Things to do in Derby this week including: a dog show, live jazz, and a wedding fair you didn’t know you needed

TOGETHER WITH

Morning Derby! This week’s got dogs, music, laughter, and possibly your next big life decision at a wedding fair. Whether you're in it for the food, the fun, or just a solid excuse to escape the house, there’s something worth dragging yourself out for.

In today’s Local Scoop:

• Family Fun Day & Dog Show – Cute dogs, fun games, and the perfect chance to claim your pet is “the best one here.”

• International Women’s Day Derby Festival – Music, talks, and an all-around celebration of brilliant women.

• A week packed with action – Jazz, track nights, craft sessions, comedy, yoga, and even a baby market (for those who actually like shopping for tiny socks).

📅 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

🐶 - Family Fun Day & Dog Show
📍 - The Farmhouse at Mackworth, Ashbourne Road
📅 - Sunday 9th March
⏰ - 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ - Free Entry (Dog show classes: £2 per entry)
📷 - @thefarmhouseatmackworth

Got a four-legged champion? Or just fancy a fun day out with good food, drinks, and adorable dogs? The Farmhouse at Mackworth is hosting a family fun day and dog show, all in support of charity. Expect craft stalls, gift stands, and ten different dog show categories, from “Best in Show” to “Waggiest Tail” (because let’s be honest, that’s the real MVP award).

Winners get rosettes and prize bags, sponsored by Raw for Paws, so get those pooches looking their best! 🐕💨

MONDAY

🎭 - Introduction to Arts Therapy Session
📍- Derbion
⏰ - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - More Info

TUESDAY

❓ - Quiz Night
📍- Great Northern Classics
⏰ - 7:00 PM - More Info

😂 - Free Comedy Night
📍- The Royal Standard
⏰ - 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM - More Info

WEDNESDAY

🎨 - Creative Makers
📍- Derby Museum
⏰ - 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - More Info

🧶 - Craft & Chat
📍- Alvaston Church
⏰ - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - More Info

FRIDAY

🏃‍♂️ - Derby Track Night
📍- Derby Arena
⏰ - 7:00 PM - More Info

🎤 - Feminist Friday with Live Performances
📍- West Indian Community Association
⏰ - 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM - More Info

🎷 - Derby Jazz Jonathan Gee's Anglo Italian Quintet
📍- Derby Museum
⏰ - 8:00 PM - More Info

SATURDAY

🔥 - Findern Fused Glass Workshop
📍- Findern Village Hall
⏰ - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - More Info

🧘 - Yoga For The Nervous System
📍- Aston-on-Trent
⏰ - 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM - More Info

🧘‍♀️ - Yin Workshop
📍- Hotpod Yoga
⏰ - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM - More Info

🎻 - Symphonic Entente with the DCO
📍- Derby Cathedral
⏰ - 7:00 PM - More Info

🎸 - A Night with the Wildflowers
📍- The Bulls Head Breaston
⏰ - 7:30 PM - More Info

SUNDAY

🚗 - Takona X
📍- Great Northern Classics
⏰ - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - More Info

💍 - The Wedding Village
📍- Darley Abbey Mills
⏰ - 10:00 AM - More Info

👶 - Mega Baby and Children’s Market
📍- Derby Leisure & Events Venue Fitness Centre
⏰ - 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - More Info

👟💬 - SPONSORED BY ALLEGR FOUNDATION

👟💬 - Walk, Talk, and Unwind – A Stroll for the Soul!
📍- Alvaston Library
📅 - Every Thursday
⏰ - 5:30 PM
📷 - @_allegr

In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with others and even ourselves. But Walk+Talk is here to change that! Every Thursday evening, the Alvaston community gathers for a 30-minute group walk. Whether you're looking for a space to share or prefer to just listen, Walk+Talk provides an inclusive, relaxed environment where all ages, abilities, pets, and prams are welcome.

This initiative is about more than just stretching your legs, it’s about building connections and supporting mental and physical well-being. The simple act of walking and chatting can go a long way in fostering a sense of purpose and community. Plus, it’s completely free and a great way to meet new friends whilst getting some fresh air.

Come along for a stroll, bring a friend or make new ones. You never know, it might be just the refreshing boost you need!

*The above is sponsored content. Click here if you’d like to advertise to 5,000+ Derby locals.

🍔 SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

🍺 - Spirit Vaults – If You Leave Hungry, That’s On You
📍- 53 Church Street, Melbourne, DE73 8EJ
⏰ - Mon–Thur: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
⏰ - Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
⏰ - Sun: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
📷 - @the.spiritvaults

Some places serve beer. Spirit Vaults brews it. Smooth, bold, and crafted on-site—the kind of pint that makes you scoff at the mass-produced stuff. The food? Big, bold, and built for those who love to eat.

• The Brewery Board – A spread of scotch egg, sausage roll, ale-glazed chorizo, and homemade scratchings. A meal disguised as a starter.

• Braised Blade of Beef – Falls apart at the touch, drenched in rich, glossy gravy.

• Spirit Vaults Burger – Double patties, Swiss cheese, bacon & ale jam. A beast of a burger.

Come for the beer, stay for the food, leave already planning your next visit.

🍽️ - The Malt – Where Every Bite Hits the Spot
📍 - Aston on Trent
⏰ - Mon–Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📷 - @themaltataston

The Malt isn’t just a pub, it’s a flavour factory. From beef cooked pink to crispy Koffmann skin chips, they don’t do bland, boring, or anything less than damn delicious.

• Ramsley Farm’s Pie – Buttery mash, fat chips, rich gravy. Comfort food perfection.

• 8oz Aged Rump – Cooked just right, served with crispy chips, onion ring, and garlic mushrooms.

• Beer-Battered Cod – Golden, crunchy, and served with homemade tartare & lemon.

• Donburi Bowls – Choose your protein, two sides, and a punchy dressing. Big flavours, no regrets.

• Mini Cod Fillets – Two for £15. Because one is never enough.

Order big. Leave satisfied.

🎭 ACTIVITY ALLEY

💜 - International Women’s Day Derby Festival
📍 - Museum of Making
📅 - Saturday 8th March
⏰ - 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ - FREE (Donations welcome)
📷 - @WomensDayDerby

Derby’s biggest volunteer-powered women’s rights event is back, and it’s not messing about. Expect powerful speakers, live performances, eye-opening films and a deep dive into women’s causes.

You’ll meet women who are smashing stereotypes in rugby, firefighting, politics, science, and business, real-life trailblazers proving there’s no such thing as a "man’s job."

There’s also a March for Women’s Liberation at 12 PM from The Spot Rings, leading straight to the festival. Bring a banner. Bring your voice. Bring the energy.

💜 - Let’s Celebrate Deaf Women’s Day Event
📍 - Reach, Riverside Court, Pride Park
📅 - Saturday 8th March
⏰ - 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🎟️ - FREE (Registration required)
📷 - @DeafinitelyWomen

This is more than just a gathering, it’s a celebration of women coming together for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and community.

Expect incredible speakers, including Yvonne Cobb (BBC & ITV presenter) and Paula Garfield MBE plus creative stalls, a Women’s Health Hub, and top organisations offering support and insight.

Oh, and did we mention the free buffet lunch? 🍽️ Plus, unlimited tea and coffee to keep you fuelled. ☕

BSL interpreters and captions available, because accessibility matters.

🌟 FRESH EXPERIENCES

🌿 - British Science Week
📍 - Derby Museum & Art Gallery
📅 - Saturday 8th March
⏰ - 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
🎟️ - FREE (Pay what you feel)
📷 - @derbymuseums

Forget boring science lectures. This is hands-on, brain-boosting survival mode for nature lovers.

Inspired by the Notice Nature Gallery, you’ll dive deep into colour, camouflage, and habitat-building. Ever wondered why some creatures blend in while others scream “don’t eat me”? You’ll learn it here, then put your new skills to the test.

It’s part science, part art, part engineering… and 100% fun for all ages. Bring the kids, unleash their creativity, and watch them build, blend, and think like nature does.

📚 - Derby Book Festival
📍 - The Roundhouse, Derby College
📅 - Saturday 8th March
⏰ - 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ - FREE (Donations welcome)
📷 - @derby_book_festival

Love books? This is your playground. Hate books? This might just convert you.

It’s a mini family festival in a day, packed with live performances, poetry, illustration workshops, and meet-the-author sessions. Bring your old books to swap for new ones, dress up as your favourite character, and grab a free book with your National Book Token.

Think of it as a literary treasure hunt mixed with a creative playground—except there’s no school and you can leave with more books than you came with.

🎶 LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday

• Irish Session - The Victoria Inn - 7:30 PM

Friday

• All Folk's Up - O'Dwyers Bar - 6:00 PM

• Billobuckers - The Victoria Inn - 7:30 PM

• Sanctum Sanctorium - Hairy Dog - 8:00 PM

• Basket Face - White Horse Derby - 8:00 PM

• Just Radiohead - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM

• Parasite Eve Club Night - Hairy Dog - 11:00 PM

Saturday

• Lancashire Hotspots Live - Hairy Dog - 7:30 PM

• Rock It - Needles Pub - 8:45 PM

• UB40 - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM

• Midnight Shift - White Horse Derby - 9:00 PM

• Live Music - Spondon Liberal Club - 9:00 PM

Sunday

• Talisman - The Smithfield - 4:00 PM

☁️ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday
13°C 🌡️ 8°C | Overcast.

Saturday
14°C 🌡️ 6°C | Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime.

Sunday
11°C 🌡️ 6°C | Cloudy.
Temperature readings taken from the Met Office the night before publication

THANKS!

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The Local Scoop Derby

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