It can be really difficult to decide what to do for a bank holiday weekend as there are so many options out there. From family fun to top tunes and even getting lost in nature, the city has a lot to offer this May bank holiday weekend.
As usual, with any event, it's worth checking if you need to pre-book or buy a ticket ahead of turning up. Not to mention checking the weather ahead of an outside event. There was so much on that we struggled to keep the list to just ten things.
We've rounded up some of our best picks for the weekend.
1 - Sample some street food
Sneinton Market, 1st of May £0+
Sneinton's street food club is back with some tasty options for this bank holiday weekend. There are three different Street Food Club locations in the city but the Sneinton location is one of the best outdoor options.
This weekend the vendors are Dirty Chicken, which is bringing wings and burgers to the table. For anyone gluten-free, there will be El Contador Mexican Street Food which offers tasty tacos and dangerously naughty nachos for order. Hip Hop Food Shop will be providing killer eats with Sugarberry cake studio bringing their sweet treat cart to the market.
There will also be a fully licensed bar for all your cocktail needs with live DJs on the decks. Although this is a Sunday, thanks to the bank holiday Monday, you won't need to head into the office post-margaritas thankfully.
Read more: Sadness as popular Nottingham pub closes despite £410,000 revamp
2 - Get seriously spooked
The Haunted Museum & Oddities Collection, 21 Station Street £8
This might be one for those with steady nerves or a reason to have a sneaky steadying gin ahead of your visit. The museum can be found by the train station in the Hopkinsons vintage shop and cafe.
The museum has different sections filled with horror memorabilia including a special cinema section dedicated to all things scary movies. If you are very lucky, you can arrange to book a paranormal investigation night at the venue although these need to be booked in advance on certain dates only.
One customer wrote: "Lovely little museum tucked away by the station in Nottingham. Wasn't expecting a lot to be honest so was very pleasantly surprised by how much they have there. It's a pretty straightforward walk-through museum where you move from themed room to room looking at all of the wonderful oddities and reading about each one. Genuinely a great variety of 'haunted' objects and film memorabilia to look at. Highly recommend."
If you need to wind down afterward then it's worth spending some time vintage-hunting in Hopkinsons or sampling their drinks menu in their outdoor area.
3 - Go back in time
Newark Castle Comes To Life: 17th Century Scenes. Newark Castle. Saturday 30th to Sunday 31st July, 10am to 4pm, £0
This is definitely one for some family fun for anyone searching for child-friendly activities.
The Gilstrap Charity-funded Newark Castle Comes To Life program will host another event this Saturday, April 30 and 31. The castle will go back in time to focus on the 17th century filling the grounds with Civil war re-enactments, trade and craft stalls. Children and adults will be able to learn more about the way of life and military history.
The idea of the project is to promote the stories of Newark Castle and previous events have included live performances of drama and music, demonstrations such as sword-fighting and falconry, medieval re-enactors, castle tours, and outdoor crafts such as willow weaving and woodturning.
There will be craftspeople to blacksmiths, musicians, and woodturners to meet along with characters from 400 years ago with musket drills and have a go at crafts from the 1600s.
4 - Find your own food
Nottingham Foraging, Highfield's Park, University of Nottingham Tram Stop. 11 am £0 - £8
The foraging movement has been going for decades and Nottingham has its own strong community. Lucy, aka the Nottingham Forager, will be joined by community historian Mo Cooper on an adventure on how to find your own food.
The walk and talk is a great way to learn about what wild food grows locally along with its ancient or modern uses. Mr Cooper will also be sharing local lore and history as the walk goes on.
The payment system is open to bartering with vegan baking, fruits or veggies, anything knitted or crocheted. Volunteer bird feeders will also be welcome in lieu of payment.
5 - Take a trip down memory lane
Mini vintage funfair. Rufford Abbey, Rufford Abbey Country Park, 30th April - 2nd May. £2+
Rufford Abbey in Rufford Abbey Country Park is revisiting the magical days of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s with their fabulous funfair. The brightly coloured rides are perfect for little ones with some attractions for older children too.
Take, or force, your children on a trip to the good old days with an original vintage funfair featuring a number of rides and attractions. The country park is also free to take a walk in after you visit the fair where you can spot some wildflowers in bloom. The Rose Garden Tea Room will also be open for a much-needed cuppa and cake.
6 - Tap out a tune
The Carousel, 25 Hockley, Saturday April 30, 10-5pm, £0 but booking required to play
One for the musically minded or anyone bold enough to get up a play a tune in front of an audience. The Carousel in Hockley is hosting an 'Open Keys' event on Saturday, April 30th where pianists can sign up to play for half an hour.
The relaxed event will give any budding musicians a chance to meet other musicians or try out any new tunes you may have been working on. The venue also has a cafe, record and magazine shop onsite for you to browse. The public will also be allowed in to listen so be warned - you may have an audience.
The organisers are asking musicians to contact the venue through Facebook or their email ahead of time to guarantee a slot.
7 - Learn a new skill
Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, Saturday, April 30 - 31st. £0 - £15
Ever fancied learning a new dance or martial art? There is actually a sport that combines both and this weekend offers a chance to get to grips with the basics.
Nova Geração is a two-day event coming to Nottingham Contemporary this weekend that focuses on the art of capoeira. A Brazilian martial art form. The event will combine music and dance workshops led by up-and-coming young teachers.
The first day of the event will be held at the YMCA International Community Centre. The last 2 days will be held in Nottingham Contemporary. The event has been created by Capoeira Collective and WAHAD, a collective of young Capoeiristas around the UK.
Don't worry if you haven't bust a move before, the experience level is perfect for beginners and those with years of Capoeira training. The idea is to create a safe space where the community can meet and inspire others to get moving.
The event does cost between £10 to £15 for entry but there is a free social on Saturday evening at the Contemporary. However, it does need booking ahead of time.
8 - Join the early birds
St Ann's Allotments on Ransom Road, Saturday, April 30 5:30am - 6:30am £12
Okay so it takes a certain level of bravery to commit to a 5am walk on a bank holiday morning but you might find a nice reward waiting for you if do. The Dawn Chorus group will do a 1.3-mile walk around St. Ann's Allotment to listen to the bird's sing. Why not find out if the early birds actually do get the worms while you are there?
The walk is led by the STAA staff members including Holly James who is a local bird ringer and also Lucy Kennedy, a wildlife conservation expert.
The group state that you may hear Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Greenfinches, Great Tits, Long Tailed-Tits, Chiffchaff and Song Thrush. Although if you are truly lucky you may hear a Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Blackcap, Bullfinch and Tawny Owl song.
Visitors will need to book in advance as the group size is only 15 people so first come, first served. The ticket price does include a tea or coffee so you can wake up and warm up. Tickets can be booked through the Facebook group for St. Ann's Allotments.
9 - Visit the ladyboys of Bangkok
Sneinton market, April 22- 30, £26+
It's very difficult to miss the giant pink tent in Snienton market which will house the new Lady Boys of Bangkok summer show. The tour has brought 16 of the most beautiful showgirls to the city who just happen to be men.
The divas perform a series of fabulous numbers from Bollywood to Hollywood or the West end to Las Vegas - all live from Sneinton Market. The show includes some of the most well-known hits from iconic Hollywood stars. The ladies are also a fan of a costume change as the show features more than 400 outfits.
This is the longest-running cabaret show in the UK as it has been running for more than 21 years. Ticket prices vary by seat or package but keep your eyes open for half-price flyers dotted around town in various businesses.
10 - Take a chance on ABBA
Bierkeller, Friar lane, £45
The Brunch Club and Bierkeller are throwing a lively morning breakfast with a difference. The ABBA brunch will take place on Sunday morning giving ABBA fans a chance to belt out a song or two over bottomless brunch and drinks.
While the tickets are more than some of the other options on this list, it's not bad for three hours of all you can sing, eat and drink. If you aren't shouting Gimme Gimme Gimme at the prospect of non-stop ABBA then you'll be happy to note there will be other 70s classics in there, too.
Dressing up for the occasion is, of course, encouraged by the team who run different themed bottomless brunches across the city. If ABBA isn't your thing then they will be holding N-Dubz and JLS versions later in the year. Tickets are available through the website.
