October is the height of Autumn in Norfolk. Take advantage of the outdoors and enjoy the colourful leaves before it gets too cold. It’s also time to celebrate all things spooky.
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October 2024 Norfolk Events
If you are looking for things to do in Norfolk in October, you have come to the right place. Here you will find events happening in October 2024 in Norfolk. It includes some events that are family-friendly and/or free.
At the begining of the month, you can expect Oktoberfest celebrations. Then, at the end of the month, we have the October half term and Halloween. Check out our list of the best Halloween events in Norfolk for more details. You can also visit a pumpkin farm.
Remember there can always be last minute changes, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the details with the organization hosting the event.
Time Horizons at Houghton Hall
When: 21 April – 31 October select days
Experience Antony Gormley’s monumental exhibition, “Time Horizon,” at Houghton Hall, featuring 100 life-size sculptures spread across 300 acres of the park. These cast-iron sculptures, each weighing 620kg and standing at an average of 191cm, create a striking visual impact, installed at a uniform level across the landscape. Some sculptures are partially buried, while others rise above the ground or stand on concrete columns.
Houghton Hall, a stately home built in the early 18th century by Sir Robert Walpole, boasts exquisite Palladian architecture and has been open to the public since 1976. The Houghton Arts Foundation continues to expand its collection of contemporary art, positioning Houghton as a premier destination for experiencing great art in a historic setting. “Time Horizon” follows a distinguished lineup of previous exhibitions, such as Tony Cragg and Chris Levine.
Get more information here.
The Autumn Festival of Norfolk
When: 14 September – 29 November
Formerly known as the Hostry Festival, the Autumn Festival of Norfolk celebrates creativity, inclusion and year-round community. The diverse program includes parties, theatre performances, poetry readings, film screenings, talks, workshops, and more.
Get more information here.
Bayfield Hall Sculpture Trail
When: 18 September – 20 October
The team behind the Raveningham Sculpture Trail brings together the works of 45 artists from across the UK in the private gardens of Bayfield Hall near Holt.
Get more details here.
Autumn Equinox Skycamp
When: 30 September – 7 October
The Loughton Astronomical Society holds an Autumn Equinox Sky Camp at Kelling Heath on the North Norfolk coast. It is the largest star party in the UK with hundreds of amateur astronomers gathering for a week of dark sky observing.
The main event day is the Saturday when they have vendor trade stands, equipment demonstrations, a raffle, and a telescope tour. It is free to attend but if you want to spend a night or more you will need to book a campsite.
Get more information here.
Circus Fantasia
When: TBC
Enjoy a two-hour live circus performance accompanied by a live orchestra in a climate-controlled big top, with comfortable stadium-style seating at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich. Food and drink will be available including all the usual circus favourites like popcorn and candy floss.
Get more information here.
Norwich Oktoberfest
When: 11 – 12 October
Norwich Oktoberfest is back at Epic Studios, with the Oompah act, The Bavarian Strollers.. They will be joined by one of the best party bands around, NightTrain, with chart-topping anthems and Euro-Pop classics.
You are encouraged to wear Bavarian outfit or a pair of classic Lederhosen, but it’s not required. There will be plenty of authentic Bavarian beers served in steins and Bratwurst sausages (with meat and vegan options).
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Wild Paths Festival
When: TBC
Enjoy six days of live music (Indie, hip-hop, neo-soul, post-punk, new-wave jazz and more) at various venues around Norwich. There will also be after-parties, discussions, art fairs, and more.
Get more information here.
Read about more music festivals in Norfolk here.
Norwich Cocktail Week
When: 18 – 27 October
For 10 days there will be an array of special cocktails available at various venues, along with masterclasses, culinary and beverage tours, delectable cocktail-pairing dinners, and much more in Norwich.
Get more information here.
Sundown Adventures at Go Ape Thetford
When: Select days 18 October – 10 November
It’s your chance to swing through the treetops under the stars at Go Ape Thetford! Feel your heart race as you climb, glide, and zip through the twilight. As the sun sets and darkness creeps in, the forest comes alive with a whole new energy. It’s the perfect time to sharpen your senses and embrace your inner explorer.
Get more information here.
Apple Day at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
When: TBC
Get ready to be swept away by the magic of autumn at this family-friendly event! Enjoy the sounds of traditional music and the lively steps of Morris dancers at Folklore Corner. Satisfy your cravings with seasonal treats and discover local crafts.
Get more information here.
Russell’s International Circus
When: TBC
Beneath a traditional big-top tent in Taverham near Norwich, an all-human cast will entertain you with a varied mixture of illusion, laughter and stunts.
Find out more here.
Blakeney Fireworks & Bonfire Event
When: 26 October (or 27 October if weather doesn’t cooperate the first night)
It may be a little early to celebrate Bonfire Night, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The evening kicks off at 17:00 with a variety of hot food and various attractions at Carnser car park. Then Ruby Flames performs at 18:15.
The bonfire will be lit at 18:45 and the fireworks show is at 19:30. It’s done by Titanium Fireworks, who also do the Cromer Carnival fireworks show.
It’s a free event and no tickets are needed. You can park for free at the Blakeney Village Hall car park. Get details here.
Spanish and Latino Music Food & Dance Festival Norwich
When: TBC
This brand new festival hosted by Churros for the People at Norwich Market will feature Spanish food and drink, live performances, salsa dancing lessons, and a raffle.
Get more information here.
Great Yarmouth Half Term Fireworks
When: TBC
You can see a free fireworks show at Central Beach in Great Yarmouth. The fireworks show starts at 21:00.
Get details here.
Wymondham Words Festival
When: TBC
Wymondham Words, co-hosted by Kett’s Books and Wymondham Arts Forum, has blossomed into a vibrant literary festival since its start in 2010. From humble beginnings, it has attracted acclaimed authors like Ronald Blythe, Rose Tremain, and Rebecca Stott, who have captivated audiences with their stories and insights.
Get more information here.
Grove Lights Halloween Show
When: 26 October – 2 November
Get ready for a spine-tingling Halloween at The Grove Lights in Newton Flotman (postcode NR15 1QE)! This fantastic show, supporting MacMillan Cancer Support, promises an unforgettable night of spooky fun.
Starting with some family-friendly frights that everyone can enjoy, the show then cranks up the energy with a thrilling, rock-themed finale. Plus, parking is just a short walk away at the Village Hall, so you can easily join in on the Halloween excitement!
Get more information, including show times here. See the video highlights from 2023 here.
Halloween
When: 31 October (but many events take place during the October half-term)
Find out about the best Halloween events in Norfolk here.
Something to Look Forward to Next October
Norwich Beer Festival
When: hopefully back in 2025 as The Halls are closed for repairs
The Norwich District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) organizes a beer festival at The Halls each October. There will be over 300 cask-conditioned Real Ales from Britain’s independent brewers, plus draught and bottled beers from Continental Europe.
In addition to all the beer, you will find over 70 varieties of traditional ciders and perries, mostly from East Anglia. Food will also be available.
Get more information here.
Read about more beer festivals in Norfolk.
Fire on the Water
When: Hopefully back in 2024 but still TBC
Fire on the Water is popular fire and light trail that debuted in 2021 at the Venetian Waterways and was held on the Central Beach in Great Yarmouth in 2022. It did not take place in 2023 but hopefully will be back in 2024.
Read about our experience at Fire on the Water in 2021 or see our video from the 2022 Fire on the Water here.
Looking Ahead
Check out November events in Norfolk here.
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