8 Unmissable Events Across the Culture County this Autumn

This autumn discover eight unmissable events across the Culture County, from literary to culinary delights Durham has an event or venue to keep you entertained this autumn. We’ve picked a few highlights below…

Durham Book Festival 2024

Get ready for an epic literary adventure! Some of the biggest names in fiction are hitting the city, and you won't want to miss it. The likes of Helen Fielding, Rebecca F. Kuang, Jodi Picoult, Alan Hollinghurst, Tracy Chevalier, and David Peace are just a few of the incredible authors lined up for this event.

Over three jam-packed days, there will be more than 35 events to dive into. Whether you're into history, humour, poetry, or philosophy, there's something here for everyone. A real treat is in store with an exclusive reading from Pat Barker CBE’s latest novel, who is an acclaimed Durham author.

Plus, Terry Deary, the genius behind Horrible Histories, will chat about his first history book for adults. You can also roll up your sleeves and get creative at writing workshops or bring the little ones along for a fun story time. So, grab your friends, your notebooks, and your curiosity as this is going to be a memorable experience!

The Glittering North at Raby Castle

This autumn, Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is set to dazzle the North East with an exhilarating event you won't want to miss. The grounds will transform into a magical wonderland filled with live music, mesmerising dance performances, and captivating puppetry. Stroll through the  illuminated paths as each performance comes alive in stunning detail, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment.

With selected dates throughout October and into early November, this extraordinary spectacle promises to immerse you in a world of magic and creativity. Gather your friends and family for an impressive night under the stars at Raby Castle.

Chester-le-Eats 2024

Hold onto your hats, food lovers!  Chester-le-EATS is here for its third dazzling year, and they are rolling out the red carpet for the grandest gastronomic gala of 2024! Bigger, bolder, and bursting with flavours that will have you begging for seconds!

The event is brought to you for free by Durham Cricket on 5 & 6 October, bringing an unrivalled celebration of culinary excellence, giving you a chance to savour the finest local flavours from Chester-le-Street and the vibrant heart of the North East.  Chester-le-EATS have teamed up with Proper Mint Concerts to spice up the weekend with an epic parade of live local bands and musical acts. Chester-le-Eats is sure to provide a sensational mix of scrumptious eats, cool drinks, and fabulous live entertainment.

Pumpkin Patch 2024 - Holmside Park

Get ready for a pumpkin party at Holmside Park this autumn!  Holmside Park’s Pumpkin Patch is bursting with loads of future jack-o-lanterns just waiting for you to pick and carve. This year's Pumpkin Patch is shaping up to be the best one yet, packed with awesome autumn photo ops and fun pumpkin activities for the whole family! The best part is you can just book your all-day park admission for any date they are open in October, and you’ll get free entry to the pumpkin patch! Plus, there’s no pressure to buy pumpkins if you don’t want to.

Pumpkin Forest - Auckland Palace

Get ready to be enchanted at Auckland Palace with their brand-new light trail, the Pumpkin Forest! This awesome night-time event is all about celebrating autumn, featuring more than 600 hand-carved pumpkins glowing in the dark, plus heaps of colourful chrysanthemums and decorative gourds sprinkled throughout the gardens. It’s a magical experience that’s perfect for families and anyone looking to soak up the seasonal atmosphere.

North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2024

If you're a fan of stargazing, you're in for a treat at the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark! With some of the darkest skies in the country, this is the perfect spot to soak in the beauty of thousands of stars on clear nights. Here, you can truly appreciate the wonders of the universe. The North Pennines Stargazing Festival is happening from Friday, October 25, through to Sunday, November 3. There are loads of events lined up across the North Pennines, Durham Dales, and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or just curious about what's up there, there's something for everyone. Get ready to grab your binoculars or telescope and enjoy some celestial magic!

Space by Luxmuralis at Durham Cathedral

Luxmuralis is back for its third year at Durham Cathedral, and this time it’s all about Space. Stepping into the cathedral you will embark on a 45-minute journey filled with stunning projections and an immersive soundscape. As you wander around the cathedral, you'll come across vibrant visuals in different areas that will truly blow your mind. As the cathedral’s soaring columns are transformed by light, the space will be clear of pews, giving you a moment to pause, looking out into space and thinking about what humans have achieved.

Pyromusical 2024

Get ready for a memorable night of dazzling entertainment as Pyromusical returns to Bishop Auckland on Saturday, 2 November. It’s the North East's biggest fireworks extravaganza, and now in its sixth year, this multi-sensory event promises to dazzle audiences of all ages as fireworks burst into life above the stunning seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage. A breathtaking display of colours and patterns, perfectly synchronized to a soundtrack filled with toe-tapping hits from the last five decades! As you gaze up at the November night sky, prepare to be wowed by a symphony of lights and sounds that create an enchanting atmosphere like no other.

Don’t worry if you want even more events, there are plenty more events and venues to discover across the Culture County this Autumn.