We look forward to six of the best family-friendly festivals coming up across our county.
Get amongst nature during National Walking Month Photo: Getty National Forest Walking Festival
May 16-26
Did you know that May is officially National Walking Month? It also happens to be a fantastic time of year to enjoy our wonderful National Forest, a lot of which can be found within Derbyshire’s borders.
From the drama of spring blossom, the heady scent of bluebells carpeting ancient woods, and the chance to see wildlife in abundance are all wonderful for the mind and soul.
Now in its 16th year, the annual National Forest Walking Festival takes place over ten days and offers a variety of trails and experiences for all walking levels and abilities.
Download a 2025 brochure and learn about this year’s programme and routes.
nationalforest.org
May 30 – June 1
Following its success last year, Chatsworth’s family festival in the garden returns for a second year at the end of this month, offering a host of entertainment and activities designed to entertain every family member.
With the festival bringing to a close a week of fun-filled half-term activities across Chatsworth, it’s the perfect way to round off the week before the children head back to school.
What’s more, entry is included with all ‘house and garden’ and ‘garden’ tickets.
All activities are free, with spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. On arrival at the garden, head to the booking marquee to reserve your place.
chatsworth.org
June 21 – July 6
For 17 consecutive days, in each of the past 22 years (except for 2020), the Ashbourne Festival has been entertaining local residents and visitors to the town – attracting big names from the world of art, science, literature, music, drama and comedy.
A highlight of the opening weekend is the StreetFest extravaganza. Over two days, entertainers from all over the world challenge themselves – and members of their audiences – to perform death defying feats and incredibly silly stunts in our streets.
Among others, this year the festival welcomes the legendary Jenny Eclair, award-winning comedian, bestselling author, and all-round icon.
ashbournefestival.org
July 13, 10am-5pm
Enjoy a packed family day out (ages 15 and under are free) showcasing some of the best of the Peak District.
Families can fill the day with animal encounters, craft sessions, music workshops, forest school fun and fairground rides before perusing an array of local street food vendors for refreshments… or bring a picnic and pull up a straw bale.
There’s a packed day-long programme in the Showground’s centre ring, while all ages can step back in time at the festival’s medieval encampment.
Other attractions include bushcraft and survival skills; talks stage, live music and culinary theatre; Conservation Corner; local makers, artists and producers and much more.
bakewellahs.co.uk
July 26-27, 10am-4pm
Always a popular date in the calendar, enjoy a free weekend of fun for all the family in Chesterfield which includes music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops.
The two-day event, which is funded by Arts Council England, celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination, and play and takes place in Queen’s Park, bringing colour and excitement to Chesterfield during the summer holidays.
The arts and culture festival will have several family-friendly acts and activities taking place over the weekend, so get ready to have some fun.
Music and live theatre will also take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend.
junctionarts.org
September 6-7, 10am-4pm.
A free and popular festival that brings outdoor theatre, music, dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls and activities to the banks of the lovely Chesterfield Canal.
The event is organised by Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council, with the aim of bringing families and friends together to enjoy the outdoors, promoting better health and wellbeing and all activities are free.
During the weekend, the lovely Chesterfield Canal comes alive with inspiring outdoor theatre, music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls, ‘have a go’ canoes, boat rides and much more to be enjoyed.
The perfect way to round off the summer holidays with the children.
junctionarts.org
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