Derby Festé Returns for a Day of Free Family Fun 🎪

Looking for something completely free to do in Derby this Saturday? Then make your way into the city centre for Derby Festé, returning on Saturday 26 September 2026 with a packed programme of outdoor entertainment.

From spectacular aerial circus and street theatre to dance, colourful characters and plenty of surprises, Derby Festé is set to transform the city centre into a huge outdoor stage.

And the best bit? It's free! 🎉

🎭 What can you expect?

There'll be entertainment popping up throughout the city, with performances taking place across several locations.

Expect a wonderfully varied programme featuring dance, circus, aerial performances and interactive street theatre, with performers from across the UK, the East Midlands and further afield.

You never quite know what you'll stumble across either – there could be giant dogs, dancing hippos, acrobats flying through the air and high-energy performances as you explore the city.

Most of the daytime entertainment runs from 11:30am until 5:30pm, giving you plenty of time to wander between the different performance areas.

🌙 Don't miss Festé After Dark

The entertainment doesn't finish when the sun goes down!

At 7:30pm, head to Cathedral Green for the return of Festé After Dark.

This year's spectacular finale comes from Gorilla Circus, with A.I.Thentic bringing a dramatic 20-metre-high aerial circus performance to Derby.

It's certainly one to look out for if you're staying in the city into the evening! ✨

📍 Where is Derby Festé taking place?

The event spreads across Derby city centre, with performances and activities at:

📍 Derby Market Place
📍 Cathedral Green
📍 Derby Market Hall
📍 The Spot
📍 Osnabruck Square
📍 Cathedral Quarter
📍 St Peter's Quarter

The main performance areas are relatively close together, so you can walk between them while exploring the city.

There's also an information point outside QUAD on the Market Place, where you can pick up a programme and find out more about what's happening throughout the day.

🎨 More happening around the city

Derby Festé isn't the only thing happening!

A number of venues around the city are getting involved with Festé Fringe, including exhibitions and activities at Artcore, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Pickford's House.

QUAD will also be celebrating its 18th birthday, while Derby Market Hall will host a Banks Mill takeover, featuring local makers and creative activities.

And, of course, you'll find plenty of places to grab something to eat and drink, with pop-up food traders at Derby Market Hall as well as cafes and restaurants throughout the city centre. 🍔☕

♿ Accessibility

The event is designed to be accessible, with the main outdoor performance spaces wheelchair accessible and assistance dogs welcome.

There will also be accessible facilities at Derby Market Hall, including a Changing Places toilet, while seating will be available at the main performance areas, although spaces are limited.

There are also a number of performances with additional accessibility provisions, including BSL interpretation, audio description, captions and touch tours.

If accessibility is important for your visit, it's worth checking the programme in advance to see which performances offer the facilities you need.

🚗 Getting there

With performances spread around the city centre, walking is a great way to get between the different areas.

The main performance locations are around a 5–10 minute walk from Derbion, while Derby train station is approximately a 25-minute walk away.

Derby Bus Station is also just a short walk from the event areas.

Driving into Derby? Suggested city-centre car parks include Chapel Street, Bold Lane and Darwin Place. There is also limited disabled parking close to the main event areas.

📅 Derby Festé 2026

📅 Saturday 26 September 2026
⏰ 11:30am–5:30pm
🌙 Festé After Dark: 7:30pm
📍 Derby City Centre
💷 FREE

With performances happening throughout the day, you can simply turn up, explore the city and see what you discover.

👉 For the full programme and timings, visit the Derby Festé website.

And if you're heading into Derby this Saturday, don't forget to keep an eye out for the unexpected – you never know what you might find around the next corner! 👀🎪