elevate 85, standing at 85m in height and the tallest ride ever to attend Goose Fair, which will offer incredible panoramic views of the fair and the city beyond. The 80m high Skyfall, the world’s tallest portable drop tower, will also be making a welcome return after its popular debut in 2025.
All the Goose Fair classics will be in attendance too, such as Waltzers, Dodgems, Gallopers, and the Cake Walk - the only ride still operating that featured when the fair was held at Old Market Square in 1927 - plus lots of side-show games such as hook-a-duck, hoopla, darts, and basketball.
The fair will open at the earlier time of 12pm on Friday 25 September. This extended opening gives fairgoers an additional four hours to enjoy the rides and attractions, while offering a quieter weekday afternoon alternative to the busier evenings and weekends.
Please note that businesses at the Forest - including Homemade Cafe and Forest Sports Zone - will be open as usual during the fair.
Goose Fair opening ceremony
 Fri 25 September
Forest Recreation Ground
The traditional Goose Fair bell-ringing ceremony takes place adjacent to the tram stop at Gate 8. Members of the public are welcome to attend this historic occasion to officially open the fair at 12pm.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham will ring the silver bells, alongside a performance from the Djanogly City Academy choir, plus a reading from poet, researcher and seventh-generation Showman, Sheldon Chadwick.
A Fair Story: A contemporary exploration of travelling Showmen
 Sat 26 September - Sun 10 January
Nottingham Castle
A Fair Story is a new exhibition offering visitors a rare glimpse behind the lights, music and excitement of one of the UK’s oldest and most famous fairs. It explores the lives, history and culture of Britain’s travelling Showmen community through powerful photography, poetry and personal stories.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Showman Sheldon Chadwick, and Jo Metson Scott, a Nottingham-raised, London-based documentary photographer who has spent more than a decade documenting the Showmen community within her home town.
New on sale: Synchronized Skating World Championships
 Sat 27 March - Sun 4 April 2027
Motorpoint Arena
Tickets are now on sale for the Synchronized Skating World Championships, where the city will welcome the world's best synchronized skaters for nine unforgettable days of speed, precision, drama, and world-class competition next year. Motorpoint Arena will host four world championships, including the first ever Synchro9 World Championships - an exciting new format set to debut at the Olympic Winter Games in 2030.Â
With around 1,100 skaters from 21 countries and thousands of fans expected, this will be a huge moment for Nottingham and an incredible chance to experience elite international sport right here in the city.
Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus
 Until Sun 20 September
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
It's your final chance to experience Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus this weekend - a dazzling fusion of East meets West, where magic, music, and myth unite beneath the big top! Leading the adventure is the charismatic Ringmaster Joel, joined by his mischievous clown companion, La Loka.
Their journey begins when they discover a baby dragon, and together they embark on a heartwarming quest to reunite the young dragon with her majestic mother, guarded by the noble dragon riders. Along the way, audiences are treated to an extraordinary blend of global circus artistry.Â
The Magic of Motown
 Sat 26 September
Royal Concert Hall
Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back! It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular.
Head down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many more.
Heritage Open Days
 Until Sun 20 September
Various venues across Nottinghamshire
England's largest festival of history and culture continues this weekend, giving you the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, all of which are free to explore. This year's theme is Everyday Histories where participants will explore stories of working lives throughout the ages.
Venues taking part across Nottinghamshire include Nottingham Cathedral, Gedling House, William Booth Birthplace Museum, Bennerley Viaduct, and Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum.
Harmony at the Hall - Children's Concert
 Sun 20 September
Wollaton Hall
Get ready to jump, sing and rock out with Johnny & The Raindrops! The Nottingham-based four-piece band bring high-energy, feel-good tunes to children and families. With original songs packed full of positive messages, imagination and adventure, every show is an interactive celebration of the power of live music.
Join them for a special Harmony at the Hall concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wollaton’s natural history museum, where they will be playing songs about nature in the Great Hall.
This weekend: Festival of Food & Drink
 Sat 19 & Sun 20 September
Thoresby Park
The Festival of Food & Drink brings together an incredible mix of artisan producers, award-winning food and drink, celebrity TV chefs, unique gifts, crafts and homewares, delicious street food and pop-up kitchens, plus plenty of sweet treats and bars serving local beverages.Â
This year's Cookery Theatre will be packed with live demonstrations from the likes of Lisa Faulkner, John Torode, Dean Edwards, Matt Tebbutt, Francesco Mattana and Jasmine Mitchell. In addition, there's plenty of family entertainment on offer throughout the weekend.
Ganesh Ceremony
 Fri 25 September
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
The Ganesh Visarjan ceremony will be held at Wollaton Park as part of the Hindu festival Ganeshotsav.
There'll be lots of music, dancing and fun for all ages, including live dhol drummers and food/prasad. Entry is £2.35 per person and must be booked in advance as tickets won't be available on the day.
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