5 Unmissable Nottingham Festivals to Colour Your Uni Year
A good education is more than just what you read and write – it’s about what you experience! You didn’t come to uni just for lectures and late-night cramming sessions, right? Then you’re in luck, because Nottingham is more than just a city with campus buildings and coffee-fuelled study sessions. The city is a festival playground waiting to be explored.
“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Plato
From street parades drenched in colour to quirky neighbourhood celebrations, Nottingham’s music festival scene is the perfect excuse to step out of your comfort zone and into the spotlight. We’ve handpicked five wild, wonderful, and wallet-friendly events every student should add to their year-long adventure.
What are we waiting for? Let’s jump into it!
1. Nottingham Goose Fair
Yes, that kind of goose. Believe it or not, the Nottingham Goose Fair goes all the way back to just after 1284. Originally, it was all about the geese – hundreds of them were herded from Lincolnshire to Nottingham to be sold, which is how the fair got its name. These days though, it’s a whole different kind of wild.
The only things flying now are thrill rides and the occasional scream of excitement! Picture neon lights flashing in every direction, the scent of sizzling street food filling the air, and rows of heart-racing rides that’ll flip your world upside down – literally. It’s a full-on sensory adventure.
Goose Fair isn’t just Nottingham’s most iconic event, it’s a cultural mash-up of tradition and modern-day fun. Sure, it’s been around for centuries, but don’t let the age fool you – this is one of the most high-energy, must-experience festivals in the city.
Expect
- Massive thrill rides
- Rainbow churros (yes, they’re real)
- A brand-new music stage that’s turning heads
Price 💵
Free entry + student ride wristbands
Where 🗺️
Forest Recreation Ground (easy tram ride from campus)
When 📅
Early October 2025
Pro Tip 🔥
Head straight for the heritage zone between rides. It’s got old-school stories that feel like folklore brought to life.
2. Nottinghamshire Pride
This isn’t just a parade. It’s a full-on city-wide celebration that explodes with colour, music, movement, and meaning. It’s a moment where every voice is amplified, every identity is honoured, and every beat of the drum feels like it belongs to you. Pride transforms Nottingham into a canvas of joy, protest, performance, and pride itself – where individuality isn’t just accepted, it’s celebrated in the loudest, most vibrant way possible. March through town, soak up street performances, grab a rainbow cupcake, and find your new favourite indie act.
Expect
- Drag shows and dance-offs
- Live stages at Sneinton Market
- Space for every voice, every vibe
Price 💵
Totally free
Where 🗺️
Starts in City Centre, ends in Sneinton Market
When 📅
Saturday 26 July 2025
Pro Tip 🔥
Fancy being more than just a spectator? Volunteer, perform or even dance down Lister Gate with your society – the crowd energy is unreal.
3. Sneinton Festival
This one’s got serious heart and hometown soul. Sneinton Festival is a grassroots gem that pulses with creativity, music, and community pride. It transforms this eclectic neighbourhood into a buzzing street party, where every corner hums with activity and inspiration.
2025’s theme? Dragons. And not the tiny, storybook kind either. Think larger-than-life paper-mâché creatures parading through the streets, dancers swirling like fire, and pop-up performances that feel more like spontaneous magic than rehearsed shows. Local legends, emerging artists, and curious onlookers all blend together to create something beautifully chaotic.
There’s art, there’s music, there’s culture – and above all, there’s heart. Expect a celebration where creativity spills out onto the pavements, and everyone’s invited to make a mark.
Expect
- Street parades with dragon floats
- Local art corners and open mic zones
- Food stalls from every continent
Price 💵
Free, fun, and full of creative vibes
Where 🗺️
Sneinton District (15-min walk from NTU)
When 📅
Saturday 12 September 2025
Pro Tip 🔥
Get involved! From painting banners to performing on stage, this festival is built on student energy and bold ideas.
4. Nottingham Craft Beer Festival
Imagine this: golden sunshine warming your skin, the gentle strum of live acoustic music floating through the air, and the satisfying clink of pint glasses filled with small-batch brews made just around the corner. Nottingham Craft Beer Festival is where mellow meets memorable. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the world of craft beer for the first time or you’re the kind of person who can name hop varieties on command, this festival has something delicious in store.
Set against the creative backdrop of Sneinton Market, it’s the kind of place where you can wander from stall to stall, chat with passionate local brewers, nibble on gourmet street food, and discover new sounds from up-and-coming indie musicians. It’s more than just a festival – it’s a flavour-packed, feel-good finale to your uni year.
Expect
- 100+ brews (hello, flavour adventure)
- Talks on sustainable brewing
- Artisanal snacks and indie bands
Price 💵
From £10 (student discounts often pop up)
Where 🗺️
Sneinton Market
When 📅
19–20 June 2026
Pro Tip 🔥
Come with friends, split the tastings, and explore as many wild and wonderful brews as you can – responsibly, of course.
5. Southwell Music Festival
Ready to wind down your uni year on a high note? Time to switch gears and dive into a different kind of energy – one filled with candlelit ambience, breathtaking acoustics, and a touch of timeless elegance. The Southwell Music Festival isn’t just a concert series, it’s an immersive cultural escape.
Set inside the majestic Southwell Minster, the festival blends classical music, jazz, and gentle folk in a way that feels both moving and magical. Whether you’re stretched out on the grass during an outdoor recital or soaking up the rich acoustics of a vaulted ceiling, it’s all about those moments that give you goosebumps in the best way.
It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with art that stirs the soul. Whether you’re a longtime classical fan or just curious to try something new, this is a brilliant way to round off the year with elegance, emotion, and maybe a little inspiration for what comes next.
Expect
- Candlelit concerts and open-air recitals
- Jazz, folk, and a sprinkle of indie surprises
- Student-friendly prices and volunteer spots
Price 💵
Tickets under £15 + free performances
Where 🗺️
Southwell (short train ride from Nottingham)
When 📅
17–19 July 2026
Pro Tip 🔥
Volunteer as an usher and get a behind-the-scenes pass, it’s a unique way to experience the music (and build your CV).
Final Vibe Check
Nottingham isn’t just a place to study, it’s a launchpad for living boldly. These festivals? They’re your invitation to discover hidden talents, meet unforgettable people, and make memories that won’t fit into a TikTok reel (but try anyway).
Bookmark this guide. Rally your flatmates. And say yes to every opportunity that lights a spark.
Got a favourite festival we missed? Slide into our DMs and let us know @_wearehomesforstudents
FAQs About Nottingham Student Festivals
Which Nottingham festival is best for first-year students?
The Nottingham Goose Fair is a great pick for freshers. It’s free, exciting, and packed with funfair energy — perfect for making new mates and unforgettable memories.
Are there student discounts at Nottingham events?
Yes! Many festivals, like the Craft Beer Festival and Goose Fair, offer student wristbands or discounts. Check each event’s official site or your student union.
What are the most affordable festivals?
Nottinghamshire Pride and Sneinton Festival are completely free, while others like Southwell Music Festival offer low-cost or volunteer-entry options.
Can students volunteer or perform at these festivals?
Absolutely. From ushering at Southwell to marching in Pride or performing at Sneinton, there are loads of ways to get involved. Keep an eye on event socials and uni groups for sign-ups.