Get out & about – things to do this October

Held during Black History Month, CURLYTREATS Festival celebrates black hair, history, food and culture. Exhibits include the School of Afro Hair, the Black British Book Fair and the AfroEats Village, an outdoor food bazaar where you can enjoy African and Caribbean cuisine.

Where: Novotel Hotel West & The Podium, Hammersmith
Tickets: Free tickets, with optional access to individual paid events

Manchester Oktoberfest

13-14 October, Manchester

There are Oktoberfest events up and down the UK, but Manchester Oktoberfest is consistently considered one of the best. This year marks the 10th anniversary, so expect it to be bigger and better than ever before.

Where: Platt Fields Park
Tickets: Starting at £10

Newport Food Festival

13-15 October, Newport

Join a weekend of celebration at the Newport Food Festival, starting with a festival supper on Friday (a pre-paid, ticketed event). On Saturday, you can potter around the food market and watch chefs doing demonstrations, then enjoy street food with live music on Sunday.

Where: Newport city centre
Tickets: Free (Saturday and Sunday); £45 for festival supper on Friday

Arnprior Farm Pumpkin Patch

9-29 October, Stirling

Scotland’s original pumpkin festival at Arnprior Farm is a great family day out. As well as pumpkin picking, there’ll be quad-riding, face-painting and a bouncy castle to keep little ones entertained, plus plenty of food and drink to enjoy.

Where: Arnprior Farm, Stirling
Tickets: £5 per car – the ticket can be exchanged for a pumpkin

Belfast International Arts Festival

12 October-5 November, Belfast

The city’s longest-running arts festival returns, showcasing homegrown talent and international artists across theatre, dance, music, literature, visual arts and film, so there’s something for everyone. Visit the Belfast International Arts Festival website for suggestions on where to eat and drink.

Where: Venues across Belfast
Tickets: Various prices