Ignore the chilly weather, there's lots to indulge in this week in Notts. From fairs selling zines and crafts, to classic stories on the stage and a film festival. Check out some of our top picks...
Nottingham Film Festival
When: Mon 3 - Sun 9 November
Where: Various locations
How much: From £4
Now in its second year, the Nottingham Film Festival is a showcase of shorts, animations, music videos, experimental visual works, and feature films. There’ll be an assortment of pretty fascinating creative pieces to watch, including Just Kids and Kingdom – two documentaries about gender affirming care – and The Endless Tide plus Wild Coast Warriors – two films about indigenous communities battling the effects of climate change. Beyond that there’ll be themed showings of multiple shorts – with titles like ‘Green’, ‘Space and Place’, and ‘Body’.
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
When: Tue 4 - Sat 8 November
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £23.50
This month, the stage adaptation of C.S Lewis’ classic novel: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, reaches Notts, in celebration of the story’s 75th anniversary. There’s a great cast involved, including seasoned stage actor Katy Stephens as the White Witch, plus a group of dynamic, young actors as the Pensieve children, including Jesse Dunbar and Kudzai Mangombe. Honestly, what better way to spend a dark autumn evening than wrapped up in one of history’s most famous fantasy stories?
Paint and Sip - Starry Night
When: Wed 5, 12, 26 November
Where: Malt Cross
How much: £35.37
The Malt Cross team continues to excel at hosting unique events that create a fun sense of community, and if you’ve got time to do but one this autumn we’d very much recommend their ‘paint and sip’ sessions. Over the course of an evening, participants get a step by step painting session led by experienced artists (with a drink by your side, if you so choose), plus you can take home your work at the end. Lots of people attest nowadays to how calming and social an activity painting can be, so if that’s what you need then you’re bound to enjoy this.
Hexial
When: Fri 7 November
Where: The Chapel
How much: £6.60
Alex Herington, who goes by Hexial, is a musician and audio-visual artist from Notts who makes cinematic ambient music in the vein of Jon Hopkins and Floating Points. This month he’ll be launching his new album: Through Static as part of a special live show at The Chapel, which will feature exclusive visuals, plus supporting performances from Cholly and James Glew. If you like the sound of immersive electronic music combined with striking, surreal compositions of light and sound, this will be a great choice.
Drena
When: Fri 7 November
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
This is a free event marking Angolan Independence Day, which happened in 1975. As is the case with lots of the cultural events that the New Art Exchange holds in their multi-purpose space, this evening will contain lots of fun cultural activities, with a dance workshop, DJs, live performances, and traditional food. If you need some community spirit, there will be few options as suitable as this – the latest instalment in the New Art Exchange’s story as a buzzing cultural hub for the Hyson Green area.
The Smyths
When: Fri 7 November
Where: The Level
How much: From £20
The Smyths are one of the most successful and nationally loved tribute acts going – having paid homage to and reimagined the music of The Smiths for over twenty years. They’ve been consistently acclaimed for their musical talent, and ability to recreate the live experience people had back in the 80s, by people like Jeremy Vine and original guitarist Johnny Marr himself. This upcoming show at The Level will see them mark the 40th anniversary of the second Smiths album – Meat is Murder.
Lustre Craft Fair
When: Fri 7 - Sun 9 November
Where: Lakeside Arts
How much: Free
Lustre is an annual craft fair at the tranquil surroundings of Lakeside Arts, which this year will see fifty of the UK’s top designer-makers and craft artists showcase and sell their work, spanning jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass, leather, wood, and loads more. If you want to get in early with finding some thoughtful Christmas gifts for your loved ones, or just like the idea of supporting independent creatives from across the country, you certainly will be glad that you attended.
Mofeast: Fireworks, Bonfire & Bands
When: Friday 7 - Sunday 9 November 2025
Where: Old Hall Farm, Off Greaves Lane, Edingley, Nottingham, NG22
How much: £16.50 - £27.50
Wrap up and head into the north Notts countryside for a weekend under the stars at MoFeast! Ahh at some fireworks, cosy up around the bonfire, dance to some bands and enjoy a friendly community vibe. There will be eight Notts acts performing between 3.30 - 11.30pm, including Sons of Itto, Office Goth and Sancho Panza, topped off by Greedy Sauce. Mo and Debs will be offering meat, veggie and vegan meals: lovingly prepared with ingredients from the farm, with local ale and other refreshments also available.
Notts Zine Fest
When: Sat 8 November
Where: Nottingham Central Library
How much: Free entry
Zines are an art form which has shaped culture across the world for a long time, and have lots of importance here in Nottingham. Celebrating this, the Nottingham Zine Fest will this month take over the whole of Nottingham Central Library for an exciting day of stalls, workshops, talks, performances, live illustration, readings, and exhibitions, facilitated by creative people of all disciplines. Whether you’ve got an avid or passing interest in our city’s pretty thriving independent culture scene, this will be the place to be.
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events!
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