October in Bath is a graceful transition from summer’s bustle to the more hushed, amber-tinted season. The air is crisp but not cold, the trees along the Avon begin to turn gold, and the city’s cultural calendar revives with fairs, music, theatre, and convivial gatherings. For guests arriving in October, this is the time to lean into the local pulse: artisan make-goods, baroque recitals, open galleries and fairs, seasonal food, and riverside walks surrounded by quiet beauty.

Top October Events in Bath

1. Bath Autumn Fayre (3–5 October)

A highlight of Bath’s seasonal calendar, the Autumn Fayre draws residents and visitors into the heart of the city. Held along Milsom Street and neighbouring thoroughfares, the event features over 100 artisan stalls selling crafts, homewares, gifts, and seasonal food. Live music, street theatre and roaming performers animate the streets all weekend. 
Why go? It’s ideal for browsing local creativity, sampling warm autumn food, discovering unique souvenirs, and feeling the city’s community spirit in mellow autumn light. Entry is free and dog-friendly.

2. Bath Oktoberfest (24–26 October)

Bath turns Bavarian for a weekend in Royal Victoria Park. Expect live Oompah bands, “Oompop” music, German-inspired cuisine, axe-throwing, steins of beer, karaoke, and festival games.
Evening sessions run into late hours; daytime sessions are lively and family-friendly earlier in the day.

3. Bath City Farm Autumn Fayre (4 October, 11:00–15:00)

Set in the rural enclave of the city, Bath City Farm hosts a homely Autumn Fayre in Whiteway. Expect apple-pressing, crafts, live music, local produce stalls, and seasonal charm in a farm setting. Free to enter.

4. Bath Forum & Theatre Events

Bath Forum, a central performance venue, offers a varied line-up in October:

• Michael Palin – “The Secret Histories of Ancient Rome” (7 Oct)
• The Divine Comedy concert (8 Oct)
• “The Return of the Legends” theatrical show (9 Oct)
• Queen of the Night – Tribute to Whitney Houston (10 Oct)
• Cirque The Greatest Show: Reimagined (11 Oct)
• Freedom Behind Bars – Jonathan Aitken & Shane Taylor (12 Oct)

These promise a strong mix of theatre, music, and performance arts in the heart of Bath.

5. Bath Abbey Exhibits & Recitals

At Bath Abbey throughout October:

• “Peace Doves” installation (3 October to 14 November)
• Ukrainian Door Art Installation (4 October – 14 November)
• Daily morning prayer and evening prayer sessions
• Lunchtime recitals, including a Doves Peace Choir concert (6 October at 13:00)
  These events combine spiritual architecture, art, and live music in a serene setting.

6. Beckford Stakes – Horse Racing at Bath Racecourse

Each October, Bath Racecourse hosts the Beckford Stakes, a listed flat horse race for fillies and mares over 1 mile and 6 furlongs. It’s a sporting spectacle in an elegant setting.

7. Lunchtime Jazz, Comedy Nights & Live Music

Throughout the month, Keep an eye on Visit Bath’s events calendar for pop-up music nights (jazz, acoustic), comedy performances at Komedia, and cultural evenings around town.

8. Spooky but Seasonal Roman Baths Events (Edge of October)

While they skirt Halloween proper, the Spooky Spider Hunt (1 October – 2 November) at the Roman Baths offers a family trail inside the historic site. Also, Mosaic Makes and Archaeology Adventures run during the late October half-term.

Autumn Delights to Pair with Events

• Thermae Bath Spa: October brings crisp air, making the rooftop thermal pool especially magical.
• Guided Walks & Heritage Trails: Use quieter days for walking tours of Georgian Bath, exploring the Circus, Royal Crescent, and hidden courtyards.
• Autumn Colours by the River: Walk along the Avon, through Parade Gardens, or Royal Victoria Park for seasonal foliage.
• Gallery Hopping & Museum Evenings: Check out temporary exhibitions at the Holburne Museum, Victoria Art Gallery, or Bath’s gallery scene, often extending hours in autumn.
• Seasonal Dining & Markets: Artisan cafés, local produce markets, and boutique shopping along Walcot Street and Milsom Street take on a warm, seasonal feel.

Final Thought & Stay Suggestion

October in Bath offers a layered experience—festivals and fairs, concerts and theatre, historic settings with autumn hues, and hidden delights off the beaten track. It’s beautifully paced: enough activity to excite, but calm enough to breathe.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, well-managed base to soak it all in, stay with Pass the Keys. Whether you prefer a Georgian townhouse in the heart of things or a quiet retreat just outside the centre, Chris ensures your stay is seamless and atmospheric—so your focus can be on enjoying Bath in full October splendour.