October is a particularly good month to visit Norwich. The city’s cultural calendar fills with food festivals, live entertainment, family activities and Halloween events, while the cooler evenings make a comfortable boutique apartment an appealing place to return to. From PROST! Norwich Oktoberfest at Earlham Park to family-friendly half-term activities at Dragon Hall, there is plenty to plan around this autumn. We’ve selected some of the key events taking place in Norwich in October 2026, with practical travel notes from Number 82 The Un‐ thank on Unthank Road. Whether you are planning a city break, a family stay or a longer visit to explore Norfolk, our luxury serviced apartments in Norfolk give you more space, privacy and flexibility than a traditional hotel room.
16–17 October: PROST! Norwich Oktoberfest at Earlham Park
If your ideal autumn weekend includes live music, German-style food and a well-stocked beer tent, put PROST! Norwich Oktoberfest in your diary. Taking place at Earlham Park on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, this ticketed event brings an Oktoberfest atmosphere to one of Norwich’s best-known green spaces. Expect steins, food, music and a lively social setting. Ticket options may vary, so check the organiser’s listing before booking. From Unthank Road: Earlham Park is approximately a 25–30‐minute walk from Number 82, depending on your route. It is also accessible by local bus or a short taxi journey. If you are visiting for an evening session, a taxi can be the simplest option for getting back to the apartment. For event details and tickets, see the PROST! Norwich Oktoberfest listing and check the organiser’s latest information.
18 October: Norfolk Biodiversity & Regenerative Food Festival
On Sunday 18 October, Chapelfield Gardens hosts the Norfolk Biodiversity & Regenerative Food Festival. This free event focuses on local food, nature, biodiversity and more sustainable ways of growing and producing what we eat. It is a useful choice for visitors who want to experience the region beyond its restaurants and historic attractions, with the opportunity to discover local producers and learn more about Norfolk’s natural landscape. Chapelfield Gardens is close to the city centre, making this an easy event to combine with independent shopping, a visit to Norwich Market or an afternoon exploring the Lanes. From Unthank Road: Allow approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from Number 82. Alternatively, it is a short bus or taxi journey into the city centre. Afterwards, you can return to your apartment and make use of a fully equipped kitchen for a relaxed evening meal. That flexibility is one of the advantages of choosing short stay apartments in Norfolk, particularly when you are travelling with family or prefer not to eat out every night.
22–30 October: Goat Shed Pumpkin Festival
For a seasonal day out during October half term, the Goat Shed Pumpkin Festival runs daily from 22 to 30 October. The Goat Shed is located at Colton Road, Honingham, just outside Norwich. The festival is a good option for families looking for an autumn activity away from the city centre, with pumpkins and countryside surroundings providing a change of pace from museums, shops and indoor attractions. As timings, availability and booking arrangements may vary, check the Goat Shed events page before travelling. From Unthank Road: This is not a practical walk from Number 82. Allow approximately 15–20 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic. If you are travelling with children or planning to bring pumpkins home, driving or arranging a taxi is likely to be the most convenient choice. The Goat Shed can work well as part of a wider half-term itinerary: spend the morning at the festival, return to Norwich for lunch, then enjoy a quieter afternoon at the apartment.
24 October: Day Fever at The Adrian Flux Waterfront
On Saturday 24 October, Day Fever comes to The Adrian Flux Waterfront on King Street. The daytime event is suited to visitors who want live music and dancing without committing to a late night. The Waterfront is one of Norwich’s established music venues, located close to the Riverside area and within easy reach of the city centre. The event is listed for an afternoon start, with tickets available through the venue and recognised ticketing channels. Check the latest listing for entry times and ticket information before making plans. From Unthank Road: The Waterfront is approximately a 25–30‐minute walk from Number 82. You can also take a bus into the city centre and walk onwards, or use a short taxi journey. The walk back takes you through the city centre and Riverside area, although a taxi may be preferable after the event. For current event details, check the Day Fever tour listings and the Waterfront event information.
26 October: Halloween Family Imagination Day at Dragon Hall
Families visiting Norwich during half term can join the Halloween Family Imagination Day at Dragon Hall on Monday 26 October. The activity invites children to create their own “Wicked Witch” and enjoy Halloween-themed creative play. Dragon Hall’s historic setting adds a distinctive backdrop, while the event provides an indoor option if October weather is unsettled. This is a good choice for younger visitors and can easily be combined with a walk around Norwich’s historic lanes, a visit to the Riverside or lunch in the city centre. From Unthank Road: Dragon Hall is around a 20–25‐minute walk from Number 82. A local bus or short taxi journey will reduce the travel time, particularly for families with younger children. See the Halloween Family Imagination Day listing on Visit Norwich for the latest details, timings and any booking requirements.
26 October: Hocus Pocus outdoor cinema at Whitlingham Country Park
For a Halloween evening with a difference, Hocus Pocus will be screened outdoors at Whitlingham Country Park on Monday 26 October. The family-friendly screening is scheduled to open from 4pm, with the film starting at 5pm. With the event taking place outdoors in late October, warm layers, blankets and suitable footwear are sensible additions. You may also wish to check the arrangements for seating, food and drink before travelling. From Unthank Road: Whitlingham Country Park is approximately 10–15 minutes by taxi or car from Number 82. It is not a practical walk for most visitors, particularly after dark. Allow extra time for parking and arriving at the screening area. Find current information through the Whitlingham Country Park event listings or the Outdoor Cinema Norwich page
26–31 October: Norwich Beer Festival at The Halls
The Norwich Beer Festival returns to The Halls from 26 to 31 October. Organised by Norwich & District CAMRA, the festival is an established fixture in the city’s autumn calendar. It is a natural choice for beer enthusiasts, but the central location also makes it convenient for anyone looking to enjoy an evening event close to Norwich’s restaurants, bars and historic streets. The Halls is a beautifully restored city-centre venue, and the festival forms part of a busy programme taking place there throughout the month. From Unthank Road: Allow approximately 20–25 minutes on foot from Number 82. The Halls can also be reached by bus or a short taxi journey. If you are attending an evening session, check ticket arrangements and opening times in advance. Visit the official Halls what’s-on page for festival details, booking information and updates.
Planning an October city break around a date
Norwich makes it easy to build a short break around one main event. You might arrive on Friday for Oktoberfest, add a relaxed Saturday exploring the city, then return home on Sunday. Alternatively, half term offers the chance to combine a family event with the city’s museums, shops and food scene. Before booking, we recommend checking: Event times and ticket availability, particularly for ticketed festivals and cinema screenings. Travel arrangements, as some activities take place outside the city centre. Weather conditions, especially for outdoor events at Earlham Park and Whitlingham Country Park. Family requirements, including age guidance, seating and food options. Visit Norwich listings, where dates, organisers and event details may be updated during the season. At Number 82 The Unthank, you can return to a peaceful, fully equipped space after a busy day in the city. Browse our apartments to find the right option for your stay, or explore our location guide for more information about travelling around Norwich.
Our luxury accommodation in Norfolk combines the comfort of a home away from home with the quality and finish you would expect from a boutique stay. With convenient access to the city centre, Number 82 is a practical base for October festivals, food events, family activities and autumn weekends in Norwich. Book your stay at Number 82 The Unthank and start planning your October break.