New season of events at Derby Market Hall with Oktoberfest, Halloween, Derby Festé and more!
Fri 5 Sep 2025
Get ready for an incredible lineup of free events at the Derby Market Hall! The latest programme includes an exciting Oktoberfest celebration, spooktacular Halloween fun, and the launch of a new monthly student night.
The historic, Grade II-listed venue will also be a part of the much-loved Derby Festé and Derby Book Festival, making it a key destination for cultural events.
The iconic Market Hall reopened in May after a £35.1 million restoration, creating a vibrant hub that brings together the region's best independent shops, eateries, bars, and entertainment all under one beautiful roof. The latest events will give visitors even more reasons to explore the venue and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Here are the highlights:
Get ready for a day of Bavarian fun with the action-packed Osnabrück Oktoberfest on Saturday 20 September. The Market Hall will be transformed into a vibrant German festival with live music, authentic food, and entertainment for everyone – and entry is free! With a fantastic line-up of music in Das Bavarian Village, a family-friendly zone in Der Kindergarten and themed food and drink from our amazing traders, there will be something for everyone.
As we welcome back Derby Festé on Saturday 27 September, the Market Hall burst into life with a full-on sensory adventure. There will be events throughout the afternoon, including a Dance Collective from Hubbub Theatre Company, a slinkie walkabout with Bedlam Oz: Big Mob and The Carnival of Animals from The Fabularium. The fun continues into the evening with Soul Sunset, part of the Derby Festé Fringe. Derby’s own DJ Jack Stevenson will be spinning the sounds of Northern Soul and Motown.
On October 2, the Market Hall’s first monthly Student Night will take place. Expect a different theme each month (think Halloween, or 90s throwbacks!), live music and DJs, plus exclusive student discounts. Keep your eye out for new surprises, from fun games to unique entertainment. Entry is free and the event is open to college, sixth form, apprenticeship and university students.
If you’re a Swiftie, don’t miss Rosie Nock’s live Taylor Swift Tribute on Friday 17 October. With stunning costumes, heartfelt storytelling, and powerful live vocals, Rosie captures the magic and emotion of every Taylor era. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or discovering her music for the first time, this show promises a night of joy, nostalgia, and sing-along anthems you’ll never forget.
Things will be getting spooky for Halloween with a gothic market and a special music show. Derby Market Hall will be transformed into a frightfully fun party spot as Lizzie Robins and Clare Andress take to the Market Stage on Friday 31 October for a spooky pop show like no other. The historic hall will be filled with hauntingly good music, dazzling costumes, and a playful Halloween twist that makes it the perfect event for all ages. Meanwhile, a selection of local creators will showcase their unusual and magical offerings during the Gothic Market. It’s going to be a Halloween to remember!
As part of Derby Book Festival, the Market Hall will host an Autumn Book and Craft Market on Saturday 7 November. In the run-up to Christmas, the market will showcase a host of regional makers, illustrators and creatives selling book-related crafts. There will also be a selection of drop-in workshops and activities in the Ordish Room, all for free.
As well as all these amazing events, don’t forget you can enjoy a wide variety of live acts, regular quiz nights, karaoke sessions, and monthly open mic nights, plus workshops for all ages. To view the full programme, which is updated regularly, visit the Derby Market Hall website.
Our traders always have great food and drink on offer, plus a selection of independent traders and pop-up stalls. Derby Market Hall is preparing to welcome an exciting new wave of traders – details will be announced soon.