Halloween happenings, creative workshops and Oktoberfest – here are some fun things to do this October 2026 in the North East.
I know this is how I usually start my monthly round-ups of things to do in the North East, but seriously, where is the time going? While summer might be over, that doesn’t mean the fun has to be. Here are some fab happenings in October that you won’t want to miss.
Soap making workshop – Durham
When: 5 October
Price: £55
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good workshop, and this one with Craft Courses will put even those who aren’t keen on autumn in a cosy mood. It’s a fully guided session where you’ll learn the ins and outs of soap making, add colours and botanicals to your creations, and spend a wholesome afternoon with that special someone. So cute!
Oktoberfest Newcastle
When: 10, 17 and 24 October
Price: From £9.50
Back for another year, Oktoberfest is bringing its crazy yet oh-so-fun German hospitality and atmosphere to Newcastle Times Square. Expect (you guessed it) lots of Bavarian beer, live oompah bands, authentic German street food and plenty of entertainment. Cheers!
Book Club at Reform Studio, Newcastle
When: 17 October
Price: £7.75
Girls Get Together North East is inviting all the bookworms to get together for a couple of hours, make new friends, discuss your current reads and sip on a coffee, tea or matcha. Oh, and there’ll be a spooky Halloween twist, with a chance to get creative. Don’t miss it!
Lord of the Wings at Wylam Brewery
When: 23-24 October
Price: Free entry
Not forgetting my foodies: this one is for you. Lord of the Wings is a popular event, which doesn’t need an introduction. All I’ll say is bring your appetite, a friend and your best judging skills to decide on the one wing to rule them all.
Halloween All Nighter at Tyneside Cinema
When: 24 & 31 October
Price: Full night: £35 – Film 1: £10/ Film 2: £8/ Film 3: £7/ Films 4 and 5: £5
This one is for those who want to leave behind the days of getting in costume and going “out out” for Halloween (although I suppose you could show up in costume to watch some scary films, and that would be sick). Tyneside Cinema is continuing its tradition of screening some of the best horror films throughout the night, and this is not only a great way to spend Halloween but also a way to support a beloved cinema.
Paint & Sip and Motel One Newcastle
When: 28 October
Price: From £23
Unleash your inner artist this October at Motel One, where you can sip a glass of bubbly and create something to take home with you. The best part? No prior painting experience is needed, and there will be an instructor on hand to offer tips. Pinterest boards at the ready.
Crease at Live Theatre
When: 29-31 October
Price: £20
If the fact that summer is over is getting you down, pop down to Live Theatre for a brilliant hour-long production, Crease, by comedy queens Your Aunt Fanny. Expect sharp humour, impeccable wordplay and, naturally, their most hilarious material to date.
Halloween Ghost Walk Durham
When: 31 October
Price: £3
While Durham is a picturesque place, it can get spooky when the sun goes down. There’s no better time to experience this than Halloween, with a ghost walk guided by Andrew Ross of Walking with the Ghosts of Durham. Explore the legends, the stories and, of course, the ghosts that have shaped the city we see today.
kindredspiritinvestigations.co.uk
Psycho Path at Lintz Hall Farm
When: Various dates throughout October
Price: From £55
If you follow Spectrum on Instagram, you might have seen that I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of Psycho Path, and here’s my verdict: it’s SO cool! Not my first rodeo, as I attended a couple of years ago too, but trust me, this year it’s bigger, better and spookier!