Whether you’re living in Cambridge, staying in the area or planning a day trip, discover the latest arts, music, theatre and culture events happening in Cambridgeshire this month – including family-friendly events.
Looking for some dates to add to your diary? We’ve rounded up the best upcoming events happening in Cambridge and across the wider Cambridgeshire area – from theatre runs and live music to brand-new exhibitions and exclusive talks you won’t want to miss.
THEATRE: 6 October – King Lear, ADC Theatre
Making its final stop in this year’s Cambridge American Stage Tour is this bold reimagining of King Lear, in which power is fragile, love is tested and certainty begins to fracture. Runs until 10 October.
THEATRE: 9 October – Call Me John, Newnham Social Club
Jane Bower’s solo play is based on the memoirs of Enid Barraud, who became a Cambridgeshire Land Army girl in WWII. Enid lived as a man, with a female partner, and struggled with disability.
MUSIC: 10 October – Mind Cambridge Benefit, The Portland Arms
Marking World Mental Health Day, this fundraising evening sees Mr Griff and his eight- piece band The Grifters, plus singer-songwriter Angie Collins, take to the stage. All proceeds go to Mind Cambridge in Burleigh Street.
MUSIC: 10 October – Brazenose Violin Competition Final 2026, St Martin’s Church, Stamford
Hear the outstanding finalists perform in the concluding stage of the inaugural Brazenose Violin Competition. Morning and afternoon sessions are followed by a prize presentation and winner’s encore in the evening.
MUSIC: 11 October – Hue and Cry, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Following the release of their 16th studio album Everybody, and a run of intimate electro-acoustic shows, platinum-selling duo Hue and Cry bring their autumn tour to Cambridge, with British soul artist Roachford co-headlining.
FAMILY: 11 October – Dance in the Dark, Cambridge Junction J2
Come in your favourite PJs for a slumber party in a giant sleepover den! Featuring contemporary dance, live music, immersive sound, scents and audience interaction, this relaxed, multi-sensory show is suitable for ages 3+.
MUSIC: 14 October – Transvision Vamp, Cambridge Junction
Formed in west London by Wendy James and Nick Christian Sayer, with their breakthrough debut album Pop Art released in 1988, Transvision Vamp are back, playing their first UK tour since 1991.
MUSIC: 18 October – Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Saffron Hall
Take a step back into the glamorous era of The Great Gatsby, flappers and speakeasies for a celebration of the music of the Roaring 20s and into the 30s – a period famed for its style, wit and sophistication.
THEATRE: 19 October – Operation Mincemeat, Arts Theatre Cambridge
A fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that helped win WWII, the award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat is running in Cambridge until 24 October.
EXHIBITION: 20 October – An Enamel Revolution: China and the World, Fitzwilliam Museum
Beginning with the transfer of painted enamel technology from Europe to China in the late 17th century, this new display offers fresh perspectives on cross-cultural exchange, artistic innovation and global trade. Until 21 February 2027.
TALK: 21 October – Michael Palin in the Philippines, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Sharing photographs, stories and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, Palin takes us on a journey through this politically charged, complex country.
SPOOKY EVENT: 24 October – Horror Mania, Wimblington, March
Experience pure adrenaline and terror as you journey through dark rooms, forests and mazes being hunted by chainsaw maniacs, killer clowns, demonic creatures and more! Runs until 1 November.
THEATRE: 26 October – The Forbidden Realm of Conspiracies: Uncovered, Cambridge Corn Exchange
An immersive live experience blending cinematic projection, soundscapes and live polling, plunging its audience into the world of conspiracy theories.
MUSIC: 27 October – Huey Morgan, Cambridge Junction
After founding Fun Lovin’ Criminals and writing and producing their seminal hits, Huey Morgan marks 30 years since the release of Come Find Yourself with a brand-new band and a 13-date UK tour.
THEATRE: 27 October – Top Girls, ADC Theatre
With time-bending narratives and sharp dialogue that explores the conflict between ambition, success and family that women still face today, Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club brings Caryl Churchill’s celebrated comedy to the stage.
SPOOKY BOOKS: 28 October – An Evening of Horror, Waterstones Cambridge
Enjoy a haunted evening of cursed objects, ancient ruins and eerie worlds as authors V Castro, Dan Coxon and Matt Hill discuss their horror short stories with author and Arthur C Clarke Award judge Tiffani Angus.
MUSIC: 31 October – Scarlatti: Stabat Mater, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Linton
This New Cambridge Singers concert showcases Domenico Scarlatti’s punchy repertoire, written for ten different voice parts, and the music of 17th-century Rome.
SPOOKY TALK: 31 October – Things I Took From the Dark, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Co-creator of The League of Gentlemen and Inside No 9 Reece Shearsmith moves between storytelling and performance as he guides us through the bizarre artefacts and obsessions that shaped everything he has made.
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