This month I feel like all it’s taken is a blink and we’re in autumn – the leaves have started to fall, there’s a chill in the air in the mornings, and I’m searching the shops for new jumpers. I’ve got quite a bit in the calendar for October and I’m not usually one for planning ahead, so it’s an odd feeling for me to have so much of my month already spoken for – it feels like the month will just fly by. First I’ve got a trip to London to go wedding dress shopping with one of my best friends, then Oktoberfest and London Grammar at the Leeds O2 Academy, and I’ll be spending the last week of the month exploring Marrakesh and the Moroccan desert. But let’s see what’s going on closer to home…

4th-18th: Love Arts Festival

This 2-week festival focuses on the link between creativity and mental health, with  range of events and exhibitions focusing on self-expression through the arts. A few of the most interesting-sounding events are Art Access and Urban Walking highlighting accessibility challenges, an author reading of All The Good Things that addresses how social exclusion impacts vulnerable women, and some ace theatre productions and exhibitions. With isolation being one of the main struggles experienced by those suffering from mental health issues, I think events like this are so important for inclusivity and raising awareness.

5th-6th: Light Night

Last year was my first Light Night, but that one evening was enough to convince me that it’s one of my favourite events of the year. This month I’ve purposefully kept both nights free, as there’s so much going on it won’t be possible to visit everything I want to see in just one evening. Just a few of the things I’m especially keen not to miss are Museum of the Moon at Leeds Dock, That’s Proper Leeds That! at Leeds Beckett, Illumaphonium at St Peter’s Square and the Heofon Light Maze at Granary Wharf.

6th-8th/13th-15th: Oktoberfest

This year Oktoberfest is coming to Holbeck at South Bank Depot, and I’ve got tickets along with a group of workmates. I’ve never been to an Oktoberfest party at home or in Germany, but the huge venue with space for up to 12,000 guests alongside an Oompah band and Bavarian street food promises to put on quite a party. I’m usually more of a wine drinker, but on this occasion I might have to take on the mighty stein…

14th: Northern Craft Autumn Fair

Northern Craft are back in October for a second craft far at Northern Monk. I went along to their summer fair in August and came away with several goodies including two pins from the fair’s Pin Drop project and a gorgeous necklace to complete a wedding outfit, so I absolutely recommend this if you’re looking for some goodies that are a little different! They also run some crafty workshops if you want to try your hand at making something yourself.

27th-28th: Halloween with Sneaky Experience

Sneaky Experience are popping up at Kirkstall Abbey over Halloween weekend to put on some spooky outdoor cinema. The family-friendly choice during the day is Hocus Pocus, and in the evenings they’re hosting a Day of the Dead Fiesta, with ticket choices of just the Fiesta, or the Fiesta plus a film screening of The Lost Boys or From Dusk Till Dawn. The party includes a parade, street food stalls and tequila bars, and fancy dress is encouraged.

What have you got planned in October? Tell me in the comments!