What to do in Suffolk this October

Pumpkin picking, spiced lattes and Sunday roasts; October has arrived!
Even though the nights are drawing in, have no fear, there are still plenty of exciting events happening in Suffolk.
From spooky Halloween thrills, to fashion shows and early Christmas crackers – there’s something for everyone this month.
I’m looking forward to autumnal dog walks, decorating the house with pumpkins and sipping hot chocolates in cosy cafes this month.

What will you be getting up to in Suffolk this October?

3^rd October – 3^rd November- Scaresville
Scaresville returns to Kentwell Hall from 3^rd October onwards. I’ve been meaning to go for years and I’m going to make sure I do this year! It looks utterly terrifying but brilliant! The hour long adrenaline filled journey into the unknown includes an escape-room before you travel through the dark of the gardens and grounds. If you’re lucky you will make it out to Bar-baric where you can grab a drink to calm the nerves.
See you on the other side…hopefully!

4^th October – Suffolk Fashion Show
If you haven’t got your tickets for the county’s top fashion event of the year, then there’s still time!
I’ll be working backstage for the sixth year and I can’t wait! The catwalk will showcase the very best of autumn trends from local boutiques and designers. Ipswich boutiques Cake and Catwalk, Zeebra Chic and Truffle will be revealing their new collections, as will local knitwear graduate Francesca.R.Palumbo.
Get your girls together and join us for an evening of fashion and fun at Trinity Park.

5^th, 6^th, 11^th, 12^th October – The Little Cabaret of Suffragette
The Little Cabaret of Suffragette will be touring Suffolk this month. The original play by Belona Greenwood will be performed by the Yakety Yak young actors company. The play tells the tale of local and national suffragettes as we celebrate the centenary of women winning the right to vote. Catch the performance in Beccles on the 5^th, Halesworth on the 6^th, Bungay on the 11^th and Gorleston on the 12^th.

6th October – Night Market at Zest
The Zest charity shop in Ipswich will be hosting its second Night Market on 6^th October from 7pm. Shop pre-loved ladies and men’s clothing, homewares and gifts from artisan makers and crafters. There will be a bar supported by Greyhound Public House, food, raffle and music.

12^th October – Listen Again: Recital 2
The mezzo-soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons and pianist Lana Bode will perform the second Listen Again series at The Red House in Aldeburgh. The recital explores universal human experiences such as loneliness, romance, sleep and dreams.

14^th October – Suffolk Blogger Meet Up
The next Suffolk Blogger Meet Up will be at the Undley Pumpkin Patch on 14^th October! If you’re a local blogger, instagrammer, writer or creative please do join us for a fun morning of pumpkin picking, chatting and selfies! Email to confirm your place.

19^th -20^th October – Nowton Park Star Party
The members of the Athenaeum Astronomy Association Society will be hosting a Star Party in Nowton Park on the 19^th and 20^th October. The moon will be at its first quarter and Mars will be able to seen if the skies are clear. Chat with AAA members and take photos of the night sky.

20^th – 28^th October – Kentwell’s School of Sorcery
Aspiring wizards and witches should head to Kentwell Hall during October half term for a School of Sorcery! Learn magic, potions, illusions and how to identify fairies. Collect stamps to add to your report card before meeting the Headmaster. There are exciting challenges to take part in such as Fear Alley, Tunnel of Light, Dragon Woods, an Assault Course and the Broomstick Challenge. Dressing up is encouraged!

20^th & 21^st October – Lavenham Children’s Book Festival
The Lavenham Children’s Book Festival includes a number of workshops and storytelling events. There will also be the opportunity to meet favourite children’s authors. Head to Lavenham for a creative writing workshop with Bridget Holding, drawing Pandora with Shoo Rayner and stories of Norse Myths with Kevin Crossley-Holland.

22^nd-28^th October – Spooky Stories at Framlingham Castle
Discover the spooky side to children’s tales at this Halloween themed event at Framlingham Castle. The storytellers will reveal the terrifying truth behind the bedtime fairytales you’ve grown to love. Make sure you dress up in your best Halloween costume for this family friendly event, the scarier the better!

22^nd October – 22^nd December – Blackthorpe Barn Christmas Shop
The Country Christmas Shop at Blackthorpe Barn opens on the 22^nd October, and I for one, can’t wait! I LOVE Christmas – I’ve always meant to go to Blackthorpe Barn and this year I’m going to make sure I make the trip for a spot of shopping, mulled wine and mince pies. Let the holiday spirit commence!

24^th October – Teach Rex
St Edmundsbury Cathedral teams up with Teach Rex during the October Half Term to bring science to life. Your children will be able to get up close and personal with an interactive dinosaur! The workshop is aimed at 5-13 year olds and includes games with the T-Rex.

25^th October-4^th November – Spill Festival
Spill Festival of Performance returns to Ipswich at the end of the month. The international festival of contemporary arts and activism includes a Pyre Parade where an effigy will be revealed at the Waterfont before being placed in La Tour Cycle Café. It will be there for 10 days where visitors can write down bad news and post it inside. The effigy will be paraded through the town on November 3^rd where it will be burnt at Christchurch Park to open space for a better future. There will be lots of other events throughout the festival; for the full programme click here.

27^th October – Oktoberfest
The world famous Oktoberfest arrives in Bury St Edmunds on October 27^th. The Apex will be transformed into a Bavarian Wundeland with authentic German food, drink and music.

27^th – 28^th October – Felixstowe Steampunk Halloween Festival
During the day Landguard Fort will be hosting a family friendly event with live music, Steampunk artists, a marketplace and children’s activities. On Saturday evening get ready for the weird and the wonderful for a spooky evening in the haunted Fort after dark. The Night of the Macabre Cabaret show includes Steampunk scarers, special effects and plenty of surprises!