Things to do and What’s On in Buxton This Weekend: 13th – 15th September

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:

Looking for Afternoon Tea in Buxton and the Peak District? Check out our ultimate guide to 24 places we’ve picked as our current favourites, updated for 2024.

All weekend

Artists and Designer Fair at Pavilion Gardens

Over 35 exhibitors’ showcasing the very best of art, furniture, ceramics, silverware, glassware, jewellery, textiles, photography and other designer-led products from across the region and beyond. All of the exhibitors’ design and make their own products and many of them are able to offer personalised bespoke commissions. 14th & 15th September, 10am – 4.30pm each day. Free entry. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/pavilion-gardens-buxton-whats-on-2023/

A new exhibition now open. upstairs in the Art Cafe at Pavilion Gardens, ‘Birds of a Feather Part 2’. A return of the acclaimed exhibition by Jill Kerr and Tracey Coverley including new work by this talented pair. Runs to 1st October 2025. Open all weekend 9.30am – 5pm. Free entry, all works for sale.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Get ready to climb and zip your way round Go Ape 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

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. Sparkling guided tour £17.50. 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 guided tours available all weekend.

Guided tours: Adults £18.50, Senior £17 (60+), Student (With Valid ID Card) £14, Child £8, Children under 5 years (Ticket Required), FREE, Family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Child) £46.

More information and bookings: poolescavern.co.uk/opening-pricing-and-faq

Friday 13th September

Heritage Open Day: Back Stage Tour at Buxton Opera House

Part of Heritage Open Days, take a look behind the scenes at one of the few remaining Frank Matcham theatres this September and explore the rich history of the theatre in the hills. 13th September, various session times throughout the day. Free. More information: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/open-day-tour

Bonkers Bingo (Musicals) at The Vault

Welcome to the greatest show Bonkers Bingo: Musicals Edition! 🎭✨ Get ready for a night of crazy fun and non-stop musical madness at The Vault. Journey through your favourite musicals hits. Sing your heart out to The Greatest Showman, Lion King, Hairspray and many more hit musicals! Dance along to iconic show tunes, and feel the rhythm take over as we bring the magic of musicals to life! 13th September, 7.30pm – 10.30pm. Tickets £12. Bookings go to: eventbrite.co.uk/e/musicals-bonkers-bingo-tickets

Live music: Beer & Bean House Band

Enjoy live music this Friday from the Beer & Bean house band, from 9pm. 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! 13th September, from 9pm. Free entry. More information: beerandbean.co.uk/livemusic

Live Music: WonderWhys at the Queens Head

Live music with WonderWhys at one of Buxton’s best live music venues The Queens Head. Get there early to secure to spot! 13th September, from 9pm till late. Free entry. For more information on gig listings at the Queens Head click here.

Saturday 14th September

Pavilion Gardens 5k Parkrun

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! Taking place every Saturday at 9am. The run starts on Broad Walk. 14th September from 9am. It’s free to join in. More information: parkrun.org.uk/paviliongardens

Buxton Market – Regular Market

Buxton’s regular market this Saturday with their usual traders of local produce, fruit and veg, clothing, fresh fish and more. 14th September 2024, 9am – 3pm. More information: facebook.com/Buxtonmarket

Roller Energy Roller Disco at Buxton Community School

Roller skate your way into the weekend with Roller Energy! Roller disco’s are a high energy combination of roller skating, thumping beats and awesome lighting shows. Every session has a dedicated beginners area where you can safely learn the basics of roller skating from our experienced instructors. Once you have gained confidence you will be able to join the main section of the rink, where the fun really starts! 14th September, 2pm – 3.30pm. Session entry prices £6.50 per person plus £2 for skate hire if required (unless you are bringing your own skates), Toddler skate entry £5 entry £2 skate hire, Family deals – 10% off entry price for families of 3, 4 & 5. Spectators are free of charge. More information on Roller Energy click here.

Film: Harold and the Purple Crayon (PG)

Inside of his book, adventurous Harold can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book’s pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life. Run time – 89 mins. 14th September, 4.30pm. Tickets £7. More information: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/harold-and-the-purple-crayon-pg

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

Live Music: The Aups at the Queens Head

Live music with local faves The Aups at one of Buxton’s best live music venues The Queens Head. Get there early to secure to spot! 14th September, from 9pm till late. Free entry. For more information on gig listings at the Queens Head click here.

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! 14th September, from 9.30pm – 4am. Free B4 midnight and £5 entry after. More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/level-2-nightclub-buxton

Sunday 15th September

Buxton Book Fair: Hosted by Book Folk

Head over to St. Anne’s Parish Centre (behind St. Anne’s R.C. Church on Terrace Road, Buxton), and grab yourself a rare find or bargain. 15th September, 10am until 4pm. Free entry, free on street parking, and easy disabled access. Phone Book Folk on 01298 211683, or visit Book Folk, at their used bookshop at Scarsdale Place, Buxton for more information.

Buxton’s Heritage Wheels with Buxton Heritage Crescent Trust

As part of the Heritage Open Days historical, enjoy discovery and creative fun. The Assembly Rooms in the Crescent will open their doors free of charge. This event will feature the Friends of Buxton Station (FoBS) and embrace the theme of ‘routes, networks & connections’ including creative crafting, historical character encounter. 15th September, 10am – 4pm. Free, no booking required. More information: buxtoncrescentexperience.com/tour/buxtons-heritage-wheels/

Live music: Sunday Session at Beer & Bean with Isaac Neilson

Enjoy live music this Sunday 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! 15th September, 2pm – 5pm. Free entry. More information: beerandbean.co.uk/livemusic

Dire Streets at Buxton Opera House

Dire Streets bring to life the classic songs of one of the world’s greatest guitar bands with a level of musicianship and attention to detail, making them the stand out Dire Straits tribute in the UK. 15th September, 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50. More information: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/dire-streets-1

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! 15th September, from 8.30pm.

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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/