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Things to do in Cornwall in October 2026

October brings a change of pace to Cornwall, with crisp autumn days giving way to darker evenings and plenty happening across the county. From live music and seasonal workshops to half-term adventures and suitably spooky Halloween happenings, here’s what to have on your radar in and around Truro this month.

Written by Rosie Cattrell

4th October

The Old Ale Jazz Fest – The Old Ale House, Truro

Ease into October with an afternoon of live music as The Old Ale Jazz Fest takes over one of Truro’s much-loved pubs. Six brilliant groups will fill The Old Ale House with six hours of jazz, with everything from trios and brass to plenty of toe-tapping tunes on the line-up.

Running from 3pm until 9pm, the festival is completely free to attend, making it the perfect excuse to settle in with a pint and enjoy a laid-back Sunday of live music in the heart of the city.

Get jazzy

7th October

Fungi ID Workshop – Trebah Garden

Autumn is the perfect time to discover the fascinating world of fungi, and Trebah Garden is inviting curious minds to take a closer look at what’s growing beneath the trees.

Led by the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, this hands-on workshop will introduce you to the basics of identifying macrofungi, from brittlegills and milkcaps to parasols and dapperlings. Suitable for complete beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge, the day includes time in Trebah House and a walk through the garden to put your new identification skills into practice.

Have fun with fungi

10th October

Last Night of the Cornish Proms – Truro Cathedral

Prepare for plenty of pomp and circumstance – with a distinctly Cornish twist – as Camborne Town Band and special guests take over the magnificent surroundings of Truro Cathedral.

Starting at 7pm, this celebratory concert brings together music from around the world, performed by one of Cornwall’s most celebrated brass bands. Expect an uplifting evening of accomplished musicianship in one of the county’s most spectacular settings.

Join the celebrations

23rd October

‘The Casting Party’ Murder Mystery – The Alverton, Truro

Step into the golden age of cinema for an evening of glamour, intrigue and murder right here at The Alverton.

The Casting Party invites you to become part of the mystery as a night of showbusiness takes a sinister turn. Keep your eyes open, listen carefully to the clues and see whether you can unravel the secrets, motives and suspicious behaviour unfolding around you before the culprit is revealed.

Solve the case

24th October

Witch Festival Cornwall – Eden Project, St Austell

Something magical is stirring at the Eden Project this October, as Witch Festival Cornwall returns for a day dedicated to folklore, ritual, creativity and community.

Taking place from 10am until 5pm, the festival brings together witches, makers, storytellers, readers and practitioners for talks, workshops, ceremonies and plenty of discovery. Browse the expanded Witch Market for handcrafted wares, books, artwork and magical treasures, or delve deeper into the craft through the day’s programme of guest speakers and workshops.

Step into the magic

24th October – 1st November

Halloweden – Eden Project, St Austell

The natural world gets wonderfully weird this October half term as Halloweden returns to the Eden Project for a spellbinding autumn adventure.

Follow the Freaky Fungi Trail through the gardens, uncover the hidden world beneath your feet and venture into The Glow Room, where an immersive UV forest reveals another side to the fascinating world of fungi. With activities designed for curious explorers of all ages, it’s a brilliantly different way to embrace Halloween – and Halloweden activities are included with Eden admission.

Discover Halloweden

24th October – 1st November

October Half Term at the Museum – Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery, Truro

Settle into the season with a week of autumn crafting, storytelling and family theatre at Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery.

Get creative in the Nature Gallery with cosy colouring and seasonal decorations, try your hand at the traditional craft of making Corn Dollies, or head off on an autumnal adventure through special storytelling sessions and family theatre. The museum is open 10am – 4pm throughout half term, with under-18s enjoying free entry.

Explore the museum

28th – 31st October

Halloween at Heligan Ghost Tours – The Lost Gardens of Heligan

As darkness falls over Heligan, the ancient estate takes on an altogether more mysterious atmosphere. This Halloween, follow your haunting guide beyond the garden gates and into the shadows for an evening filled with forgotten stories and spine-chilling encounters.

The one-hour ghost tours depart at 7pm and 8.30pm, venturing through dark woodland and uncovering tales passed down through generations of Heligan workers. Wrap up warm, bring a torch and prepare to see the gardens from a rather different perspective. Tours are recommended for ages eight and over.

Brave the ghosts

30th October

Rose of Nevada with Live Score – Hall for Cornwall, Truro

Film and live music come together at Hall for Cornwall for a special screening of Cornish filmmaker Mark Jenkin’s Rose of Nevada.

Set against Cornwall’s rugged coastal landscape, the film follows the mysterious return of a fishing boat that disappeared decades earlier. For this special 7.30pm screening, the atmospheric film is accompanied by a live score, creating an immersive evening of Cornish cinema and music on Hall for Cornwall’s stage.

Book your tickets

30th October

90s Silent Disco – Truro Cathedral

Dig out your best 90s look and get ready to dance beneath the soaring arches of Truro Cathedral, as Silent Discos in Incredible Places returns to the city.

Pop on your headphones, choose your channel and spend the evening dancing your way through some of the decade’s biggest tunes, all within one of Truro’s most spectacular landmarks. After the event’s previous visit sold out in record time, this promises to be a brilliantly nostalgic way to round off October.

Dance back to the 90s

Uncover The Alverton

The Alverton Cornish Getaway

Enjoy our seasonal break, from £109 for you both, including breakfast, two cocktails or a Cornish cream tea.

What’s On

From our much-loved Summer Garden Sessions and chef tasting evenings, to themed balls, theatre and special afternoon teas - discover what’s going on at the hotel on the hill.

Uncover The Alverton

The Alverton Cornish Getaway

What’s On

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