What’s On in Cambridge This October

What’s On in Cambridge This October

October is a great time to visit Cambridge. If you’re looking for what’s on in Cambridge this October, the city takes on an autumnal feel, students return for the new academic year and there’s a packed programme of theatre, live music, comedy, talks and family events to enjoy.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days, coming to Cambridge for an event or simply looking for something to do during an autumn break, here are some of the highlights taking place throughout October.

Cambridge Arts Theatre

The Arts Theatre Cambridge has a particularly busy October, with drama, dance, family shows and musical theatre on the programme.

By Royal Appointment – until 3 October
This drama continues into the start of October, running until Saturday 3 October.

It’s All Greek – 4 October
An evening with actress Sian Phillips, exploring her long association with Greece and its culture.

London City Ballet – 6–7 October
Enjoy an evening of dance from London City Ballet, with an open class also taking place on 7 October.

Dog Man: The Musical – 8–10 October
A family-friendly musical based on the popular Dog Man books, making this a great choice for families visiting during the autumn holidays.

The Cambridge Greek Play: Ion by Euripides – 14–17 October
The Cambridge Greek Play returns with Euripides’ Ion, bringing classical drama to the stage.

Operation Mincemeat – 19–24 October
The award-winning musical comes to Cambridge for a week. Based on the extraordinary true story of a Second World War deception operation, the show combines comedy, music and history.

A Man for All Seasons – 27–31 October
Robert Bolt’s classic historical drama about Sir Thomas More rounds off the month’s programme.

Live music, comedy and more at Cambridge Corn Exchange

Cambridge Corn Exchange is also packed with events throughout October, with something for music fans, comedy lovers and families.

The month gets off to a lively start with Joe Jackson – Hope and Fury Tour on 1 October, followed by Steve Hackett – Best of Genesis & Solo Gems on 2 October and comedian Gianmarco Soresi on 3 October.

Other highlights during the first half of the month include:

• Don Broco – 6 October
• Kevin Bloody Wilson – 7 October
• Simon Amstell: I Love It Here – 8 October
• Alison Moyet – 9 October
• A Tribute to Syd Barrett – Official 80th Anniversary Celebrations – 10 October
• Roachford + Hue and Cry – 11 October
• Alice Cooper – Devil on My Shoulder Book Tour – 12 October
• The Legends in Vegas – After Hours – 14 October
• Fin Taylor – 15 October
• The Big Pants Party – 16 October
• Nish Kumar: Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy – 17 October
• The bEAT: Dance Crazed Too UK Tour – 18 October

The second half of October is just as busy. Highlights include The Mary Wallopers on 20 October, Michael Palin: In the Philippines on 21 October and Leo Sayer – Can’t Stop Loving You on 22 October.

Comedy fans can catch Simon Brodkin: Unleashed on 23 October and Maisie Adam: Whatsherface on 25 October.

The Cambridge Corn Exchange has family entertainment during half term too. Ministry of Science takes to the stage on Tuesday 27 October, bringing science experiments, demonstrations and plenty of audience participation to the Corn Exchange.

What’s On in Cambridge This October – Pumpkin Picking

Autumn is the perfect time to visit a pumpkin patch, and there are several great options within easy reach of Cambridge.

The Milton Maze Pumpkin Patch is one of the closest to the city and offers pumpkin picking alongside family-friendly attractions, Halloween entertainment and plenty of seasonal photo opportunities.

Pumpkin Jim’s, near Saffron Walden, is a popular choice for families, with a large selection of pumpkins, children’s activities and a traditional farm atmosphere.

Cammas Hall Farm, near Bishop’s Stortford, combines pumpkin picking with a Halloween maize maze, seasonal events and farm shop treats.

Most pumpkin patches are open throughout October and during half term, making them a fun day out for families, couples and anyone looking to enjoy the autumn season.

What’s On in Cambridge This October – Half-term and Halloween

The October half-term is also a great opportunity for families to visit Cambridge, with family shows, museum activities and seasonal events taking place across the city.

Planning a family trip to Cambridge during the October half-term?

There is plenty happening from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, with museums, family shows and Halloween-themed activities offering plenty to keep children entertained.

Get hands-on at Cambridge’s museums

Cambridge’s museums are a great option for a rainy autumn day, and several have special activities planned for half term.

At the Whipple Museum, children can get involved in Skeleton Science on 26 October, exploring the science behind our skeletons.

The Museum of Classical Archaeology is going back in time with Meet the Greeks on 28 October, while the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is hosting its Evolution Exp

edition on 28 and 29 October, with hands-on activities exploring how life on Earth has changed over millions of years. Both events are free.

Over at the Fitzwilliam Museum, the October Half Term Family Day takes place on 28 October. Families can explore the museum’s collections through a specially curated artist-led event, with activities designed for children and adults to enjoy together.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is also holding Crafternoon: Telling a Myth at Halloween on 31 October, giving families the chance to get creative and explore mythology through an autumnal Halloween theme.

For something unusual, head to the Cambridge Museum of Technology for its Half Term Poo Trail, running from 28 October to 1 November. Families can discover all sorts of fascinating facts about poo and take part in a hands-on trail around the museum.

The museum is also hosting a Halloween Drop-in Craft Day on 30 October, with spooky crafts and Halloween activities included with normal museum entry.

What’s On in Cambridge This October – Other Highlights

Cambridge Hanabi Japanese Market – 4 October
A nice alternative event for visitors looking for something a little different. Taking place at Storey’s Field Centre, it features Japanese street food, traditional and modern treats, handmade crafts, lifestyle products and cultural experiences

Cambridge Comic Jam – 17 October
This looks like a particularly good one for your family section. It’s a free comics festival at The Hub on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, running 10am–3.30pm. There will be live drawing, comic-making activities, book signings, free comics and a quiet reading area. There are also free workshops that need to be booked.

Planning a Cambridge Visit?

There’s plenty happening in Cambridge this October, from theatre and live music to family activities and autumn events.

While our bed and breakfast is currently closed for the autumn, Christ’s College B&B will reopen for the Winter vacation from 8–19 December 2026.

If you’re planning a visit to Cambridge for some Christmas shopping, festive events or simply to enjoy the city at this magical time of year, staying at Christ’s College offers a unique opportunity to experience Cambridge from the heart of the city.

Our Christmas dates: 8–19 December 2026.

Keep an eye on our website for availability and start planning your festive Cambridge break.