What’s On in Leicestershire in October 2026: Autumn Days Out and Local Events
October is a lovely time to get out and about in Leicestershire. The boots come back out, weekends start to involve a little more mud, and there’s a good excuse to finish an afternoon outdoors with something warm to eat.
If you’re looking for things to do in Leicestershire this October, there’s plenty to choose from, including the East Midlands Food Festival, pumpkin picking in Foxton, a Land Rover meet in Ashby Folville and family activities over half term. We’ve rounded up some local events, along with a quieter autumn outing if Halloween isn’t quite your thing.
East Midlands Food Festival, Melton Mowbray
When: 3–4 October 2026, 10am–4pm
Where: Stockyard Halls, Melton Mowbray
If your ideal weekend involves browsing food stalls and deciding what to take home for supper, this is one for the diary. The East Midlands Food Festival brings together producers selling everything from cheese and pies to chocolate, charcuterie and locally produced drinks.
There are also cookery demonstrations, street food and children’s food activities. Most of the festival is undercover, with the hot food traders outside, making it a useful option if the weather is looking uncertain.
Tickets are listed at £8 per person per day, with free entry for children aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult. Pet dogs aren’t permitted, so plan this one without your usual four-legged companion.
Find out more and book the East Midlands Food Festival.
Autumn Steam Gala, Great Central Railway
When: 1–4 October 2026
Where: Between Loughborough Central and Leicester North
For something a little different, the Great Central Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala offers four days of heritage railway activity, with visiting locomotives joining the home fleet.
The timetable includes passenger and goods trains, with opportunities to explore the stations and stop for refreshments along the way. You don’t need to know your locomotives to enjoy a journey through Leicestershire with the sound of a steam engine in the background.
It’s a good choice for a family outing or anyone who enjoys photography and local history. Check the gala timetable before travelling so you can plan where to start.
Plan your visit to the Autumn Steam Gala.
GSR Services Land Rover Meet, Ashby Folville
When: Friday 9 October 2026
Where: The Carington Arms, Ashby Folville, LE14 2TE
For the Land Rover enthusiasts, GSR Services is holding its last meet of the season at The Carington Arms in Ashby Folville.
It’s one to add to the diary if you enjoy looking around Land Rovers and chatting with fellow enthusiasts. With a country pub as the setting, it makes a fitting addition to an October spent getting out and about in Leicestershire.
Bring a warm jacket for standing outside, and check GSR Services’ latest updates for the start time and any further event details before heading over.
See the event announcement from GSR Services.
Pumpkin Picking in Leicestershire
October wouldn’t feel quite complete without pulling on your wellies and heading out to choose a pumpkin. Whether you’re planning an afternoon with the children or simply fancy getting into the autumn spirit, there are local pumpkin patches to add to your diary.
Foxton PYO Pumpkins, near Market Harborough
When: 16–31 October 2026, 10am–4pm
Where: Langton Road, Foxton
If you’re looking for pumpkin picking near Market Harborough, Foxton PYO Pumpkins is a handy local option. Head into the patch and take your time choosing one to bring home, whether you’re after a pumpkin for carving or something to sit beside the front door.
The organisers have announced their return for 2026, with entry listed at £5 per car. Check their latest booking information and pumpkin prices before visiting.
It’s an easy excuse to get everyone outdoors for a few hours — just remember your wellies and something warm for when the October breeze picks up.
Find out more about Foxton PYO Pumpkins.
Cattows Farm, Heather
When: Selected dates between 26 September and 1 November 2026
Where: Cattows Farm, Heather
If you’d like to make a bigger day of it, Halloween Farm at Cattows combines its Magical Pumpkin Patch with a selection of seasonal attractions.
This year’s line-up includes Trick or Treat Street, the Halloween Circus and the Great Halloween Harvest Ride. There are also Saturday evening After Dark visits for anyone who fancies experiencing the farm after sunset.
Choose your ticket carefully, as attractions and packages vary, and check what’s included before booking.
Explore Cattows Farm’s pumpkin picking and Halloween activities.
Our pumpkin picking essentials: wellies, comfortable socks, a warm layer and a waterproof jacket. Keep a bag for muddy footwear in the car, too — especially if you’re stopping somewhere for lunch afterwards.
Halloween History Hunt at Bosworth Battlefield
When: 17–25 October 2026, 10am–4pm
Where: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney
For a Halloween activity with a bit of history behind it, Bosworth Battlefield is running a seasonal hunt over half term.
Visitors can search for ten Halloween traditions and discover where they came from. It gives children something specific to look for during the visit, with a little learning worked into the fun.
The activity costs £3 per sheet. Check the venue’s visitor information for any separate admission or parking charges before setting off.
[Find out more about the Halloween History