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 2023 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 2023 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.
Sean Scully at Houghton Hall – Smaller Than the Sky
When: Select Days 23 April – 29 October
One of the world’s most celebrated artists, Sean Scully, will showcase his sculptures, paintings, and works on paper at Houghton Hall.
Read our reviews of the Chris Levine and Tony Cragg exhibitions to find out what to expect.
Find out more here.
Get more information about this year’s Cromer Pier Show here.
Rugby World Cup
When: 8 September – 28 October
Can England Rugby win another World Cup? It’s been 20 years now! Check out our post to find out where you can watch the Rugby World Cup in Norfolk.
Norfolk Open Studios
When: 23 September – 8 October
Norfolk Open Studios is a well-loved annual event run by the Norfolk & Norwich Festival team which celebrates the creativity and talent of Norfolk makers and creators. Visitors can see artists in their working space, this might be in their own home, studio, garage/shed or garden, to learn about their work and buy their art.
All studios are free to visit. Get more details here.
The Autumn Festival of Norfolk
When: 23 September – 25 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.
Flamingo Fiesta
When: 30 September – 1 October
It’s a weekend of flamingos and pink at Pensthorpe! Engage in a spectrum of activities, from crafting with flamingo themes to embarking on pond-dipping escapades. Engrossing talks about these elegant creatures, paired with delectable flamingo-inspired treats at the café, are in store. Gilda, the amiable flamingo, will be present for memorable photo sessions and heartwarming cuddles.
Transform your look with face-painting, an attraction for all ages. And here’s an added bonus: anyone – child or adult – dressed in flamingo fancy dress or themed attire receives a 10% entry discount upon arrival.
All these exciting activities are included in the price of your ticket. Get more information here.
Circus Fantasia
When: 4 – 15 October
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.
Bayfield Hall Sculpture Trail
When: 4 – 29 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.
Norwich Oktoberfest
When: 6 – 7 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.
Junkyard Food Festival
When: 6 – 8 October
Get ready for a brand new food festival in Earlham Park from the team at Junkyard Market. There will be 50 street food vendors, 50 craft beers, and 50 wines!
Get more information here.
Autumn Equinox Skycamp
When: 9 – 16 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.
Wild Paths Festival
When: 10 -15 October
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: 13 – 22 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 13 October – 4 November
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Go Ape Thetford this season, where you can ascend, swing, and glide into the night for an unparalleled thrill.
As you ascend to towering platforms in the obscurity, your senses will sharpen, and the exhilaration of zipping through the air in the fading sunlight will leave you breathless.
Amidst the enchanting, softly hued lights that provide just enough visibility, and the encroaching darkness beyond, you’ll immerse yourself in a novel realm of excitement, transforming into a true nocturnal explorer.
Get more information here.
Apple Day at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
When: 15 October
Step into a world of autumn enchantment and abundant family-friendly entertainment. This event features Folklore Corner, where you’ll be enchanted by traditional music and mesmerizing Morris dancing. Indulge your taste buds in a delectable array of treats and explore exquisite local crafts—there’s something to captivate every member of the family.
Get more information here.
Russell’s International Circus
When: 18 – 29 October
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.
Get discounted tickets through Groupon here.
Blakeney Fireworks & Bonfire Event
When: 21 October (or 22 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.
1st Spanish and Latino Music Food & Dance Festival Norwich
When: 22 October
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.
Norwich Beer Festival
When: 23 – 28 October
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.
Great Yarmouth Half Term Fireworks
When: 25 October
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: 26 – 29 October
In 2023, Wymondham Words is making a triumphant return, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Kett’s Books and Wymondham Arts Forum. Since its inception in 2010, Wymondham has served as the vibrant epicentre of an annual literary festival.
This festival, which started as a modest gathering, has since blossomed into a renowned event that has played host to some of the most distinguished regional authors. Esteemed writers such as Ronald Blythe, Richard Mabey, Rose Tremain, Elspeth Barker, Rebecca Stott, Mark Cocker, and many more have graced the festival with their presence, sharing their literary insights, engaging in discussions, and enriching the experience for all attendees.
Get more information here.
Grove Lights Halloween Show
When: 27 – 31 October
Get ready for a spine-tingling experience like no other this Halloween season! The Grove Lights in Newton Flotman, postcode NR15 1QE, is putting on a Halloween show while raising funds for a great cause, MacMillan Cancer Support.
The Grove Lights Halloween Show runs from 18:00 to 20:00 the first two nights. Then from 29 October to 31 October, the show will be open to the public from 17:00 to 20:00. Parking is conveniently available for visitors just a short walk away at the Village Hall, ensuring that you can easily access the Halloween magic without any hassle.
The display is huge but what sets the Grove Lights Halloween Show apart is its creativity and choreography. Each one-hour show is divided into two distinct halves. The first 30 minutes are designed for all ages and promise to deliver fun, excitement, and the kind of Halloween spirit that warms your heart. But that’s not all! The second half of the show takes a thrilling turn as it becomes more rock-oriented.
Get more information here. See the video highlights here.
Norfolk Restaurant Week
When: 30 October – 10 November (excluding weekends)
Don’t miss this opportunity to check out Norfolk’s vibrant culinary scene. Every participating restaurant offers their usual high standard of food, but at an incredibly tempting price.
The Restaurant Week menus are available Monday to Friday only. You won’t need any passes, tickets or vouchers, simply book your table direct with your chosen restaurant and mention Norfolk Restaurant Week. It’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Get more details 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
Fire on the Water
When: Hopefully back in 2024
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 will 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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