What’s on This October

October is a magical time to visit the South of Scotland. With autumn leaves painting the landscape in rich reds and golds, the month brings a mix of cosy food festivals, spine-tingling Halloween adventures, and cultural gems. Whether you’re drawn to food and drink, outdoor adventures, or nights of live music, there’s plenty happening across Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders this month.

Read on for our round-up of what’s on.

Seasonal Treats and Autumnal Highlights

Start the month with a sweet treat at the Shortbread Festival at Gretna Green. On 4^th October, this free family-friendly day celebrates Scotland’s favourite biscuit with local bakers showcasing their delicious creations.

For those who love the outdoors, October offers plenty of chances to enjoy crisp autumn days. The Harvest Festival Wild Swimming Weekend from 10^th to 12^th October combines wellness, laughter and seasonal magic in and along the River Tweed. Head along to Peebles and join sunset dips, foraging walks and more. Just a few days later, on 16th October, join local guides Eric and Chris on a tour of Peebles’ lost railways. Step Back in Time invites you to view the local landscapes through fresh eyes. Imagine the hustle and bustle of steam trains, station masters and holidaymakers from times gone by.

On 25^th October, don’t miss the dazzling seasonal scenery at Autumnal Colour at Mellerstain near Gordon, when the historic grounds open for a special day of autumnal walks among trees glowing in shades of gold and amber.

Pumpkins & Halloween Fun

Gather the family! October wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins, spooky trails and ghostly tales. Here’s where to pick your own and enjoy a hair-raising day out.

Pick your perfect pumpkin at Ernespie Farm’s Pumpkin Patch from 11^th October. Located near Castle Douglas, Ernespie offers a host of family-friendly activities and their pumpkin patch has everything you need, including carving stations.

In Thornhill, Halloween at Drumlanrig returns from 11^th October with creepy clues, fun games and a spooktacular trail led by the Drumlanrig Detectives. Solve the mystery, before claiming your pumpkin and celebrating your success at the adventure playground.

Over in Selkirk, Halloween at Bowhill promises witches, spellbooks and pumpkin fun for all ages from 18^th October. Little ghouls can head along to the special Trick or Treat Night on 31^st October. Delicious treats and after-dark fun in the illuminated Adventure Playground await.

For those who like their scares a little darker, join Mostly Ghostly at Gretna Green on 17^th October for chilling stories from Scotland’s past. Or dare to return to Scott’s Courtroom in Selkirk on 31^st October for Gothic, Ghostly and Gruesome Tales.

If you prefer to keep your Halloween light-hearted, don’t miss the Magic Gareth Halloween Special at Heart of Hawick on 17th October. Help Magic Gareth catch a mischievous ghost; there will be plenty of laughs alongside mind-boggling magic. The spooky fun continues at the family party as part of Guising at Gretna Green on 25^th October. It’s packed with games, treats and a fang-tastic kids’ disco!

Music & Live Performance

Newton Stewart is alive with sound this month: Wailing Banshee + Barstool Rebels bring thunderous drums and screaming guitars on 4^th October, followed by Wayward Jane + Gallowgrass on 10^th October, blending American folk traditions with fresh new arrangements.

Food and music come together on 11^th October at Trax Festival in Dumfries. Here, DMC brings together a brand-new full day event with live performances from some of the most exciting rising stars. The tightly packed line-up includes everything from avante garde pop, rock’n roll, and a modern twist on classic jazz. It’s a day not to miss! Also in Dumfries, the legendary Wet Wet Wet headline a special Big Burns Supper event on 9^th October.

Later in the month on 24^th October, two of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians, promise a lively evening of Highland tunes and Gaelic song: Gary Innes & Ewen Henderson. Head along to Traquair Village Hall for their show supported by pianist and BBC’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist Rory Matheson.

For something classical, Crown Ballet presents Giselle on 9th October in Galashiels. In the romantic ballet, love triumphs over betrayal. Alternatively, opt for comedy and variety with Su Pollard: Still Fully Charged the day after, also in Galashiels. The evening promises a one-woman show celebrating 50 years in entertainment.

On 4^th October in Hawick, Mairi Campbell: Living Stone offers an intimate Fringe First winning solo show full of wisdom and reflection. And closing the month in Melrose, Ceyda Tanc: Kizlar fuses Turkish folk dance with athletic modern movement in a bold celebration of femininity on 31^st October.

Arts, Exhibitions & Interactive Theatre

October is bursting with artistic inspiration. The Hawick Art Club Annual Open Exhibition fills the Scott Gallery with works from local artists from 18^th October. Those keen to get hands-on shouldn’t miss the Drawing with White workshop the day before. Also held in Hawick, it offers the chance to learn from local artist Emma Jolly.

Want to be at the centre of the action? Perhaps something immersive? Join the acclaimed Highly Suspect Murder Mystery – The Death of the Great Detective on 18^th October at Gretna Green for a hilarious, interactive night of sleuthing.

Young ones with a flair for performance can also enjoy interactive theatre. Melrose Corn Exchange is welcoming A Home for Hamish on 18^th October. The colourful dance and storytelling adventure is perfect for young audiences.

Plan Your October in the South of Scotland

From tasty shortbread festivals to ghostly tales, pumpkin picking to ballet, October in the South of Scotland is a month of variety and vibrancy. Whatever you’re seeking, you’ll find it here. Why not plan an autumn getaway and make the most of all the region has to offer?