What's On in Nottingham and the East Midlands 2026 & 2027: Live Music, Concerts & Events
Posted on Tuesday 11th August 2026 at 15:01
Written by
Will Rabjohns
What's On in Nottingham and the East Midlands 2026 & 2027: Live Music, Concerts & Events
Updated August 2026. Looking for the best live events happening across Nottingham and the East Midlands in 2026 and 2027? From major arena tours and city-centre gigs to festivals and one-off shows, this guide highlights the standout live experiences coming to the region and where to catch them.
Discover what’s on across Nottingham and the East Midlands, from huge arena concerts and outdoor festivals to grassroots gigs and unmissable live events.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Major concerts and tours coming to Nottingham and the East Midlands
- Standout shows and limited-date runs to book early
- Regional highlights from Nottingham, Lincoln, Derby and Leicester
- A practical FAQ to help plan your live events calendar
Standout gigs & tours across Nottingham & the East Midlands
MEGADETH
BREAKOUT: HIBERNATION OF THE NATIONS TOUR 2027 PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS BLACK LABEL SOCIETY + TESTAMENT
When: Friday 12th March 2027 (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham)
Thrash-metal titans Megadeth storm Motorpoint Arena this March on their Hibernation Of The Nations tour, with Black Label Society and Testament.
LANG LANG
MOZART, BEETHOVEN, ALBÉNIZ, GRANADOS & LISZT
When: Tuesday 3rd August 2027 (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham)
World-renowned pianist Lang Lang performs Mozart, Beethoven, Albéniz, Granados and Liszt at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall next summer.
YARD ACT
YOU'RE GONNA NEED A LITTLE MUSIC TOUR
When: Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th November 2026 (O2 Academy Leicester & Rock City, Nottingham)
Leeds favourites Yard Act bring their sharp, smart and unpredictable live show to Leicester and Nottingham this November.
FAT DOG
UK & EU TOUR 2026
When: Thursday 3rd December 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
Known for chaotic, high-octane live shows, Fat Dog bring their explosive sound to Rock City this December.
BELLE & SEBASTIAN
PERFORMING TIGERMILK FOLLOWED BY A SECOND SET OF FAVOURITES
When: Friday 11th December 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
Glasgow indie legends Belle & Sebastian perform debut album Tigermilk in full, then return for a second set of favourites.
THE SNUTS
JOY IN SHORT MOMENTS TOUR WITH THE KAIROS
When: Friday 27th November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
Scottish indie chart-toppers The Snuts head to Rock City this November on their Joy In Short Moments tour, with The Kairos.
PRIMAL SCREAM
XTRMNTR
When: Wednesday 9th September 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
Primal Scream return to Rock City this September to celebrate their era-defining XTRMNTR, bringing a set packed with boundary-pushing classics and fierce live energy.
NOAHFINNCE
"MR OVERWHELM" THE TOUR
When: Monday 26th October 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
Pop-punk favourite NOAHFINNCE brings his "MR OVERWHELM" tour to Rescue Rooms this October for a high-energy Nottingham show.
RIZZLE KICKS
When: Monday 16th November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
British pop-rap duo Rizzle Kicks bring their reunion tour and much-loved singalong hits to Rock City this November.
SOUTH ARCADE
WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD TOUR — PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS MOUTH CULTURE
When: Thursday 18th February 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
Rising alt-pop-rock crew South Arcade bring their Welcome To The Real World Tour to Rock City, with special guests Mouth Culture.
WHEN RIVERS MEET
THE BACKBONE TOUR
When: Sunday 6th December 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
Award-winning British blues-rock duo When Rivers Meet bring their Backbone tour to Rescue Rooms this December for a soulful night.
TOOTH
When: Thursday 15th October 2026 (The Bodega, Nottingham)
Rising heavy outfit Tooth bring their riff-driven live show to The Bodega this October for an intense night in Nottingham.
MIKE JOYCE & STEPHEN STREET
THE QUEEN IS DEAD 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
When: Thursday 22nd October 2026 (Y Theatre, Leicester)
Former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce and producer Stephen Street celebrate 40 years of the iconic album The Queen Is Dead in Leicester this October.
CAM COLE
When: Friday 12th February 2027 (The International, Leicester)
One-man-band phenomenon Cam Cole brings his raw, high-voltage street blues to The International this February for a Leicester show.
More gigs, festivals & events across the East Midlands
From outdoor festivals and comedy tours to grassroots gigs, the East Midlands calendar is packed with reasons to get out and see something live.
FAC51 THE HAÇIENDA
FAITHLESS, ROGER SANCHEZ, TODD TERRY, GRAEME PARK & MORE!
When: Saturday 22nd August 2026 (Wollaton Hall, Nottingham)
DAY FEVER FESTIVAL
WITH VICKY MCCLURE, PADDY MCGUINNESS, BANDARAMA BRASS BAND & MORE!
When: Saturday 29th August 2026 (Nottingham Arboretum Bandstand)
ROSESHIRE FESTIVAL 2026
THE CHARLATANS, EMBRACE, BOYZLIFE & MORE
When: Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th August 2026 (Chester House Estate, Wellingborough)
SIMON BRODKIN: UNLEASHED
STAND-UP TOUR 2026/27
When: Friday 18th September 2026 – Friday 19th February 2027 (multiple East Midlands dates)
EYRE LLEW – BLOOM ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY SHOWING OF BLOOM LIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME
When: Saturday 19th September 2026 (The Nest, Nottingham)
GARETH MALONE
SING-A-LONG-A-GARETH: AT THE MOVIES
When: Sunday 18th October 2026 (Nottingham Playhouse)
HOCKLEY HUSTLE 2026
EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE
When: Sunday 25th October 2026 (various Nottingham venues)
DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL NOTTINGHAM 2027
EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
When: Sunday 30th May 2027 (various Nottingham venues)
FOOLHARDY FOLK FESTIVAL 2026
DHP PRESENTS:
When: Sunday 30th August 2026 (Nottingham Arboretum Bandstand)
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS
When: Sunday 23rd August 2026 (The Engine Shed, Lincoln)
TYBER & PETE FROM THE DUALERS
SIMMER DOWN TOUR 2026
When: Friday 9th October 2026 & Friday 30th April 2027 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham & The Beachcomber Pub, Skegness)
See more events in Nottingham & the East Midlands
Festivals
- Nottingham Carnival — Sunday 16th August 2026 (Victoria Embankment, Nottingham)
- The Long Road Festival of Country, Americana & Roots — Friday 28th – Sunday 30th August 2026 (Stanford Hall, Lutterworth)
- Road To Nashville Festival — Saturday 29th August 2026 (The Nest, Nottingham)
- Love The 90s & 00s Festival — Friday 4th September 2026 (Nottingham Castle)
- Mangata Festival 2026 — Saturday 5th September 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Invention Festival 2026 — Saturday 19th September 2026 (various Derby venues)
- Crowded Festival 2026 — Saturday 3rd October 2026 (various Leicester venues)
- Croftfest 2026 — Saturday 10th October 2026 (Southside, Lincoln)
- Mayhem Rock Festival 2027 — Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th May 2027 (The Nest, Nottingham)
- Call of the Wild 2027 — Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th May 2027 (Lincolnshire Showground)
- Glastonbudget 2027 — Thursday 27th – Monday 31st May 2027 (Turnpost Farm, Leicestershire)
- Nottingham Craft Beer Festival 2027 — Friday 18th – Saturday 19th June 2027 (Sneinton Market, Nottingham)
- South of the Tracks Festival 2027 — Saturday 10th July 2027 (Southside, Lincoln)
- Nah Then Music Festival 2027 — Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th July 2027 (Sherbrooke Scout Camp, Nottingham)
- Beach Life Festival 2027 — Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th August 2027 (Beachcomber Beach, Skegness)
Live shows, tours & events
- Pop > Alt - Beach Party — Friday 21st August 2026 (Billy Bootleggers, Nottingham)
- Nik Kershaw — Saturday 22nd August 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Enemy — Saturday 29th August 2026 (The Engine Shed, Lincoln)
- Anna Von Hausswolff — Tuesday 1st September 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Elles Bailey — Thursday 3rd September 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- The Bootleg Beatles — Saturday 5th & Thursday 10th September 2026 (Nottingham Castle & The Engine Shed, Lincoln)
- Altered Images — Monday 7th September 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Butterfly Club — Wednesday 9th September – Wednesday 2nd December 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Gandeys Circus + Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus — Thursday 10th – Sunday 20th September 2026 (Wollaton Hall, Nottingham)
- AC/DC UK — Friday 11th September 2026 (The Flowerpot, Derby)
- Band Of Friends — Saturday 12th September 2026 (The Flowerpot, Derby)
- Pram — Saturday 12th September 2026 (Billy Bootleggers, Nottingham)
- Jon Anderson & the Band Geeks — Sunday 13th September 2026 (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham)
- Spiritbox — Monday 14th September 2026 (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham)
- MC Devvo — Friday 18th September 2026 (Saltbox, Nottingham)
- The Dualers — Saturday 19th September 2026 (Athena, Leicester)
- The Afghan Whigs — Sunday 20th September 2026 (The Palais, Nottingham)
- The Five Hundred — Friday 25th September 2026 (Saltbox, Nottingham)
- We Are Scientists — Thursday 1st October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Fear Factory — Friday 2nd October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Albert Lee — Friday 2nd October 2026 (The Flowerpot, Derby)
- Robert Jon & The Wreck — Saturday 3rd October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Smyths — Saturday 3rd October & Friday 4th December 2026 (The Level, Nottingham & Roadmender Northampton)
- Johnny & The Raindrops — Saturday 3rd October 2026 (Sherwood United Reformed Church, Nottingham)
- Amble — Monday 5th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Man/Woman/Chainsaw — Monday 5th October 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- (HED) PE & COLD — Tuesday 6th October 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Ferocious Dog — Thursday 8th October 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- YONAKA — Thursday 8th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout — Thursday 8th October 2026 (The Flowerpot, Derby)
- Goldie Lookin Chain — Thursday 8th & Friday 9th October 2026 (The Nest, Nottingham & The Engine Shed, Lincoln)
- Red Rum Club — Friday 9th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Lemonheads — Sunday 11th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- John Bramwell (I Am Kloot) — Sunday 11th & Thursday 29th October 2026 (The International, Leicester & The Flowerpot, Derby)
- The Amity Affliction — Monday 12th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Steve Hackett — Tuesday 13th & Friday 16th October 2026 (De Montfort Hall, Leicester & Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham)
- GANS — Thursday 15th October 2026 (The Hairy Dog, Derby)
- Courtney Barnett — Friday 16th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Huey Morgan, The Fun Lovin’ Criminal — Saturday 17th October 2026 (The Level, Nottingham)
- The Wonder Stuff & Inspiral Carpets — Saturday 17th & Thursday 29th October 2026 (O2 Academy Leicester & The Engine Shed, Lincoln)
- Jon Gomm — Sunday 18th October 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Damian Lewis — Sunday 18th & Friday 30th October 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham & The Drill, Lincoln)
- Fat Freddy’s Drop — Monday 19th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Adult DVD — Thursday 22nd October 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Panchiko — Thursday 22nd October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Reef — Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd October 2026 (The Engine Shed, Lincoln & Roadmender Northampton)
- Skindred — Friday 23rd October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Ibibio Sound Machine — Saturday 24th October 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- The Mary Wallopers — Monday 26th October 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Deaf Havana — Tuesday 3rd November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Cassia — Friday 6th November 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Deco — Saturday 7th November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Bluetones — Sunday 8th November 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Bellowhead — Tuesday 10th November 2026 (De Montfort Hall, Leicester)
- OK Go — Wednesday 11th November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Rosadocs — Wednesday 11th November 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Wormrot — Thursday 12th November 2026 (Saltbox, Nottingham)
- Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet — Thursday 12th November 2026 (Metronome Nottingham)
- An Evening With Manchester United Legend Ryan Giggs — Friday 13th November 2026 (The Nest, Nottingham)
- Nick Heyward — Saturday 14th November 2026 (Lincoln Cathedral)
- Kid Kapichi — Wednesday 18th November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Feeling — Wednesday 18th & Friday 27th November 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln & Roadmender Northampton)
- Ellie Sax — Thursday 19th November 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Converge — Saturday 21st November 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- This Is Lorelei — Tuesday 24th November 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- The Bad Egg Nog Ball 2026 — Saturday 28th November 2026 (The Old Cold Store, Nottingham)
- Skerryvore — Sunday 29th November 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Tony Hadley — Monday 30th November 2026 (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham)
- UB40 Feat. Ali Campbell — Monday 30th November 2026 (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham)
- Razorlight — Tuesday 1st December 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Big Country — Saturday 5th December 2026 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Evergrey — Saturday 5th December 2026 (Saltbox, Nottingham)
- Good Health Good Wealth — Saturday 5th December 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Ash — Sunday 6th December 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Keyside — Wednesday 9th December 2026 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Sweet — Thursday 17th December 2026 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Electric Callboy — Sunday 24th January 2027 (Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham)
- Alestorm — Thursday 28th January 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- RØRY — Tuesday 2nd February 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Fabulous Thunderbirds — Wednesday 3rd February 2027 (Metronome Nottingham)
- Theory Of A Deadman — Friday 5th February 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Amelia Coburn — Thursday 11th February 2027 (Metronome Nottingham)
- As Everything Unfolds — Friday 12th February 2027 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- Let’s Pop! — Thursday 18th February 2027 (Athena, Leicester)
- The Bones of J.R. Jones — Friday 19th February 2027 (The Old Cold Store, Nottingham)
- Bury Tomorrow — Friday 19th February 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Steve ’n’ Seagulls — Sunday 28th February 2027 (The Drill, Lincoln)
- Editors — Monday 8th March 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- The Dead Daisies — Wednesday 10th March 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Rick Wakeman — Friday 12th March 2027 (De Montfort Hall, Leicester)
- TX2 — Friday 12th March 2027 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
- The Dubliners Encore — Thursday 18th & Wednesday 31st March 2027 (Derby Arena & Royal and Derngate, Northampton)
- Kim Wilde — Friday 26th March 2027 (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham)
- Ministry — Friday 9th April 2027 (Rock City, Nottingham)
- Albert Lee & Band — Wednesday 12th May 2027 (Metronome Nottingham)
- Toby Lee — Saturday 15th May 2027 (Rescue Rooms, Nottingham)
Regional highlights — Where to go in the East Midlands
Each venue guide below covers everything you need to plan your visit — from transport tips and FAQs to upcoming gigs.
Nottingham
Nottingham combines arena-scale shows at Motorpoint Arena and major performances at Royal Concert Hall with a thriving mid-sized and grassroots scene across venues like Rock City, The Bodega and The Old Cold Store.
Lincoln
Historic Lincoln offers a mix of distinctive venues, from former church space Southside and community arts hub The Drill to major summer events at the stunning Lincoln Castle.
Derby
Derby’s live scene ranges from larger touring productions at Derby Arena to more intimate shows and tribute nights at established local venues such as The Flowerpot.
Leicester
Leicester combines grassroots venues such as The Soundhouse and The Black Horse with larger headline spaces, including O2 Academy Leicester and De Montfort Hall.
Browse events by town or city:
NOTTINGHAM | LINCOLN | DERBY | LEICESTER | NORTHAMPTON | SKEGNESS | BUXTON | CASTLETON | MANSFIELD | CHESTERFIELD | NEWARK-ON-TRENT
Need to know — Nottingham & the East Midlands events
When do tickets usually go on sale?
Most tickets go on sale shortly after an announcement, often on Friday mornings. Popular concerts, comedy shows and festivals across the East Midlands can sell out quickly, so it's worth setting reminders and booking early.
What's the biggest concert venue in the East Midlands?
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is the largest indoor concert venue in the East Midlands and hosts many of the world's biggest touring artists. Other major venues include Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall, Derby Arena and the iconic Rock City.
Which East Midlands venues are best for live music?
The East Midlands has a thriving live music scene, from major venues such as Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Derby Arena and Rock City to respected grassroots venues including The Bodega (Nottingham), The Drill (Lincoln) and The Flowerpot (Derby).
What festivals take place near Nottingham?
Popular festivals near Nottingham include Splendour Festival, Dot To Dot Festival and Hockley Hustle. Elsewhere in the region, Call of the Wild Festival and Roseshire Festival attract music fans from across the country each year.
Ready to explore more live events in the East Midlands?
Find all upcoming gigs, tours and festivals across Nottingham, Lincoln, and beyond.