10 family-friendly events in Chesterfield

By Mollie Brown - 8 December 2023

Looking for family-friendly events in Chesterfield and the Peak District? There are already plenty of fun events to add to your 2024 calendar.

Fill up the whole family with delicious food and drink. Listen to live music and dance along. Plan a day out at our beautiful parks alongside popular entertainment or sports. Or take on a challenge.

How will you make memories with little ones, big ones and even your furry friends? Read on for just 10 of the family-friendly events to look out for in 2024.

1. Indulge in delicious food and drink at Chesterfield Peddler Market

Imagine relaxing with the kids at Market Square on a beautiful spring day this March. Everyone enjoying woodfired pizzas and burgers and luxury brownies and ice-cream, washed down with a craft beer for you. Our most searched-for event since its launch only last year, the Chesterfield Peddler Market had to make our list of family-friendly events.

If you didn’t know, Peddler Events operates an extremely successful street food market from its base in Kelham Island in Sheffield. Over the last nine years, it has become known for delivering award-winning cuisine, craft drinks, live music, bespoke products, art, and excellent entertainment.

Make sure to attend this event in March and look out for more dates being announced later in 2024.

Looking for other markets to explore? You will find speciality markets to suit all interests.

2. Take on a challenge or cheer on the runners at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

Families can participate in the family-friendly 1k Fun Run set within the grounds of Queen’s Park. Perfect for all family members, even the dog! Even if running isn’t for you, go along to enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere while cheering on participants at dedicated cheering stations.

Up for a challenge? Why not train for the full 10k? The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is centred in Chesterfield town centre, taking in major landmarks such as the famous Crooked Spire. Make sure to book your place ahead of race day.

3. Explore the beautiful market town of Chesterfield by foot

Did you know Chesterfield has a dedicated Walking Festival? Enjoy family time in the fresh air whilst taking in the local history, wildlife and countryside.

The littles ones can join you for a steady stroll through our award-winning parkland. For the more adventurous family members and bigger kids, you could take on the impressive 34-mile round walk.

Keep an eye out for walk announcements. Mark your calendars as bookings open in March 2024!

4. Cheer on your favourite celebrities at the SMH Group Stadium

This is one not to be missed. A host of TV personalities will play in a soccer match in May to raise funds for Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The line-up includes Dan Osbourne, Jake Wood, Callum Best, Cal the Dragon, Tom Zanetti and more. Make sure to book your tickets before they run out.

5. Create memories at the Rail Ale Festival

Enjoy a family day out with dogs and children welcome until 5pm each day. Alternatively, you could get a babysitter and enjoy the live music in the evening.

Hosted at the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom, the Rail Ale Festival is a firm favourite in Chesterfield’s event calendar. Despite the name, everyone is welcome at the Festival – not just real ale drinkers. The wide range of drinks available, entertainment, trains, and street food appeal to all ages.

Each year a Rail Ale Party Night celebration takes place to open the Festival. Keen to know who it could be? Keep your eyes peeled for announcements.

6. Sparkle and raise funds for Ashgate Hospice

The best part about participating in the Sparkle Night Walk is the atmosphere. As you light up the streets of Chesterfield with your bunny years, you can enjoy entertainment and make memories with colleagues, friends, and family. Children aged 12 years and over can get involved with the fun!

Sparkle Night Walk is an award-winning fundraising event and North Derbyshire’s most exciting night of the year. Get ready to sparkle this June whilst helping to raise funds for your local hospice.

7. Enjoy cricket in the picturesque Queen’s Park

Why not take a picnic and enjoy the cricket action as a family? The BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket features two matches against Yorkshire, beginning with the 4-day County Championship match, and concluding with the fast-paced Vitality Blast T20 match.

New for 2024, you can purchase a Festival Pass – giving you access to all five days of cricket for just £49.

8. Be entertained at Chesterfield Pride

The award-winning Chesterfield Pride is back for families to enjoy an action-packed day of fun. Look forward to exciting entertainment, market stalls, fabulous food vendors, a kids zone and more.

Stand Road Park was brought to life in 2023 with a rainbow of artists such as Tinchy Strder, A1 and Baga Chipz. Who will make an appearance in 2024?

Keep up to date with the latest act announcements on Facebook.

9. Experience the Peak District Highland Games

Looking for a unique day out with the family? The Peak District Highland Games returns for 2024.

See some of the country’s leading strongmen and mighty strongwomen compete in a series of games including The Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, The Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge, The Tossing of the Caber, The GIANT Stone Throw, The 120kg Log Press and The Stone of Destiny Carry!

As the event takes place at Matlock Farm Park, you can experience even more fun on the day. There will be a market, craft and games stalls, pony rides, animal handling and more.

10. Make memories at Chatsworth’s Country Fair

Another family-friendly event local to Chesterfield is the Chatsworth Country Fair, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country.

All in one day, you can have a go at clay pigeon shooting, watch horse driving and even enter your furry friend in a race or competition. The entertainment doesn’t stop there, watch cooking masterclasses delivered by the nation’s favourite chefs, be entertained by the Grand Ring, enjoy delicious food, and explore hundreds of trade stands.

Make sure to explore what else Chatsworth Country Fair has to offer.

Spread the word

From a mega line-up of family-friendly events, local attractions, and a wide choice of independent shops and restaurants, Chesterfield has everything you need for the perfect family day out.

With new events being added to our website each week, keep an eye out for more via our dedicated what’s on guide.

We love sharing our ideas for things to do in Chesterfield. Could you help share what our town has to offer? Tag us in your photos and videos, tag in Destination Chesterfield and use #LoveChesterfield to help spread the word events in Chesterfield!