As the air turns crisp and the nights draw in, October and early November are bursting with opportunities to spread your wings. From candlelit concerts and thrilling race days to haunting Halloween experiences and sparkling stargazing, there is plenty nearby to help you craft an itinerary that is full-feathered and action-packed.

Music to Set Your Heart Soaring

• Boyzlife Live – Durham Cathedral – 25 October
  Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden return to Durham Cathedral with a night of nostalgia, harmonies and classic hits from their Boyzone and Westlife days. More information here.

Race Days to Ruffle Your Feathers

• Durham National – Sedgefield Racecourse – 19 October
  A thrilling jumps race that brings equestrian drama to the heart of County Durham. Wrap up warmly and enjoy the spectacle. More details here.

Food, Fairs and Festivities

• Durham Wine Week – 10 to 19 October
  Celebrate wine from across the globe with tastings, talks and pairings taking place across the city. A chance to discover new favourites while supporting local venues. Programme details here.
• Living North Christmas Fair – Newcastle Racecourse – 23 to 26 October
  Get an early start on your Christmas shopping at this much-loved fair, showcasing gifts, food and crafts from across the region. Event details here.
• Christmas Fused Glass Workshop – Sedgefield – 21 October to 2 December
  Create your own unique glass decorations in this festive workshop series. A lovely way to add a handmade touch to your celebrations. Booking info here.

Step Back in Time

• Viking Weekend – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens – 27 October
  Travel back to the age of the Vikings with living history, demonstrations and family friendly activities. Details here.

Halloween Thrills

• Halloween Evenings – Beamish – 27 to 31 October
  Beamish comes alive with ghostly goings-on and spooky surprises. Perfect for families and thrill seekers alike. Event details here.
• Psycho Path Halloween Experience – County Durham – 24-26 October & 31 October to 1 November
  For those who dare, Psycho Path offers one of the UK’s leading scare attractions, combining immersive sets with live action frights. Book here.

Look to the Skies

• North Pennines Stargazing Festival – October to early November
  Take flight into the cosmos with stargazing events across the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guided sessions, talks and family activities will help you see the night sky in a whole new light. Find the programme here.
• Waves Holistic Healing Autumn Retreat – Durham Coast – 5 October
  A chance to pause, reset and reconnect with nature on the dramatic Durham coastline. Expect guided practices and restorative sessions. Keep an eye here for updates.

Plan Your October Flight Path

October near Rest at the Nest offers music, racing, wine, fairs, history, frights and star-filled skies. Choose to pack your days like a busy starling or take things slowly like an owl at rest. However you prefer to perch, there are events to make your stay memorable!

Early November: Fireworks and Fandom

• Comic Con North East – Utilita Arena Newcastle – 1 to 2 November
Step out of your usual roost and into a world of fantasy, film and fun. Comic Con North East promises celebrity guests, colourful cosplay and collectables that will have fans chattering like starlings. Event details here.

• Fireworks and Funfair Race Night – Newcastle Racecourse – 1 November
Soar into the month with an evening of racing thrills, sparkling fireworks and funfair rides that will make hearts flutter. More details here.