by Katie Thompson
After long and lazy summer days, there’s nothing more exciting than an autumn packed with special events! And this season, Norwich will be humming with anticipation as the city looks forward to long-awaited festivals, week-long celebrations and incredible culture.
From returning citywide festivals of literature, music and more to a breathtaking West End show (that we’ve waited almost two years for!) and art exhibitions like nowhere else. So, what are you waiting for? Here are our top picks for what’s on in Norwich this autumn!
Image: Tesfaye Urgessa
Heritage Open Days are a wonderful ways to explore parts of Norwich you haven’t before
Norwich and Norfolk certainly aren’t short of history. Luckily for us, Heritage Open Days (12 – 21 September) reveals the incredible buildings, stories and people that make up our fine city- and all for free!
With a packed programme of exhibitions, tours, talks, re-enactments and more, you’ll see a new side of Norwich. Heritage Open Days always sell out quickly- although many events are drop-in too, so we recommend taking a look and deciding what you want to book in advance (tickets go live at 10am on Wednesday 27 August)! We’ve got our eye on the Silver Wings exhibition and The Great Hospital Tour.
While You’re Here: If you’re looking for more Norwich secrets, we suggest a walking tour! From Norwich Story Walks’ weird and wonderful tales to Norwich Ghost Walks’ spooky goings on and Paul Dickson’s fascinating facts.
After almost 2 years since it began, the first-ever UK tour of Hamilton arrives in Norwich!
‘Wait for it’! Norwich is going to be ‘the room where it happens’ when the first-ever UK tour of Hamilton arrives at Norwich Theatre Royal (16 September – 25 October, 2pm & 7.30pm, from £25).
Following the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, from a West Indian immigrant to George Washington’s ‘right-hand man’, this incredible score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, and R&B with award-winning choreography! Hamilton is an unforgettable ‘non-stop’ modern classic- ‘you’ll be back’ for more!
While You’re Here: ‘Do not throw away your shot’! Make your trip to Norwich extra-special with The Assembly House’s Hamilton pre-theatre pop-up menu. You’ll be ‘satisfied’ by American-inspired dishes like Lafayette’s Liberty Wings and Alexander’s Apple Pie. ‘Raise a glass’!
Explore the question Can We Stop Killing Each Other? with the Sainsbury Centre’s new exhibition series
The Sainsbury Centre tackles the big questions head on. And this autumn, it’s no different. Can We Stop Killing Each Other? (20 September 2025 – 17 May 2026) will explore why humans are led to kill, the cultures that portray this idea, including art, film and theatre, and real-life case studies like the Holocaust.
With new pieces by Anton Forde and Tesfaye Urgessa, alongside traditional forms and abstract art, you can see this series of eye-opening exhibitions until spring 2026.
While You’re Here: Take a stroll around the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park or experience Claude Monet’s ‘The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil’ like never before. As part of The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour (20 September 2025 – 11 January 2026), you’ll enter a multi-sensory reflective space which highlights the importance of sanctuary and a safe home.
Full of flair and flavour, Norwich Cocktail Week returns this September
Shake, sip and share- Norwich Cocktail Week is back (26 September – 5 October). Showcasing the very best of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene, you can expect flavour and flair in venues across Norwich!
Head to independent bars, stylish restaurants and more as our brilliant businesses serve up a menu of enticing cocktails and mocktails. You can take advantage of special discounts and attend one-off events, too! Complete trails and test your skills in cocktail making masterclasses during what promises to be a fun-filled week.
While You’re Here: Our top tip: pick a trail and explore the sights, shops, and foodie spots along the way! Who knows? You might uncover one of Norwich’s hidden gems or find a new favourite to start shouting about!
Wild Paths will take place at a whole host of venues right across Norwich
This October, Wild Paths festival returns with a fantastic line-up of events (14 – 18 October 2025, ticketed). In intimate venues across the city, including the unique and unexpected, you can see your favourite bands or discover an up-and-coming act!
From international names to local bands to music-loving DJs, immerse yourself in performances, talks and experiences from genres like jazz, hip-hop, jungle and more. Dance the night away in nightclubs, bars and pubs, a cinema, churches and even an underground street!
While You’re Here: Make a night of it and embrace Norwich’s buzzing pubs, restaurants and arts venues. From glowing riverside bars to the award-winning Gonzo’s Two Room, enjoy your evening surrounded by friends, dancing ‘til the sun comes up!
The Autumn Festival in Norfolk is a celebration of creativity, community and culture, with events like The African Choir of Norfolk
Across the county, The Autumn Festival brings together communities, culture and creativity in some of Norfolk’s most inspiring venues (18 October – 23 November, ticketed). From engaging talks with literary giants and television personalities to beautiful music, dance and acting performances from Norfolk’s own cultural creatives.
Our top picks include conversations with Michael Morpurgo, Reeta Chakrabarti and Tony Robinson and performances by The African Choir of Norfolk and Paul Jackson in venues like Norwich Cathedral and the Maddermarket Theatre.
While You’re Here: With so many of The Autumn Festival’s events taking place here, pay a visit to Norwich Cathedral. Wander in awe at Romanesque architecture, admire the UK’s second-tallest spire, and sip on electric-roasted espresso in the Refectory Cafe.
Embrace Norwich’s literary heritage at Norwich Book Festival
A celebration of stories in the City of Stories, Norwich Book Festival, presented by The Forum, returns (24 – 31 October, ticketed). Their programme is brimming with events for every reader- including talks, storytelling and poetry readings.
From family-friendly sessions to engrossing non-fiction, Norwich Book Festival celebrates every part of literature. And that includes best-selling writer Paula Hawkins and the one-and-only Jacqueline Wilson. Look out for their full programme, launching on Friday 22 August!
While You’re Here: Did you know Norwich is a UNESCO City of Literature? Embrace our rich heritage with Norwich’s Book Bench Trail, which takes you across the city, past local landmarks, highlighting important figures, from Julian of Norwich to Anna Sewell to Ian McEwan.
