What's On in Bedfordshire & Luton

Pumpkin Festival

Venue: Willows Activity Farm

Website: www.willowsactivityfarm.com/events/pumpkin-festival/

Pick your pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch and enjoy a full programme of pumpkin-tastic fun! Enjoy the Halloween Maze, Halloween Disco, arts and crafts, Character Shows, Adventure Play and more. It’s all...

Pre-School Pumpkin Patch

Venue: Willows Activity Farm

Website: www.willowsactivityfarm.com/events/preschool-pumpkin-festival/

Pick your pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch and enjoy a full programme of fun – perfect for little pumpkin pickers. With Adventure Play and all the farmyard fun included in your ticket!

DMTC: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/

Buckle up for a fantastical musical adventure! Join the Potts family as they outwit the Childcatcher and the Baron in their magical flying car. Featuring beloved songs like 'Truly Scrumptious', this high-flying...

Children's Craft Workshop

Venue: Jordans Mill

Website: jordansmill.com/events

Enjoy a fun-filled morning of colourful crafts, imagination, and hands-on making. Designed especially for children aged 3–7, but everyone over 3 years old is welcome to join in the fun. With the help...

Sunday Crafternoons

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

Families are encouraged to go and make something together. Experienced artists and volunteers develop a range of creative activities, often relating to current displays. Suitable for under 12s, but older...

10 Frights of Halloween - 3D Trail

Venue: Jordans Mill

Website: jordansmill.com/events

Explore the Meadow and Woodland to find 10 spooky Halloween displays hidden around. From creepy creatures to classic Halloween frights, keep your eyes peeled as you follow the trail. Why not dress up for...

Freaky Fun Fest

Venue: Mead Open Farm

Website: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/events/view/freaky-fun-fest

Freaky Fun Fest is back this October half term for a seriously spooktacular day out. Journey through two haunted Halloween mazes, then head to the Pumpkin Patch and pick a free pumpkin. Plus enjoy all...

Halloween Half Term

Venue: Wrest Park

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-halloween-20262/

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Wrest Park this half term. Join the Great Pumpkin Party and celebrate the season with family activities and entertainment. There'll be interactive...

Kevin Quantum: Anti-Gravity

Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's

Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/

Having spent half of his adult life studying physics and half studying magic, Magic Circle Member Kevin explores the exotic space where science and magic meet. Magic is real. And he’ll prove it to you....

October Half Term: Halloween Trail

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

This October half term, step into a world of Halloween magic at Dunstable Downs. Pick up your trail sheet and create your own magical spell book before setting off on a spooky adventure through the Downs...

Steam Gala

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Railway

Website: www.buzzrail.uk/special-events/steam-gala/

An intensive four-train timetable will run with 12 departures on Saturday and 11 on Sunday, featuring rare dusk running for the first time in many years. Alongside the home fleet, visiting guest engines...

The BIG Draw

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, Museum & Gallery and Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/big-draw-0

The Big Draw Festival 2026 is here! Whether you’re an individual, school, museum, care home, heritage site, or community centre, The Big Draw Festival provides a platform to explore drawing in all its...

Olaf Falafel's Stupidest, Super Stupid Show

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

After a sell-out run at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, award-winning comedian and children's author Olaf Falafel is dishing up another frying pan full of family-friendly comedy. Suitable for ages 3-13...

Film: Shaun The Sheep The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U)

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm looking forward to Halloween – until the clumsy farmer trashes the flock’s beloved pumpkin patch! All the ingredients...

Free Halloween Crafts

Venue: Frasers Plus Luton

Website: frasersplus.com/luton

Get creative with Luton Family Hubs and enjoy a range of Halloween-themed activities, including decorating wooden pumpkins, creating autumn leaf crafts, making spooky bookmarks and designing Halloween...

Make Your Clay Creature

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/make-your-clay-creature

Get creative this Halloween. Join Luton-based Lugus Ceramics for a fun, hands-on session where you’ll squish, shape and sculpt clay into your own spooky creation - then take your finished creature home...

Red Robin’s Winter Song

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

Step into a twinkling, snow-dusted world. With beautiful songs, fun-filled wintery moments, and cosy storytelling, Red Robin’s Winter Song is a celebration of friendship, courage, adapting to change...

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U)

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Website: centralbedfordshire.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/

Everyone is looking forward to Halloween on Mossy Bottom Farm. With the farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, all the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure...

The Amazing Bubbleman

Venue: Eric Morecambe Centre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/the-amazing-bubbleman/

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry...

Dance in the Dark

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

Dance in the Dark, from Sonrisa Arts, is a dreamy multi-sensory feast, co-created with children and families. A captivating dance and music show with fun interaction for ages 3+ and their families.

K-Pop Fantasy

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/

The ultimate tribute, a high-energy theatrical celebration of the global phenomenon that is K-Pop. Expect explosive dance routines, unforgettable musical moments, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures...

The Good Life Garden is Celebrating Autumn

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

Enjoy a range of autumn inspired craft activities and sensory play in this drop-in session led by the Good Life Garden. 12-3pm.

Cosmic Latte Explores Flight

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

Cosmic Latte returns to inspire curiosity and understanding of science, engineering, and creativity through low-tech, hands-on, inclusive, and immersive STEAM activities exploring flight for children and...

Diya Painting Workshop

Venue: National Army Museum

Website: www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/diya-painting-workshop

Get inspired by Indian culture this October half term. Design, paint and take home your very own diya oil lamp. Suitable for children aged 6+.

Halloween Creative Make & Take Wardown

Venue: Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/halloween-creative-make-take-wardown

Visit Wardown to create and make Halloween crafts, bat bookmarks, spooky masks and mummify a beast! Suitable for ages 3+.

October Half Term: Spooky Silent Disco

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

Get ready for a spooktacular Silent Disco at Dunstable Downs this Halloween. Monster mash your way through an evening packed with tunes, dancing, and feel-good energy. Perfect for children and young families,...

The Three Little Pigs

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Website: centralbedfordshire.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/

Join the Three Little Pigs as they excitedly leave the family sty in search of new adventures! Get those trotters tapping and those snouts a-squealin’ with catchy songs, dancing and plenty of audience...

WiFi Wars: Halloween Special

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

From classic TV game shows to zen-like word puzzles, from retro video games to modern first person shooters, WiFi Wars has something for everyone in its truly original whistlestop tour of all the ways...

Bat Crafts & Fun Facts

Venue: Frasers Plus Luton

Website: frasersplus.com/luton

Children can create their own bat-themed masterpiece while discovering fascinating facts about these amazing nocturnal creatures.

Little Science Lab: Make Some Noise

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

Explore how sound travels in waves and is carried by vibrations in this fun and noisy workshop! All children will create and experiment with their own humming instrument. Suitable for 5-12 year olds. Booking...

Family Hub

Venue: National Army Museum

Website: www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/family-hub-1

Need a little break during your visit to the Museum this autumn? Take a moment to relax in the family hub this October half term. Drop in at any time throughout the day.

Giant Trick-or-Treat Takeover

Venue: Frasers Plus Luton

Website: frasersplus.com/luton

Stores throughout the centre will become trick-or-treat stops, where little ghouls and goblins can collect treats as they explore. Children arriving in fancy dress can receive a free trick-or-treat bag...

Halloween Creative Make & Take Hat Factory

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

Visit the Hat Factory to create and make Halloween crafts, monster book marks, spooky masks and do the monster mash! Suitable for ages 3+.

Halloween

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Railway

Website: www.buzzrail.uk/special-events/halloween/

This year, Leighton Buzzard Railway dares to scare for a whole weekend! The station will be creepily decorated, and volunteers will be in costume to welcome you. The visitors are encouraged to dress up...

Joseph and Technicolour Dreamcoat

Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange

Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/

One of the world’s most beloved family musicals, featuring much-loved pop and musical theatre classics including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go...

The Nutcracker

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/

Crown Ballet® brings back its dazzling production of The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece. Follow young Marie as her Nutcracker doll transforms into a prince and leads her into a world...

Home Education Day

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: www.shuttleworth.org/events/home-education-day

This engaging day will support Home Schooling Groups from across the county, educate learners through an exciting programme of STEM-based activities, and inspire them with opportunities to interact and...

Low Bang Fireworks

Venue: Willows Activity Farm

Website: www.willowsactivityfarm.com/events/low-bang-fireworks/

Willows Fireworks are back with a fizz, pop and a very low bang! Enjoy an evening of crackling good fun. All of the animals will be moved away from the firework area during the event. The fireworks will...

Puggle Club

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

A chance to get creative, have fun, and socialise! It’s a drop-in activity, so no need to book. Just pop in any time between 10.30am and 12 or between 1pm and 2.30pm and stay for as long as you like....

Festival of Lights - Rangoli Art

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

Traditionally made to celebrate Diwali, Rangoli art is created on the floor or tabletop and uses materials like rice or flour in bright colours to make beautiful patterns. Perfect for all ages and abilities...

Fireworks and Farm Fun

Venue: Mead Open Farm

Website: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/events/view/fireworks-and-farm-fun

Be amazed by the spectacular fireworks display, explore acres of floodlit outdoor play – including the SkyTrail, rock climbing wall and Shaggy’s Raceway – enjoy the huge indoor play and meet their...

Fireworks Night 2026

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: www.shuttleworth.org/events/fireworks-night-2026

It's set to be a fantastic atmosphere leading up to a truly spectacular fireworks display, with their Hangars illuminated in colourful lights to create a vibrant backdrop for the evening. Enjoy live music...

Walking with The Snowman™

Venue: Wrest Park

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-walking-with-the-snowman-sat-7-nov-to-sun-10-jan/

This winter, something special is happening at Wrest Park. Set out on a heartwarming sculpture trail throughout the grounds. There are twelve giant Snowmen to discover with joyful designs created by different...

Storytelling in the Gallery

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

Children will be engaged with an immersive story reading experience that uses resources such as puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery. Sessions last 30 minutes and are ideal for ages...

Sunshine Screenings: Monsters University (U)

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

Mike and Sulley, two monsters, join Monsters University in order to graduate as the scariest monsters on the planet. Sunshine Screenings are specially adapted screenings where adjustments are made for...

A Tale of Us

Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre

Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/

Ivy’s just had a baby. She’s never felt so full of love – or so alone. A Tale of Us is a brand-new play for parents and their babies. This is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming...

Pop-up Winter Market

Venue: Wrest Park

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-pop-up-winter-market-sat-14-to-sun-15-nov/

Step inside the beautiful State Rooms of Wrest Park for a special Pop-up Winter Market, bringing together more than 20 local community traders for a weekend of seasonal shopping, unique finds and festive...

The Big Book Sale

Venue: The Place Theatre

Website: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/our-big-book-sale/

Browse a huge selection of second-hand books in Room 3 - perfect for book lovers, bargain hunters, and anyone looking for a great read. Whether you’re after a classic, a thriller, or a cosy novel, there's...

Festival of Lights Celebration

Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/events/

A special evening of music, traditional crafts, festive décor, and delicious food to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Enjoy music performances, take part in traditional crafts and games, and soak up...

Children's Craft Workshop

Venue: Jordans Mill

Website: jordansmill.com/events

Enjoy a fun-filled morning of colourful crafts, imagination, and hands-on making. Designed especially for children aged 3–7, but everyone over 3 years old is welcome to join in the fun. With the help...

Young Lacemakers Sessions

Venue: The Higgins Bedford

Website: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.aspx

Aragon Lacemakers are also offering Young Lacemakers sessions on the same day as their demonstration sessions from 2pm to 4pm for children between the ages of 6 to 16 years. The lessons are tailored to...

Step Into Christmas

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/

Get ready to Step Into Christmas with this magical, feel-good show. This spectacular Christmas concert is the ultimate way to kickstart your festive celebrations, guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday...

The Nutcracker

Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange

Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/

After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet® brings back its dazzling production of The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece. Follow young Marie as her Nutcracker doll transforms into...

The Elves & The Shoemaker

Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's

Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/

Inspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book, which all parents will remember, Theatre of Widdershins brings you another classic fable using magical puppets, intricate design, original music and the simplest...

Christmas at Luton Hoo Estate

Venue: Luton Hoo Estate

Website: christmasatlutonhooestate.co.uk

Families are invited to discover a brand-new festive experience designed to bring the magic, excitement and wonder of Christmas to life. Christmas at Luton Hoo Estate is a chance to wrap up warm, explore...

Shuttleworth in Lights

Venue: Shuttleworth

Website: www.shuttleworth.org/events/shuttleworth-in-lights

For a unique twist on a winter light trail, look no further. Produced entirely in-house, the trail lets you explore Swiss Garden’s quirky features aglow in vibrant colours, with some fun interactive...

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/

Don’t miss the spectacular family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy as the Wicked Queen. This fun-filled festive treat promises to be packed with...

Santa's Best Ever Christmas

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Website: centralbedfordshire.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/

Dotty the Elf thinks Santa is planning a surprise Christmas party, Pompom the Penguin thinks Santa has been making Christmas crackers, and Dasher the Reindeer thinks Santa has got their biggest Christmas...

Aladdin

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Website: centralbedfordshire.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/

Hop on a magic carpet and fly into a world of magic and panto chaos! A show full of laughter, puns (good and bad!) and larger-than-life characters - Aladdin will have you laughing and cheering and forgetting...

Ampthill Charter Market

Venue: Town Centre Car Park

Address: Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2EH

Website: www.ampthill-tc.gov.uk/history-and-tourism/market

Every Thursday from 8.00am. There is plenty on offer from household wares, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, eggs, olives, dried fruit, nuts, award winning baked bread, cakes, pies and pastries, children's...

Bedford Junior Parkrun

Venue: Jubilee Park

Address: Moulton Avenue, Bedford, MK42 0JD

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/bedford-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Bedford Roller Disco

Venue: Bunyan Sports Centre

Address: Mile Rd, Bedford, MK42 9TS

Website: rollbackworld.com/shop/bedford-roller-disco/#product-reviews

The kind of fun you can have on eight wheels. Come along with friends and family to enjoy and laugh your way into the afternoon at a family session. Every Saturday 3pm - 4:30pm. Entry is £4, skate hire...

Biggleswade Charter Market

Venue: Market Square

Address: Market Square, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8AS

Website: biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk/services/markets/

The Charter Market runs on Saturdays, with an array of stalls to have a browse through, ranging from varying fresh food stalls, cards and gift wrap, haberdashery, plants and shrubs, gifts and ornaments,...

Houghton Hall Junior Parkrun

Venue: Houghton Hall Park

Address: Park Road North, Houghton Regis, Beds, LU5 5FU

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/houghtonhall-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Lego Club

Venue: Bedford Central Library

Address: Central Library, Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1PG

Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.children_teenagers/family_events.htm#bc

Come along and get creative! See what you can make! Held every Saturday, 11am - 3pm.

Leighton Buzzard Junior Parkrun

Venue: Parson’s Close Recreation Ground Pulford Rd

Address: Leighton Buzzard LU7 1AB

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/leightonbuzzard-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Luton Sports Village

Venue: Luton Sports Village

Address: Butterfield Green Rd, Luton, LU2 8DD

Website: letsgowiththechildren.co.uk/places-to-go/luton-sports-village/

Head over with the family to have fun and keep fit. This multi-purpose facility has a sports hall, two pools, one a 50m eight lane pool with a diving facility, sometimes mats and balls, family fun sessions,...

Open Wednesdays at the Walled Garden

Venue: Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Address: Luton Hoo Estate, Luton, LU1 4LF

Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/open-wednesdays-at-the-walled-garden/

See how far the garden has come since the Walled Garden Project began over 21 years ago. Entry includes a tour of the garden and historic service buildings. Take your time to explore or visit the garden...

Rushmere Country Park

Venue: Rushmere Country Park

Address: Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0EB

Website: www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park

A great place to discover nature with over 400 acres of woodland, heathland and meadows to enjoy. Go and view herons nesting in spring from the outdoor café terrace, discover fairy doors and the Giant’s...

Russell Park

Venue: The Embankment

Address: Bedford, MK40 3RH

Website: www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-bedford-borough/russell-park

Located off Bedford Embankment and provides a range of sports facilities, recreation space, a community café and herbaceous gardens for all the family. With a play area, football pitches, putting green,...

Saturday Papercraft Club

Venue: Flitwick Library

Address: 15 Coniston Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1QL

Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.children_teenagers/family_events.htm#fl

Fun sessions involving designing, colouring, folding and cutting to make your own paper creations to take home. Suitable for ages 8-12 years. 10.30am - 11.30am. Next dates: 24th June and 8th July. Please...

Sunday Funday

Venue: Bedford Central Library

Address: Central Library, Harpur St, Bedford, MK40 1PG

Website: virtual-library.culturalservices.net/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.children_teenagers/family_events.htm#bc

Sunday is fun day! Lots of fun for all the family with giant Lego, board games and puzzles available to enjoy. No need to book, just turn up. Every Sunday, 11.30am - 1.30pm.

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Various locations in Bedfordshire

Website: www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at The Dunstable Centre, Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Tiddenfoot Leisure...

Wardown Junior Parkrun

Venue: Wardown Park

Address: Old Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7HA

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/wardown-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!

Wild Church

Venue: The Leslie Sell Activity Centre

Address: Molivers Ln, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LD

Website: ccbedford.churchinsight.com/Articles/552833/Regular_Childrens_activities.aspx

Meets on the third Sunday of the month, 4:30-6pm. Wild Church is an interactive outdoor session with woodland activities, a toasty fire, food and fellowship. Spend time together in God's creation and pray,...

Woodside Animal Farm

Venue: Woodside Animal Farm

Address: Woodside Road, Slip End, Beds, LU1 4DG

Website: www.woodsidefarm.co.uk

A great family day out. Get up close and cuddly with the animals. Lots of outdoor adventure play for all ages! Crazy golf suitable for adults and children is open daily. For rainy days and when the kids...