October 2025 Great Days Out in Yorkshire
October Events in Yorkshire. Scary grown up and family friendly Halloween days out, half term fun and the end of festival season.
Family Friendly Halloween
Family friendly halloween days out, suitable for all ages.
Scary Halloween
Not for children and not for the faint-hearted - visit one of Yorkshire's scaregrounds this Halloween.
October Half Term
Make memories in autumn during half term with our pick of alternatives to Halloween activities.
29th September to 5th October
Ilkley Literature Festival
3rd to 19th October 2025
The Festival is held over 17 days at the start of October in this miniature Victorian spa town at the foot of Ilkley Moor – surrounded by beautiful countryside. The festival all elements of words - written, spoken and performed.
Malton Harvest Food Lovers Festival
2025 Dates TBC
Set across Malton's picturesque Market Place you can expect a top event of chef demos, 100+ artisan food stalls, live music, talks, tastings and much more.
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Royal Armouries
28th June to 2nd November 2025
Discover original artefacts from the Colosseum, rare helmets discovered in Pompeii, life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.
Leeds Festival of Ideas
2025 Dates TBC
Leeds International Festival of Ideas brings together leading thinkers, writers, artists and experts from various fields.
Autumn Highlights
Yorkshire is a fantastic place to experience the changing of the season to autumn, discover the reds, oranges and yellows of nature and special seasonal attractions.
Fungi Foray at Castle Howard
5th October 2025
Fantastic fungi pop up everywhere in autumn! With the most beautifully descriptive names - delightful discos to jubilant jelly babies - these wonderful mushrooms will blow your mind. Join us to find out more about this mysterious kingdom.
Beverley Open Studios
2025 Dates TBC
Open Studios is a unique opportunity to meet a wonderful mixture of 40+ artists of Beverley, ranging from painters and printers, to potters, framers, jewellers, and photographers.
Ghosts in the Garden
19th September to November 2025
This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city's beautiful public gardens and green spaces. From monks to Victorians, and cats to a famous highwayman, there's plenty to discover while enjoying Ghosts in the Gardens.
6th to 12th October
Off The Shelf Festival
10th to 26th October 2025
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield.Each October we bring live events in real venues with the chance to hear some brilliant speakers in person, some of the best-known and rising stars in writing, arts and media.
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Royal Armouries
28th June to 2nd November 2025
Discover original artefacts from the Colosseum, rare helmets discovered in Pompeii, life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.
Yorkshire Scaregrounds
2025 Dates TBC
Return of the Yorkshire Scareground, live action halloween entertainment. Age 12 and over.
Wildlights Lantern Trail at RSPB Old Moore
2025 Dates TBC
WildLights is back! RSPB Old Moor nature reserve will once more be beautifully lit with giant wildlife sculptures and friendly puppets, plus smaller lanterns from family and community workshops, crafts and fire pits for 3 magical evenings at our nature reserve.
Marsden Jazz Festival
2025 Dates TBC
One of the UK's premier jazz festival with a wide range of paid gigs, community and free events across the weekend.
Town Festival
9th and 10th October 2025
All new for 2024 a combination of Town grassroots music festival with the old Halifax Festival Of Words to bring our biggest festival yet with more events & new venues too including Halifax Minster & Calderdale Industrial Museum.
Ilkley Literature Festival
3rd to 19th October 2025
The Festival is held over 17 days at the start of October in this miniature Victorian spa town at the foot of Ilkley Moor – surrounded by beautiful countryside. The festival all elements of words - written, spoken and performed.
Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
10th to 13th October 2025
The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival is all about sharing and celebrating what is so special about the food and drink inspired and produced from the stunning unique landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Filey Food and Drink Festival
11th and 12th October 2025
Visit Filey Food Festival to sample the very best of Yorkshire food and drink as well as fantastic produce from outside the region.
East Riding Festival of Words
2025 Dates TBC
The East Riding Libraries team brings you popular and new authors from near and far, for events and talks that can be thrilling, cosy, and sometimes fantastical!
Back to the 1940s at Eden Camp
11th and 12th October 2025
Brylcream your hair, don your best hat, and dress to impress as you step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the 1940s At Eden Camp Modern History Museum!
Hull Fair
10th to 18th October 2025
The fair is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, with over 250 rides and an array of attractions. It offers traditional favourites such as palm reading, waltzers and dodgems, alongside new and exciting rides.
Ravensprings Park Trains, Tea Treats
11th May 2025
2 Minature ride-on railways in operation during your visit with mulptiple trains to enjoy, all rides included in the entry fee.
Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival
9th to 19th October 2025
A stellar line up of bestselling authors and celebrated speakers at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, with a diverse programme designed to entertain, inspire, educate, challenge and amuse. Includes children’s events.
National Alpine Garden Show
11th October 2025
A captivating celebration of alpine plants, featuring specialist growers from across the country and an array of dazzling displays guaranteed to inspire and delight.
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11th and 13th October 2024
Haworth Steampunk Weekend is a three-day celebration of steampunk culture. See spectacular costumes, meet delightful people, enjoy tempting shops, cafés, and market stalls, in this historic town in the heart of Bronte Country.
Ghosts in the Garden
19th September to November 2025
This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city's beautiful public gardens and green spaces. From monks to Victorians, and cats to a famous highwayman, there's plenty to discover while enjoying Ghosts in the Gardens.
Beverley Open Studios
2025 Dates TBC
Open Studios is a unique opportunity to meet a wonderful mixture of 40+ artists of Beverley, ranging from painters and printers, to potters, framers, jewellers, and photographers.
13th to 19th October
Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival
9th to 19th October 2025
A stellar line up of bestselling authors and celebrated speakers at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, with a diverse programme designed to entertain, inspire, educate, challenge and amuse. Includes children’s events.
Oktoberfeast Night Market
17th October 2025
From Bratwurst stands to freshly pulled beer and a live Bavarian oompah band, courtesy of Flat Cap Brass Band, celebrate with us at Huddersfield’s Historic Open Market!
Ilkley Literature Festival
3rd to 19th October 2025
The Festival is held over 17 days at the start of October in this miniature Victorian spa town at the foot of Ilkley Moor – surrounded by beautiful countryside. The festival all elements of words - written, spoken and performed.
KWVR Beer and Music Festival
16th to 19th October 2025
Over the weekend, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is transformed into a 5-mile-long Beer & Music Festival.
Beer and Drink Festivals
Ghosts in the Garden
19th September to November 2025
This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city's beautiful public gardens and green spaces. From monks to Victorians, and cats to a famous highwayman, there's plenty to discover while enjoying Ghosts in the Gardens.
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12th, 19th and 26th October 2024
WildLights is back! RSPB Old Moor nature reserve will once more be beautifully lit with giant wildlife sculptures and friendly puppets, plus smaller lanterns from family and community workshops, crafts and fire pits for 3 magical evenings at our nature reserve.
Off The Shelf Festival
10th to 26th October 2025
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield.Each October we bring live events in real venues with the chance to hear some brilliant speakers in person, some of the best-known and rising stars in writing, arts and media.
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20th October 2024
Relax and enjoy a scrumptious Summer afternoon tea served on delicate vintage china. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy a scenic journey through the Yorkshire Dales whilst being served delicious food at your table in one of our heritage carriages!
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Royal Armouries
28th June to 2nd November 2025
Discover original artefacts from the Colosseum, rare helmets discovered in Pompeii, life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.
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17th October 2024
This unique performance will take place underneath the dome in Castle Howard's Great Hall. The dome mural, painted by 18th century Venetian painter Antonio Pelligrini, depicts Fall of Phaeton which is the thematic inspiration behind HELIOS.
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18th October 2024
an evening of dazzling lights, magical animations, and fun for the whole family as the Projector Bikes light up Harrogate once again! As part of a special illuminated trail, these one-of-a-kind bikes will roam through the town, projecting enchanting animations onto iconic buildings and streets.
Leyburn Jazz Festival
16th to 19th October 2025
The Leyburn Jazz Festival returns for its fourth year, bringing an exciting lineup of top-tier jazz talent to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Highlights include Hejira, a seven-piece band celebrating Joni Mitchell’s ‘Shadows and Light’ era, and the Jim Mullen Organ Trio, featuring one of the UK’s finest jazz guitarists.
20th to 26th October
Echoes of Yorkshire
24th October to 2nd November 2025
Light, colour and music surround you at the extraordinary light and sound installation by Luxmuralis in the York Museum Gardens this autumn.
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August to November
Malton Sculpture Trail comes to Dalby Forest in an installation immersed in nature. The trail is situated along the Adderstone Rigg Trail, featuring 8 sculptures from the Malton Sculpture Trail.
Off The Shelf Festival
10th to 26th October 2025
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield.Each October we bring live events in real venues with the chance to hear some brilliant speakers in person, some of the best-known and rising stars in writing, arts and media.
Light Night Leeds
2025 Dates TBC
Light Night invites people to see the city in a new light and discover free arts events across the city centre. From large-scale light projections and interactive installations, to music, dance and street performances, there is always something for everyone!
Celluloid Screams
2025 Dates TBC
Celluloid Screams is the Sheffield Horror Film Festival offering four days of the best in classic and contemporary horror cinema... the festival takes place at the Showroom Cinema.
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26th October 2024
All aboard The Gin Train Experience! Enjoy a full range of their award winning Gin & Tonics by Taplin & Mageean from the comfort of a private carriage travelling through the spectacular Yorkshire Dales scenery on our Railway!
Musicport
24th to 26th October 2025
Musicport is an indoor festival dedicated to world music. Hosted across five stages at the Whitby Pavilion.
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19th October to 2nd November 2024
Experience York Minster in a new light this autumn when the cathedral is illuminated with PHOENIX, a brand-new sound and light projection commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984 fire.
Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Royal Armouries
28th June to 2nd November 2025
Discover original artefacts from the Colosseum, rare helmets discovered in Pompeii, life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.
Dark Skies Fringe Festival - Yorkshire Dales
2025 Dates TBC
With an array of Festival events hosted by local businesses and Dark Sky Friendly places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find lots of opportunities to linger, look up and marvel at the beauty of our amazing night skies.
Dark Skies Festival - North York Moors
2025 Dates TBC
Prepare yourself to welcome in the stargazing season with night navigation walks, astrophotography workshops, dark skies watercolour sessions, dinners surrounded by stars and so much more. Take a look at the programme below and join us to celebrate some of the darkest night skies.
York Ghost Week
2025 Dates TBC
Celebrate the ghosyts of York with events in the city centre, you may even find a York Seed Ghost to keep.
Whitby Abbey Illuminated
2025 Dates TBC
an unforgettable evening beneath the soaring illuminated remains of Whitby Abbey. Time Will Tell theatre group will take you on a journey into a nightmare world of Victorian gothic in new creation 'If these Stones could Talk'.
Ghosts in the Garden
19th September to November 2025
This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city's beautiful public gardens and green spaces. From monks to Victorians, and cats to a famous highwayman, there's plenty to discover while enjoying Ghosts in the Gardens.
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25th and 26th October 2024
Animated Objects are thrilled to announce that Moonlight on the Lake will be returning to Peasholm Park this October. Bursting with colour and light and a wonderful way to spend an evening in the beautiful setting of this well loved park.
Star Walk Halloween
2025 Dates TBC
Star Walk is back this Halloween! Heroes and villains will swap the big screen for Trinity Walk’s malls in Wakey this half term as the massive, free cosplay event
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26th and 27th October 2024
A showcase of fresh, contemporary art, craft and design for sale or commission, carefully chosen for its quality and originality. There’s something here to delight and appeal to every taste.
Hull Comedy Fest
2025 Dates TBC
Hull’s annual comedy festival returns for 2024 with a huge line-up of hilarious comedy acts from all over the UK.
Bradford International Film Festival
2025 Dates TBC
Bradford International Film Festival (BradIFF) celebrates short films from Bradford Filmmakers alongside those from filmmakers nationally and internationally at venues across Bradford.