Event organisers in Derbyshire are making the most of the last days of summer by rolling out themed weekends, shows and galas.
Here are 10 attractions to consider when planning how to keep all ages entertained during the final weekend of August 2026.
If you’re travelling from outside the county and fancy staying over, you can check out what self-catering accommodation is available through Sykes Cottages or hotel rooms through lastminute.com
Why not let the train take the stain? Check out times and prices by visiting the trainline website.
Happy bank holiday weekend everyone!
1. Matlock
See some of the nation's strongest men and women compete in tests of strength at the tenth Peak District Highland Games, taking place at Matlock Farm Park on Sunday, August 30. The park will be open from 9am to 5.30pm for visitors to meets its furry and feathered residents. Admission £20 (adult), £18.50 (senior/student), £17.50 (child, 2-16 years), under 2s free when accompanied by full paying adult. Book at https://matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/70576 Photo: Nick Rhodes
2. Holymoorside
Holymoorside Gala is back on August 30 after nearly 30 years. Aattractions on the recreation ground will include a dog show, terrier and lurcher racing, a falconry display, and a motorbike stunt show by Dangerous Steve. Hundreds of floating yellow ducks will be competing for cash prizes in a duck race along the river, organised by Scouts (generic photo: Adobe Stock) Photo: Nonthakorn - stock.adobe.com
3. Chesterfield
Brian Blessed, who played Prince Vultan in the hit film, Flash Gordon, and has acted and voiced a number of characters across franchises, including Star Wars, will visit CRIT - Chesterfield on bank holiday Monday, August 31 to celebrate the shop's first anniversary. Annette Badland (Ted Lasso, Doctor Who, Eastenders, Midsomer Murders) will be special guest at the shop on Sunday, August 30. There's an adults and kids' cosplay competition with prizes of £250 store credit for the adult winner and £150 store credit for the child winner. Free goodie bags for children while stocks last and free face-painting. The shop is giving away a new Nintendo Switch 2 Pokopia Edition, with the winner chosen from customers who buy anything in store until Monday, August 31 at 5pm (photo: Getty Images) Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
4. Cromford
Cromford Mills Adventure Weekend offers kayaking, bushcraft, climbing and more, giving families the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun outdoors.The adventure weekend runs until August 31, from 10am until 4pm (generic photo: Adobe Stock) Photo: Adobe Stock