What's On in October

What’s On in October

by Katie Thompson

With October already on the horizon, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the City of Stories!  

This month marks the return of Norwich Book Festival- perfect for every type of literary lover- and Norwich Beer Festival to The Halls. Elsewhere, look out for Sustainable Fashion Week, Wild Paths, and Luxmuralis! If that’s not enough, why not enjoy a mouthwatering supper club, all-new theatre show or local makers market? (How about all the above?)  

In Norfolk, illuminate autumnal evenings with a thrilling high ropes experience and meet adorable new arrivals. Plus, ROARR! are celebrating Grandparents Day with a special offer.

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!

Image: Luxmuralis

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Norwich 

Melville & Sons’ Supper Club
Thursday 1 October, 7.30pm, £85 

Mark the beginning of a new month at Melville & Sons’ Supper Club. Hosted by local chef Roger Hickman, you can expect an evening of Italian dishes and wine, showcasing seasonal flavours and warm, comforting combinations.  

Enjoy a fresh spritz on arrival (and a signature cocktail to finish), followed by four courses, including roasted butternut squash tortellini, and slow-cooked beef cheek, each one expertly paired with an Italian wine. Listen to the stories behind each bottle as you tuck in! 

Wild Paths at Voodoo Daddy’s
3 – 27 October, various times, from £10 

While the multi-venue festival may not be running this year (just like Glastonbury), never fear! Wild Paths is bringing an incredible line-up of musicians to Voodoo Daddy’s.  

From R&B, soul and nu-jazz to post-punk, indie-rock, folk and Americana, expect names like Gallus (10 October, £14)– a Scottish punk/alternative rock band promising high intensity, Girl Group (11 October, £13)– a spectrum of sonic references subverting the expectations of an industry-made girl group, and Bel Cobain (21 October, £16)– poetic lyricism inspired by nature, love and stories.

Local Makers Market at The Forum
Saturday 10 October, 10am – 4pm, FREE 

Whether you’re searching for that one-of-a-kind gift or just love unique Norfolk-made pieces, we always recommend Local Makers Market. 

And this month, it’s taking over The Forum with 80 stalls inside and out! The air will be buzzing with energy as handmade items wait to be discovered. Soak up the atmosphere, sip on a coffee and pick up a sweet treat as your browse beautiful jewellery, detailed prints, quirky homeware, candles, ceramics, plants and more from the likes of Pickles Picnic, Jenna Crush, Band of Starlings and Moss & Fable.

Cuban Baroque & Sylvia at Norwich Theatre Royal
20 – 21 October & 27 – 31 October, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, from £10.60 

Norwich Theatre boasts one incredible line-up of shows this autumn- from The Car Man to Operation Mincemeat to A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. In October? Cuban Barqoue and Sylvia. 

In new work Cuban Baroque from Acosta Danza, Baroque artistry intersects with the energy, creativity and vibrancy of Cuban dance. In this brand-new premiere, expect acceleration, fracture and rebound set to Esteban Sallas’ Salve Regina, blending lyricism with Caribbean drive. 

Then, meet Sylvia Pankhurst– flawless, flawed and unforgettable. As the rebellious middle child of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, Sylvia’s story may be untold, but not for much longer. This hip hop, funk and soul musical is electrifying and stars Beverly Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst.

Wine & Dine: It’s All About Uruguay at The Last
Thursday 22 October, 7pm, £75 

Be transported to the balmy climes of Uruguay with Norfolk Local Wine School.  

Shaped by the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay’s wines are known for their freshness, balance and elegance. Most significantly, the country’s signature grape, Tannat. Think deep, intense reds with notes of dark berries, spice and cocoa. Find out about its history and winemaking regions of this emerging destination. 

Alongside, The Last will celebrate Uruguay’s rich culinary heritage, a multi-course menu inspired by traditional smokiness, fresh seafood and zingy chimichurri.

Norwich Book Festival
24 – 30 October, FREE and ticketed 

Norwich Book Festival is back in our UNESCO City of Literature! From 24 – 30 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.   

There are big names like Harriet Tyce, Jacqueline Wilson and Hannah Murray, family-friendly book binding workshops, interactive events in the Imaginarium, Norwich Print and Zine Fair, and even a Norwich Bookshop Crawl! Make sure to bookmark your favourites!  

Our top picks include TikTok poetry sensation Frequently Happy: David Larbi (24 October, 3pm – 4pm, The Forum, £8), shining a light on life’s simple pleasures, and I Shop, Therefore I Am: Mary Portas (27 October, 6pm – 7pm, Jarrolds, £14), giving a glimpse into her career and the grit of London’s fashion retail scene in the ‘90s. 

Norwich Beer Festival at The Halls
26 – 31 October, various times, from £25

Back in its iconic home for the first time since The Halls reopened, Norwich Beer Festival is celebrating its 47th year and showcasing the very best in brewing.

As one of the UK’s most popular beer festivals- approximately 40,000 pints are enjoyed each year!, it’s all about craft, community and heritage in a county where malting barley is some of the best. While you’re here, enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere, hundreds of real ales, ciders, perry and more.

Luxmuralis at Norwich Cathedral 
27 – 31 October, 5.15pm – 8.45pm, adults £10, children £5, family ticket £25  

Set to illuminate Norwich Cathedral’s ancient architecture, immersive light show Time by Luxmuralis is sure to wow.  

As the elaborate backdrop, the Cathedral’s centuries-old stone will project humanity’s relationship with the concept of time through an unforgettable 45-minute journey about history, science and imagination. As you travel through this beautiful building, encounter captivating installations, from wormholes to clocks to H.G Wells’ The Time Machine.

Norfolk 

Calf Cuddles at the Goat Shed
Various dates and times from 3 October – 1 November, £25 

Now, it may be named the Goat Shed, but this popular attraction is also home to an adorable herd of Simmental cows. 

And come October, you can step into the Cow Shed for a special calf experience. In these intimate sessions, you’ll get to meet the baby cows and find out about their personalities, daily routines and even get to brush them. 

The calves’ health, wellbeing and welfare come first, so keep an eye out on the Goat Shed’s socials for confirmed dates!

Sundown Adventures at Go Ape 
16 October – 8 November, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, £31.95  

Get glowing with the return of Go Ape’s thrilling Sundown Adventures! In the treetops of Thetford Forest, you can experience sunset high ropes in beautiful lowland forest. 

Take Go Ape’s signature adventure up a level with this limited-time, after-dark atmosphere. All around you, see the colourfully lit up course in a new light- not to mention incredible sky-high views above the forest floor! Then face exhilarating ropes, exciting obstacles and zooming zip lines. It really is an unmissable autumn event!