The scarves are out and the soup is on, which can only mean it’s time to find out the best October events around Nottingham.
I have curated a range of these, from wine festivals to ballet and from pumpkin patches to murder mysteries. These have been narrowed down based on uniqueness, seasonality, and value for money.
If you’re looking for autumn events in 2026, these are all worth checking out. We will also be publishing a separate Halloween guide. For more guides like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 of the best events around Nottingham this October
By Eve Smallman
1. Trent Bridge Wine, Champagne and Prosecco Festival
When: October 8-10
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £15pp early bird, from £18pp on the day
During this first edition of Nottingham’s biggest wine festival, you’ll be able to visit an array of bars by local wine merchants and established brands alike, as well as sampling nibbles, street food and musical entertainment. A complimentary glass is provided, which you are free to take home. This is running at the same time as Nottingham Beer and Cider Festival (trentbridge.co.uk), which your ticket will also allow entry to – just be sure to pick up a festival beer glass to carry on the party.
Do if: You’d like to try new tipples, especially with the festive hosting season on the way.
2. Nottinghamshire Pick Your Own Pumpkins
When: October 10-11, 17-31
Where: Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell
How much: Free entry, pay for the produce
Truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the season by visiting the best pumpkin patch in the area. Here you’ll be able to pick your own pumpkins, as well as squashes and gourds, in a variety of colours and sizes, from mini to XL. As well as scooping up seasonal produce for decorating and cooking, there will be tractor rides, and food and drink – including from local legends Doughnotts.
Do if: You’d like to create special autumnal memory – this is a particularly lovely activity to do with children.
nottinghamshirepickyourownpumpkins.com
3. Chutneys & Jam Cooking Class
When: October 11
Where: Pippley Walled Garden, Beeston
How much: £75pp
At Pippley Walled Garden’s fabulous Cookery School, you can learn how to make jams and chutneys with the school’s chefs, ready to take home later in the day. While the jams are bubbling down, you’ll tuck into your autumnally themed bagel selection and soup for lunch, before wrapping warm and join the garden team on a foraging tour to discover how to scout out autumn’s best bounty.
Do if: You’d like to learn how to properly make chutneys and jams – here, you’ll find out all the skills for doing so for years to come.
4. Sundown Adventures | AD
When: October 16-18, 23-31, November 1, 7-8
Where: Go Ape at Sherwood Pines, Edwinstowe
How much: £31.95pp
When the sun goes down, the lights come up during this atmospheric event, which takes Go Ape’s exhilarating experience up a notch. You’ll climb ropes, zip down lines, crawl through tunnels, and clamber across cargo nets, all with colourful glowing lights showing you the way. Time slots normally run from 4.30-6.30pm, so you can easily choose a time that suits you. Dates are available across the season, including during October half-term and even on Halloween for a fun treat.
Do if: You’d like to try one of Nottinghamshire’s most thrilling activities – this is it on a whole different level.
5. Print Fair
When: October 16-18
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free entry
We might be an online magazine, but we’ll always shout out print. Over 35 stalls over two floors of the city’s art gallery will be filled with a wide range of printmakers and illustrators. This focuses on artists working across the wide variety of print specialisms including screen print, lino print, risograph, etching, photography, digital print and other print techniques or original art pieces. The launch event is on Friday, and from here it’s open 10am-5pm Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday.
Do if: You like making an early start on (*gasp*) Christmas present shopping.
6. Northern Ballet: Cinderella
When: October 23-24
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £18pp
The timeless tale is taking centre stage in this magical staging of Cinderella, performed by Northern Ballet. Originally choreographed by Michael Pink for Milwaukee Ballet, this feel-good ballet will have you dancing till midnight with breathtaking waltzes, tender duets, and laugh-out-loud characters. The show will also perform to Prokofiev’s classic music played live. Just be sure to ensure your slippers are firmly fastened and that you’re back home by midnight.
Do if: Something about ballet always enchants you or someone you love – this is suitable for all ages.
7. Murder Mystery Evening
When: October 23
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £56.50pp
Take part in a fully immersive dining experience at Norwood Park for an evening of deadly intrigue. Step into the shadowy world of the DeRussi Coven, with ambitious mortals and vampires – will you survive the night, or become its next victim? Extend your evening and make the most of your visit with an overnight stay in one of the park’s charming house bedrooms. Fancy dress to match the event’s vampire theme is encouraged, but optional. Plus, a welcome drink and three-course dinner is included.
Do if: You’d enjoy celebrating the spooky season in a chic, grown-up way.
8. Halloween Outdoor Cinema
When: October 23-25
Where: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £17.37pp
Home to Batman, Wollaton Hall is a hauntingly beautiful venue that’s the perfect backdrop for Halloween cinema. This is hosting three films over three days – Scream (October 23), Hocus Pocus Spooktactular (October 24), and The Nightmare Before Christmas (October 25). Bring your own spooky snacks (jelly worms and chocolate eyeballs, perhaps?), or pick up hot food and drink on-site. Don’t forget your blanket for staying warm/hiding under.
Do if: You’ve been thinking about having a Halloween cinema night – Adventure Cinema’s offering is an easy way to do that without needing to host.
9. Hockley Hustle
When: October 25
Where: Various venues across Hockley and Sneinton
How much: Wristbands £20pp early bird, £25pp on the day
Our city’s own music and arts festival is celebrating 20 years of hustling this year with 400 acts playing across 50 bars, pubs, cinemas, chapels, and galleries. Big highlights include the Anniversary Exhibition, UFO Orchestra, Queer Hustle, Step n Groove, and The Hustle Parade. However, it’s always worth checking out the full line-up, finding a couple of must-do events, and letting the flow of the day carry you through. Young Hustlers (£12.10pp adult, £4.40pp child) will also take on the same day place, with a range of creative workshops for families.
Do if: You’d like to discover more music from Nottingham’s talented artists – this is an especially special year to do so.
10. Nottingham Samhain Pagan Market
When: October 31
Where: Sneinton Market
How much: Free entry
Take Halloween back to its Celtic origins of Samhain, which marks the shift from summer to the dark winter, by exploring over 100 craft, food, and drink traders. These include artists, makers, card readers, and purveyors of vintage goods, all with an emphasis on the unique, unusual, and occult. There will also be ritual and fire shows, live music, and even a dark version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And, of course, costumes and Goth or Pagan garb are very much encouraged.
Do if: You’re looking for something special to do on Halloween itself – the market doesn’t normally fall on this day, making it special indeed.
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