Welcome to this month’s guide to what’s on in Milton Keynes! Thank you for the amazing feedback on September’s guide. I’m so happy that it helped you to discover local events. Every guide will feature food events, live music, markets, social events and more so that you can fill up your calendar with local stuff.
As it is now officially Autumn, October is packed with great seasonal events including the return of pumpkins at The Patch MK. There’s also a fantastic City of Lights Festival from MKIAC and a brand new market at Cranfield. Diaries at the ready people!
If you have an event you’d like featured in an upcoming, please fill in this form. If you’d like your event to feature in November’s guide, please submit your event BEFORE 26th October to guarantee inclusion.
The details in this blog post were correct at the time of publishing. Please note that events may be cancelled or rescheduled at late notice. Please check with the event organisers for details. If you need to change something, contact blog@sophieetc.com.
What’s on this October in Milton Keynes
Browse events in Milton Keynes by category.
Food & Drink Events
Explore Milton Keynes’ independent food scene at these great local food and drink events.
Eat Street MK – Stony Stratford
This monthly street food market at York House Centre in Stony Stratford features a variety of local street food traders. Family-friendly and dogs are welcome on a lead.
Friday 7th October, 17:00 – 22:00, York House Centre, Stony Stratford.
Street Food Fridays at MK Biergarten
MK Biergarten’s street food Friday is the place to be for chilled vibes, tasty street food and great beer. This month, find Farm Slice Pizza, Good Times Café and The Rub at MK Biergarten. All of MK BIergarten’s events can be found on Facebook.
Friday 7th, 14th and 28th October, from 17:00, MK Biergarten, Wolverton.
Mursley Artisan Food & Drink Festival
There will be ten tables for artisan foods and separate areas for beer, gin and wine. Entertainment will be provided and there will be a children’s corner. Snacks and light refreshments will also be available. There will also be a raffle. During the afternoon, this will be very much a family event.
Saturday 8th October, 13:00 – 17:00, Mursley Village Hall.
Plant-based Pop Up Café
A plant-based pop up with Plant Thyme at Fitness First Gym in Bletchley in their cafe. Refreshments drinks and homemade food from Plant Thyme will be available to purchase.
Wednesday 12th October, 14:00 – 16:00, Fitness First MK.
Thursday Night Pop Up with The Rub BBQ
For Great Gelato’s second Thursday night dinner and dessert pop up, they will be joined by The Rub BBQ, who will be serving a selection of BBQ street food. They will have the usual menu of desserts and drinks available. All orders will be made inside the shop and the freshly-cooked food will be served inside for both eat-in and takeaway. This event happens every two weeks.
Thursday 13th October, 17:00 – 21:00, Great Gelato, 47 High Street, Stony Stratford, MK11 1AA
Friday Tastes
Friday Tastes returns to Bucks Star’s Brewery Tap House on the second Friday of every month. Friday Tastes features a different street food vendor at the brewery tap house combined with various local live musicians. Find all of Bucks Star Beer’s upcoming events on Facebook.
Friday 14th October, 17:00, Brewery Tap House, Stonebridge
Newport Pagnell Food Truck Friday
Newport Pagnell’s monthly street food event to raise money for the annual firework display. Head on down to grab your Friday night takeaway from some of the best vendors in MK.
Friday 21st October, from 17:00, Queen’s Road Car Park (outside boots)
Mexican Street Food Night
Join Baja Cantina, Oh My Cakery and Papi’s Cocktails for a fun Mexican-themed Halloween night! These three businesses are collaborating to offer a unique Mexican street food event – (Halloween-themed, day of the dead style!) Baja Cantina will be serving their delicious tacos, Oh My Cakery is introducing some spookily delicious cakes and Papi’s Cocktails will be bringing some flaming Margaritas.
Friday 28th October, Oh My Cakery, Linford Wood.
Halloween Afternoon Tea with Pure Patisserie
A Spooktacular Afternoon Tea with Pure Patisserie at Cornwall Place Kitchen! Enjoy three Halloween-themed courses including a mummified cheese scone, cheesecake brain with sloe gin blood and spiced apple and caramel choux pumpkin. Served alongside a selection of teas or gruesome cocktails.
Tickets are £40 per person. To book contact cpk@inspiresdining.co.uk or 01280 822711.
Saturday 28th October, 15:00 -1 7:00 Cornwall Place Kitchen, Buckingham.
Live Music & Festivals
Enjoy live music and good vibes at local music events and festivals.
The City of Codes & Light Festival 2022
The City of Codes & Light Festival, 2022 organised by Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC) brings together thousands of people who come to enjoy a week of celebrations packed with original exhibits, performances and parades.
It brings diverse communities together to celebrate art, science, maths, and technology as well as Milton Keynes’ recent city status. Supported by the city’s cultural institutions, this year’s edition promises to deliver a captivating blend of media, music and movement. The festival draws from the beauty and ingenuity of Islamic art, science and technology to formulate an unforgettably unique experience.
Immerse yourself in stories told with light, sound and theatre in the heart of the city. See Bletchley Park, Church of Christ the Cornerstone and MK Station Square in a new light with special events from award-winning visual projection companies. Enjoy unique and innovative artistic and technological displays.
Singer song-writing social media sensation and Eurovision star Sam Ryder has been announced as the headline performer at a free event celebrating Milton Keynes becoming a city.
The Saturday 8 October event will be the grand finale to this year’s City of Codes & Light Festival organised by Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC) and Sam Ryder is performing! Sam will be followed by a fantastic laser show before the event ends at 11pm.
Free for all. This is a weeklong schedule of events starting 4th October. For more information and to see the full schedule, visit www.mkiac.org.
Tuesday 4th – Saturday 8th October, various locations in MK. Refer to full schedule HERE.
Pumpkins at The Patch MK
The Patch MK is back this month for PUMPKINS! And it’s back bigger and better than ever. There are thousands of pumpkins and squashes to choose from and so many different varieties.
A FANG-TASTIC day out to not only pick your PURR-FECT Halloween pumpkin but also get some amazing photographs and let the LIL’ MONSTERS run WILD in our play areas. Grab some freshly prepared food, mulled apple juice, barista coffee and delicious cake from the PARANORMAL Patch Pantry – housed this year in an enclosed marquee so you can shelter and warm yourselves up. There are photo opportunities galore again this year, so bring your cameras!
And this year, check out The Patch Nights where you can visit after dark. There will be a bar, music, food and pumpkins all lit up to make for a night out with a difference! Bring your torch to search for your perfect pumpkins, and retire to the bar and fire for a drink and marshmallow.
Book tickets: thepatchmk.co.uk
Saturday 8th October – Monday 31st October, The Patch MK, Mount Mill Farm, Milton Keynes MK19 6DG.
The Howl
Ready to put some real horror into your Halloween? Prepare for a night you won’t forget, as The Howl returns for 14 nights of fearsome frights. This year it’s bigger, better, and more terrifying, with two terrifying attractions joining the chilling line-up.
The teaser advert for Haunt was filmed at Leventhorpe School in Sawbridgeworth and features actor Joe Ashman. Originally from Milton Keynes, Ashman played the character of Callum in Netflix’s Free Rein and starred in the BBC’s Casualty and Doctors and in Get Even on iPlayer.
Dare you become a freshman at Howl Valley High? Inside new maze, Haunt, fictional high school staff and students are out to get this year’s new intake. Step into a real-life horror movie as you’re chased, spooked, and left haunted to the bone inside the high school from hell. You might have thought your old school teachers were scary, but you haven’t seen anything like this.
In the advert, he plays the character of Zack, a new freshman to Howl Valley High, who gets more than he bargains for when he attends the school prom.
The Circus of Horrors is a new thrilling live show that includes knife swallowing, fire eating and dangerous acrobatics, with five performances per night.
People attending The Howl, should be ready for a night filled with dazzling special effects, immersive scenery, and live actors. Other award-winning attractions include The Attic, Red, The Shed, Toppers Twister, Squealers Yard and Street Theatre.
Drinks are available at the Halloween-inspired tavern, ‘The Hearse and Hound Bar’ and the new Howl Valley High bar while a tasty selection of street food is on offer, including burgers, hot dogs, and hog roasts. DJ Howler & DJ Quarterback will spin some classic Halloween party anthems every night between 6.30pm – 10.30pm.
From Friday 7th October, 6pm, Scream Park, Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard.
Frosts Pumpkin Patch (Willington)
Frosts Pumpkin Patch opens on Friday 7th October for Weekends (Friday, Saturday & Sundays) and then Daily from 21st October through 31st October. There will be lots of spooky snacks & refreshments available to purchase in ‘The Witches Kitchen’ at the patch. They have a whole range of yummy snacks such as salted caramel brownies, toffee apples, “marshmallow” flavoured popcorn and more, for you to enjoy.
Entry to the patch is just £2 per person and includes entry as well as planned activities held each day, including spooky storytelling sessions every hour with Selma the witch and toy tractor rides around our mini spooky tractor trail, spooky mini golf. The price of pumpkins is additional to entry fee and is determined by size.
To get yourself feeling cosy and warm, treat yourself to a hot drink such as warm apple cider (non-alcoholic), hot chocolate, tea and filter coffees, or choose from a variety of soft drinks available.
Open from Friday 7th October, 10am – 3pm, Frosts Garden Centre, Sandy Road, Willington, MK44 3QP
Georgia Lilly at The George
Live music at The George Pub, Booking recommended. Bar menu available on the night. Family and dog friendly.
Friday 14th October, 20:30, The George Little Brickhill.
Local Markets & Shopping
Support local businesses at these local shopping events and markets.
MK7 Community Market
After the success of the first event in September, this community market is back. This is a new farmers market and street food event in Walnut Tree. Click here for the Facebook event.
Saturday 1st October, 10:00 – 14:00, Hindhead Knoll, Walnut Tree.
Woburn Sands Community Market
Woburn Sands Community Market is held around the Memorial Green in Woburn Sands. The Community Market supports local businesses within a roughly 12-mile radius of Woburn Sands, as well as high street businesses, local schools, groups and charities. It’s a non-profit organisation run by a small team of volunteers, some with small businesses themselves. The event is every second Saturday of the month so add it to your diaries!
Free parking is available close by. Follow Woburn Sands Market on Facebook to stay up to date.
Saturday 8th October, 10:00 – 14:00, Memorial Green, Woburn Sands.
Made in Stony Early Shopping Event
Over 25 stalls of unique, handcrafted art, crafts and produce. Your opportunity to buy gifts, for loved ones or yourself, direct from artisans of Stony Stratford and selected artisans from the local area. Free entry, free parking nearby. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Saturday 15th October, 10:00 – 16:00, York House, London Road, Stony Stratford. MK11 1JQ.
Furtho Manor Farm Wedding Fair
This wedding fair will be in the barn at Furtho Manor Farm. Discover amazing local suppliers you need to help you plan a wedding or event. Caterers will be there for you to sample their food.
Sunday 16th October, 11:00 – 15:00, Furtho Manor Farm.
Woburn Food Market
A monthly food market is held every third Sunday of each month in the heart of Woburn. Find regular updates on Facebook.
Sunday 16th October, 10:00 – 14:00, Woburn.
Crafts, Cake and a Cuppa
A well-established and well-known craft fair that has been running for over 11 years. There will be a great selection of unique items hand-made by talented crafters – an opportunity to find ideal gifts for your friends and family.
Free admission and free car parking on-site. Wheelchair-accessible. Well behaved dogs on a lead welcome.
There is a cafe running all day offering teas/coffees and light refreshments to raise money for the local branch of Dogs for Good.
Sunday 16th October, 10am – 4pm, Woburn Village Hall, Crawley Road, Woburn, MK17 9QD
Autumn Market by Eat Street MK
A celebration of local vendors. Discover delicious street food vendors and shop from independent businesses. Free entry, family and dog friendly.
Saturday 22nd October, 11:00 – 17:00, York House Centre, Stony Stratford.
Cranfield Market (NEW!)
This street market is a farmers market at its heart with fresh and local produce. Be wowed with our pop-up street food options plus great entertainment for the whole family, including live music and free indoor soft play.
Prepared for all weather with ample indoor seating, there is also have free parking and cater to vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements too.
Vendors range from hot food to take-home produce including fresh fruit, veg, bread, butchers, and cheese plus a Refill Shop, plants, flowers, gifts, and even something for doggos!
Fully accessible with onsite toilets. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome and of course, this is a family event.
Saturday 29th October, 10:00 -14:30 Cranfield Community Centre.
Arts & Culture Events
Larry Achiampong: Wayfinder at MK Gallery
British-Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong works in film, sculpture, installation, sound, collage, music and performance. His work draws on popular culture and his communal and personal heritage.
Included in his first major UK solo show to date is Achiampong’s debut feature length film Wayfinder, as well as a large presentation of his Pan African flags, life-sized Relic Traveller figures and Glyth collages. It will also reveal some of his influences from video games to the landscape paintings of JMW Turner.
Entry for MK residents is free on Tuesdays. Book tickets here.
Starts Saturday 15th October 2022 and runs until 15th January 2023 at MK Gallery.
Pancakes & Paint
Pancakes, Prosecco and Painting….really, what’s not to like?
Join Something Less Boring and Olney Pancake Parlour for a relaxed evening of creativity. During the evening. you will be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and tuck into a sweet pancake. Then the creativity starts, Liddy will guide you through the illustrative autumnal watercolour painting – Fly Agaric. Styled on a page from a reference book we think it will look great on any kitchen wall.
Friday 14th October, 19:00, Olney Pancake Parlour. Tickets are £25 per person.
Pumpkin Decorating Workshop with Lettered By Annie
Pumpkin guts and carving are a thing of the past, it’s all about pimpin’ your pumpkin with boo-tiful brush lettering and creepy calligraphy. You’ll be provided with a locally sourced pumpkin ready to decorate and letter as you wish. There will be plenty of crafty supplies and paint to create a show stopping masterpiece ready for the big night!
We will practice a technique called Faux Calligraphy and how to use this style to design your pumpkin. There will be an array of paints, pens and glitter on hand to make the most show stopping pumpkins!
Faux Calligraphy is a great technique to learn and you can use pretty much ANY pen to do this, so you can carry on with your practice after the workshop.
So come along for a bit of Halloween fun, light refreshments will be provided (please advise of any allergies), fancy dress optional!!
£40 and includes refreshments and a pre-painted pumpkin ready to decorate. You can choose between a white or black pumpkin. Buy tickets here.
Thursday 27th October, 19:00 – 21:00, The Game Changer Kitchen.
Social Events
Events for socialising, meeting new people and networking with like-minded people and businesses.
MK Girl
If you identify as an MK Girl, they host regular events like Book Clubs, Bottomless Brunches, drinks and more to help you meet more like-minded people in MK and make friends. There is something for everyone. These events are for the MK Girl Community so make sure you’re part of the group on Facebook to hear about upcoming events.
Snack & Learn: Mastering Exhibitions
Hosted twice a month at MK:U Innovation Hub. Are you an entrepreneur looking to learn new skills? Join the regular MK:U Snack & Learn session! This event is designed to support small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs to upskill and take your company to the next level.
This month, learn the secret to mastering exhibitions.
Wednesday 5th October 10:30 – 12:00, MK:U Innovation Hub, 200 Silbury Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK9 1LT.
Essentially Social Networking Event
Great space to introduce yourself, and your business to other business owners and professionals. Tickets include a choice of quality beverages and snacks. This event happens on the second Wednesday of every month.
Tickets and full details are available at: www.essentiallysocial.eventbrite.co.uk / www.BucksStar.Eventbrite.co.uk.
Wednesday 12th October, Brewery Tap House, Stonebridge
Board Games
Board Games is a different way to make friends and potentially find a match in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, with organic snacks and beverages available. It happens on the fourth Thursday of every month. Find all of Bucks Star Beer’s upcoming events on Facebook.
Thursday 27th October, Brewery Tap House, Stonebridge.
Family Halloween Party
Family party, street food vendor trading from the car park, prizes for best costume, raffle and spooky punch.
Saturday 29th October, 18:00, The George Little Brickhill.
Mindful Mama Club Bump & Baby Brunch
This is a casual Halloween meet-up for mamas and their little ones (including bumps!) The Mindful Mama Club hosts events where mums can meet each other, make new connections and take some deserved time off from being a mum.
Monday 31st October, Frosts Garden Centres. Tickets TBC.
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I hope you find something fun to do in this month’s what’s on guide. If you head to any of these events, be sure to share your experience in my Facebook Community Group, Eat & Explore MK and by tagging your photos #EatandExploreMiltonKeynes on Instagram.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions on how I can improve this guide.
If are hosting an event and would like to feature it in next month’s guide, please fill in this form by 25th of October to guarantee inclusion. Event listings are free, but please consider supporting my website by leaving a tip on ko-fi.
What events have you put in your diary this month?
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