Events and What's On across the Bradford districtBlack History Month Until Friday 31 October across the district The Bradford district is proud to celebrate Black History Month under the theme of Standing Firm in Power and Pride. This year’s programme honours the resilience, achievements, and cultural richness of Black communities across the district. Through a vibrant mix of events, exhibitions, and performances, the city invites everyone to reflect, learn, and stand together in recognition of Black heritage and its enduring impact on Bradford’s identity. Join us in marking this important month with pride, unity, and celebration. Frontline 1984/1985 Until Wednesday, 29 October (10am - 5pm) at National Science and Media Museum FREE A selection of photography from Frontline 1984/1985, an exhibition exploring Bradford's African Caribbean communities in the ’80s. This selection is drawn from Frontline 1984/1985, the first ever exhibition from Victor Wedderburn Jr a self-taught photographer, and vividly evokes African Caribbean life in Bradford 40 years ago. From Lumb Lane landmarks such as Roots Record Shop and the Perseverance Hotel to sound system parties. Ilkley Literature Festival Until Sunday 19 October in Ilkley The north’s longest-running literary festival returns for its 52nd year. Politicians, national treasures, journalists, novelists, historians, comedians, and academics head to the spa town across 17 packed days for in-depth discussions, debates, and workshops. Headliners and highlights include: Jung Chang, Michael Palin, Mary Portas, Alan Davies, Jay Rayner, Hugh Bonneville, Nick Clegg, Ruby Tandoh, Simon Armitage, Lady Hale, Rachel Joyce, and Irvine Welsh. Keighley Heritage Art Trail Until Monday 17 November in Keighley FREE The Keighley Heritage Art Trail features vibrant paintings of Keighley architecture by beloved local artist Kev Bell. The paintings are displayed throughout Keighley town centre either in or near the historic buildings that inspired them. Running alongside the art trail is an age banded art competition open to all. There will be prizes available for each age category and winning artwork to be featured on Keighley BID’s website. Black History Month at Pictureville Cinema Until Sunday, 19 October at National Science and Media Museum Various prices Sunday 19 October – 13:00 Classic Sunday: Daughters of the Dust (12A) Julie Dash’s visually stunning film captures the strength and spirit of a family preparing to leave their island home in the American South. Saturday & Sunday 18–19 October – 11:00 Kids' Club: The Princess and the Frog (PG) A magical New Orleans adventure filled with jazz, heart, and transformation—perfect for young audiences and families. BRAVE Festival Saturday, 18 October - Sunday 19 October at Bradford Arts Centre Pay what you feel BRAVE Festival is back and bolder than ever! Highlights include: Titus Salt - author event Saturday 18 October 10am - 11am at Shipley Library Free - booking essential Local author and illustrator Emily Parkin will be joining us to talk about her book ‘Titus Salt’. There will also be llama themed craft activity! For ages 8 -11.
Email Shipley.library@bradford.gov.uk or telephone 01274 437150 to book Guided walks Fantastic, scenic walks taking place across the district: Events at Darley Street Market Here's what's happening at Darley Street Market: - Plenty at the Square: All about the Apple! - Friday 17 October 12.30pm - 2.30pm) - Workshop with inventive ideas for preserving and making things with this year’s abundant apple harvest.
- MARSHAM, local feature film - Friday 17 October 7pm - A special presentation of local film MARSHAM by Dermot Daly and Ivan Mack, preceded by short film The Dragon made by local poet Testament. Screenings accompanied by Q&A's with filmmakers.
- Buskers Day Out at Darley Street Kitchen - Saturday 18 October 11am - A new monthly event celebrating live street music in the heart of Bradford. Curated by Jake Keating, one of the city’s own musical talents, this series brings fresh busking acts to Darley Street and the market, offering a platform for emerging performers and a vibrant experience for visitors.
- Lantern Making Workshop - Saturday 18 October 11am - 3pm - Celebrate the spirit of Diwali with a hands-on lantern-making workshop. Create your own festive lanterns in a vibrant, community setting — perfect for all ages.
- Dipak Mistry at Darley Street Kitchen - Saturday 25 October 5pm - 7pm - Dipak Mistry (aka Mistryllaneous) brings a vibrant mix of global sounds. Dipak is a selector (not a DJ), broadcaster, photographer, printmaker, educator, and long-time supporter of the city’s arts and music scene.
- Circus Friday 31 October 4pm - 9.30pm - The night will feature Fatboy Slenderman as resident DJ playing throughout the night. Performers will include Layla on aerial silks, Charlie on pyro, stilt-walkers Liberty and Rachael, and Elise on aerial hoop. There will also be an outdoor bar provided by Northern Monk and the Darley Street Kitchen will be open throughout the event (last orders 9pm).
Visible Migration Saturday 18 October 8am - 10am - at Denso Marston Nature Reserve FREE (donations welcome) Experience the fascinating phenomenon of Visible Migration (Vismig) at the Denso Marston Nature Reserve. Meet opposite the layby on Otley Road by St. James Church for an early morning adventure. This event offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the migratory patterns of birds as they travel through the area. It's a perfect way to connect with nature and witness the wonders of bird migration. Open Day Sunday 19 October 12.30pm - 4.30pm - at Marley Activity and Coaching Centre Tickets: £1 Come along to the Keighley and District Model Engineering Society open day. The trains are hauled by electric or real steam locomotives. The engines are capable of hauling adult passengers as well as children on coaches that are designed so that you sit astride the track. Intercultured Festival Wednesday 22 October to Sunday 2 November across the district Various prices Intercultured Festival 2025 brings ten days of art, performance, and storytelling to the Bradford district, celebrating identity, heritage, and connection across cultures. Co-curated with local artists and communities, the festival invites everyone to explore creativity and shared experiences. Living Dots: Nature, People and Place Friday 24 October to Sunday 1 February 10am - 5pm at National Science and Media Museum FREE This experience transforms real Born in Bradford data into an interactive journey, revealing how data can inform future thinking around people, communities and green spaces across the city. Visitors are invited to share their own ideas around local green spaces, contributing to a wider picture reflected in the exhibition. Through this interactive process, you become part of a living, evolving dataset. Autumn Bazaar Sunday 26 October 1pm - 3pm at Bradford Ukranian Community Centre Tickets: £3 (adults), £1 (children) Join us at the Bradford Ukrainian Community Centre for our Autumn Bazaar – a warm and welcoming afternoon celebrating community, culture and delicious food. Browse our stalls filled with crafts, gifts and unique items, try your luck in the raffle, and enjoy a taste of Ukraine with freshly prepared homemade dishes including borsch, varenyky, cakes, tea and coffee. Every guest will also receive a free drink on arrival. Fabulous Fossil Hunters Tuesday 28 October 11am - 3pm at Cliffe Castle Museum FREE You don’t need to go to the coast to find fossils, the hills of West Yorkshire are full of them! Come to Cliffe Castle this half-term to learn about the ancient coal swamps of Bradford. Bradford International Film Festival Tuesday 28 October to Sunday 2 November Celebrating the creativity of Bradford’s filmmakers alongside outstanding films from across the UK and beyond, BradIFF brings the magic of cinema to the heart of our UNESCO City of Film. With a rich filmmaking heritage and a thriving creative scene, the Bradford district has long been a powerhouse for film and television—and in 2025, the district shines even brighter as the UK City of Culture. Ukiyo-e Friday 31 October to Sunday, 1 March 11am - 4pm at Cliffe Castle, Keighley FREE This autumn at Cliffe Castle we are taking the opportunity to look at Ukiyo-e or Japanese wood block prints. It’s easy to see why local industrialists collected them, with subjects ranging from landscapes, folklore and myths to images of the ‘floating world’ – the seductive urban life of Edo period Japan with its many pleasures. Punctuated throughout with objects to compliment the prints, Ukiyo-e explores the beauty and delicacy of these Japanese objects. Halloween and Half-Term activitiesHaworth & Yorkshire Creatives Halloween Makers Market Saturday 25 October and Sunday 26 October 10am - 4pm at Old School Room, Haworth FREE A cosy Halloween makers market with 20 brilliant stalls showcasing artists, designers, crafters and makers from across Yorkshire. Haunted Halloween Saturday 25 October 3pm - 5pm at Harold Park FREE Friends of Harold Park will host a Haunted Halloween afternoon featuring stalls, live music, a fancy dress parade, a ghost hunt, and a haunted graveyard. Costumes are encouraged, and the event offers a safe and spooky way to celebrate Halloween. Bradford Science Festival Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November at National Science and Media Museum FREE Step into the future at Bradford Science Festival 2025. Nine days of exciting events with locations across Bradford exploring the future of technology, fashion, climate, sound, and food. From catwalk shows to multi-sensory sound experiences, Bradford Science Festival has something for all ages to explore, including: SENDiVerse festival  Saturday 25 October to Saturday 1 November SENDÄ°VERSE Festival 2025 is a vibrant week of inclusive creativity, designed by and for SEND children, young people, and their families. With over 60 free activities, the programme spans music, movement, sensory play, crafts, wellbeing, and more. Highlights include: Monday 27 October Tuesday 28 October Wednesday 29 October Thursday 30 October Mind the Gap Studios – Academy Open Day 10am–3.30pm Friday 31 October Saturday 1 November - LIFE Centre - Grand finale BIG BANG celebration with circus skills, silent disco, adaptive bikes, and more
From Halloween parties and Bollywood dance to inclusive sports and sensory storytelling, SENDÄ°VERSE celebrates imagination, inclusion, and community across the district. Green Libraries Week Monday 27 October various libraries Free - booking essential Join Heifer Productions in their storytelling extravaganza - ECO WARRIORS and discover the links in the food chain and what we can do to help our local wildlife. Plus, learn to make your very own bug hotel. Suitable for 4-8 years. - Bingley Library 10am and 11am telephone 01274 438780 to book
- City Library - 2pm and 3pm telephone 01274 433600 to book
Half-term family activities Tuesday 28 October 10am - 2.30pm at Bradford Cathedral Booking required Celebrate October half-term with seasonal crafts and colouring for younger children, plus quizzes, sketching, and creative activities for older ones. Parents, grandparents, and carers are warmly invited to join the fun too. Boll-o-ween Wednesday 29 October 5pm - 9pm at Bolling Hall Tickets: £8 Join a spook-tacular family Halloween evening, featuring ghoulish guides and activities. One of the resident ghouls will guide you round the hall, touring a series of fun activities. Start with fearsome-facepainting and crafts, before heading for the monster-mash disco. Guess what horrible things are in the mystery boxes, and head to the ghost room for some terrifying tales. Wizard Spectacular Friday 31 October 11am - 4pm in Centenary Square FREE Bradford BID is bringing Halloween magic to Centenary Square, with an afternoon of spooky fun, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities across the city centre. Behind the Screams Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November at Pictureville Cinema Various prices Step into the shadows and uncover the secrets behind cinema’s most chilling moments in Behind the Screams, a spine-tingling Halloween season celebrating the art and science of horror filmmaking. Creepy Calico Bags Friday 31 October 11am - 3pm at Bradford Industrial Museum £1 recommended donation for materials Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween experience join a creative workshop where you can decorate your very own stash bag—perfect for collecting Halloween treats. Fright Night Friday 31 October 5pm - 8pm at Shipley Glen Tramway Tickets: £2.50 This Halloween join a special Fright Night and ride the spooky tram through the glen and enjoy Halloween-themed refreshments in the museum. It’s a fun, family-friendly evening with a touch of vintage charm—perfect for adding to your list of Halloween activities. Halloween Hyacinths Friday 31 October 11am - 3pm at Bolling Hall FREE Visit the museum volunteers at Bolling Hall Museum and celebrate Halloween in one of Bradford’s oldest buildings. Volunteer gardeners will help you plant a bulb to take home—after you decorate your pot in spooky style. Enjoy seriously spooky storytelling throughout the day with library volunteers. Halloween Fun Day - Intercultured Festival Friday, 31 October (11am - 3pm) at Darley Street Market FREE Celebrate Halloween with a day of family-friendly fun. This free event is packed with creative activities inspired by the theme “what home means to you.” Doe Park half-term activities Tuesday 28 October to Thursday 30 October at Doe Park Water Activities Centre Various prices Learn, play and have a go at sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, dragon boating, raft building, archery, climbing, abseiling, and high ropes activities. For children aged 5+ there is a Mini Adventure and for children ages 8+ there is a Doe Park Multi Adventure Day. BD: is LIT Bradford’s City Centre will be transformed by a collection of magical light installations and performances by local, national and international artists as we explore the colour of light. | 
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