A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend in Retford

10 picks around Retford, from 7 local venues. The map pin is doing actual work here.

25–26 July Near Retford

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 25 July to Sunday 26 July.
Picked for Retford, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Retford

Sundays 4pm1

Sundays 4pm

at The Potting Shed Church

We meet at 4pm every Sunday. Exploring the Christian faith and building Jesus-centred community through a fresh approach to rural church. With a mix of creative, reflective, lively and quiet forms of worship for all ages. For more details and events see www.thepottingshedchurch.org

6.5 milesSun 26 Jul16:00
Local gemSee the details
Religion & Spirituality

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The Game Fair Friday 24th - Sunday3

The Game Fair Friday 24th - Sunday

at Sally Mitchells Gallery

Join us at the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits and the Great British countryside. From fly fishing to falconry, clay shooting to cookery demonstrations, working dogs to wild food and not to mention the high quality shopping avenues.

6.5 milesSun 26 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
The Game Fair Friday 24th4

The Game Fair Friday 24th

at Sally Mitchells Gallery

Join us at the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits and the Great British countryside. From fly fishing to falconry, clay shooting to cookery demonstrations, working dogs to wild food and not to mention the high quality shopping avenues.

6.5 milesSun 26 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
community6

Private Peaceful (One Actor Version)

at Doncaster Little Theatre

“I’ve had nearly eighteen years of yesterdays and tomorrows, and tonight I must remember as many of them as I can. Tonight, more than any other night of my life, I want to feel alive!” Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.

15.9 milesSat 25 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
community7

Private Peaceful (One Actor Version)

at Doncaster Little Theatre

“I’ve had nearly eighteen years of yesterdays and tomorrows, and tonight I must remember as many of them as I can. Tonight, more than any other night of my life, I want to feel alive!” Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.

15.9 milesSat 25 Jul20:30
Local gemSee the details
Community
Crochet : Planned Pooling8

Crochet : Planned Pooling

at Running With Scissors

Can you crochet already but are keen to learn some new techniques? This two hour workshop will give you all the skills you need for the planned pooling technique. This involves landing the colours of variegated yarn so that they create the argyle pattern. Its always nice to have a wearable item along with your skills and so we will be making a cowl with the skills. Book your place to bring more colour to your crochet whilst giving yourself some me time! Saturday 25th July 2026, 3-5pm £42 (max. 8 crafters) Book Your Place

22 milesSat 25 Jul£42
Local gemSee the details
Arts & Culture
religion-spirituality9

Cafe Church

at Dronfield Baptist Church

Revd Andy Gore Cafe Church is an opportunity to talk, to discuss, to explore who Jesus is and what it means to follow him while enjoying an afternoon tea together. It is church but perhaps not as you may have experienced it before. There is no set pattern as different people will lead it in different ways, but our heart is that anyone of any age will feel comfortable to join in. Cafe Church starts at 4:00pm on the fourth Sunday of the month because we know that Sunday mornings can be really busy with sport or other activities or because it might be the only chance when you can have a lie in. We look forward to seeing you soon and for you to join in the conversation.

22 milesSun 26 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Religion & Spirituality
KISSTORY on Blackheath10Free! (worth double-checking)

KISSTORY on Blackheath

at Milton Hall

Blackheath, get ready! Saturday 25th July, the UK’s original old skool and anthems party takes over South London for KISSTORY on Blackheath with Subway. 4 Massive stages, bringing all your favourite Old Skool & Anthems, with a stacked line-up including; MOBO Award-winning powerhouse Ms. Dynamite, chart-topper Joel Corry, KISSTORY legend Kevin Lyttle, icon Alison Limerick and global dance pioneer Todd Terry - plus loads more! And of course, it wouldn’t be KISSTORY without wall-to-wall anthems from our DJs Ace, Majestic, Marvin Humes, Nick Bright, DJ Pioneer, Scott Garcia, Tyler West and Wideboys. PLUS they’re turning up the chaos this year: KISSTORY Bingo Ball pit + bouncy castle = big kid energy unlocked Mini golf + rodeo bull… you brave enough? Dodgems + Waltzer rides And LOADS more! Sorry you snooze you lose VIP NOW SOLD OUT VIP includes fast-track entry, VIP Stage, raised viewing platform, VIP bar, extra food options and luxury toilets. Who’s on the line up for KISSTORY on Blackheath 2026? Joining us on Blackheath: Ms. Dynamite, Joel Corry, Kevin Lyttle, Alison Limerick, Todd Terry, Sweet Female Attitude, Damage, Oxide & Neutrino, Nay Nay, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Baby D, Kele Le Roc, Elisabeth Troy, So Solid Crew, MC Romeo & Lisa Maffia — plus huge sets from Ace, Majestic, Marvin Humes, Nick Bright, DJ Pioneer, Scott Garcia, Tyler West and Wideboys General FAQs and Info: This is an over 18s event. Valid photo ID is required as proof of age for all guests on entry.

23 milesSat 25 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community

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