25 fantastic free events to attend in October 2023

They say you don’t get anything in life for free, but we beg to differ! October is jam-packed with free events, giving you the opportunity to get out and about without putting your hand in your pocket.

To help you plan ahead, we’ve compiled a list of brilliant free events that you can attend this month, ranging from food festivals to fishing lessons, historical talks to Halloween activities. 

You can also get great discounts on days out, short breaks and so much more when you join Boundless. To find out more, visit our membership page. 

1. Watch an iconic running race

Cardiff Half Marathon, 1 October

One of the UK’s most prestigious running spectacles takes place in Cardiff today, as thousands of athletes set off on a 13-mile gallop around the Welsh capital – all in aid of charity. Starting at 9.50am with the wheelchair race, the event passes many of the city’s landmarks, including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium and Penarth Marina. It costs money to enter, but why not go along and give the contestants your support? 

2. Hear some supersonic stories

Story Café at Aerospace Bristol, 2, 9 & 16 October

Capture your little ones’ imaginations with tales of jet planes and space travel. Held on Mondays in the Museum Café at Aerospace in Bristol (10-10.30am), the Story Café is aimed at kids aged 12 months to four years old, and also provides access to an outdoor play area. Please note that while the sessions are free, they do not include admission to the museum.

3. Learn how to make festive decorations

Lantern Making with Wakehurst ‘Glow Wild’, 5 October

With thousands of twinkly lights, the ‘Glow Wild’ illumination trail at Wakehurst in Sussex has become a must-visit attraction for festive fun-seekers. Tonight – in an online exclusive for Boundless members – Wakehurst’s Lantern Curator Katherine Morton will demonstrate how to make lovely pyramid lanterns, so that you can fill your own garden with seasonal cheer – or take one to Wakehurst if you decide to explore the award-winning trail for yourself. (The Glow Wild event takes place on selected evenings from 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.)

Interested in the online workshop with Wakehurst’s Lantern Curator Katherine Morton but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join. 

Boundless members get unlimited access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, at Kew and Wakehurst, plus 50% off one additional adult, and admission for up to five children. (Offer applies to daytime admissions only, and excludes commercial events such as Glow Wild.)

4. Have a hip-hop hurrah

London Battle, 7 October

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop culture, Somerset House in London is hosting a free outdoor party within its prestigious grounds. Part of the wider Dance Umbrella Festival, London Battle will feature a programme of live DJs, dancers and hip-hop workshops, along with a few other surprises. It’s sure to get you moving.

5. Tantalise your taste buds

Powderham Food Festival, 7 & 8 October

What better way to spend the weekend than by sampling tasty treats within the grounds of a 600-year-old castle? The Powderham Food Festival is always a delight, with chef demonstrations, live music and children’s activities galore – but this year it’s even more mouthwatering as the organisers have announced that entry will be free (parking will cost £8). We can hear our belly rumbling already.

6. Get hooked on fishing

Let’s Fish!, 7, 14, 15, 21, 28 & 31 October

Fishing is one of the most relaxing pastimes there is, but – as with any new hobby – it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why the Canal & River Trust launched its Let’s Fish! initiative. Held at different locations across the UK, these friendly sessions will teach you all the basics, from what equipment to use, to how to reel in your catch. You’ll soon be angling like a pro.

7. Look ahead

Festival of the Future, 11-15 October

The worlds of science, art and culture collide at the University of Dundee’s Festival of the Future. This year’s theme revolves around the idea of living in a more caring and sustainable society, with more than 50 related events taking place across the Scottish city – from workshops and walks to live performances and exhibitions. While some cost money, many are free – to plan your itinerary, click on the link above.

8. Learn about a notorious family

The Whistlecraft Family of Rickenhall, 12 October

Murder and intrigue will be on the menu at the Boundless Norwich Group’s latest meet. Held at the city’s SugarBeat restaurant, it will see Pip Wright giving a talk about a notorious local poaching family who made hundreds of court appearances. One of them (Joe Whistlecraft, pictured above) is known as ‘the man who got away with murder’. Intrigued? Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to chat with fellow members over a tea or coffee.

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

9. See Leeds in a new light

Light Night Leeds, 12 & 13 October

We don’t like to keep you in the dark when it comes to great events – which is why we want to tell you about Light Night Leeds! For one weekend every year, the Yorkshire city is illuminated by jaw-dropping light projections and interactive installations, which you can discover by following one of the designated walking trails. As if that’s not enough to keep you enthralled, there will also be music, dance and street performances taking place, and street food and market stalls to tempt you. It’s a very bright prospect indeed…  

10. Find out how to reduce your spending

Money-Saving Gadgets with Harry Wallop, 10 October

Looking for ways to save the pennies during this cost-of-living crisis? In this online talk – an exclusive for Boundless members – broadcaster and Daily Telegraph columnist Harry Wallop will talk about the technical devices that could help you reduce your expenditure in these difficult times. With a bit of luck, your next set of bills might just surprise you…

Interested in this online event with columnist Harry Wallop but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

11. Enjoy an historical talk

Letters Home from a World War 2 Soldier, 11 October

Join Boundless’s Pendle Group at the Mitton Hall Hotel in Whalley for an afternoon of wartime history. Author Virginia Aighton will be talking about her book About the Jam, Darling, which collates the romantic, funny and at times deeply poignant musings of a Lancashire private. There should be time afterwards for a cup of tea and a chat.

Interested in this online event with author Virginia Aighton but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.  

12. Learn a new craft

Talk on Wood Working, 11 October

Like the idea of making your own cupboards and cabinets? Well, tonight, the Boundless Shropshire Group will be hosting an informal talk on woodworking. Located at the Haughton Hall Hotel in Shifnal, the event will see experienced craftsman Steve Barlow recounting some interesting tales about his years in the industry, and explaining some of the basics of this centuries-old pastime.   

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

13. Fill your ears with song

Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival, 13-15 October

Maritime songs will permeate the air around Harwich’s historic port this weekend as the Essex town’s annual Sea Shanty Festival sails in. As well as performances from UK and international shanty groups, there will be workshops, live reenactments, street theatre, barge trips and more. Waves of fun should be had by all.   

14. Admire some retro rides

Classic Cars on the Beach, 15 October

Love vintage motors? Like spending time by the sea? Well, why not kill two birds with one stone and head for Southend-on-Sea in Essex for its Classic Cars on the Beach event. Hosted by the Southend & District Classic Car Club, it sees vehicles aged 25+ lining up on the promenade to be admired. Ice creams are optional but certainly recommended! 

15. Experience the fun of the fair

Ilkeston Charter Fair, 18-21 October

Celebrating its – wait for it – 771st anniversary this year, the Ilkeston Charter Fair in Derbyshire is one of Europe’s oldest street festivals. People travel for miles around to enjoy its dizzying funfair rides, but if you’d prefer to keep your wallet in your pocket, you could always just browse the more traditional side shows while soaking up the atmosphere. 

16. Dissect your night-time adventures

What Do Your Dreams Mean?, 19 October

Ever wake up wondering what on earth last night’s dream was all about? Well, tonight’s your chance to find out. In an online exclusive for Boundless members, dream expert Ian Wallace will explain how to understand your dreams, what they say about you as a person, and how you might be able to use them to achieve your life goals. Well worth staying awake for!

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

17. Uncover some local history

Brookwood Cemetery Talk, 19 October

If you’re in the Hampshire/Surrey area this evening, why not pop along to the latest Boundless Farnborough and Guildford Group meet. Held at St Mark’s Church Hall in Farnborough, it’ll see Kim Lowe talking about the local cemetery at Brookwood – one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Discover the history of this special place and find out about some of the people who are buried there, before enjoying a cup of tea or coffee with the group’s members.

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

18. Treat your ears

LSO: Free Friday Lunchtime Concert, 20 October

Whether you’re working, shopping or sightseeing, take time out from your schedule to enjoy some soothing classical music. Once a month, LSO St Luke’s in London hosts a free lunchtime concert, giving people the chance to sample some of the UK’s finest instrumentalists in action. Today’s concert features the Haizea Quintet, a group of young woodwind players from the Guildhall School. After the show, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

19. Go with the glow

Lightpool Festival, 20-28 October

Ever since 2016, the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations have been complemented by a separate event, the Lightpool Festival. Equally spectacular, it sees various indoor and outdoor venues around the Lancashire town transformed with stunning installations, live performances and 3D projection shows. It’s the perfect antidote to those autumn blues.

20. Celebrate a rail icon

100 Years of The Flying Scotsman, 24 October

One of the world’s most famous steam locomotives, The Flying Scotsman celebrates its centenary this year. To mark the occasion, Boundless is presenting an exclusive online event for members, in which expert Simon Holroyd will talk about the train’s glory days and how this iconic engine is being prepared for a return to the track. A must for railway fans.   

Interested in this online event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

21. Make something ghoulish

Family Halloween Craft Workshop, 25 October

The spooky season is almost upon us, so make sure you’re ready for those trick or treaters by putting up some frightful decorations. In tonight’s online workshop – an exclusive for Boundless members – Amy Brown from Cult Milk will help you to make something scary for your doors and windows. By the time it’s finished, you’ll be ready to turn your home into a house of horrors! 

Interested in this online event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

22. Have a scarily good time

Paisley Halloween Festival, 26-28 October

When it comes to spooks and thrills, few do it better than the Paisley Halloween Festival. Held every year in the Renfrewshire town, this award-winning family spectacle combines electrifying live performances with gloriously ghastly installations to really send a chill down your spine. Why not join in the fun by rocking your finest Halloween drapes?

23. Discover some creative talents

Parallax Art Fair, 28 & 29 October

Over 10,000 pieces will be on display at this year’s Parallax Art Fair – held at Kensington Town Hall in London – with everything from paintings to sculptures on sale. There’s no obligation to buy anything, though, so you could just spend a few hours exploring the kaleidoscope of creations on show. It might even inspire you to get creative yourself.

24. Let there be light

Diwali on Trafalgar Square, 29 October

London’s iconic square will be radiating energy today as the city celebrates the Hindi, Sikh and Jain festival of light. Each year, around 35,000 people attend this vibrant event, which features everything from traditional dancers to live music, food stalls to craft workshops. There will also be a yoga and meditation zone, for those who prefer to chill out.

25. Relish some rare rhymes

The National Poetry Library Open Day, 29 Octobe

Held at London’s Southbank Centre once a year, the National Poetry Library Open Day gives you the chance to explore the rarities and hidden gems that reside in this cherished literary institution. There will also be performances by talented poets from across the UK, as well as an interactive workshop to help you write your own verse.

Do more with Boundless

Boundless members get free entry to top attractions, discounts on restaurants and savings on high-street brands plus dozens of other deals on holidays, experiences and more! If you're working or retired from the public sector or civil service and not yet a member, discover more about Boundless membership here.