Tired of the same old nights out? Wanna change it up? Ditch your go-to bar and upgrade your weekends with some of the best quirky activities in Nottingham. From entertaining cocktail masterclasses to virtual reality experiences and wonderful watering holes, we've got you set, whether it's for a wacky first date or a boozy birthday.
Step up to the oche at Arrowsmiths for a tungsten-tipped night on the town. With interactive boards taking care of the maths, you can put all your focus on having fun.
With classic cocktails, small plates, pizzas and pints up for grabs, it's perfect for post-work games or big nights out with friends and family. The prices hit the bullseye too, with 60 minutes of arrow throwing from just £4 per person.
Known for serving up delicious Italian delights, Gusto is also a great choice for fun things to do. For a quirky date or a cool group experience, book a seat at the chef's table for a divine four-course meal and the opportunity to have a go at pizza-making, as well as creating cannolis for dessert, costing just £39 per person.
On top of all that? These guys also host a fantastic bottomless brunch, where you can enjoy their signature dough petals followed by a main course of your choice, as well as 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails.
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What makes it quirky?
It's not every day you get to play chef, flipping dough and crafting your own Italian masterpiece.
It's time to get off the couch and head to city centre gem the Walrus. This underground dive bar is fab for first dates and nights out with friends, as you can play beer pong, dance to mixtapes, and drink the kookiest creations - Kinder Bueno martinis, anyone?
You can expect regular guest DJs here as well, with past names including Wargasm, You Me At Six, Shikari and more.
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Where else can you sip a cocktail inspired by your favourite chocolate bar while challenging your mate to a beer pong showdown?
Pre-Order your 9 Pint B&K Triton £40! [£50 after 7pm] and 6 other offers
Not only do Brewhouse & Kitchen offer some of the freshest sips in town, but there are also all kinds of experiences to get stuck into here. They've got masterclasses in gin, whiskey and beer, starting from £30 per person and promising intriguing facts about the history and process of creating these drinks, led by a knowledgeable guide, as well as lots of samples.
What's more, they also offer a brewery experience day for £95 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch, lots of beer and even a five-litre mini keg to take home.
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Not just a bar, but an experience—learn the secrets of brewing and take home your own mini keg.
@ Nottingham Train Station on Various dates from Thursday 7th May 2026
A must if you love outdoor activities, this terrific treasure hunt gives you clues and landmarks to check out all while trying to locate the giant X on the map. You'll be working as a team to solve puzzles and challenges, testing your orienteering skills and exploring hidden parts of the city along the way. And where does it take you? To a pub, where you can get 20% off your food and drink bill.
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@ Pizza Pilgrims Nottingham on Sunday 10th May 2026 and 5 other Sundays
Master the art of pizza making at Pizza Pilgrims, thanks to their Dough It Yourself pizza masterclass. The Carlton Street venue i home to some of the finest Italian chefs, who'll guide you through the process of shaping dough, creating balanced toppings and baking it in their dome oven.
Of course, you'll get to try your dish afterwards, followed by their signature Nutella ring dessert. Tickets start from £54 per person, including two drinks and a selection of Italian street food to share at the start, as well as all the materials you'll need.
Can you think of any better way to spend an afternoon than hanging out with some adorable puppies? Because we certainly can't. Puppy Love Events are giving you the chance to hang out with some adorable furry friends in their pooch therapy sessions, taking place at Revolucion De Cuba.
Tickets cost £19 per person, including a free drink, and these events are led by expert dog trainer Jodi.
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It's like yoga, but with puppies—pure serotonin in an event.
Whether you're after a unique date idea, a quirky night out with mates or a fun team building session, be sure to check out Axed Global. This is a cool activity bar that specialises in axe throwing, with multiple cutting-edge lanes that you can book from £18 per hour.
Alongside the axe throwing, they offer shuffleboard and beer pong, all in a cool, industrial setting. What's more, their bar is whipping up all sorts of handmade cocktails and craft beer.
One of the top quirky activities in Nottingham for couples and groups of friends alike, you'll get your fix of childhood nostalgia here. Inspired by seaside arcades and covered in colourful, retro games, Penny Lane is one of the best activity bars around.
Enjoy chowing down on hot dogs or ice cream from a vintage machine while crushing your friends at a few rounds of ski ball; it's the ideal place to unleash your inner big kid. The drinks here are fairground-themed as well, from the brandy-based Tin Can Alley to a fruity Calippo, which are even available two-for-one before 9pm Sunday to Thursday.
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It's like stepping into a vintage funfair—but with cocktails. Two-for-one drinks before 9pm (Sunday to Thursday) don't hurt either.
One of Nottingham's most buzzing Irish bars, The Shamrock Social serves up plenty of ways to keep you entertained. Free on a Thursday night? Get on down for Live Band Bingo.
As the musicians bang out classic tracks, you'll mark them off your card in search of a full house. Expect plenty of toe-tapping, singalong moments along the way.
Looking for quirky activities in Nottingham for adults? That's where Das Kino comes in. Found inside a Grade II listed building in Lace Market, covered in old-school cinema posters, this place serves two-for-one cocktails until 8pm Sunday to Friday, as well as an extensive selection of gins, rums and whiskies.
And if you're after something a little earlier in the day, check out their Now That's What I Call Brunch events every Saturday afternoon, which involve bottomless booze, drag bingo and unlimited pizza for just £47.95 per person. What's more, they've got ping pong tables and retro photobooths, as well as offering beer, prosecco or cocktail pong.
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It's a 90s dreamland with unlimited pizza and boozy ping pong—enough said.
If you're in the mood for some fantastic entertainment with a nostalgic twist, then head to Old Skool Bingo. This vibrant event promises throwback RnB tunes throughout, as well as high-energy rounds of bingo.
You'll find these guys at NG-ONE, hosting events on a regular basis. Get stuck in for the chance to win some prizes, and you can even take part in dance battles too.
Go Quest Adventures is the perfect way to explore more of the city, as their interactive walking tours will have taken you through all the highlights of the area. On this treasure hunt, their handy app will guide you through all kinds of fun challenges, and you're bound to learn something new as well.
Tickets cost just £28.95, which includes up to five players on your team - perfect for work events or family days out.
Go Quest Adventures
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It's sightseeing with a twist—explore Nottingham while on a mission, all from the comfort of your phone.
It's always a good time at The Alchemist, thanks to their stylish, dark interiors and theatrical drinks. But did you know that they offer fun, quirky activities too? Head down to the King Street venue for an exciting cocktail masterclass, where an expert mixologist will guide you through the process of making the bespoke concoctions here, with plenty of opportunities to try your creations too. There are three different packages on offer depending on your taste in drinks, with a non-alcoholic option as well - starting from £25 per person.
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Mixing drinks here isn't just about the taste—it's a full-on performance. Expect bubbling beakers, colour-changing potions, and plenty of Insta-worthy moments.
@ YO! Nottingham on Wednesday 13th May 2026 and 31 other Wednesdays
Ever wanted to learn how to make your own sushi? Then check out the YO! Sushi School, taking place at their Lace Market venue. This fantastic two-hour workshop is led by their expert chefs, who'll teach you how to roll, slice and season like a pro - as well as a little more about the history of this cuisine.
Your class will begin with a complimentary soft or boozy drink, while you snack on edamame and gyoza to share. Next, you'll get stuck into making the likes of salmon sashimi, cucumber maki and crunchy California rolls, with vegetarian options available too.
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You'll become a chef for the evening.
If your idea of a good time involves glowing graffiti, game consoles, and a cocktail called Kong Island Iced Tea, NQ64 Nottingham is your quirky dream come true.
Tucked away in the city centre, this underground arcade bar is where retro games and rave-inspired interiors collide. With Super Nintendos, original PlayStations, and all the button-mashing classics, it's a one-of-a-kind hangout for those who like their nights a little weirder - and a lot more fun.
@ Saltbox on Saturday 1st August 2026 and 2 other Saturdays
The only music quiz to play Glasto more times than Bowie, Sounds Familiar is coming to Nottingham. Packing in over 100 epic tunes across an incredible day party, it's much more than a test of trivia.
Expect to hear a little of everything from chart classics and old skool anthems to guilty pleasures and marvellous mash-ups. This is sure to fill up fast, so secure your spot from just £8.
After alcohol-free quirky activities in Nottingham? Just a short drive away from the city, Riverside Family Golf Centre is a traditional driving range that has been turned into a tech-savvy activity. With high-res touchscreen monitors, you can play plenty of games such as Bullseye and Shrinking Target. Or you can hit a virtual golf course if that's more your speed, with prices starting from just £6.75 for 30 minutes.
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Think Topgolf meets a video game—this isn't your grandad's driving range.
@ OUT Nottingham on Friday 8th May 2026 and 2 other dates
The beloved Wing Fest is returning for 2026, taking over OUT Nottingham for three days in May. Spend the weekend munching on £1.50 wings from some of the country's best providers, voting for your favourites across the wild, Buffalo and barbecue categories.
There'll be contests on stage, including the spicy Lava Wing Challenge and an eating competition, alongside live music, DJs and even axe throwing. Tickets start from just £21.45, and you'll receive a free trucker hat on arrival.
Tired of the same old nights out? An experience like no other, Meetspace VR is a virtual reality event for up to eight players. You'll get to battle zombies, killer robots and even each other at this weird and wonderful immersive game in the Victoria Centre.
From intuitive battles to zero latency experiences, expect the unexpected with this place - with fresh artisan pizza by Barrel & Stone to tuck into afterwards.
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It's like stepping into a sci-fi movie, except you're the main character.
