THEATRE: The Rocky Horror Show, until Sat 5 Oct, Fareham Live, Fareham

Rocky-Horror-Jason-Donovan-Frank-N-Furter.-Photo-Credit-David-Freeman.jpg — Image: David Freeman

Oooh, Rocky! Following a sell-out Australian Tour, Jason Donovan is in town playing the eccentric Frank-n-Furter in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical. See the Aussie legend at Fareham Live, Hampshire’s new state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment venue.

SHOPPING: The Hampshire Fair, Weds 2 Oct, The Grange, Northington, near Alresford

Early Chrimbo shopping spree? With over 60 stalls to poke around this fundraising market in the elegant setting of The Grange near Alresford is a good place to do it. Stock up on crafts, homewares, accessories, foodie ingredients and loads more then take a load off with coffee and cake in the café afterwards.

THEATRE: Romeo + Juliet, Thurs 3 – Sat 5 Oct, The Mayflower, Southampton

A scene from Romeo & Juliet by Northern Ballet @ The Grand Theatre, Leeds. Adapted by Christopher Gable CBE and Massimo Moricone. ©Tristram Kenton — PIC: ©Tristram Kenton

One of Northern Ballet’s most beloved and critically acclaimed productions, expect glorious dancers, eye-catching sets and Prokofiev’s timeless music in this dramatic and romantic retelling of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

CULTURE: The Isle of Wight Literary Festival, Thurs 3 – Sun 6 October, Northwood House, Cowes

Not just for the bookworms, there’s another stellar line up of writers and presenters at this year’s literary convention on the Island. Hear from headline speakers including Gyles Brandreth, Claire Balding, Susie Dent, Celia Imrie and Fidelis Morgan, presenter Louise Minchin and TV antiques expert Eric Knowles. Like a good tipple? Join in a tutored tasting in the Festival Cafe with TV wine expert Helen McGinn.

CINEMA: The Lost Boys, Hocus Pocus Spooktacular & Scream, Fri 4 – Sun 6 October, The Vyne, Basingstoke

Bringing a trio of spooky movies to the magnificent National Trust gardens, wrap up and bring a blanket to one of these Adventure Cinema showings. On Saturday 5, little (and big) witches are encouraged to dress up for Hocus Pocus and boogie away to a spooky soundtrack before the film starts.

DAYS OUT: Watercress Line Autumn Steam Gala, Fri 4 – Sun 6 October, Ropley, Alresford and Alton

What better way to see the autumn leaves than chuffing through the countryside on one of The Watercress Line’s steam trains? Hop on and off to explore special exhibits at the different stations or take in the whole journey from Alresford Station on one of the home or visiting trains.

CRAFTS: Dried Flower Wreath Workshop, Sat 5 October, Lower Norton Flower Farm, Sutton Scotney

Can’t wait until Christmas? Craft a beautiful wreath using dried flowers and foliage from this Hampshire flower field near Winchester, finished with a velvet ribbon. Keeping your energy up, there’ll be homemade cake and plenty of tea and coffee throughout.

MUSIC: An Adele Candlelight Experience, Sat 5 October, The Hospital of St Cross, Winchester

One of a series of atmospheric concert experiences paying homage to world famous artists, hear all the singer-songwriter’s biggest hits in this candle-lit concert from Lumos Live.

OUTDOORS: Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival, Sat 5 – Sun 13 October, Isle of Wight

Walkers on the Isle of Wight looking out over countryside Autumn Walking Festival October 2023

Taking in the glorious Isle of Wight countryside, this seasonal event for Islanders and visitors is a brilliant opportunity to get out there in the great outdoors. Graded by pace, from easy to strenuous, there are still spaces left on lots of themed walks, from history to wildlife, long-distance and scenic strolls, led by a knowledgeable volunteer guide.

THEATRE: War Horse, Tues 8 – Sat 19 Oct, The Mayflower, Southampton

War Horse the Mayflower theatre Southampton October 2024

The National Theatre’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s moving story about a boy and his horse and a must-see theatrical blockbuster. Catch War Horse at The Mayflower when it rides into Southampton this month.

MUSIC: Will Gregory Moog Ensemble Archimedes, Thurs 10 October, Turner Sims, Southampton

Turner Sims, the University of Southampton’s music venue has a one-off performance this October featuring some seriously cool musicians. Will Gregory, one half of pop duo Goldfrapp, will lead the 10-piece ensemble of analogue synths. He’ll be joined by Portishead’s Adrian Utley and composer Graham Fitkin performing works by Bach, John Carpenter, extracts from A Clockwork Orange, and new music from their first album, Heat Ray.

COMEDY: Ed Patrick – Catch your Breath, Fri 11 Oct, The Berry Theatre, Hedge End

Pass the laughing gas! NHS anesthetist, comedian, author and podcaster Ed Patrick is in town to tell all about becoming a junior doctor, the NHS and the pitfalls of modern medicine.

KIDS: Pumpkin Festival and PYO Pumpkins, various dates, Sat 12 – Thurs 31 October, Tapnell Farm Park, near Yarmouth, West Wight

Child at pumpkin patch Tapnell Farm Park Isle of Wight autumn PYO

Plenty of farm fresh autumn fun and super Instagrammable – pull on your wellies and pick from a bumper crop at Tapnell Farm’s free to enter Pumpkin patch and Trail and later in the month, fun Pumpkin Festival (Mon 28 – Thurs 21 October).

FOOD & DRINK: Blackmoor Estate Apple Tasting, Sun 13 Oct, Blackmoor, Liss

Morris dancers at the Blackmoor Apple Day October Hampshire

Think you know your Norfolk Royal Russet from your Reubens? No, neither do we – but it’s fabulous fun munching your way around regardless. Look out too for fantastic Morris Dancers, crafts, cakes, cider and horse-and-cart rides at this annual apple-themed family extravaganza.

THEATRE: Notes from a Small Island, Wed 16 – Sat 19 Oct, The Spring, Havant

Bill Bryson fan? His classic 1995 autobiographical Notes from a Small Island has been adapted for the stage by local group HumDrum theatre. Watch their interpretation of the legendary author and journalist’s struggle to get to grips with the Britishness of Britain at The Spring in Havant this October (with the smallest of casts playing The Entire British Population).

KIDS: The Gruffalo, Saturday 19 – Monday 21 October, Theatre Royal Winchester

The Gruffalo at Theatre Royal Winchester Hampshire October 2024

Oh help, oh no! The Gruffalo is coming to Winchester. Celebrate 25 years of the popular children’s book this month with a live stage adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler by the Tall Stories theatre company.

SPOOKY: Gothic House Tour, Sat 19 October, Chawton House, Chawton

Gothic House Tour, Sat 19 October, Chawton House, Chawton Hampshire Halloween literary Jane Austen

Fancy creaking around this grand Hampshire house after dark? Part of a series of special events during the literary museum’s Gothic Season, come after closing on a special lantern-lit tour to discover secrets of the house, its portraits and books.

ACTIVE: Great South Run, Sun 20 October, Portsmouth

The Great South Run Portsmouth Hampshire October

Cheer, sponsor or limber-up for this famous 10 mile event. Starting at the Southsea seafront, it takes in views of Clarence Pier, Horatio Nelson’s Statue, Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Harbour, passing HMS Victory (above) and culminates in a final two mile stretch along the beach and the famous seafront finish line. The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run events take place a day earlier on Sat 19 October.

THEATRE: 101 Dalmatians, Tues 22 – Sat 26 Oct, The Mayflower, Southampton

101 Dalmations Theatre Kym Marsh Cruella De Ville Mayflower Southampton Hampshire

Brilliant, bad (and a little bit mad) see Kym Marsh assume the fur coat and become fashionista villain Cruella De Vil in the hit musical this month.

ART: South Downs Open Exhibition, Tues 22 October 2024 – Sat 1 February 2025, Petersfield Museum

See scenes and artworks inspired by the full range of the South Downs region, from Old Winchester Hill in Hampshire to Beachy Head in Eastbourne, captured on canvas, ceramic, print and more. On display this month in Petersfield, tour the works of 150 artworks by over 100 artists whose work connects and is inspired by the South Downs.

THEATRE: The Addams Family, Thurs 24 – Sat 26 Oct, Kings Theatre Portsmouth

Got a Wednesday fan in the family? Perfect for spooky season, take them to see the ultimate princess of darkness – now grown up with a shocking secret.

FOOD & DRINK: Oktoberfest Southampton, Fri 25 – Sat 26 Oct, Guildhall Square & Oktoberfest Portsmouth Sat 2 November, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth

Swap your sauvignon glass for a stein – Oktoberfest is back at Southampton’s Guildhall Square, with plenty of wurst, pretzels and an Oompah Band to dance the night away to. But it’s not just Southampton getting a full Bavarian makeover this month – along the coast there’ll be more giant beers, pretzels and a whole lot of cheer at the Oktoberfest celebrations at Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square, too.

COMEDY: Omid Djalali, Fri 25 – Sat 26 Oct, The Point Eastleigh

Omid-Djalili comedy tour Hampshire October 2024

The Persian comedy powerhouse is in town this October with his new show NAMASTE (caps deliberate for comedic effect). Duck for cover as he bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol about the state of the planet.

SPOOKY: Ghost Tales at Carisbrooke Castle, Sat 26, Sun 27 & Thurs 31 Oct, Newport

Ghost Tales at Carisbrooke Castle, Sat 26, Sun 27 & Thurs 31 October, Newport Halloween Isle of Wight

Not one for the faint-hearted (or the under 16s!), join Carisbrooke Castle’s storytellers on a journey through the past, with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and real-life horrors from history.

SPOOKY: Basing House Ghost Walks, Sun 27 Oct – Sat 2 Nov, Old Basing

The historic ruins of Basing House have many a wicked story to tell. Bring a torch and hear them after dark on one of these spooky guided walks, then (weather permitting) venture into the deep and dark Tudor tunnel. Wooooh!

KIDS: Halloween at Exbury Gardens, Mon 28 Oct – Sun 3 Nov, New Forest

Halloween at Exbury Gardens, Mon 28 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, New Forest

All aboard! Bring the family and set off on Exbury’s gruesome garden trail this half term. Watch out for ghouls, witches, eerie gravestones and a spidery lair and have a go at pumpkin carving. Exbury’s steam railway will get a its annual transformation into a ghost train staffed by a spooky crew.

All about October! What’s on this month in Hampshire & Isle of Wight

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