by Katie Thompson
With October already on the horizon, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the City of Stories!
For starters, this month marks the return of some of the city’s most popular festivals- from literature to music to beer! If that’s not enough, why not enjoy a sustainable fashion workshop, discover homegrown cultural talent or sing your heart out at Barrioke! (How about all the above?) In Norfolk, illuminate autumnal evenings with a thrilling high ropes experience.
And for family things to do in half term, as well as that all-important Halloween night out (adults only!), we’ve got plenty of recommendations!
Here’s what’s on in October!
2025 marks the first year of Norwich University of the Arts as a Sustainable Fashion Week hub
Sustainable Fashion Week (27 September – 5 October, free, booking necessary) celebrates eco-conscious fashion, upcycling, repairing and the magic of second-hand.
As a Sustainable Fashion Week hub, Norwich University of the Arts is holding an engaging programme of events which invites you to share stories, amplify ideas and build connections across the city whilst reimagining fashion’s future. Think a Recrafted Couture exhibition (hosted by John Lewis), screening and discussion of revealing documentary Fashion Reimagined, and a range of mending, dyeing and Tataki-zome workshops!
Across the city, Wild Paths brings a line up of brilliant acts and events
If you love discovering up-and-coming music, look no further than Wild Paths (14 – 18 October, days pass from £30, festival pass from £45). This 5-day festival brings the hottest new bands and artists (as well as internationally renowned names) to Norwich’s most exciting venues- from buzzing spots like Norwich Arts Centre and Gonzo’s to a cinema, church and even a hidden street!
From hip-hop to new wave jazz, indie to afrobeat, you can expect pulsing nights out, intimate acoustic performances, industry panels, afterparties and a special full visual album screening!
This year, Norwich Beer Festival is taking place in two venues- alongside a launch party and fringe festival!
This year, Norwich Beer Festival returns for two weeks- with a launch party, fringe festival and two exciting venues (17 October – 2 November, from £14)! Taste 200 cask-conditioned real ales from Britain’s independent brewers, global draught and bottled beers, and traditional East Anglian ciders and perries.
The 46th edition launches at Redwell Brewery, followed by a fringe festival at pubs across the city. Then the festival itself is split into two parts, the first at the Waterfront (27 – 29 October) and the second at Castle Quarter’s Castle Social (30 October – 1 November), where you can enjoy live music at every session.
Have the time of your live with a night of Barrioke at Norwich arts Centre
Following an electric gig last December, Barrioke is back at Norwich Arts Centre (17 October, from £26)! With his Baz Out of Hell show, Shaun Williamson (of EastEnders and Extras fame) is bringing a riotous night of karaoke to the City of Stories.
There’ll be all your sing-along favourites- from Abba to The Fratellis to Neil Diamond. With hilarity guaranteed, it’s an unforgettable night out and guest participation is encouraged! Time to don your sparkly blazers!
From workshops to talks and award-winning authors, Norwich Book Festival has something for every reader
Norwich Book Festival is back in our UNESCO City of Literature! From 24 – 31 October, you can expect a packed programme full of exciting literary events, talks and workshops for lovers of every genre, young, old and every age in between (free and ticketed).
There are big names like Paula Hawkins, Nikita Gill and Larry Lamb transporting into their latest novels, family-friendly illustration workshops, interactive events in the Imaginarium, a live podcast recording with Norwich Folklore Society, the return of Norwich Print and Zine Fair, and even a Norwich Bookshop Crawl! Make sure to bookmark your favourites!
Think you know Go Ape? Experience high ropes after dark with their Sundown Adventures!
Just when you thought high ropes couldn’t get any more adventurous, Go Ape Sundown Adventures invites you to experience treetop thrills in a whole new light! For a limited time only (17 October – 9 November, from £31.95), take in sky-high forest views under the night sky.
Arrive after dark in Thetford Forest, where you’ll be greeted by Go Ape’s fantastically fun course amid atmospheric and colourful glowing lights. Tackle high rope obstacles and whiz along zip lines. It’s an exhilarating event for friends and families alike!
The African Choir of Norfolk is just one act at this year’s Autumn Festival of Norfolk
Across Norwich and Norfolk, The Autumn Festival brings together communities, cultures and creativity (18 October – 23 November, ticketed). From engaging talks with the likes of Michael Morpurgo, Reeta Chakrabarti and Tony Robinson to incredible performances by The African Choir of Norfolk and Paul Jackson.
Whether you’re a theatregoer, literary fiend, visual artist or dance fan, The Autumn Festival’s mix of homegrown talent and internationally acclaimed artists in venues that range from Norwich Cathedral to the Maddermarket Theatre will create lasting memories.
