Nottingham October events — 10 things to do this month
Nottingham October events — 10 things to do this month
Spooky fun, unique theatre, brilliant music shows, and more...
There are always amazing events in Nottingham in October. This year is no exception, as there’s a brilliant variety on offer across the county.
I’ve pulled together a range of these, ranging from seasonal fun (both sweet and spooky!) to amazing performances both musical and theatrical. Beeston’s very own Sir Paul Smith is even coming to Nottingham Playhouse, which will be a real treat.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham this autumn, you can find plenty of amazing activities below. Make sure you’re subscribed to our emails, as we send out Notts Going On every week which is always filled with weekly events. Plus, we’ll be soon be sending out a special Halloween events guide.
10 things to do in Nottingham this October
By Eve Smallman
1. Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival
When: October 9-12
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: £16pp for half days, £27pp for full days
Brewers from across Nottinghamshire and the country will be showcasing over 600 beers and 140 ciders at this huge four-day event. This is being held at the Trent Bridge cricket ground, which has plenty of space to sit and relax while you sip on your ales. You can either go for a whole day of fun from 11am-11pm on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, or go for a half day on Wednesday or four hours on Saturday’s ‘party night.’
Do if: You want to try stepping outside of your beer comfort zone.
2. Felt Pumpkin Workshop
When: October 11
Where: Hanwell Wine Estate, Hickling Pastures
How much: £69pp
Spend a mindful morning at Hanwell’s beautiful craft barn, where you’ll enjoy welcome refreshments, have an introduction to the tools and be shown how to handle felt. From here, you’ll tuck into snacks, and before you know it you’ll have a completed pumpkin. The session size is limited to just eight to allow for tailored tutoring, so if you like the sound of this, you might want to be quick in booking.
Do if: You want to have a relaxing activity to look forward to at the end of the week.
3. Print Fair Contemporary
When: October 11-13
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free entry
Where better than Nottingham Contemporary to browse beautiful prints, right? At this fair, you can see works from printmakers, designers, and illustrators who work in a range of specialisms, from screen printing to risograph. If you go to the Friday launch event in the evening, you can also get first dibs on prints and even free drinks if you’re one of the first 100 in. There are also special events throughout the weekend, including Hello Sunshine portraits (Friday, from £15) and family friendly activities (Saturday and Sunday, free).
Do if: You’d like to add a personal touch to your walls (students, you can use Command strips to hang them up without damaging them!).
4. Outbreak Scarefest Nottingham
When: October 12-November 3
Where: The James Alexander Warehouse and Binks Yard
How much: £24.45pp
For those who like solving puzzles and have no fear, this is a unique and exciting event. Thrill-seekers will be transported to the scene of a chemical outbreak, where they’ll have to race across the scare maze. Will you be able to make it out before the time is up? This will all be set in the disused James Alexander Warehouse, which was formerly part of Boots’ main research, production and storage facility. Once you’re done, you’ll be taken back to Binks Yard for much-needed drinks, fairground fun, and street food.
Do if: You’re a fan of escape rooms or love the spine-tingling side of Halloween.
5. An Audience With Paul Smith
When: October 15
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: £25pp
Beeston-born designer Sir Paul Smith is set to spend an evening chatting about his career at the Playhouse. He’ll be in conversation with journalist and author Richard Williams, and the audience will be invited to ask questions about his inspiration, career, and impact on global fashion. All the ticket proceeds will be going towards the Playhouse’s charitable activities, so not only will it be a fascinating evening, but you’ll also be helping out great causes.
Do if: You’d like to hear from and speak with one of Nottingham’s most famous faces (this is an opportunity that rarely comes about!).
6. Hockley Hustle
When: October 20
Where: Various venues around Hockley and the wider city
How much: £16.50pp, £11pp concessions, £10.90pp students
One of the highlights of the city’s music calendar, Hockley Hustle will be hosting over 400 artists across 50 different venues. Headliners this year include rapper JayaHadADream (who performed at Glastonbury this year), soul singer Alfie Sharp, legendary local poet Bridie Squires, and alt-folk band Catmilk — which just shows the sheer variety you can expect. Plus, there will be carnival parades, silent discos, street food, and more.
Do if: You like the idea of spending the whole day jamming and dancing.
7. Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of)
When: October 21-26
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £10-£42pp
Men, money and microphones will be fought over and the romance stakes will be seriously high in this retelling of Jane Austen’s most famous love story. The story is set in the 1800s, which means parties and matchmaking are an absolute must. Of course, you know all this from the regular Pride and Prejudice — but this award-winning adaptation has comedy and pop classics, so expect to spend the show smiling and singing along.
Do if: You like Bridgerton, but you love being able to have a laugh watching something, too.
8. Halloween By Torchlight
When: October 25-27
Where: White Post Farm, Newark
How much: £10.50pp
Head down to this farm after hours for a cosy evening with tricks and treats. Each child will get a free pumpkin to carve, while each adult will get a hot beverage to drink while walking around and seeing the animals. There will also be marshmallow toasting and photo opportunities throughout. It’s worth noting that the Sunday event is for adults only, so if you’re planning to take little ones, just make sure to go on Friday or Saturday.
Do if: You’re looking for a spooky but not scary Halloween activity.
9. Young T & Bugsey
When: October 29
Where: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
How much: £18.56pp
So many amazing music artists have come out of Nottingham, and one of the most famous acts has to be rap duo Young T & Bugsey. They’re playing a headlining, hometown show at Rescue Rooms, where you’ll be able to dance to songs like Don’t Rush and Strike a Pose (which you may recognise from the FIFA game soundtrack). You can find out more about them in their interview with Wonderland.
Do if: You’ve seen the Young T & Bugsey logos on the ground around town and want to know what they’re all about.
10. Notts Festive Gift & Food Show
When: October 26-27
Where: Newark Showground
How much: £9pp adult, £5pp child
The mince pies are already in the supermarkets, which means that Christmas is just around the corner (eek!). Get into the holiday spirit at the region’s biggest festive shopping fair, which is set to be filled with gifts, food and drink, and entertainment. You can either get a regular day ticket or upgrade to a premium ticket (£10pp) which will allow you early access to the show on one day, or the premium plus ticket (£13pp) which will allow you this on both days.
Do if: You want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
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No mention of the mighty Oxjam in Beeston?! 😮 http://oxjambeeston.org/event/oxjam-beeston-music-festival-2024/
Great list tho 👏🏼