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 2024.
See the stars at Cheltenham Literature Festival
Attracting visitors from all over Gloucestershire and beyond, Cheltenham Literature Festival is back for 2024 with a packed programme of events featuring some of the world’s best writers, performers and big-name stars.
From Friday 4 to Sunday 13 October 2024, there’s the chance to hear from national treasures like Dame Judi Dench and Trevor McDonald, to literary greats, spanning children's author Jacqueline Wilson to best-selling authors Rebecca F. Kuang and Asako Yuzuki.
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.
Marvel at Mars at Gloucester Cathedral
Go on an outer-space adventure without leaving Gloucestershire with a trip to see Mars at Gloucester Cathedral — a striking, seven-metre sculpture of the red planet, suspended about the nave, from Tuesday 15 October to Sunday 3 November 2024.
It's the latest astronomical art installation from Luke Jerram to touch down in Gloucestershire, accompanied by a themed family trail and special ticketed events, including yoga under Mars and the chance to visit after dark for an especially atmospheric experience.
Experience a spectacular light show at Tewkesbury Abbey
If one space-inspired activity wasn't enough, visitors can see Tewkesbury Abbey illuminated by colourful lights and sound as Luxmuralis puts on an immersive show that takes you through emerging galaxies and beyond.
Taking place on evenings from Tuesday 22 to Sunday 27 October 2024, 'Space' features dazzling floor-to-ceiling projections, creating a galaxy of stars across almost every part of the Abbey’s 900-year-old architecture.
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 25 and Saturday 26 October 2024.
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, with brand-new attractions for 2024 including an interactive Jockey Gym.
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 throughout October 2024.
Just some of this year's highlights include a special one-man performance of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Mark Stratford; while movie fans can settle down for an atmospheric screening of silent film The Phantom of the Opera, with live accompaniment from a harpist.
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 19 October 2024.
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.
Make a splash at the Sandford Parks Lido Dog Swim
A must-do for any dog lover, the Sandford Parks Lido Dog Swim is back for another year of puppy paddling action, as it opens its outdoor pool for dogs and their owners to enjoy an end-of-season swim together.
With sessions available on Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2024, the annual event presents a unique way to bond with your four-legged friend, encouraging owners to accompany their pups in the water. Spectator-only tickets are available, too.
Explore the past at the first ever Cirencester History Festival
Bringing some of the UK's best broadcasters, writers and historians to the Roman 'Capital of the Cotswolds', the inaugural Cirencester History Festival launches with a fascinating programme of around-town events from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2024.
Whatever your area of interest, there are talks spanning Greek mythology to Soviet Russia — including a timely lecture on the pagan roots of Halloween — as well as sessions exploring the history on our doorstep. With immersive family events like historical story writing and Halloween costume making, too!
