What's On In October

October is upon us, and with it comes the crisp air of autumn. As you get ready for cooler days, falling leaves and the final tweaks to your Halloween costume, don’t miss the incredible lineup of events coming to the Bradford district this month.

Kick off the season with one of the North’s best and longest-running literary festivals, the Ilkley Literature Festival, taking place from 3rd to 19th October across venues in town. With headline guests like Michael Palin, Alan Davies, Mary Portas, Jung Chang and more sharing insights into their latest works, plus workshops, quizzes and family-friendly events, it’s a must for readers of all ages. Book your tickets now and be part of this celebration of words and ideas

As part of the Bradford 2025 celebrations, go on Strike at Lister Mill from 3rd–5th October in a powerful light and sound event spotlighting the 1890s Lister & Co. workforce strike that helped pave the way for the Labour Party. 

See a variety of independent films throughout the district at the Drunken Film Festival from 4^th-26^th October. This year’s venues range from the Record Café to the Cow and Calf Rocks. Alongside films you might discover stand-up comedy, music, filmmaker Q&A’s and more.

Learn to dance like no one is watching at Dance JoY at Victoria Hall in Saltaire. On 4^th-5^th October, teachers skilled in a range of global dance styles will be teaching classes and putting on spectacular performances in this always-popular annual event.

Watch the cinematic magic of the 69^th BFI Film Festival, which brings a part of its programme to the Pictureville Cinema in Bradford from 8^th-19^th October. Featuring a chance to see advance screenings of films including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and Alan Bennett’s The Choral, this is an event not to be missed!

Dust off your top hat and tails and head up to Haworth for the Haworth Steampunk Weekend, which returns to the village from 10^th-12^th October. See spectacular steampunk attire, watch dazzling live entertainment, browse the wares of traders and much more over the course of this fantastic weekend.

Experience Back in Pink on 10th–12th October at locations across the district, a joyful revival of Bradford’s LGBTQ+ heritage through performance and activism

Immerse yourself in the magic of Diwali this October at NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley. From 11^th-22^nd October members of the local community will share their stories and traditions from this vibrant festival, giving a unique perspective on what it means to those who celebrate it.

Pick up a pint or two at one of the North’s best beer and music festivals on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway from 16^th-19^th October. The railway links each of the festival sites, which will be filled with delicious street food, toe-tapping music and, of course, plenty of delicious beers, ciders and gins for you to sample.

Visit the Intercultured Festival, which returns to Bradford from 22^nd October-2^nd November. Celebrating identity, heritage and connection, the event is packed with loads of fantastic events to join, ranging from relaxing sound baths to the annual Commoner’s Ball.

School’s out and adventure is in! This half-term, the Bradford district is bursting with hands-on fun, creative workshops and thrilling experiences for all ages. Step into literary history at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, dive into science at the National Science and Media Museum or get crafty at Bradford Cathedral.

Have a blast at the Bradford Science Festival from 25^th October-2^nd November. Locations across Bradford will host events exploring the future of technology, fashion, climate, sound and food. From catwalk shows to multi-sensory sound experiences, Bradford Science Festival has something for all ages to explore.

Discover the ancient art of ukiyo-e at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley from 31st October-1^st March. The beautiful woodblock prints present iconic views of Japan and Japanese life dating back for hundreds of years and are fascinating to see.

Celebrate the talent of local filmmakers when the Bradford International Film Festival returns—bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever. Venues across the district will display the films between 28^th October and 2^nd November. 

Halloween in the Bradford district is packed with spooky fun! From haunted tours and pumpkin trails to eerie discos and horror balls, there’s something for every ghost and ghoul. Whether you're after family-friendly frights or late-night thrills, Bradford’s got your Halloween covered.

The district’s theatres are gearing up for an outstanding autumn season this month. Roald Dahl’s classic Matilda is arriving for class at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford whilst Sandi Toksvig brings her trademark wit to St George’s Hall. Powerful dance performance Astitva helps relaunch the Bradford Arts Centre and Ilkley Playhouse braces for the arrival of The Unfriend. Haunting stage adaptation Elmet comes to Loading Bay and Comedy fans will be dashing to see five stand-ups join forces for Bradford Live and Laughing, where they’ll bring the house down.

Music lovers will be in hog heaven this month as a trio of sensational tribute shows arrive on stages. The History of Rock will jam all night at Bingley Arts Centre, whilst Abbamania takes over King’s Hall in Ilkley and St George’s Hall in Bradford kicks up its heels heading down Country Roads, a lively country music tribute. Samuel Moore sings at the Ilkley Manor House and Bronwynne Brent plays Americana tunes at The Live Room in Saltaire.

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Enjoy your time in the Bradford district and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

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