Half Term Fun For All The Family

May half term is just around the corner – time to swap school runs for fun days out and memory-making adventures! Whether you're planning a family staycation, looking for local events, or just want to keep the kids entertained (and burn off some energy), there’s loads happening to fill the week with excitement. 

From Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May, we have a jam packed What's On calendar to make sure the week is filled with fun for all the family. 

We've rounded up some of our best selections of events happening during the half term ranging from activities for the little ones in your life to escapism for those adults looking for some kid free fun so be sure to keep reading below to find out more

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Get Sporty

If you're looking for a buzz and a thrill, team sports is where it's at! And with a fantastic line up of sport tournaments in Nottingham this May Half Term you're in for a good time.

Netball Super League: Nottingham Forest vs London Pulse

Join Forest Netball for their final home fixture in Nottingham on Sunday 31 May at Motorpoint Arena! The team kicked off their journey as the latest franchise in the Netball Super League in March 2025. Show the team your support as they face off against the London Pulse in final home fixture of the season and be at the heart of the action for what promises to be an exhilarating match!

Vitality Blast Cricket - Double Header

The thrill of T20 Cricket returns for a week of thrilling matches and back-to-back action, with a double header at Trent Bridge on Sunday 31 May. Get ready to see the Notts Outlaws and The Blaze as they take on Durham for Vitality Blast glory. Tickets for individual clashes start from £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s, whilst season tickets start from £80 for adults and £35 for under 16s.

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Comedy

Nothing beats a good laugh and if you're looking for competition and a hilariously good time this bank holiday, well we've got the perfect night for you. Grab your mates, a drink, and get ready for a comedy-packed evening full of surprises and belly laughs.

WiFi Wars

Have a hilariously good time at Nottingham’s Canalhouse as the live comedy game show, WiFi Wars, returns on Tuesday 26 May! Log in with your smartphone or tablet and play along as you compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes! Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain on UK TV's hit comedy/gaming show "Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit") and aided by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, the award-winning Rob Sedgebeer!

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Walking trails

Room on the Broom Trail at Sherwoord Pines

Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Sherwood Pines with the interactive family trail ‘Room on the Broom’. Packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun – this is a trail you don’t want to miss. Help the Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell – but watch out for Dragon along the way! The trail runs form Monday 9 February - Thursday 31 December 2026 and is priced at £4 per child, including a trail pack.

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Musicals

A trip to the theatre is the ultimate way to kick back, snack up, and soak in the magic. So, grab your popcorn and your favourite people — it’s show time!

Barnum: The Circus Musical

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum's life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. This spectacular production will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of actor-musicians, acrobats and amazing circus acts. From Tuesday 26 - Saturday 30 May audiences are certain to delight at every sight at Nottingham Playhouse.

Legally Blonde

Join Elle Woods and four-legged bestie Bruiser on their journey to Harvard. The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde the Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production and it’s coming to Nottingham. From Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May this ultimate feel-good rom-com will be taking the stage at Theatre Royal, bringing you along on the ride of Elle Woods’ transformation from It-girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.

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Music

This May half term, turn up the volume and let the music take over! From live gigs, to fantastic festivals and tribute acts, there's something for every music lover to dance along too.

Dot To Dot Festival 2026

Since starting in Nottingham in 2005 Dot To Dot Festival has established itself as the UK’s hottest festival for unearthing the best new talent around, alongside established acts from all over the globe. Having put acts such as The 1975, Mumford & Sons, Florence + The Machine and Ed Sheeran on the map, we can’t wait to see what this year’s edition has to offer. In 2026 the festival will take place on Sunday 24 May at various venues across the city.

Ibiza Orchestra

On Friday 29 May the Ibiza Orchestra Experience will once again be taking over Wollaton Hall & Deer Park with a brand-new show! Get ready for a 26-piece live orchestra performance and a night filled with iconic tracks from artists such as Rudimental, Daft Punk, Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Prodigy and more. This brand-new show will also feature a silent disco stage, vocal performances, a live MC, glitter artists, laser show, pyrotechnics, fire breathers, classic DJ sets and a 90's dance tent!

Sausage & Cider Festival

If you’re a true foodie or just can’t resist a tasty treat, a cheeky drink and good tunes, the Sausage & Cider Festival is for you! On Saturday 30 May the festival returns to Wollaton Hall & Deer Park with all sorts of fun, including a great variety of cider and sausage flavours, eating competitions, a festival market, axe throwing, children’s tent, incredible tribute performances and much more!

Summer in Nashville

Stop working 9 to 5 his half term and dive into the world of Country music with Summer in Nashville. The festival, taking place on Sunday 31 May, will turn Wollaton Hall into a true Nashville party. Discover the best and new country artists and iconic country music tributes, join in on incredible line dancing and rodeo bull rides, indulge in American BBQ and get those cowboy boots out of your closet as Nashville arrives in Nottingham!

Ocean of Light

For those who are looking for a bit of serenity this half term, the angelic voices of the Nottingham Harmonic Choir will bring you just that! On Saturday 30 May the stunning Southwell Minster will be the setting of Ocean of Light, a concert focussed on the theme of light, space and the natural world. Selections from Holst's exotic Hymns from the Rig Veda (from Indian mythology) are contrasted with Jonathan Dove's thrilling Vast Ocean of Light and the choral version of Elgar's glorious Sea Pictures.

Summer Celebration

On Saturday 23 May, NTU's music ensembles will take to the University Hall stage for one final performance before the summer break. Featuring students, staff, and community members, the concert will present a varied and entertaining programme, celebrating the musical talent across the NTU community.

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History

Who says history has to be boring! This bank holiday go back in time and celebrate all things history and culture with some incredibly immersive and authentic historical events. 

Flying Scotsman Legendary Journeys

Try something different bank holiday and experience the thrill of riding behind the world famous LNER A3 Flying Scotsman. The legendary locomotive returns to the Midlands for the first time in 25 years. Step aboard at Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre's Ruddington Fields station for a return journey along the northern section of the Great Central Railway to Loughborough and back travelling through the pretty countryside route. Along the way, you'll experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of one of the most iconic steam locomotives in the world. You can join the Flying Scotsman Legendary Journeys on Saturday 23, Sunday 24, Monday 25, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May.

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Blog post currated and written by Ananda Datema, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire