October in Shropshire is a magical time as the autumn leaves burst into vibrant colours and the crisp air brings the promise of harvest celebrations, cultural events, and cozy gatherings. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors, history, food, or family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this October. Here’s a roundup of the best events happening across Shropshire this month.
1. Shrewsbury Harvest Market
📅 Date: Saturday 5th October 2024
📍 Location: Shrewsbury Square
October kicks off with Shrewsbury’s Harvest Market, a celebration of local produce and artisanal goods. Wander through stalls packed with seasonal fruits, vegetables, jams, cheeses, and freshly baked bread. With live music and cooking demonstrations, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavours of autumn and support local farmers and producers.
2. Ludlow Food and Drink Festival
📅 Date: Friday 11th– Sunday 13th October 2024
📍 Location: Ludlow Castle
One of Shropshire’s premier events, the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival brings food lovers from across the country. Held within the stunning walls of Ludlow Castle, this festival is a feast for the senses, featuring more than 180 local food and drink producers. Don’t miss the beer tent, cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and the famous sausage trail!
3. Attingham Park Autumn Walks
📅 Date: Throughout October
📍 Location: Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury
Experience the beauty of Shropshire’s autumnal countryside with guided walks through the sprawling grounds of Attingham Park, a National Trust property. The park’s ancient trees glow in rich shades of red, orange, and gold, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Keep an eye out for deer roaming the park, especially during the rutting season.
4. Shropshire Oktoberfest
📅 Date: Friday 18th– Saturday 19th October 2024
📍 Location: Shrewsbury Quarry Park
Bringing the Bavarian spirit to the heart of Shropshire, Shropshire Oktoberfest is a two-day festival full of craft beers, street food, live music, and plenty of lederhosen! Sample a wide range of local ales and lagers, enjoy the music tent, and take part in stein-holding competitions and traditional German festivities.
5. Much Wenlock Scarecrow Trail
📅 Date: Saturday 19th – Thursday 31st October 2024
📍 Location: Much Wenlock
Take a scenic stroll through the charming town of Much Wenlock, where local residents and businesses create a fantastic array of scarecrows on display. This quirky trail is a fun and creative way to explore the town and get into the autumn spirit.
6. Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala
📅 Date: Thursday 24th – Saturday 26th October 2024
📍 Location: Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
All aboard for a nostalgic journey along one of the most scenic steam railways in the country! The Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala is a three-day event celebrating the golden age of steam. Watch vintage locomotives in action, hop on board for a scenic ride through the Shropshire countryside, and enjoy railway-themed activities and exhibitions at various stations.
7. Oswestry LitFest
📅 Date: Monday 21st – Sunday 27th October 2024
📍 Location: Oswestry
For bookworms, Oswestry LitFest offers a week of literary events, author talks, workshops, and book signings. This intimate festival celebrates local and national authors across a range of genres, including fiction, history, and poetry. A must-visit for anyone who enjoys a good story and the opportunity to meet authors in person.
8. Pumpkin Festival at Apley Farm Shop
📅 Date: Every weekend in October
📍 Location: Apley Farm Shop, Norton
Perfect for families, the Pumpkin Festival at Apley Farm Shop offers a fun day out in the countryside. Pick your own pumpkins from the patch, get creative with pumpkin carving, and enjoy tractor rides, a corn maze, and autumnal treats at the farm café. This is the ideal event to get into the Halloween spirit with little ones.
9. Shrewsbury Folk Festival Autumn Sessions
📅 Date: Sunday 20th October 2024
📍 Location: The Hive, Shrewsbury
A more intimate affair than the summer festival, the Shrewsbury Folk Festival Autumn Sessions offers a night of live music, storytelling, and dancing. Enjoy performances from local and national folk artists in the cozy setting of The Hive, making it a perfect way to spend an autumn evening.
With its mix of outdoor adventures, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly activities, October in Shropshire promises something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, sampling local delicacies, or getting spooky for Halloween, Shropshire is the perfect place to embrace the autumn season.
Plan your October trip to Shropshire and enjoy the beauty and excitement this region has to offer!Top of Form