Looking for things to do in Buxton this weekend? We can give you some weekend inspiration! We pick out the best activities, what’s on, events and things to do in Buxton:
All weekend
Weekend Bazaar at Pavilion Gardens
The Bazaars offer a great variety of stalls. Stylish ladies fashions, accessories and bodycare. Lots of gifts for the home including artwork, wood crafts, candles and fragrances. Crafts, handcrafted textiles, soft toys and 3D greetings cards. Antiques. Foodie treats, fudge and olives. We are always happy to welcome new traders to the Bazaars; we are especially looking for new food traders. 4th & 5th May, 10am – 4.30pm. Free entry. More information: paviliongardens.co.uk/events/weekend-bazaar
Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Get ready to climb and zip your way round the Treetop Challenge, while soaking up the stunning views of Buxton town and the breath-taking Derbyshire countryside below. Home to one of our biggest Tarzan swing drops and is one of their highest courses ever! Find Pannjarve Bridge, a Net Bridge and a tricky Jungle Crossing at our Buxton location. Not forgetting the exhilarating high speed zips waiting to take you back to ground level. For those looking to tackle a fear of heights, Go Ape Buxton is the perfect add on of things to do in Buxton. Open all weekend, with time slots currently available all days. Adults from £36, 16-17 yrs from £36, 10-15 yrs £36. More information: goape.co.uk/locations/buxton
‘A Sense of Place’, Glass Art Exhibition at The Green Man Gallery
‘A Sense of Place’, Glass Art Exhibition at The Green Man Gallery opens this weekend, a guest exhibition featuring work by Katherine Stephenson. A collection of semi-abstract landscapes developed conceptually to convey the notion of a sense of place in the viewer’s mind. Created solely from glass layers, kiln fired multiple times; each unique landscape expresses the essence and spirit of location and offers a clear suggestion of a scene whilst allowing the viewer to form their own subjective interpretation of it. Most of the artworks are for sale and entry to the exhibition is free. On until 22nd May 2024.
GALLERY / EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS:
Tue & Weds 10.30am to 2pm, Fri, Sat & Sun – 10.30am to 4.30pm
Cycle the Monsal Trail with Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire
The Monsal trail is a disused railway line closed in 1968 and recently converted in 2010 – 2011 into a new traffic-free cycle track, allowing people to cycle from Blackwell Mill, Nr.Buxton to Bakewell. Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire is at the START of the eight and half mile trail which follows the river Wye, taking you through several newly opened lit tunnels, between steep gorges, surrounding limestone hills and across the spectacular Monsal Dale viaduct making this an exceptional cycling experience. Discover along the way the stepping stones and natural springs, lime-kilns and the old station at Millers Dale built in 1863 where the hustle and bustle of the past are but a distant memory. A lovely way to see the Peaks, you can also walk the trail too if you wish. Open all weekend 9.30am – 5pm. Cost: (One price all day) Adults £22, child under 5ft £15, Electric bike £35 (maximum weight 18 stone), Two seater child trailers £15, Single Seat Wee Hoo Trailer £15, Tag-a-longs £15, Baby seats £5, *Dog trailers no longer Available*. More information and booking: peakblackwellcyclehire.com
Buxton Crescent Experience tours – General & Premium Guided Tours
This unique visitor experience set across nine intimate rooms inside the iconic Buxton Crescent tells the stories of Buxton, The Grade I listed Crescent, Buxton’s famous water and the many people who came to seek its cure. One of the best things to do in Buxton this weekend if you’re looking to stay indoors and away from the cold! It offers a taste of the Buxton story, and provides an ideal starting point for anyone visiting or learning about the town. The highlight of the tour is the VR (visual reality) balloon ride as you’re taken on a journey back in time to Buxton in 1792 in a hot air balloon! There are time slots for tours available all weekend. General admission ticket price is £11.99 adults, young person (8-15yrs) £7.99 OR Premium Guided Tour is £15.95 adults, young person (8-15yrs) £11. More information and online bookings: buxtoncrescentexperience.com/buxton-crescent-experience
Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Beneath the earth with enthusiastic guides, explore the vast limestone caverns at Poole’s Cavern and see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Stroll through beautiful woodland trails to a panoramic Peak District hilltop viewpoint. Poole’s Cavern is open daily with tours throughout the day. All tours are with our guides on a 45-minute journey through the magnificent underground passages, rich in stalactite and stalagmite formations, legend and history. There are currently tours available all weekend. Adults £18.50, Senior £17 (60+), Student (With Valid ID Card) £14, Child £8, Children under 5 years (Ticket Required), FREE, Family 4 (2 Adults, 2 Child) £46. More information and bookings: poolescavern.co.uk/opening-pricing-and-faq
Friday 3rd May
Buxton Buzz Comedy Club at Pavilion Arts Centre
More stand-up from some new and not-so-new faces on the comedy club circuit. Headliner Steve Gribbin is a diminutive guitar-wielding satirist from Liverpool whose scabrous comedy songs and off the wall observations have made him one of the firm favourites of the comedy circuit. Steve’s original comedy songs combine razor sharp lyrics with tunes that put their foot in the door of your mind and refuse to leave. 3rd May, from 8pm. Tickets £9 in advance, £12 on the door. More information: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/buxton-buzz-comedy-club-may-2024
Live music: Scratch at the Queens Head
Live music with Scratch at the Queens Head Hotel – one of Buxton’s best live music venues. 3rd May, from 10pm. Free entry. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/queens-head-hotel-buxton
Saturday 4th May
Pavilion Gardens 5k Park Run
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event in the pretty Pavilion Gardens.Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! Taking place every Saturday at 9am. The run starts on Broad Walk. 4th May, from 9am. It’s free to join in.
Forest Bathing – an introductory session with Buxton Civic Association
Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku as it is known in Japan – where research began in the 1980’s – is increasing in popularity worldwide. This is mostly due to that fact that research has shown that it brings benefits to our health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.
This introductory session will guide you towards the practice of self-immersion within a woodland environment. Utilising your senses to create a deeper connection with nature and learning how to benefit from the physical and mental rewards contained within our woodlands. 4th May, 9.30am – 12.30pm. Tickets £25.00 + £2.80 booking fee. BCA members £20 + £2.38 booking fee. More information: eventbrite.co.uk/e/forest-bathing-an-introductory-session-tickets
Bands on the Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens
Peak District Music Centres Wind Band & Big Bands bring the wonderful sound of a traditional brass band, playing music from all eras. Take a deckchair and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of music! Free entry. 4th May 2024, 2pm – 4pm.
Hire an e-bike at Peak Ascent Cycles
Explore Buxton and the Peak District this weekend by E-bike! Available on a range of Raleigh bikes. Cost is £50 per day (9.30am – 4.30pm) or £30 for a half day. If you’re interested – call in to the shop or contact the team by phone or email (contact details below). The shop is open Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm, Sunday CLOSED. Find out more at peakascentcycles.co.uk/pages/hire
Bottomless Brunch at The Vault Café Bar
Served every Saturday at The Vault, enjoy the now famous Bottomless Brunch at The Vault. You have two hours so make it count – so enjoy! Sit back and relax whilst you indulge in their handcrafted cocktails and homemade food. You have the choice of one main dish and a variety of unlimited drinks! You have two hours so make it count – Enjoy! Click here to see the Bottomless Brunch menu. Every Saturday. More information: facebook.com/thevault
Craft, Quirky and Vintage Market – Regular Market
Great for any flea market lovers! An eclectic variety of stalls alongside Buxton’s regular traders of local produce, fruit and veg, clothing, fresh fish and more. 4th May, 9am – 3pm. More information: facebook.com/Buxtonmarket
Julian Clary: A Fistful of Clary at Buxton Opera House
Yee-haw! You’ve heard of The Man With No Name? Well, here’s The Man With No Shame. Julian Clary, renowned homosexual and national trinket, is fixing to saddle up and head on out for his 2024 UK tour. Now limited availability! 4th May, 7.30pm. Tickets £32.50. More information: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/julian-clary-fistful-of-clary
Live music: The Stand Ins at the Queens Head
Live music with The Stand Ins at the Queens Head Hotel – one of Buxton’s best live music venues. 4th May, from 10pm. Free entry. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/queens-head-hotel-buxton
Level 2 Nightclub
Enjoy the best dance music this Saturday night at Level 2 Nightclub, to keep you firmly on the dance floor all night! 4th May, from 9.30pm – 4am. Free B4 midnight and £5 entry after. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/level-2-nightclub-buxton
Sunday 5th May
Bands on the Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens
Poynton RBL Concert Band bring the wonderful sound of a traditional brass band, playing music from all eras. Take a deckchair and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of music! Free entry. 5th May 2024, 2pm – 4pm.
Titanic: The Musical at Buxton Cinema
Witness Titanic: The Musical on the big screen this May. Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic: The Musical is ‘breathtaking’ (the Guardian) and ‘magnificent’ (the Telegraph), a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the third-class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the second class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, whilst the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever. 5th May, 4pm. Tickets £7. More information and bookings:
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (12A) at Buxton Cinema
The Spengler family returns to where it all started, the iconic New York City firehouse, to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Showings on Sunday 5th May (7.30pm) and Monday 6th May 4pm. Tickets £7 (Students/Children: £5). More information and bookings: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/kung-fu-panda-pg
Live music: HardStuff at the Queens Head
Live music with HardStuff at the Queens Head Hotel – one of Buxton’s best live music venues. 5th May, from 10pm. Free entry. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/queens-head-hotel-buxton
Live music: Gangsters of Gout at The Ale Stop
Live music with local faves Gangsters of Gout at one of the smallest pubs (if not thee smallest!) pub in the High Peak. Enjoy a great selection of guest craft beers. 5th May, from 4pm. Free entry. More information: https://bit.ly/4cseNNh
Live music: Sunday Session at Beer & Bean with Jamie Thompson
Enjoy live music this Sunday with Jamie Thompson th at Beer & Bean from 2pm. From the opening notes to the final encore, the intimate space in Beer & Bean is the perfect place to spend your Sunday afternoon. They will be serving their usual speciality coffee, unique beers, cocktails, sharing boards & Belgian waffles! 5th May, 2pm – 5pm. Free entry. More information: beerandbean.co.uk/livemusic
Cheshire Cheese Quiz Night!
Join our Quiz, hosted by DJ Barry Jarvis, every Sunday at 8pm!
Round of drinks to the winning team! And pay to play our Play your Cards Right game after to win a cash prize! 5th May, 8pm. More information: https://fb.me/e/1weUuFeWv
Bank Holiday Monday 6th May
Buxton Spring Fair
Buxton Spring Fair is back! Both lower Buxton and the Market Place is filled with stalls, entertainment including street performers and characters, street food, children’s rides, circus skills and more. Buxton Spring Fair is a perfect day out for the family and it seems everywhere you walk there’s something to see. Monday 6th May 2023, 10am – 5pm. Free entry (charges for some activities). Email Jane – [email protected] for more information and bookings.
Buxton Comic Con at Pavilion Gardens
Buxton Comic Con is free entry family fun event with Characters, Cosplay, Meet & Greets, Photo Opportunities, Retro Gaming, Lego Displays, Stalls and more .6th May 10am – 4pm. Free entry. More information:
Buxton Raceway: Thrills in the Hills!
Thrills in the hills this Bank Holiday weekend! The Raceway has great viewing all around (a big under cover grandstand too!), licensed bar, food outlets and other great facilities. Trackside parking is available (first come first served for an additional fee, pay at gate).
Large free on site parking and free raised seating. 6th May from 12.30pm.
Gate price: Adult £22, Child 10-15 £10, Concession £20 / tickets purchased online are slightly cheaper. More information and online bookings: buxtonraceway.com
Bands on the Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens
Arnfield Brass Band bring the wonderful sound of a traditional brass band, playing music from all eras. Take a deckchair and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of music! Free entry. 6th May 2024, 2pm – 4pm.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (12A) at Buxton Cinema
The Spengler family returns to where it all started, the iconic New York City firehouse, to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Showings on Sunday 5th May (7.30pm) and Monday 6th May 4pm. Tickets £7 (Students/Children: £5). More information and bookings: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/kung-fu-panda-pg
Live music: Sweetchin Music at the Queens Head
Live music with local faves Sweetchin Music at the Queens Head Hotel – one of Buxton’s best live music venues. 6th May, from 10pm. Free entry. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/queens-head-hotel-buxton
If you enjoyed our round-up of things to do in Buxton this weekend, check our our best things to do in Buxton, all-year-round, including the best visitor attractions, exhibitions, galleries, tours and more: explorebuxton.co.uk/things-to-do-in-buxton/
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