Things To Do In October In the UK 2026
Image Credit: Karalina S
In October the weather starts to get a bit cooler; autumn is definitely here in the UK and as we approach halloween, and the October Half Term holidays there are lots of things to do happening across the country.
With school holidays on the horizon, there is a bumper bundle of events in October, from kid-friendly festivals of science, art and museums, to story-telling and archeology.
There is so much to do this October across the UK. Whether you like adventure, the theatre, a movie or to get into the great outdoors there is something for everyone.
The Big Draw Festival will be held from 1st Oct to 31st Oct 2026. This month-long festival of art is 31 days of creative activities for young and old alike. During the month there are a whole host of events organised to encourage people to get drawing.
So grab your pencils! Here's where you can find out more about The Big Draw Festival
Grandparents Day UK takes place on 4th Oct 2026. Grandparents Day in October is the UK's celebration of grandmothers, grandfathers and all grandparents. It is a day to appreciate and show your love for your grandparents.
So make the day extra special for your Grandparents with these Grandparents Day Crafts, Cards and Activities
Movie Time! As the end of the year approaches the movie industry is starting to release some of the biggest films of the year. Here is what's on at the cinema right now.
Cycle To School Week will be held from 5th Oct to 9th Oct 2026. Cycle to School Week is a national celebration of everyday cycling. Whether you're already rolling or just getting started, it's your chance to build confidence, try something new, and discover how good the school run can feel on wheels.
Cycling events are organised by your school if they are taking part. Find out more at Cycle To School Week
October Half Term Scotland will be held from 12th Oct to 16th Oct 2026. Schools across Scotland break up for a week's holiday, check with your school for individual date variations.
World Singing Day takes place on 17th Oct 2026. This is a global sing-along held annually on the 3rd Saturday in October. As a catalyst for positive human connection, this one day each year serves as an opportunity to celebrate our global family through the international language of music.
You can find out about events near you at World Singing Day
Trafalgar Day takes place on 21st Oct 2026. This is a celebration of Lord Horatio Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. A ceremony is held on his ship HMS Victory each year and his famous signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' is hoisted in flags.
There will be events held around the UK, mostly in coastal areas. About Trafalgar Day
Scottish International Storytelling Festival will be held from 21st Oct to 31st Oct 2026. An annual celebration of live, oral storytelling in Edinburgh and across Scotland, it brings together storytellers, musicians, artists and audiences from Scotland and around the world.
The programme includes live storytelling performances, family events, workshops, talks and other opportunities to experience and share stories. Find this year's programme at Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Stirling Science Festival will be held from 21st Oct to 24th Oct 2026. This year's event will feature more than 50 events, most of them free to attend. Highlights include Glasgow Science Centre?s touring exhibit, an interactive Sports Throughout the Ages tour at Stirling Castle
There will also be a range of activities at the Thistles Shopping Centre including a rocket game. Find out more and book your tickets at Stirling Science Festival
October 2026 Events Celebrations & Special Days - Events, celebrations, awareness events, saint's days and annual campaigns. All the key dates happening this October in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as around the world.
Halloween in the City will be held from 24th Oct to 31st Oct 2026. Halloween comes to Manchester with the return of the MCR Monsters, live performances and fancy-dress fun, plus spooky DJs, storytelling and the spectacular Walk the Plank Monster Party Procession.
It's a huge family festival across the whole city, so find out all about it at Halloween in the City
British Summer Time Ends takes place on 25th Oct 2026. Daylight saving ends today, so remember that the clocks go back 1 hour at 2am in the morning.
Halloween in Belfast will be held from 25th Oct to 1st Nov 2026. Belfast has some brilliant Halloween events that will satisfy your frightful needs! You'll be spoilt for choice, from spooky tours to fancy dress and movie nights, you'll have a Spooktacular time!
With a range of activities from scary stuff for adults to lots of kid friendly events, find out what's on at Halloween in Belfast
October Half Term will be held from 26th Oct to 30th Oct 2026. Schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland break up for a week's holiday, check with your school for individual date variations.
Welsh Museums Festival will be held from 28th Oct to 5th Nov 2026. Museums in Wales come together in the October Half Term week to celebrate museums and art galleries in Wales. The theme for 2026's event will be to enjoy Halloween in a sustainable way, and to use as many natural resources as possible.
In addition to a programme of fantastic events organised by museums themselves, including lots of Halloween activities, many of the locations will be taking part in the Wales History Trails Passport Challenge. Find out more at Welsh Museums Festival
Swansea Science Festival will be held from 30th Oct to 31st Oct 2026. Designed for visitors of all ages, the festival returns with hands-on activities, inspiring talks and groundbreaking research, bringing science to life in exciting and unexpected ways.
It is Wales' largest science festival where you can discover creativity and curiosity. Find out more at Swansea Science Festival
Halloween pantos are definitely a thing! They often have a special spooky theme but with all the ususal panto magic. You can find all the October Half Term pantomines at Big Panto Guide and even get a look at all the pantos for Christmas 2026 that you can look forward to.
More Things To Do In October 2026
Of course Halloween on 31st October is probably the biggest celebration in October. In fact it is the second most celebrated event in the UK after Christmas.
For huge amounts of Halloween fun from crafts and printables to spooky days out and things to do here is everything Halloween including gift ideas and information about the Teal Pumpkin Project,
The National Trust and the National Trust For Scotland both have an exciting programme of Halloween and autumn themed activities at many of their properties for their respective school half term holidays.
Follow a wildlife trail, discover historical stories or get creative with natural materials. Join in at family events across the country this October half-term.
Even More Ideas For Things To Do
- Visit the Top Aquariums in the UK for an aquatic day out. See Fish, sharks, eels, rays as well as otters and sealions at coastal locations. Here are the best the UK has to offer.
- If you are near London you can check out the Best West End Shows for Kids 2026. See a favourite like Wicked, Matilda or the Lion King or a newer show such as Paddington the Musical .
- For more ideas here are 5 Things to Do in any Town, City or Village and they are all things that you can do for free.
- Best UK Christmas Ice Skating Rinks Winter 2026 Yes, some of the UK's temporary Christmas ice rinks open in October in time for half term - check out if there is one near you open yet!