The days are getting darker, but here in Notts things continue to be bright, colourful and energetic. Whether you've got a penchant for art installations, cultural festivals, board games, or live poetry, there's bound to be something that you'll enjoy doing this week.
Architects of Air present the Lumini Daedalite
When: Monday 20 - Thursday 23 October 2025
Where: Sneinton Market
How much: £4 - £5
This week a wondrous luminarium once again appears in Sneinton Market ready for you to explore as you take in the shifting colours and calming sensory surroundings. A mini version of their grand sprawling sculptures, the Daedalite features four five-metre-high egg-shaped domes, with secrets to discover inside. A lovely activity for families or anyone who likes to delve into a world of art and colour.
Boardgaming Night
Where: Games Haven
When: Thursday 23 October
How much: £7.50 or £12 couples
It's the season to start getting cosy, so what better way than cracking out some board games and losing yourself in a board game. While there are nights dedicated to LGBTQI+ and neurodivergent people across the week at Games Haven, Thursday is a general evening for socialising with new people or a quiet game with friends. Grab a beverage, a game of your choice and enjoy a community vibe whilst getting competitive.
HAIM ‘I Quit’ Tour
When: Fri 24 October
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £54.80
Haim’s UK arena tour is kicking off in Nottingham this October to perform their new album I Quit. This is their first release since Women in Music, Pt. III in 2020 garnered them a Brit Award. This album not only won a Brit, but it also received two Grammy Award nominations and made HAIM the first all-female rock group to be included in the Grammy’s top category. With such a reception, this album and its tour is sure to follow in its prized footsteps.
Bad Betty Live
When: 6.30pm, Fri 24 October
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: £7.21
Nottingham-based, London-born publisher Bad Betty Press are truly special, having made their name since 2017 as bold promoters of forward-thinking poetry and performance. This week, they’re taking over the New Art Exchange for an exciting evening of poetry and live music, featuring performances from Desree, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Hasti, and local songwriter Davina Songbird. The hosts will be Bad Betty co-founder Jake Wild Hall, plus local poet (and former LeftLion editor) Bridie Squires, with BSL interpretation by Steph Lehrle.
Wild About Sneinton
When: Saturday 25 October, 11-4pm
Where: Sneinton Road Lawn (between the King Billy and FoodPrint)
How much: Free
With the wholesome aim of creating a 'greener, wilder and more connected Sneinton', Grow Notts presents a day of environmental community action. Find hundreds of plants, free wildflower seeds, music, art workshops a groups from across Sneinton sharing what they do. Drop in to meet your fellow locals, learn about biodiversity, stick a plant in the ground, and get your hands dirty to do something nice for the neighbourhood.
Samhain Pagan Market
When: 12-6pm, Sat 25 October,
Where: Sneinton Market
How much: Free
Time to celebrate the coming of the dark, contemplative half of the year and the thinning of the veil. The Samhain Pagan Market at Sneinton Market Avenues is in its sixth year and it’s still growing! This year there will be over 100 witchy artists and artisans plus live music, theatre, dance, and more. The nights are getting longer and the spirits and witches are coming out to play. Don’t be afraid of the dark! Be your spookiest self and come celebrate Samhain. Organised by MinorOak and Pagan Pride.
It's In Nottingham Halloween Festival
When: Sat 25 Oct - Sun 2 Nov
Where: Across the city centre
How much: Various
It’s In Nottingham, Nottingham’s business improvement district, is offering plenty of entertainment for families this spooky season. Most prominently the inflatable monsters will be returning to rooftops across the city. Can you and your little ones get round and spot them all? There’s also a Monster Mash party for families at Nottingham Castle, featuring a Strolling Bones Parade of skeleton puppets. Finally there are Monster bus tours around the city if you want to see the monsters sitting down. Visit their website or app for details.
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events!
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