Cosy up this autumn with our top picks and find out where to go for spooky fun
It’s not all just about pumpkin spice lattes, fancy dress and crunchy leaves (although we’re covering all of that too) – jumper and scarf season is back and we have a rundown of the best events around the town, spooky ideas for Halloween, where to grab some seasonal food and drink and the best spots for those magical autumnal walks.
Middlesbrough Art Week returns for 2024. The seventh edition of the festival takes place across the town from Thursday 26 September to Saturday 5 October. There’s lots to explore including ‘Summat for the Bairns’ – a week of free, creative and playful workshops. Head to Pineapple Black in the Hillstreet Shopping Centre to check it out.
September’s Orange Pip Market is happening Saturday 28 September and is part of Middlesbrough’s vibrant and inclusive Pride event. Expect drag artists and DJs, Orange Pip stalls and fun and friendly events will be happening at venues throughout the town centre.
It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and get some brisk walks ticked off.
Afterall, what’s better than the crispy crunch of leaves underfoot. Middlesbrough’s parks and green spaces offer everything from meadows to woods, bridge walks and even, a giant dinosaur or two along the River Tees walking route.
Fancy a (non-spooky) stroll around a cemetery this October? Whether you’re into ghosts and ghouls or not, Linthorpe Cemetery is the largest piece of mature land in the centre of the town and offers nature lovers and walkers a haven of tranquillity and is beautifully kept thanks to the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery and Nature Reserve . A few laps around the space is the perfect way to up your step count.
For something a little more challenging, a hike from Nunthorpe to Roseberry Topping takes in stunning scenery. There are various viewing spots across the area including St Mary’s Walk (don’t miss the triangle wood for a picture-perfect view) and taking the path behind the new Miller and Carter restaurant leads to one of the most stunning countryside spots in the area overlooking Roseberry Topping and the historic Grey Towers. A walk from Hemlington to the picturesque villages of Stainton and Thornton is also a great walking route and there’s even a handy pit-stop spot at The Stainton pub if you need to refuel.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Stewart Park Farmers’ Market. Sample fresh, locally grown produce at the event which takes place the last Sunday of every month.
It’s not cosy season without a special mention for cosy treats and drinks.
Burlam Bear in Linthorpe has a yummy new menu. We’re a fan of the honey chipotle chicken loaded fries washed down with a pumpkin spiced espresso martini.
Fancy a toasted marshmallow or two? V-edge is the vegan gift that keeps on giving.
Their pancake stack menu includes ‘Campfire’ – a hearty stack of fluffy vegan pancakes topped with chocolate, cinnamon sugar, marshmallows and Biscoff crumb. Or try ‘Pecan Pie’ with homemade sticky pecan pie filling, maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Little Monsters can enjoy a treat at the Highfield Hotel this October with their special Halloween breakfast offer.
Staff at Café Etch have conjured up some spooky treats, offers and events for the season.
Join the friendly team for a Halloween-themed Etch Art Night on Wednesday 30 October and try their homemade bakes and themed cocktails. Their homemade carrot, coriander and sweet potato soup is a warming addition to their seasonal menu.
Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch at the likes of Olivello’s (then stroll around leafy Linthorpe as the leaves gather in pockets of rust and gold) or enjoying a peaceful dinner in the stunning surrounds of Christie’s Brasserie in Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter, there’s plenty of chances to savour the flavours of the season.
Albert Park in autumn
Nothing can get you into the spirit of the season than Halloween itself, and there are plenty of ghoulishly-good events happening here in Middlesbrough.
See Newham Grange Farm dressed to impress this October and enjoy a frightfully-fun day out at their pumpkin picking and carving sessions. Witches, wizards, ghosts and ghouls can follow the not-so-spooky trail from Saturday 12 to Thursday 31 October before visiting furry friends (and maybe even some creepy crawly visitors) plus don’t miss the farm’s brilliant new Play Town which the kids will love.
Or head to the ‘boo-tiful’ grounds of Ormesby Hall between Thursday 24 October and Sunday 3 November to see the spookily decorated hall as the house is transformed into a haunted mansion and sleuths are welcome at the ‘‘Murder is Frightful’ murder mystery event on Saturday 5 October.
Grunge-rock band Marisa and the Moths are performing at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday 30 October and for the ultimate spine-tingling event, the town hall is being taken over by a paranormal investigation team on Halloween. The Kindred Spirits Investigations event takes a look at the town hall’s social history from its early days as a jail and explores the unexplained happenings that staff have experienced over the years, book a ticket if you dare.
There’s a whole host of activities and events lined-up at Dorman Museum this Halloween.
You can visit the Creepy Critters and Reptile Zoo on Saturday 26 October and for those who aren’t keen on live creepy crawlies, there’s a themed craft session taking place on the same day and a themed trail will take place every day from Saturday 26 October – Saturday 2 November.
The ever-popular Spooky Science workshop is back Sunday 27 October and there’s a Witches Workshop on Tuesday 29 October where little ones can make trick or treat lanterns and followed by the Witches Workshop on Wednesday 30 October to make spooky plant pots holders. There’s also a chance to make horrifying hand puppets at the drop-in craft session on 29 October followed by monster mask making the following day.
On Halloween itself there’s a ghoulishly fun day in store for little goblins! New for this year is the Hocus Pocus magic show.
Join the Middlesbrough Magic Circle for their frightfully fun show and witness mind-bending illusions, hilarious antics, and spooky surprises. There’s also a Spooky Silent Disco on the same day. So put on your scariest costume and prepare a monster mash like no other with ghostly grooves in the iconic bird room (creepy). And if that wasn’t enough, unleash your inner magic and take part in the wand-making workshop.
Fancy the Dorman Museum After Dark? Due the popularity of last year’s event, you can visit the venue after the sun goes down to experience the museum like never before (1 & 2 November).
And don’t forget to hop aboard Dorman Museum’s new Halloween Virtual Reality Ride and keep an eye on their venue’s Facebook page for their October half-term events.
Looking further ahead, Diwali is set to make a return this year (date tbc). The free family festival Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. Everyone is welcome to join in the traditional funfair, food and drink stalls, a lantern parade, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Fall for more autumnal Middlesbrough events by visiting our what’s on guide.
