What Is Nottingham Goose Fair? A Guide to the East Midlands' Biggest Fun Fair

Just arrived at your student accommodation in Nottingham and wondering what events you can dive into during the first few weeks of term? Look no further than the Nottingham Goose Fair.

An unmissable mix of bright lights, thrilling rides, and local traditions. The event is one of the UK’s oldest and largest travelling fun fairs, and it transforms the Forest Recreation Ground into a vibrant playground for all ages.

700 Years of History

The Goose Fair dates back to the 1200s and was originally a livestock market where geese were marched through the city. While the real geese are long gone, the name stuck. Today, it’s a festival of thrills, laughter, and the smell of freshly cooked street food.

Held every October, the fair attracts thousands of visitors from across the East Midlands. It’s also one of the first major cultural events that new students in Nottingham can enjoy. Just a few tram stops away from the city centre, it’s also an accessible events for everyone.

Entry is free, but bring spending money for rides, snacks, and the occasional game stall that’s harder than it looks.

What To Expect at Nottingham Goose Fair

Treat Goose Fair as a temporary theme park. You can expect anywhere up to 500 different attractions from towering drops to pop up rollercoasters, and much more! If you prefer to keep things calmer, there’s still a market street that sells food and trinkets throughout the event.

Food is actually a major part of the experience. You’ll find everything from classic cheeseburgers to the regional delicacy of minty mushy peas. It’s a Nottingham thing that’s certainly worth trying on a cold autumn night.

For many in the city, the Goose Fair is the social highlight of the year. Groups of friends, schoolchildren, and families all make the most of it. If you’re studying in Nottingham, it’s a brilliant way to connect with the people of your new city.

Is it Student Friendly?

Absolutely. Whether you’re living in halls, commuting in from nearby, or balancing studies with work, Goose Fair is a welcoming events for everyone. It’s also open late into the evening, meaning you can still grab a tram home late at night.

Tips for students: 

• Bring cash and card: It can sometimes be a toss up as to what certain stalls accept.
• Go on a weeknight: It’s far quieter than on the weekend.
• Set a spending limit: I once had a mate spend £50 on ‘hook a duck’ here.
• Wear warm clothes: The autumn nights draw in fast, so keep warm.
• Plan your route home: Trams do run late, but are often very crowded.

If you want to explore more great things to see and do in Nottingham, explore our dedicated city blog page.

When is Nottingham Goose Fair?

As we’ve briefly covered, the fair usually takes place in early October each year. Running for five days. The dates do change slightly each year though, so it’s worth checking the Visit Nottinghamshire event page for up to date details.

Opening hours generally run from mid-afternoon until late, meaning you can experience the Goose Fair by daylight and moonlight if you want to. The Friday and Saturday evenings are usually the busiest, so attending another day is advised.

How to Get There and Things to Bring

Nottingham’s public transport network has been prepared for the Goose Fair for decades. The Forest Recreation Ground tram stop is one of the largest in the city, and extra trams are scheduled throughout the week. It’s the quickest way in and out of the fair, as well as the cheapest.

If you’re heading in from nearby cities such as Leicester and Derby, Nottingham Train Station is also accessible via the tram network.

What to bring: 

• A portable charger for photos and keeping in touch.
• A reusable water bottle (there are fountains nearby).
• A jacket or hoodie, the evenings get chilly.
• Photo ID, if you’re planning to grab a drink at licensed areas.

A Fair for All

The Nottingham Goose Fair is far from just thrills, it’s an inclusive atmosphere for all the cities residents. Students included. The sound of screams and laughter can be heard for miles, and the neon nights are some of the best you can have. It’s an event hat defies the norm, and appeals to so many people.

Whether you’re an adrenaline hunter, people watcher, or someone wanting to explore Nottingham’s local history, there’s something here for you. It’s a true rite of passage for the student population in the city and one of those things that’ll you’ll miss if you move away.

Closing Time

Celebrating community, tradition, and childish fun, the Nottingham Goose Fair is beautifully chaotic. If you’ve landed in the East Midlands, don’t miss your chance to experience one it’s greatest events.

If you’re planning on attending either the University of Nottingham or Nottingham Trent University, explore our range of student properties across the city.

Will we see you at the fair?