Nottingham Festivals 2026: The Best Hotels to Stay Near Festival Venues

Summer in Nottingham is something truly special: the city comes alive with a festival spirit, as music, food, history and culture flow through the historic streets and our lush green parks. Whether you’re planning a family break, a getaway with friends, or a romantic weekend, there’s a Nottingham festival calling your name.

Here’s our pick of the top local festivals to attend in 2026, and why Nottingham Venues has the perfect selection of hotels near Nottingham for you to stay during your time here.

Festivals for the music lovers

Splendour Festival

Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
When: 18th–19th July 2026

Get ready for another unforgettable weekend at Splendour Festival, Nottinghamshire’s biggest music celebration set in the stunning grounds of Wollaton Park. Expect two days of genre-spanning music across multiple stages, comedy acts, a funfair, silent disco takeover, independent market stalls, gourmet food and drink, and a dedicated kids’ area, all creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of summer.

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Download Festival

Where: Donington Park
When: 10th – 14th June 2026

Known for its legendary line-ups, electrifying atmosphere and unforgettable moments, Download Festival is a must for rock and metal fans. Taking place just outside Nottingham, Download draws thousands each year, so it’s never too early to start planning. Our hotels near Nottingham are just a short drive from the festival site, offering a comfortable base to recharge after an epic day of music, and the tram runs from Beeston to Nottingham city centre, making onward travel simple.

Boho Festival

Where: A farmhouse in South Nottinghamshire
When: 24th–26th July 2026

Blending tribute bands, local talent and laid-back vibes, Boho Festival offers a more intimate, community feel. Expect music, food and plenty of family-friendly fun. Our hotels near Wollaton Park Nottingham are located a short drive from the festival, making them the perfect affordable and comfortable place to stay.

Summer in Nashville

Where: Wollaton Hall
When: Sunday 31st May 2026

The UK’s biggest touring country festival arrives at Wollaton Hall for a day of pure country spirit. With live music across multiple stages, line dancing, a rodeo bull, axe throwing, silent disco, festival market stalls and country fair games, it’s an all-American experience in the heart of Nottingham. Our hotels near Wollaton Hall Nottingham are perfectly placed for country fans looking to make a weekend of it.

Love the 90s Festival

Where: Wollaton Hall
When: Saturday 2nd May 2026

The UK’s largest celebration of 90s music and culture takes over Wollaton Hall for an all-day extravaganza. This year’s lineup is headlined by Boyzlife, Eternal, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton and DJ Sammy, plus a dedicated R&B Mania Arena paying tribute to the golden age of 90s and 00s R&B. With fire eaters, stilt walkers, roaming entertainers, 90s-inspired cocktails and immersive nostalgia zones, it’s a festival that transports you straight back to the decade that defined a generation.

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore

Where: Wollaton Hall
When: Friday 29th May 2026

Experience classic dance anthems reimagined by a 26-piece orchestra with incredible vocalists and a DJ. The Ibiza Orchestra performs tracks made iconic by Ibiza’s legendary clubs – think Rudimental, Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, Prodigy and Shapeshifters – alongside performances from special guest DJs and artists. This 18+ event brings the energy of the White Isle to Nottingham. Our hotels near the East Midlands Conference Centre are just minutes from Wollaton Park.

Groovebox in the Park

Where: Wollaton Hall
When: Saturday 3rd May 2026 (May Bank Holiday)

This May Bank Holiday, Groovebox heads to Wollaton Hall with headliners Armand Van Helden and Hot Since 82 for an epic day rave in the park. One of the UK’s leading electronic music brands brings world-class house music to the historic grounds – the perfect way to kick off festival season. This is an 18+ event

Festivals for the foodies

Festival of Food and Drink 

Where: Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire
When: 19th–20th September 2026

Celebrity chefs, artisan stalls, live music, tasty street food and cookery demos and classes – what more could you ask for? The Festival of Food & Drink serves up a delicious feast for all the senses, bringing together award-winning producers and gourmet treats in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re craving new flavours or hands-on workshops, this vibrant event is the perfect celebration of everything food and drink lovers adore.

Nottingham Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival

Where: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham
When: 2026 dates TBA

Celebrate Nottingham’s brewing heritage at the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, taking place at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Enjoy over 600 beers, 100 ciders and perries, live music and a lively festival atmosphere, all just moments from our Nottingham hotels. The perfect place to stay after a day of tastings and entertainment.

Rum & Reggae Fest

Where: Colwick Park
When: 27th June 2026

The ultimate island experience comes to Nottingham with two stages of pure reggae and jungle sounds. Expect live acts, carnival performers, steel drums, street food, rum cocktails and a lively Caribbean atmosphere. With huge headliners and incredible production, Rum & Reggae Fest brings sunshine vibes to Colwick Park.

Festivals for families

Beeston Music Festival

Where: Beeston Football club, Nottingham
When: 2026 dates TBA

Beeston Music Festival is the ultimate family day out, packed with top tribute acts like Taylor Swift, Queen, and ABBA, plus bouncy castles, street food, bars and non-stop entertainment, hosting fun for all ages in one unforgettable day. Even better, our hotels are conveniently just a short drive away in neighbouring Beeston.

Sausage and Cider Festival

Where: Wollaton Hall
When: Saturday 30th May 2026

The UK’s only touring Sausage and Cider Festival visits Wollaton Hall for a memorable day of sausage varieties and cider flavours from around the world. Groove to live music and DJs, brave the eating competition (or stitch up a friend!), enjoy the silent disco and festival fun. It’s quirky, delicious, and unlike anything else on the festival circuit.

The National Rabbit Festival

Where: East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham
When: 2026 dates TBA

The UK’s first ethical rescue-based event to celebrate rabbits, this festival is an annual day of rabbit-safe shopping, educational talks, and fun activities for all ages. Come together as rabbit guardians, rescues and lovers to educate, advocate and celebrate rabbits as a species and companion animal. Our hotels are located near the East Midlands Conference Centre – in fact, The Orchard Hotel sits directly opposite – making it perfect for families looking for an affordable and comfortable stay.

Nottingham Green Festival

Where: Nottingham Arboretum
When: Sunday 13th September 2026

Eco-friendly and community-driven, this festival offers workshops, stalls and performances celebrating sustainable living. The Nottingham Arboretum is just a 9-minute drive or 45-minute walk from our hotels, and you can easily reach it via public transport links from Beeston into the city centre.

Goose Fair

Where: Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
When: 2026 dates TBA

Step into centuries of tradition at Nottingham’s famous Goose Fair, returning to the Forest Recreation Ground for ten days of family fun. With over 350 rides, stalls and attractions, this iconic fair blends historic charm with modern thrills, making it one of Europe’s largest and most loved travelling funfairs – all easily accessible from our Nottingham hotels via the tram.

Why choose our hotels near Nottingham this summer?

When festival season arrives, location, comfort and convenience make all the difference. Nottingham Venues offers the ideal base, set within 330 acres of the University of Nottingham’s parkland in Beeston. Whether you’re attending a music, food or cultural festival, The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant and The Jubilee Hotel and Conferences offer a peaceful retreat close to the action.

• Prime location, just a 12-minute drive or 40-minute walk to Wollaton Park, home of Splendour Festival
• Only 9 minutes by car or a 40-minute walk to Nottingham Castle
• Nottingham Arboretum is also nearby, just a 9-minute drive or a 45-minute walk
• Convenient tram and bus links to Nottingham city centre and key event venues
• Modern, comfortable rooms surrounded by green, tranquil surroundings
• Free on-site parking for all guests, including electric vehicle charging facilities
• Complimentary access to University gym facilities during your stay
• On-site dining at Bramleys Restaurant, serving freshly prepared meals and expertly made cocktails – and you can get a discount when travelling via tram!
• The Orchard Hotel is located directly opposite the East Midlands Conference Centre

With the perfect blend of quiet comfort and easy access to Nottingham’s top festivals, Nottingham Venues is the smart choice for couples, families and friends planning a memorable stay. Whether you’re dancing in Wollaton Park or sipping cider at the Castle, make our hotels in Nottingham your home base with easy access to the summer’s best events.

Book your summer stay now and make the most of Nottingham’s unforgettable festival season with us.

FAQs

Q: How far in advance should I book a hotel for Nottingham festivals?

A: It’s best to book as early as possible, ideally as soon as festival dates are announced, to secure your preferred hotel and room type.

Q: Are your hotels family-friendly?

A: Yes, both The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant and The Jubilee Hotel and Conferences cater to families with spacious rooms, on-site dining and easy access to family-friendly festivals.

Q: Do you offer parking at your hotels?

A: Yes, free on-site parking is available for all guests, including electric vehicle charging facilities.

Q: Can I reach festival sites via public transport?

A: Absolutely. Our hotels have convenient tram and bus links to Nottingham city centre and major event venues. Many festivals are accessible by tram or bus from Beeston. You can also get discounts in our Bramleys Restaurant when travelling via tram!

Q: Are pets allowed in your hotels?

A: Please contact the hotel directly to confirm pet policies, as this can vary by room and hotel.

Q: Is breakfast included with the stay?

A: On-site dining at Bramleys Restaurant is available with a range of freshly prepared meals, and breakfast options can be added to your booking.

Q: Do you offer festival packages or deals?

A: Yes, we often have special offers and packages during festival season. Check our website or contact the hotel directly for the latest deals.