Spooky season is upon us come October, and some truly terrifying happenings are set to unfold in every corner of the UK 🎃
However, if you’re not into the ghoulish vibe, there’s much more going on than the usual autumnal hauntings. From politics to poltergeists, sports to spooks and movies to monsters, there’s a mass of events happening throughout October.
So, let’s dive into the coolest (and spookiest) things to do in October 2024.
1. London Cocktail Week
3rd – 13th October 2024
London is bursting with stunning cocktail bars! From rooftop razzle-dazzle to secret speakeasies, it can be a real adventure finding the best ones. That’s where London Cocktail Week comes in!
Get ready for a cocktail lover’s dream! From October 3rd to 13th, the capital comes alive with incredible pop-up bars, unique dining experiences and the most delicious cocktails you can imagine. And what’s more, this 11-day ‘celebration of cocktail culture’ does the hard work for you, rounding up the best cocktail bars in the city. Plus, the classic £8 Signature Cocktails are back for wristband holders – so don’t forget to grab yours!
Eager to learn more? Check out our ultimate guide to London Cocktail Week here.
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2. Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
4th-6th, 11th-13th & 17th October – 3rd November 2024
The ultimate destination for spooky season is Thorpe Park in Surrey, where only the bravest souls will enter. Come face-to-face with the most dreaded and tormented terrors in scare mazes and scare zones – featuring live actors, special effects and frights around every corner. There will be awe-inspiring shows featuring live stage performers and special effects that will leave you petrified.
And of course, there will be thrilling rides in the dark – not least the world’s first horror movie-themed rollercoaster SAW, The Ride.
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3. Tulleys Shocktober Fest
4th October – 2nd November 2024
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Fancy a fright this October? Then you HAVE to check out Tulleys Shocktober Fest! This isn’t your average Halloween event, it’s the ultimate Halloween full-on scream park. Wander through spooky mazes filled with creepy characters with jump scares galore and enough eerie atmosphere to make your hair stand on end. It’s the perfect place to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.
But don’t worry, it’s not all scares and frights! Between facing your fears, you can grab a bite to eat, enjoy some live entertainment and soak up the spooky atmosphere with your friends.
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4. Cheltenham Literature Festival
4th – 14th October 2024
October is Literature Festival season! Celebrating the written and spoken word, the world-renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival presents the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats and high-profile speakers. This impressive 10-day programme includes a mixture of ticketed events, free family activities, events and fringe events scattered throughout the regency town.
You can book up your diary from cover to cover or just sit back and soak up the culture in the Festival Village where the heart of the story unfolds.
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5. Cardiff Half Marathon
6th October 2024
A flat, fast and scenic course through the Welsh capital is one of the largest and most exciting road races in the UK. Over 27,500 registered runners take part alongside world-class athletes in a trio of fiercely contested men’s, women’s and wheelchair elite races. Participants pass Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium and stunning Cardiff Bay on this spectacular route.
Supporting various charities and good causes, the Cardiff Half Marathon raises over £3 million each year. Spectators can enjoy big screens, music and prize giveaways as well as tiered standing terraces giving a fantastic view over the finish line.
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6. Henley Literary Festival
30th September – 8th October 2024
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Fancy a literary escape this October? From September 30th to October 8th, the charming town of Henley-upon-Thames comes alive with words and ideas, as the Henley Literary Festival returns. This bookworm’s dream features everything from talks with your favourite authors to discovering and getting lost in incredible new stories.
Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting your bookish journey, there’s something for everyone at Henley Literary Festival. From heart-warming novels to fascinating deep dives into health and science, you’ll find yourself inspired and entertained by the array of genres celebrated at the Henley Literary Festival.
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7. BFI London Film Festival
9th – 20th October 2024
The 68th BFI London Film Festival promises a selection of the best in world cinema for UK audiences. Growing in popularity each year, the BFI London Film Festival offers a wide array of films that represent a variety of languages, genres and filmmaking styles.
The festival will showcase exceptional British filmmaking alongside international work. The programme spans features, shorts, fiction, documentaries, artists’ moving images, restorations, animation and films for families, alongside titles destined for awards-season glory.
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8. Halloween bottomless brunch
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Fancy a bit of Halloween witchcraft with your morning mimosas? London’s got you covered! There’s nothing quite like combining spooky season with a classic bottomless brunch. It’s the perfect way to kickstart a day of Halloween fun!
If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, Ballie Ballerson is a must-visit. Expect bottomless drinks, delicious food and a massive ball pit to top it all off! Add a touch of Halloween magic and you’ve got yourself a spooky spectacular! Or check out Blame Gloria or The Prince, who know how to throw a party! And their Halloween bottomless brunches are sure to be epic. Expect delicious food, flowing drinks and a whole lot of Halloween cheer. Just remember fancy dress is pretty much a requirement!
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9. Betfred Super League Grand Final 2024
12th October 2024
More men running around a field with an oval ball in October, but this time in the British tradition at Manchester’s Old Trafford. The Betfred Super League Grand Final unfolds in the Theatre of Dreams this October as rugby fans descend to see who will take home the glory of this beloved sporting competition.
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10. Bloomsbury Festival
18th – 27th October 2024
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If you fancy exploring London’s rich local culture and creativity, then the Bloomsbury Festival will be right up your street! Every October, this London neighbourhood transforms into a buzzing hub of arts, music and everything in between.
From mind-boggling performances to thought-provoking talks, explore every hidden corner of Bloomsbury, discovering secret gardens and stumbling upon live music or art installations. It’s like a treasure hunt for culture!
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11. Labour Party Conference
22nd – 25th October 2024
After a victory in the 2024 general election, the Labour Party heads to Liverpool for its annual party conference. With conferences, talks and announcements across the ACC, ECL and the Pullman Hotel, the full timetable for proceedings is yet to be announced but expect speeches from Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and his cabinet.
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12. Halloween family fun!
31st October 2024
Witching hour will be upon us soon enough and spooktacular events are set to unfold across the UK. Set among the towering trees of Edinburgh Botanic Garden, discover pumpkin garden bursting with colour and fun for the whole family! In Salford’s 820-year-old Ordsall Hall there’s a Ghost Hunt where you’ll seek out the fabled White Lady. There’s only one place to be in Birmingham on Halloween – the Coffin Works museum which produced some of the world’s finest coffin furniture for many famous funerals. In London you can come face-to-face with roaming ghosts of legendary inmates at the Tower of London.
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Music Events
13. Janet Jackson at Co-op Live, Manchester
1st October 2024
In the mood for a night of pure nostalgia this October? The legendary Janet Jackson is bringing her ‘Together Again’ tour to Manchester’s Co-op Live on the 1st October 2024.
Get ready to dance the night away to classic hits like ‘Rhythm Nation’, ‘Control’ and ‘That’s the Way Love Goes’. It’s a golden opportunity to relive the magic of the 80s and 90s. So, dust off your best dance moves and get ready to sing along.
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14. Becky Hill at OVO Hydro, Glasgow
12th October 2024
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Get ready to sing your heart out to all your favourite Becky Hill hits at VO Hydro in Glasgow this October. From catchy dance anthems to soulful ballad renditions of her biggest hits, you won’t want to miss Becky Hill live in concert.
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the power of Becky Hill’s voice in a live setting. With her infectious enthusiasm and undeniable talent, she’ll have you dancing and singing along from start to finish. So grab your best mates, dress up and get ready for an unforgettable night of music and fun!
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