October 2024 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.

Children in halloween costumes with pumpkins

Family Friendly Halloween

Family friendly halloween days out, suitable for all ages.

Scary Halloween image

Scary Halloween

Not for children and not for the faint-hearted - visit one of Yorkshire's scaregrounds this Halloween.

October

October Half Term

Make memories in autumn during half term with our pick of alternatives to Halloween activities.

1st to 6th October

Oktoberfeast night market logo, pale green background with a stein of beer in the middle and deatils of the event in text

Oktoberfeast Night Market

4th October 2024
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!

interlocking stone sculptures with trees of dalby forest in the background.

Malton Sculpture Trail at Dalby Forest

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.

Bradford Faith Trail

5th October 2024
The Bradford Faith Trail takes in five fascinating places of worship. You can visit as many places of worship as you like – each place of worship will be open for set times and you will be shown round by experienced guides.

Great Seaside Vintage Fair

5th and 6th October 2024
13 years of the vintage fair with a SEA VIEW! With more than 40 stalls of genuine vintage fashion and homewares from the 20’s to the 80’s spread out within the spacious Northern Lights Suite.

Ilkley Literature Festival

4th to 20th October 2024
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.

Fenchurch steam trail travelling over a stone bridge

Autumn Steam Up at KWVR

4th to 6th October 2024
Ride behind the locomotives over the three days, with intensive passenger service running on the railway. Across the traction-packed days, there’ll be a goods train demonstration, special double-headed trains, and even a visiting locomotive, the 72 "Fenchurch".

jason wilsher mills exhibition

Jason By The Sea at Woodend Gallery

14th September 2024 to 4th January 2025
Jason Wilsher-Mills presents Jason Beside the Sea, a colourful explosion of Jason’s signature printed wallpaper and giant inflatable sculptures.

photoshop image of bmx rider performing tricks in the air

Scarborough Extreme

5th October 2024
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, adrenaline junkie, or just someone looking to step out of your comfort zone, Scarborough Extreme has something for everyone. Featuring surfing, skateboarding, cycling, music, workshops and much more!

picture of a busy malton market square with the food lovers festical logo in the background.

Malton Harvest Food Lovers Festival

5th and 6th October 2024
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.

York Unlocked logo, black on a yellow background

York Unlocked

5th and 6th October 2024
York Unlocked opens the most interesting and significant buildings in York to the public completely for free. It’s a weekend festival that allows residents and visitors to see York in a new way, and aims to educate and inspire a love of architecture.

logo for leeds international festival of ideas

Leeds Festival of Ideas

2nd to 5th October 2024
Leeds International Festival of Ideas brings together leading thinkers, writers, artists and experts from various fields.

Halifax Norland Moors.

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.

Halloween Pumpkins

Free Half-Term Events

Free and low cost events and days out for families in October half term school holidays, autumnal fun, halloween fun and just great memory making days out.

beverley open studios

Beverley Open Studios

5th, 6th, 12th and 13th October 2024
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.

York Ghosts

Ghosts in the Garden

21st September to November 2024
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.

7th to 13th October

Off the Shelf Festival

Off The Shelf Festival

7th October to 3rd November 2024
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.

interlocking stone sculptures with trees of dalby forest in the background.

Malton Sculpture Trail at Dalby Forest

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.

Yorkshire Scaregrounds

11th to 13th October 2024
Return of the Yorkshire Scareground, live action halloween entertainment. Age 12 and over.

Kingfisher lantern at the RSPB Old Moor reserve, lit up against a dark night sky

Wildlights Lantern Trail at RSPB Old Moore

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.

Marsden Jazz Festival

11th to 13th Ocotber 2024
One of the UK's premier jazz festival with a wide range of paid gigs, community and free events across the weekend.

Town Festival

10th to 20th October 2024
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

4th to 20th October 2024
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

11th to 14th October 2024
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.

jason wilsher mills exhibition

Jason By The Sea at Woodend Gallery

14th September 2024 to 4th January 2025
Jason Wilsher-Mills presents Jason Beside the Sea, a colourful explosion of Jason’s signature printed wallpaper and giant inflatable sculptures.

East Riding Festival of words logo

East Riding Festival of Words

11th to 20th October 2024
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!

eden camp 1940s weekend logo

Back to the 1940s at Eden Camp

12th and 13th October 2024
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!

Spooky Afternoon Tea with Helena Garcia

12th and 13th October 2024
Enjoy a spook-tacular Afternoon Tea hosted by Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia, who will be signing her cookbooks and answering your questions about her time in the Bake Off tent.

Halloween Storytime and Bath Bomb Workshop with Helena Garcia

Join Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia for a reading of her lovely children's book, 'My Mummy is a Witch', followed by a crafty and hands-on bath bomb-making workshop for little ones.

Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival

10th to 20th October 2024
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

12th October 2024
A captivating celebration of alpine plants, featuring specialist growers from across the country and an array of dazzling displays guaranteed to inspire and delight.

Haworth Steam Punk Weekend

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.

York Ghosts

Ghosts in the Garden

21st September to November 2024
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

Beverley Open Studios

5th, 6th, 12th and 13th October 2024
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.

14th to 20th October

Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival

10th to 20th October 2024
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.

york minster lightshow

Phoenix Lightshow at York Minster

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.

Ilkley Literature Festival

4th to 20th October 2024
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.

logo for the kwvr beer festival

KWVR Beer and Music Festival

17th to 20th October 2024
Over the weekend, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is transformed into a 5-mile-long Beer & Music Festival.

York Ghosts

Ghosts in the Garden

21st September to November 2024
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.

Kingfisher lantern at the RSPB Old Moor reserve, lit up against a dark night sky

Wildlights Lantern Trail at RSPB Old Moor

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

Off The Shelf Festival

7th October to 3rd November 2024
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.

Autumn Tea Train with Wensleydale Railway

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!

jason wilsher mills exhibition

Jason By The Sea at Woodend Gallery

14th September 2024 to 4th January 2025
Jason Wilsher-Mills presents Jason Beside the Sea, a colourful explosion of Jason’s signature printed wallpaper and giant inflatable sculptures.

Helios Theatre Performance at Castle Howard

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.

Projector bikes in Harrogate

Projector Bikes Harrogate

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

17th to 20th October 2024
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.

21st to 27th October

Kingfisher lantern at the RSPB Old Moor reserve, lit up against a dark night sky

Wildlights Lantern Trail at RSPB Old Moor

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.

interlocking stone sculptures with trees of dalby forest in the background.

Malton Sculpture Trail at Dalby Forest

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

Off The Shelf Festival

7th October to 3rd November 2024
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

24th and 25th October 2024
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

24th to 27th October 2024
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.

Gin Train with Wensleydale Railway

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

25th to 27th October 2024
Musicport is an indoor festival dedicated to world music. Hosted across five stages at the Whitby Pavilion.

york minster lightshow

Phoenix Lightshow at York Minster

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.

jason wilsher mills exhibition

Jason By The Sea at Woodend Gallery

14th September 2024 to 4th January 2025
Jason Wilsher-Mills presents Jason Beside the Sea, a colourful explosion of Jason’s signature printed wallpaper and giant inflatable sculptures.

Dark sky night trail

Dark Skies Fringe Festival - Yorkshire Dales

25th October to 3rd November 2024
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.

man on a hill with a solitary tree, both silhoutted against a starry sky

Dark Skies Festival - North York Moors

25th October to 3rd November 2024
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 hunt logo

York Ghost Week

26th October to 3rd November 2024
Celebrate the ghosyts of York with events in the city centre, you may even find a York Seed Ghost to keep.

Whitby Abbey Illuminated

24th October to 2nd November 2024
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'.

York Ghosts

Ghosts in the Garden

21st September to November 2024
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.

logo for moonlight on the lake a light show in Peasholm park in Scarborough

Moonlight On The Lake

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.

Trinity Star Walk

Star Walk Halloween

26th and 27th October 2024
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

Saltaire makers Fair

Saltaire Winters Makers Fair

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

29th October to 17th November 2024
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

22nd to 27th October 2024
Bradford International Film Festival (BradIFF) celebrates short films from Bradford Filmmakers alongside those from filmmakers nationally and internationally at venues across Bradford.

28th October to 3rd November

neon lit windchimes and dream catchers

Illuminate The Gardens

1st to 3rd November 2024
Illuminate the Gardens is a fireworks and lighting extravaganza which takes place at the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield on Bonfire Night weekend.

interlocking stone sculptures with trees of dalby forest in the background.

Malton Sculpture Trail at Dalby Forest

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.

Spookysaurus Dinosaur Day at Boston Park Farm

1st November 2024
Join the dino wranglers for the Spookysaurus Walkabouts, see the Halloween-dressed dinosaurs up close and grab a photo op! Don’t miss The Spookysaurus Show or enjoy a dinosaur hunt and free crafts.

york minster lightshow

Phoenix Lightshow at York Minster

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.

Off the Shelf Festival

Off The Shelf Festival

7th October to 3rd November 2024
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.

Whitby Abbey Illuminated

24th October to 2nd November 2024
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'.

jason wilsher mills exhibition

Jason By The Sea at Woodend Gallery

14th September 2024 to 4th January 2025
Jason Wilsher-Mills presents Jason Beside the Sea, a colourful explosion of Jason’s signature printed wallpaper and giant inflatable sculptures.

cartoon style graphic of peasholm park with the workds peasholm park autumn daze in bold letters near the centre.

Autumn Daze at Peasholm Park

30th October 2024
'Autumn Daze' Festival will take place in the oriental themed Peasholm Park on Scarborough's north side and feature a whole range of free, autumn themed activities set against the colourful seasonal backdrop of the park's impressive woodland.

York Ghosts

Ghosts in the Garden

21st September to 5th November 2024
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.

Hull Comedy Fest

29th October to 17th November 2024
Hull’s annual comedy festival returns for 2024 with a huge line-up of hilarious comedy acts from all over the UK.

Diwali lights

Diwali at East Riddlesden Hall

1st to 13th November 2024
Experience the magic of Diwali at East Riddlesden Hall for the very first time! Step into a dazzling display of lights that illuminate the Hall and grounds. Visit on one of our open evenings and follow the trail of lights around the gardens.