Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Derbyshire
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Autumn at Chatsworth
20th September-6th November 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/autumn/
Enjoy an autumnal adventure at Chatsworth; choose from a wide range of walks, seasonal shopping and estate produce fit for a harvest supper. Pre-book garden, and farmyard tickets for complimentary parking.
October Museum Trail – Edmund’s Bone-chilling Birthday Bash!
1st-31st October 2026
Venue: Sharpe’s Pottery Museum
Website: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk/event/august-museum-trail-pottery-pups/
Drop in and have a go at the October Museum Trail: Their resident spirits are planning a surprise party for their very own Edmund Sharpe – born on October 31st! Explore the museum, reveal the answers...
Half-Term Pumpkin Fun
3rd-31st October 2026
Venue: Manor Farm Fruits
Website: www.manorfarmfruits.co.uk
Enjoy a packed autumn adventure at Pumpkin Fest! Running throughout October, including the school half-term holidays, Pumpkin Fest brings together pumpkins, family entertainment and plenty of seasonal...
Adventure Farm & Pumpkin Village
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm
Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk/news/our-events/pumpkin-village/
Enjoy the Pumpkin Village, complete with photo opportunities, live entertainment, roaming characters and a variety of food and drink stalls! Plus the Indoor Soft Play Area and Animal Barn. Selected dates...
Autumn at Conkers
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Conkers
Website: www.visitconkers.com
Celebrate the season in the heart of the National Forest. The Halloween Light Trail returns, inviting families to wander through twinkling forest scenes filled with friendly spooky surprises. Then November...
Foster for East Midlands Councils
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Website: fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk
Join a growing community of local foster carers helping children thrive across the East Midlands. If you have room in your heart and home, now could be the time to take the first step. To find out more,...
Genius Tuition
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Moore Street, Derby
Website: https://geniustuition.co.uk/register-tuition/
Whether your child needs to catch up, keep up or get ahead, Genius is there to support their progress. Genius Tuition provides Maths, English and Science tuition across Primary, KS3 and GCSE, with sessions...
Key Tuition Derby
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Derby
Website: key-tuitionderby.co.uk
The Ofsted registered centre specialises in English, Maths, Science and 11+. Every child works on a unique learning path tailored to their needs, ensuring they progress at the right pace in a safe, supportive...
S4 Swim School
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Various Locations
Website: www.s4swimschool.uk
S4 Swim School continues its twentieth year of helping children develop essential swimming skills. A dedicated Swim Coordinator supports families and monitors progress, while new swimmers receive a starter...
St Giles Hospice Rudolph Rally
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: You Choose Your Location!
Website: www.stgileshospice.com/rudolphrally
Schools and community groups are being invited to join Rudolph Rally. The challenge offers a fun and flexible way to raise vital funds for local hospice care. Participants can choose from a range of challenges...
Swim Lessons with Everyone Active
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Various Leisure Centres
Website: www.everyoneactive.com
This winter, your child’s swimming journey could lead to something truly unforgettable – a magical family trip to Santa’s Lapland. Enrol your child in swimming lessons with Everyone Active before...
Team Super Sports Holiday Camps
8th-8th October 2026
Venue: Stafford & Repton
Website: www.teamsupersports.co.uk/primary-times
Camps run from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October and Monday 26th to Friday 30th October at Repton Prep School (Repton) and Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd October and Monday 26th to Friday 30th October...
Fright Fiesta
10th-30th October 2026
Venue: Gulliver’s Kingdom
Website: https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/explore/whats-on/fright-fiesta/
Enjoy a festival-style Halloween celebration that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music. Theme Park rides and attractions included.
The Mystery of Lichfield Garrick
10th October 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
An award-winning board-game style theatre show where your skills are needed to solve this thrilling murder mystery. Can you crack the case together? Expect intrigue, spontaneity, and a sprinkle of magic.
Annie
13th-18th October 2026
Venue: Regent Theatre
Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/
Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire,...
Christmas Marquee
17th October-24th December 2026
Venue: Chatsworth Farm Shop
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/farm-shop-christmas-marquee/
Find everything you need for the season in the Christmas Marquee at Chatsworth Farm Shop, in Pilsley. Open until Christmas Eve, you can browse and buy decorations, tableware, home fragrance, and toiletries,...
PumpkinFest
17th-31st October 2026
Venue: Manor Farm Park & Woodlands
Website: www.manorfarm.info/events/view/pumpkinfest
Gather the whole family for an action-packed day on the farm. With pumpkins and magical mischief, there’s plenty to enjoy whatever the weather. Every paying child will be handed their very own pumpkin...
Fairtrade Stall
18th October 2026
Venue: Derby Cathedral
Website: derbycathedral.org/events/events/fairtrade-stall-2-copy-copy-copy/
The stall brings together a range of ethically-sourced goods – from delicious chocolate and coffee to beautifully crafted gifts! Each one carries a story of empowerment and positive change.
Seedlings Gardening Club
20th October 2026
Venue: Chatsworth Stickyard
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/seedlings-gardening-club/
A monthly after-school gardening club for children aged 4 to 11. Children will have the opportunity to explore Chatsworth's Kitchen and Cutting Garden and discover how to grow different flowers, fruits...
Halloween in Concert
21st October 2026
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
As darkness falls across the land, the incredible cast and live band take to the stage. With stunning visuals and state-of-the-art production, this brand-new concert spectacular unleashes a thrilling crescendo...
Indoor Market
22nd October 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/indoor-winter-markets/
As the weather turns chilly, visit the cosy Octagon Lounge throughout the winter months for the newly-launched Indoor Markets. Escape the cold and wander through a vibrant set-up filled with passionate...
Little Potters: Under 5s Sensory and Messy Play
23rd October 2026
Venue: The Glaze Room at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum
Website: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk/event/8467/
Sessions are perfect for children aged five and under, offering a relaxed and engaging mix of crafts, messy play, and sensory exploration. Each month brings a new theme to inspire creativity. At the end...
Antiques and Collectors Fair
24th-25th October 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/antiques-and-collectors-fair/
Antiques and Collectors Fair in The Octagon Hall. Over 100 quality stalls will fill the room with a wide range of items. If you are looking to add to your home, garden, wardrobe or collection, it’s the...
Half-Term Halloween Fun
24th October-1st November 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/half-term-halloween-fun/
Take your little monsters to the farmyard to meet the animals and join in with creepy Halloween-themed activities this autumn half term. Book online in advance for free parking.
Ice Age Adventure Live
24th October 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
Brace yourselves for a mammoth mission in the frozen world of Ice Age Adventure Live! Join the fearless explorers as they trek through snow-packed valleys and outwit sabre-toothed surprises. This mammoth...
Spot’s Birthday Party
24th October 2026
Venue: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk
Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation is the perfect introduction to theatre for children. With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive...
Statfold's Spellbound Adventure
24th-31st October 2026
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: statfold.com
This October, Statfold Country Park is transforming into a world of spooky surprises. Perfect for families with younger children, you can enjoy unlimited spooky train rides, a creepy scarecrow trail, Halloween...
Ministry of Science Live
26th October 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300%...
Michael Rosen - Nice!
27th October 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show! Nice! is a show for all ages, from the young to the young at heart.
Musical Theatre Workshop – Annie (ages 7-11)
27th October 2026
Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/musical-theatre-workshop-annie-age-7-11/
Join in with an all-singing, all-dancing October half-term workshop! Bring the classic show Annie to life, rehearsing and performing songs, choreography, and scenes from this much-loved musical.
The Big Draw Festival 2026: Make a Mark!
28th October 2026
Venue: Museum of Making
Website: derbymuseums.org/event/the-big-draw-festival-2026-make-a-mark/
Visit as they take over the Italian Mill to create a live, playful drawing space. Suitable for families, all children must be supervised and accompanied by an adult. Free, drop-in session.
Bonfire and Fireworks
30th-31st October 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/bonfire-and-fireworks/
An evening of family entertainment complete with a bonfire, firework displays, and seasonal food and drink.
Michael Rosen: Nice!
30th October 2026
Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show! Nice! is a show for all ages, from the young to the young at heart.
Derby de Los Muertos - Halloween Music Show
31st October 2026
Venue: Derby Market Hall
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/derby-de-los-muertos-halloween-music-show/
Derby de Los Muertos brings a hauntingly fun, family-friendly rock and pop concert to the Market Hall, where ghouls, ghosts and Día de los Muertos spirits take over from 6pm. Expect live music, spooky...
Haunted Derby Festival
31st October-1st November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Hall
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/haunted-derby-festival/
A two-day festival where ghostly tales, mysterious legends and spine-tingling experiences await around every corner. For those seeking thrills, uncovering centuries-old mysteries or simply soaking up the...
The Ultimate Trick or Treat Experience
31st October 2026
Venue: Gulliver’s Kingdom
Website: https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/explore/whats-on/the-ultimate-trick-or-treat-experience/
Experience a Gulliver’s Halloween event that’s all about families, joy and celebration. Enjoy theme park entry from 2pm - 8pm with lots of spooktacular surprises before a fantastic fireworks display...
Buxton Firework Spectacular
1st November 2026
Venue: Buxton Cricket Club
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/buxton-firework-spectacular-2026/
Join JT Events at Buxton Cricket Club for this year's Firework Spectacular! This year, there will be two awesome firework displays as well as an amazing Aerial Drone Show, and various tasty hot food vendors....
K-Pop Live
1st November 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
This isn’t your average concert. It’s a high-energy, full-throttle tribute to the idols, the anthems, and the fandoms that turned a genre into a global movement. Expect jaw-dropping choreo, stage-ready...
The Nutcracker
3rd-4th November 2026
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovsky’s original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling,...
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
4th-8th November 2026
Venue: Derby Theatre
Website: derbytheatre.co.uk
Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s classic children’s book. This...
Autumn Book and Craft Market
7th November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Hall
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/autumn-book-and-craft-market/
Derby Book Festival's Autumn Book and Craft Market returns in 2026. In the run-up to Christmas, they will be showcasing a host of regional makers, illustrators and creatives selling book-related crafts....
Christmas at Chatsworth
7th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/
This Christmas, step inside The 12 Days of Christmas as one of the season’s best-loved songs is brought to life in new and unexpected ways. This year’s experience celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship...
Christmas in the Garden
7th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Chatsworth Garden
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-in-the-garden/
Explore a festive light trail in the Chatsworth Garden. The light trail will culminate in a spectacular animated light and sound show projected onto the house. Tickets include farmyard entry and parking...
Christmas Market
7th November-13th December 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-market/
The Christmas Market returns with gifts, decorations, and seasonal food and drink. With live music too, it's a lovely way to welcome in the festive season. Parking must be booked in advance.
Fireworks on the Farm!
7th-8th November 2026
Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm
Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk/news/our-events/fireworks-on-the-farm/
Enjoy a fantastic 15 minute firework display set to music, taking place at approx 7pm! With live music to bring out your best dance moves, use of their fun field and animal barn from 2pm till 6pm, walkabout...
The Nutcracker
7th November 2026
Venue: Vaillant Live
Website: vaillantlive.co.uk
Rediscover the wonder of one of the world’s most cherished ballets. Whether beginning a new family tradition or revisiting a beloved classic, Imperial Classical Ballet®’s Nutcracker promises an evening...
High Peak Baby Bank
9th November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/high-peak-baby-bank/
The next Fill A Bag Sale is here! Whether you’re stocking up on everyday essentials or prepping for the colder months ahead, go along to grab some incredible bargains while supporting your local baby...
Relaxed Christmas at Chatsworth
9th-10th November 2026
Venue: Chatsworth House
Website: www.chatsworth.org/events/relaxed-christmas-sessions/
These Christmas at Chatsworth sessions have been adapted for children, families and neurodivergent individuals who may benefit from a calmer experience. Audio and visual displays will be adapted to help...
The Borrowers
13th November-23rd January 2027
Venue: New Vic Theatre
Website: newvictheatre.org.uk
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the New Vic Theatre is bringing back its much-loved 2014 production of The Borrowers. Perfect for families, this enchanting festive production follows a courageous journey...
Autumn Fair 2026
14th-15th November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/autumn-fair-2026-pavilion-gardens/
A new event celebrating the autumn season. With a wide variety of exhibitors and stallholders selling created, crafted and handmade produce and products. Also hot food and drink, live music, and children’s...
Step Into Christmas
17th November 2026
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
Get ready to Step Into Christmas for this magical, feel-good show! This spectacular Christmas concert is the ultimate way to kickstart your festive celebrations, guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday...
The Nutcracker
18th November 2026
Venue: Tamworth Assembly Rooms
Website: www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk
Crown Ballet® is delighted to return to the UK to mesmerise audiences with their enchanting production of The Nutcracker. A true masterpiece of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire, The Nutcracker is a charming...
Indoor Market
19th November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/indoor-winter-markets/
As the weather turns chilly, visit the cosy Octagon Lounge throughout the winter months for the newly launched Indoor Markets. Escape the cold and wander through a vibrant set-up filled with passionate...
ABBA Christmas by Candlelight
20th November 2026
Venue: Derby Cathedral
Website: derbycathedral.org/events/concerts/abba-christmas-by-candlelight/
Deck the halls with disco this Christmas season. An ABBA Christmas By Candlelight features some of the most iconic pop songs of all time including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vouz, Thank You for the Music, Dancing...
Robin Hood (2026 Pantomime)
20th November-10th January 2027
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/
Get ready for a festive adventure packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, show-stopping songs, stunning sets and costumes, and heaps of audience participation. This brand-new panto from the Garrick’s award-winning...
Winter Light Trail
20th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Trentham Gardens
Website: www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/trentham
Visitors to Trentham Gardens can look forward to all-new interactive activities, immersive soundscapes and larger-than-life illuminations as they embark on a brand-new, mile-long route for 2026’s enchanting...
A Christmas Carol
21st November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
On Christmas Eve night, the miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future. Along the way, he learns to appreciate the true meaning of...
Buxton by Lamp Light
21st November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/buxton-by-lamp-light/
A fantastic day of festive entertainment for the whole family. The celebrations begin with the indoor and outdoor Christmas markets, open from 10am until 7pm. The main event will begin at the Palace Hotel,...
Mayoral Charities Dickensian Christmas Market
22nd November 2026
Venue: Pavilion Gardens
Website: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/dickensian-christmas-market-2026/
The annual Mayoral Dickensian Market with craft and gift stalls with a Dickensian theme. Enjoy plenty of stalls, family fun and all for a good cause! Free entry. 10am – 4pm.
The Railway Children
27th November-2nd January 2027
Venue: Derby Theatre
Website: derbytheatre.co.uk
All aboard for an enchanting journey into a world of steam trains, adventure and courage. Packed with unforgettable characters, moments of fun and acts of kindness, this enduring story has captivated generations....
Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2026
28th November-31st December 2026
Venue: Derby Market Place
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/cathedral-quarter-ice-rink-2026/
Get ready to lace up your skates as the city's covered real ice rink returns to bring festive magic to the city centre. Whether it's little ones taking their first wobbly steps on the ice or grown-ups...
Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Derby Opening
28th November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Place
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-lights-switch-on-lantern-parade/
Celebrate the start of Festive Derby. Join Derby City Centre's Christmas countdown as festive lights illuminate the city. Enjoy free live entertainment, community performances presented by Smooth Radio,...
Derby's Ethical Christmas Market
28th November 2026
Venue: Derby Market Hall
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/derbys-ethical-christmas-market/
Shop ethically for Christmas! Find beautiful presents for everyone on your list with a range of stalls including jewellery, decorations, pottery and more, all whilst supporting ethical trade and positive...
Sleeping Beauty
4th December-2nd January 2027
Venue: Buxton Opera House
Website: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/
Buxton, your dreams have come true... Sleeping Beauty is a spellbinding pantomime bursting with laughter, festive magic, and fun for the whole family! Expect a sensational cast, glittering costumes, and...
Snow White
4th-31st December 2026
Venue: Derby Arena
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/
Award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment return with a lush extravaganza, featuring fantastic frocks, lavish sets and bucket loads of laughs. This dazzling panto adventure is packed full of spectacle, slapstick...
Help! Santa’s Missing
10th-23rd December 2026
Venue: Chapel Street Arts Centre
Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/
Chapel Street Arts Centre transforms into a world of magic, mystery, and laughter as audiences of all ages are invited to join the search for Santa Claus himself. Packed with humour, heart, and holiday...
Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza
15th-16th December 2026
Venue: Vaillant Live
Website: vaillantlive.co.uk
The ultimate Christmas show is heading for Derby this December! The show is an enchanting mix of musical theatre with cirque wow factor, suitable for the whole family, featuring international circus acts...