20 Things To Do In Essex: Events for October 2026

Looking for things to do in Essex in October 2026? From immersive dining and candlelit concerts to creative workshops, cultural discoveries, autumn adventures and a little Halloween magic, I’ve rounded up 20 ways to make the most of our favourite season. Think beyond the usual pumpkin patches and spooky trails, with unexpected experiences, local gems and plenty of reasons to fall back in love with Essex.

October is made for getting out and discovering something a little different. Whether you fancy a creative afternoon, an atmospheric evening or a properly autumnal day out, here are my picks for things to do across Essex this month.

1. Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin at Otto’s Pumpkin Patch

17th–18th October and 23rd–31st October | Cressing

With 20+ varieties of pumpkins and squashes, a thoughtful drinks van serving delicious treats, the village-square-style games area, a MOUNTAIN of bales and (new for 2026!) a firepit for toasting giant marshmallows, the Otto’s Pumpkin Patch team really have thought of just about everything for a glorious autumn afternoon. It’s a lovely independent pumpkin patch with plenty to do beyond choosing your pumpkin.

Why I’d go: I know the lovely people behind Otto’s, and it’s always a pleasure seeing an independent Essex business create something with SO much personality. The games, bales and marshmallow firepit make this feel like an autumn experience in its own right, rather than a cursory dash to pick a pumpkin and leave. With so many varieties to choose from, you might discover a new favourite.

Book your visit here: Otto’s Pumpkin Patch

2. Discover the Stories Behind Against the Tide at Firstsite

From 10th October 2026 to 28th February 2027 | Firstsite, Colchester

Polly brings us photography, coastal communities and the realities of growing up in Britain today. Photographer Polly Braden’s exhibition explores the lives, ambitions and experiences of young people growing up in coastal towns, through intimate photography & their first-hand accounts.

Why I’d go: I’m always keen to find cultural experiences that go beyond the obvious and rage against the frustrating stereotypes our lovely county still suffers. Essex has SO much more to offer than the tired media shorthand we’re so often associated with, and exhibitions like this give us a chance to rewrite that; exploring a different side of the places and people that shape our lives.

Find out more: Firstsite exhibitions

3. Step Inside the Extraordinary World of Talliston House

Selected tour dates throughout the year | Great Dunmow

Hidden in an otherwise ordinary Essex street is a home transformed into a series of absolutely fantastical rooms, each inspired by a different time and place. Talliston House & Gardens offers guided tours through its extraordinary interiors, with tea and cake to follow (as it should!). They run tours quite regularly, with 17th October the next date in the diary.

Why I’d go: This is exactly the sort of hidden gem I love discovering. It’s part immersive experience, part design inspiration and part reminder that a little imagination can transform the everyday into something extraordinary. I’d happily spend an afternoon admiring the details and hearing the stories behind them.

Book or check availability here: Talliston House & Gardens tours

4. Get Creative at a Close-Up Photography Workshop

Sunday 18th October, 10am–4pm | Hanningfield Reservoir

If you haven’t explored the events programme at Hanningfield Reservoir yet, consider this your nudge! Run by Essex Wildlife Trust, the centre brings together nature, creativity and community with a programme that makes getting outdoors and learning something new feel genuinely accessible. This month, you can join photographer Daniel Bridge for a close-up and macro photography workshop on 18th October.

Why I’d go: I LOVE Hanningfield and the events they put on here are such a valuable part of the community. I think we sometimes underestimate just how much these spaces offer beyond a nice walk, and I love that there’s somewhere local where you can learn a new skill, get creative and connect with nature without needing to book an expensive retreat or travel miles to find something interesting to do!

Explore the programme here: Hanningfield events

5. Follow the Witches of Chelmsford Trail

26 October – 1 November 2026 (October half term in Essex) | Chelmsford city centre

Banish the stereotypes! The Witches of Chelmsford returns with a free city-centre Tarot Trail and activities exploring the area’s witchcraft history. Pick up your spellbook at Shire Hall and follow the trail to discover the stories hidden in Chelmsford’s past.

Why I’d go: This is one of my FAVOURITE Essex conversation starters. Whenever someone trots out the usual TOWIE references when they hear where I live, I love sharing the much more intriguing history of Essex’s witchy history (especially compared to Salem, Massachusetts and how everyone wrongly believes it’s is the witch trials capital of the world…). It’s a brilliant reminder that our county has a far richer story to tell, and I’m always chuffed when people are genuinely fascinated by it!

Discover the programme here: The Witches of Chelmsford

6. Watch Hocus Pocus Under the Stars

Friday 16th October, gates open at 7pm, screening at 7.30pm | The Inn at Belfairs

The Inn at Belfairs is hosting an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus, with the garden transformed into a cosy spot for a Halloween film night. Gates open at 7pm, with food and drinks available to buy on site. The movie events are free to attend, but do check the latest details before setting off.

Why I’d go: Confession: I’ve never actually seen Hocus Pocus. I know, I know… Criminally late to the party on so many cult classics. So perhaps this is the year I FINALLY rectify that, ideally wrapped up warm with a drink in hand and a little autumn atmosphere thrown in for good measure.

Find the screening here: The Inn at Belfairs movie nights

 

7. Enter the Drama at Fear the Faithful

Friday 16th October, 7pm | Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Stock

Fear the Faithful is an immersive dining experience from Moneypenny Productions, combining a themed dinner with a game of deception! Expect an evening where the entertainment unfolds around you, with secrets, suspicion and the challenge of working out who you can actually trust.

Why I’d go: As a BIG fan of The Traitors, I can absolutely see the appeal here. A room full of people trying to work out who’s lying, a few suspicious glances over dinner and the chance to get involved in the drama? Sounds a LOT like a corporate Christmas party to me. It’s a brilliant alternative to the usual dinner reservation, especially if you’re planning a night out with friends!

Find out more: Fear the Faithful at Greenwoods

8. Swap the Usual Night Out for a Country Hoedown

Saturday 17th October, 5.30–7.30pm or 8–10pm | Scott’s of Southend

Buckle in because this entry is jam-packed… Country music, instructor-led line dancing, karaoke and a pumpkin patch after dark! Scott’s Country Hoedown is a bumper event with the Essex foodies market, Highland cows, customised trucker hats, hair braiding, a bucking bronco, a maize maze and *inhaaaale* plenty more. There’s even an afternoon tea you can book if you’d prefer a slightly more civilised way to enjoy all the festivities.

Why I’d go: This is one of those events where there’s genuinely something. for. everyone. The line dancing alone is reason enough to get involved, but add in the food market, live entertainment and all the extra activities, I reckon you could easily spend the entire afternoon AND evening here.
I’m a firm believer that trying something a little outside your comfort zone makes life more interesting.

Book your tickets here: Scott’s Country Hoedown

9. Make Something Beautiful at a Mindful Clay Workshop

Friday 16th October, 6.30–9.30pm | Molten Wonky, Hempstead

If autumn has you craving a slower pace, this mindful clay experience from Hiro Ceramics sounds rather special. You’ll be introduced to the Japanese kurinuki technique, carefully scooping and shaping clay into a small collection of vessels. The candlelit session includes ceremonial cacao, quiet conversation and time to simply enjoy the process. Your finished pieces will be fired and returned to you afterwards.

Why I’d go: I’m a big fan of finding ways to switch off after a busy day of work. For me as a creative, there’s something lovely about working with your hands, slowing down & making something imperfectly beautiful. This feels like a proper little reset, especially if your diary has been getting rather full!

Find out more and book: Hiro Ceramics mindful clay experiences

10. Take a Halloween Ride on the Epping Ongar Railway

24th, 25th and 29th–31st October | Epping Ongar Railway

Fright Week brings a steam-hauled ghost train, a haunted graveyard and Halloween entertainment to this heritage railway. You can even travel from Epping station on their vintage London bus, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the experience! FYI – Trains earlier in the day will be family-orientated, with later trains more scary!

Why I’d go: I’ve been to their Christmas lights event before, so I bet vintage transport with a spooky twist is a wonderfully atmospheric combination! I love an experience that makes a proper event of the journey itself, and this feels much more memorable than simply turning up somewhere for a standard Halloween attraction.

Book here: Fright Week at Epping Ongar Railway

11. See Autumn Colour at RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Throughout October, with half-term crafts on 28th–30th October | Rettendon

RHS Garden Hyde Hall’s autumn colours are reason enough to visit, but the garden’s seasonal programme offers even more to explore. October half-term includes Halloween-inspired craft activities for children, alongside the gardens, walking routes & beautiful views across the Essex countryside. Plus, their cafés produce some wonderful seasonal meals too!

Why I’d go: Hyde Hall has become one of my all-time favourite places to explore lately. It’s the best place for taking in the changing colours and having a little wander without needing to rush anywhere. It’s a fab place for reminding us of how much we have on our doorstep, and I’d happily recommend a visit, even without a specific event on the calendar.

See what’s on: What’s on at RHS Garden Hyde Hall

12. Make Sunday Lunch an Occasion at Down Hall

Sunday 25th October, bookings between noon and 3.45pm | Down Hall, Hatfield Heath

Down Hall’s Sunday Feast is a lavish buffet featuring seafood platters, lobster macaroni cheese, salads, desserts AND an unlimited Sunday roast carvery with all the trimmings. Served in The Potting Shed, the experience also features a cocktail cart and mixologists. Tickets are £57.50 per adult, with advance reservations recommended.

Why I’d go: Sometimes an autumn plan should simply involve a beautiful setting & excellent food – this sounds ideal for a long lunch with friends or family, especially when the weather turns chilly.

See the menu and book here: Sunday Feast at Down Hall

13. Create a Pumpkin Flower Arrangement

Thursday 29th October, 7.30–10pm | BrewDog Upminster

Local florist Blooming Occasions is hosting an autumn flower-arranging workshop where you’ll transform a real pumpkin into a seasonal floral display. The ticket includes flowers, foliage, tools, expert tuition and a drink, with the finished arrangement yours to take home!

Why I’d go: This is my kind of seasonal craft – a chance to use my design brain, some colour theory and something beautiful to take home at the end. BrewDog is also such a fun setting for a catch-up with friends, so this could be a lovely way to combine doing something creative with a proper evening out!

Book your place here: Pumpkin Flower Arrangement Workshop

14. Get creative with a sip & paint evening

Various dates in October | Romano Lounge, Colchester

Fancy an evening out that involves a little creativity and a glass of something? The Paint Club runs relaxed sip-and-paint sessions at Romano Lounge in Colchester, where a professional artist guides you through creating your own painting. All the materials and a canvas to take home are included, so no artistic experience is needed.

Why I’d go: I love a painting session and haven’t tried these yet! It’s an excuse to get creative, switch off from the everyday and come home with something you’ve actually made. Much more fun than another evening scrolling on the sofa IMO.

Find a Colchester painting session

15. Hear Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight

Friday 30th October, 7–8pm or 9–10pm | Witham United Reformed Church

Lumos Experiences brings its candlelight concert format to Witham for an evening celebrating Fleetwood Mac. A string trio will perform favourites including Dreams, The Chain, Everywhere and Go Your Own Way, in an intimate setting lit by candlelight.

Why I’d go: I’ve been to several candlelight experiences in Essex and London, and they’ve always been fantastic. There’s something special about hearing songs you know & love, in a special setting – Fleetwood Mac feels like a particularly good soundtrack for an autumn evening. This is firmly on my list of experiences I’d happily recommend.

Book tickets here: Fleetwood Mac Candlelight Experience

16. Take on the Treetops After Dark at Go Ape

Selected dates from 16th October to 8th November | Hylands Park, Chelmsford

As the light fades over Hylands Park, Go Ape takes its treetop adventure into a completely different atmosphere. The high ropes course is illuminated with colourful lights, turning the usual canopy crossings into a glowing after-dark experience. Sessions last around one to two hours, with tickets from £31.95 per person. It’s suitable for ages 6+.

Why I’d go: I love the idea of climbing through the trees beneath a canopy of lights, with the autumn evening adding to the atmosphere. It’s adventurous without requiring a weekend away, and would make a brilliant date night or evening with friends!

Book your adventure here: Go Ape Sundown Adventures

17. Follow the Scarecrow Trail at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

24th October – 1st November | 10am – 3pm @ Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is bringing a little extra Halloween fun to its autumn programme, with a scarecrow trail, a haunted bus and a fancy-dress competition. It’s a chance to explore the sanctuary while keeping an eye out for the scarecrow characters along the way.

Why I’d go: Scarecrow trails are such a fun way to explore somewhere, especially when the characters have a bit of personality or some design… quirks. They’re the sort of simple, creative community events that get everyone involved, and I love that this one supports their lovely animal sanctuary at the same time.

Check dates, tickets and availability before visiting: Hopefield Halloween Week

18. Brew Your Own Magical Potions at Bubbling Burkes

October dates available to book | Chelmsford

Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you. Bubbling Burkes brings a little wizarding-world magic to Chelmsford, with licensed merchandise, themed gifts and treats incl. Chocolate Frog hot chocolate and butterscotch beer. But the real fun is in its hands-on potion-making classes, where you can brew your own Liquid Luck, Happiness Elixirs and Polyjuice Potion. Classes are suitable for ages 8+ (and adults!).

Why I’d go: I’ve only watched the Harry Potter films in very recent years, so I’m still making up for lost time when it comes to discovering all the magic. The idea of actually brewing potions feels like such a fun way to embrace that world, and I love that we have something this niche right here in Essex. This is one for anyone who has ever wanted to spend an afternoon pretending they’re at Hogwarts!

Find the shop and class details here: Bubbling Burkes on Instagram

19. Pick and Carve a Pumpkin at The Blue Egg

Selected dates throughout October | The Blue Egg, Great Bardfield area

The Blue Egg’s Pumpkin Drive & Carve – This is pumpkin picking with a twist. Hop into a Mini Rover, drive to the pumpkin pick-up point, choose your pumpkin and bring it back to the carving station to create your own masterpiece! Tickets also include all-day entry to the fab Play Paddock, making it a full day out rather than a quick seasonal stop.

Why I’d go: It’s a clever spin on a familiar autumn activity, and the drive-and-carve element makes it much more memorable than simply wandering around a field. This is at the same place as Knead Food, one of my favourite places to eat in Essex! Plenty of dates are still available, so there’s time to make a day of it.

Find out more and book: The Blue Egg

20. Find Your Calm Under the Full Moon

Sunday 25th October, 6pm | Colchester Castle

Take your yoga practice somewhere a little different with the practise’s Yoga Under the Full Moon at Colchester Castle. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of one of Essex’s most historic landmarks, this special session combines mindful movement with the natural rhythm of the full moon. It’s a chance to step away from the everyday, reconnect with yourself and experience this beautiful setting in a completely different way!

Why I’d go:

This is the MOST Grace-coded event I’ve seen in a long time. It’s my idea of a genuinely memorable wellbeing experience – practising yoga beneath a giant moon sounds both calming and wonderfully surreal. It’s also a lovely reminder that mindfulness does not have to mean escaping to an expensive retreat in the countryside.

Explore the programme and booking details: the practise

Know somewhere I should have included?

If you’re hosting an event, opening a new business or have something happening in Essex that deserves to be on my radar, I’d love to hear about it. Email me at hello@gracefulblog.com and tell me what you’re up to — I’m always looking for the next thing to add to the Essex Edit.

NOTE – Event details were checked at the time of writing. Please confirm dates, timings and availability with each organiser before travelling.