Crisp autumn walks, dazzling displays of colour and pumpkin patches galore make October a strong contender for our favourite month of the year. And Gloucestershire’s calendar is packed with seasonal and spooky events to welcome in the new season.
This month also sees the return of some iconic events, including the world-famous Cheltenham Literature Festival, as well as spectacles of sound and light at two of the county's most impressive buildings... with SoGlos sharing 10 unmissable things to do in the county this October 2025.
See the stars at Cheltenham Literature Festival
Attracting visitors from all over Gloucestershire and beyond, Cheltenham Literature Festival is back for 2025 with a packed programme of events featuring some of the world’s best writers, performers and big-name stars.
From Friday 10 to Sunday 19 October 2025, there’s the chance to hear from legendary film and TV personalities like Joanna Lumley and Graham Norton; and literary greats, from children's author Jacqueline Wilson, to best-sellers like Irvine Welsh and Jojo Moyes.
Plus, there’s a whole programme of free activities for literature lovers little and large, taking place across the 10-day festival including the ever-popular Lit Crawl and VOICEBOX zone.
Experience magical lights and lanterns in Gloucestershire
The dark nights of October provide the perfect backdrop for dazzling
displays of lights and lanterns, with a host of art installations and trails to
experience at attractions across Gloucestershire.
World-renowned Luxmuralis is transforming Gloucester Cathedral into 'Poppy Fields', an immersive installation paying tribute to the sacrifices of World War I and II; artist Luke Jerram will bathe Tewkesbury Abbey in a ‘soft lunar glow’ with his 7-metre replica of the moon and moon-related events; and The Lantern Company is bringing luminous birds, bugs and even interactive bat puppets to light visitors around Slimbridge Wetland Centre.
Place your bets at The Showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse
Horseracing followers will have trouble reigning in their excitement as jump racing returns to Cheltenham Racecourse for a brand-new season — with The Showcase bringing racing fans together for more world-class equestrian action on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025.
The highly-anticipated fixture sees world-class horses gallop to the finish line as leading trainers and owners showcase their promising stars of the season, along with attractions for the whole family including the chance to experience life as a jockey with the ultimate VR experience; and capture a photo with the prestigious Gold Cup.
Go pumpkin picking in Gloucestershire
Carve out some time for a wholesome Halloween experience at one of Gloucestershire’s PYO pumpkin patches. There’s plenty to pick from at Primrose Vale Farm Shop and Cattle Country Farm Park; while Cotswold Farm Park and Over Farm are keeping their patches open for pickers after dark.
For more fang-tastic fun that’s suitable for the whole family, check out SoGlos’s spooktacular Halloween guide.
See dazzling displays of autumn colour in Gloucestershire
There’s nothing quite like a crisp autumn stroll through the countryside — and as Gloucestershire blazes with reds, oranges and golds, October is the best time to see vibrant displays of autumn colour across the county.
From the magical maple trees of Batsford Arboretum to the changing colours of the ancient Forest of Dean, see SoGlos’s top nine spots to see stunning autumn colour in Gloucestershire for all the inspiration.
Enjoy a cultured day out at Stroud Arts Festival
Celebrating and supporting the arts throughout the Stroud district, Stroud Arts Festival is hosting a varied programme of events from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 October 2025.
This year's highlights include 'an electrifying concert of music' from the hit Netflix regency romance Bridgerton, complete with flickering candles; while a hand-picked ensemble of acclaimed musicians will come together for an evening of eclectic jazz, 'from smooth vibes to fiery improvisation'.
Hike through Cheltenham under the stars
Pull on your trainers and raise money for an important cause, hiking the streets of Cheltenham after dark for Sue Ryder's 10k Starlight Hike Challenge — taking place on the evening of Saturday 18 October 2025.
As well as supporting the county's only hospice in-patient unit, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, the event gives friends and family members a special opportunity to get together and remember loved ones, with upbeat live music and a fun Clubbercise warm-up to keep spirits high.
Have a paw-some day out with your pooch at The Big Bark in Cirencester
Four-legged friends and their owners can take part in a host
of fur-bulous activities when highly-anticipated festival The Big Bark comes to Gloucestershire for the first
time this October.
Taking place at Cirencester Park on The Bathurst Estate on Saturday 18 and
Sunday 19 October 2025, dogs can take part in agility, hoopers, flyball, scurry
and more in the Have-a-Go show ring; let boundless energy run wild in the Puppy
Zone; and explore a selection of pet-friendly stalls with everything from
tasty treats to snazzy accessories, too.
Explore the past at Cirencester History Festival
Bringing some of the UK's best broadcasters, writers and historians to the Roman 'Capital of the Cotswolds', Cirencester History Festival returns for its second year with a fascinating programme of around-town events from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.
Whatever your area of interest, there are talks covering everything from traditional fairy stories to geopolitics; from Beethoven to the British High Street. There's also immersive family activities, like how to make regency high tea, paint like the romantics and a WWII espionage workshop to take part in, too!
Brave thrills, chills and a haunted house at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre
Halloween isn’t just for the little ones – with grown-ups able
to get their fix of thrills and chills when record-breaking
stage production 2:22 A Ghost Story comes to Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre.
Starring real life couple, TV presenter and Strictly
Come Dancing winner Stacey Dooley and professional dancer and actor,
Kevin Clifton, the play follows a couple caught in a chilling battle of belief
versus scepticism – promising a nerve-shredding, adrenaline-fuelled night!
