Cool And Quirky Events In The UK

Marcus Sanigar's profile picture
By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Copywriter, DesignMyNight 10-year hospitality, travel and events expert, writing for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 10th March 2026

The UK really is a funny old place, isn't it? So, naturally, we're a nation chock-full of wacky events, from wild bingo nights led by sassy drag queens to cheese crawls for all your dairy fanatics out there. To make sure you don't miss out, we've rounded up the best quirky activities in the UK, spanning Bristol, Manchester, Leicester and beyond.




UK-Wide: N&V Promotions Bingo Events

N & V Promotions takes nights at the bingo to Another Level. Literally. The 90s pop legends are one of many special guests appearing at Mecca halls across the country to add even more fun to your full house.

Between celebrity hosts and live DJs, interactive games, and rock, reggae and R&B themed events, this is much more than a night at the bingo.

London, Bristol, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester: Wing Fest 2026

The world's largest chicken wing festivals; how's that for cool and quirky? Do something a little different with Wing Fest this summer, where the best traders battle it out to have their wings crowned the best across multiple categories. It'll cost you £1.50 per wing, giving plenty of chance to try your favourites and vote.

Wing-eating contests and hot wing challenges promise more opportunities to get involved, while the buzzing, three-day events also feature BBQ cooking demos, live music, DJs, water splash zones and more for entertainment.

UK-Wide: Ultimate Events and Promotions

Fancy doing something a little different? Check out Ultimate Events and Promotions. These guys put on all kinds of epic entertainment across the country, from pop legend fancy dress to rock anthem discos and iconic tribute acts.

Whether you get to an event in Essex, Sheffield or somewhere in between, tickets start from just £13.08.

Nottingham: Entertainment Golf

Compete against friends and family at this quirky experience in Nottingham. Head to the Riverside Golf Centre where they've transformed the classic game to bring you a range of interactive virtual offerings that will putt your skills to the test.

Sheffield and Chesterfield: Thirsty Work Sip and Paint Parties

From Paint Your Pet to Mamma Mia-themed madness, Thirsty Work's Sip and Paint events are the most fun you can have with a paintbrush in Chesterfield or Sheffield.

Whether it's a Wine Wednesday at Bottle and Thyme or a full-on cowgirl takeover at Apartment, every session is packed with personality, music, and drinks. You don't need to be an artist - just bring your mates, your vibe, and your best attempt at a masterpiece.

UK-Wide: ZANDERNATION BOUNCE BINGO

ZANDERNATION Bounce Bingo offers something different from the usual night out. Combining live DJ music with interactive bingo, it's a unique experience that's both social and energetic.

Events are held in familiar spaces like Mecca Bingo halls, but the vibe is more party than traditional. With fun extras like dance-offs and conga lines, it's an easy pick for anyone looking to try something a little more playful and unexpected.

York: York Ghost Bus

@ York Ghost Bus Pickup on Various dates from Wednesday 25th March 2026

For those with a taste for adventure (and a touch of the macabre), the York Ghost Bus offers the perfect combination of comedy and chills. Jump on the legendary Necrobus for a theatrical ghost tour through York's haunted streets.

As you pass iconic sights like York Minster and the infamous Dick Turpin grave, a creepy guide will entertain you with tales of ghosts, gruesome events, and the darker side of York's past. It's a unique way to see the city - just don't expect to sleep soundly afterwards.

London: Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Wednesday 25th March 2026

Hexmoor is where the wizarding world's most mischievous minds are locked away - and now, you're joining them. As the world's first immersive wizarding prison bar, Hexmoor outfits you in an official inmate jumpsuit and throws you into a cell with dark wizards who thrive on chaos. With live actors guiding the story and immersive theatre unfolding around you, you'll have the chance to interact, uncover secrets, and even plan your escape.

Choose your experience level: £49.50 includes three magical cocktails, £57.50 gets you four, or for £77.50, enjoy four cocktails and receive a custom wand, hand-delivered by Willbott's Wand Shop as part of the experience.

London: That's Drag Bingo

Planning on visiting London and fancy trying something a little different? Then head on over to one of That's Drag Bingo's events. Taking place at quirky pubs across the capital, they bring the best and boldest queens for top-quality entertainment while you play for epic prizes.

London: Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

For quirky activities in London, Sounds Familiar is the music quiz that you need on your radar. Get your team together and prepare for banging hits from across the decades. You'll be on your feet (and maybe even the tables too) dancing to all your favourite tunes.

Not in the area? They've also got events in Hastings, Liverpool and beyond.

UK-Wide: See Your City

See Your City is definitely a great shout if you're looking for quirkier events in Liverpool, Bristol and beyond. From kooky cheese tours to royal boat tours and a Jack The Ripper-themed stroll, there won't be a dull moment in your diaries.

UK-Wide: Sun City Bingo UK Garage

Sun City Bingo UK Garage is one of the quirkiest nights out you'll find in the UK this year. It's a wild collision of two beloved British pastimes: bingo and garage music.

Picture this: neon lights, booming basslines, a buzzing crowd, and numbers being called to the beat of '90s and 2000s bangers. With Lonyo on the decks, this event is anything but ordinary. 

UK-Wide: Garage Brunch

Supplying some of the best party events in the UK, Garage Brunch is showcasing boat excursions, garden parties and sumptuous meals. You can expect the likes of bottomless cocktails, chart-topping tunes and clubbing vibes aplenty.

Glasgow: ARTÀ

For quirky events in the UK, ARTÀ has a top-notch lineup - perfect for fun weekends and something a little different. From cool wedding exhibitions to hilarious comedy nights and fancy cabaret meals featuring burlesque beauties, there won't be a single dull moment at this Glasgow joint.

Dover: Maison Dieu

Travel through time at Maison Dieu, Dover's newly restored gem, where guided tours uncover centuries of stories from medieval medicine to Victorian grandeur - all for just £8. Kids will love the Dragons, Ghosts and Gargoyles adventure, packed with quirky games, dress-up fun, and even a whiff of the past in a fun medieval smells game.

With live sports and tribute nights also on the calendar, it's a lively mix of history and entertainment for all ages, including live wrestling (from £12) and a Frankie Valli tribute act (from £20) - although expect even more on the cards soon. 

Buxton: Trackside @ Buxton Brewery

Trackside has many feathers to its fantastic bow. The official taproom of Buxton Brewery, it serves up all kinds of games and entertainment alongside fresh pints straight from the source.

This place puts on every kind of event. We're talking pool nights, film screenings and tributes to amazing acts, from ABBA to Oasis. Tickets to these epic nights of entertainment start from just £5.

UK-Wide: Coyote Ugly

If you're looking for the wildest parties up and down the country, Coyote Ugly is just the place for you. This Nashville-themed bar has got venues in Swansea, Blackpool and beyond, and they host fantastic events every day of the week.

Check out their hoedown-themed bottomless brunches that start from only £25 per person, including 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, prosecco and beer. Plus, they offer hour-long dance classes on Saturdays, complete with a mimosa reception.

Dorset: Summer Lodge

Summer Lodge serves up a whole lot of luxury with a side of the unusual in the stunning Dorset countryside. Whether you swing by for a day or book into is elegant rooms, there's plenty to keep you entertained. 

Sign up for a Fermentation Masterclass and you'll learn how to turn common ingredients into all kinds of drinks, from keffir and kombucha to apple cider vinegar and intriguing cocktails. For something little more classic, take on its whisky or gin tasting experiences to sip on some of the country's finest tipples as you learn to master the art of distillation.

Eastbourne: The View Hotel

Whatever you're into, The View Hotel has an event to fit the bill. We're talking bottomless brunches, 70s and 80s parties, disco nights and plenty more.

Right on the seafront in Eastbourne, its adds sensational sea views to an already epic day out. Its events calendar is packed and popular, with tickets starting from just £22.