The nights are drawing in, fires are being lit, leaves are falling from the trees; it’s a great time to get out and about and make the most of Bradford’s beautiful countryside in all its autumn glory. With lantern and film festivals, talks and tours, beer and sausages, comedy and calligraphy this month shows why Bradford really should be the City of Culture 2025. Here’s my best of what’s on in the city this month. 

• Don’t miss new play/techno party/arms trade investigation and call to arms I Have Met the Enemy from Commonwealth Theatre which continues its run at the TFD Centre in Holmewood all this week until Saturday 5 October. Tickets are selling fast.
• Bradford City of Film screen talks continue with Bradford writer Michael Hirst speaking about his award winning Tudors and Vikings tv series on Thursday 3 October at 6pm at the Alhambra.
• Join Reggie Yates and Bradford actress Tanya Vital at the Love Bradford short film storytelling event at the Light Cinema. Thursday 3 October at 7pm.
• Celebrate Oktoberfest at Sunbridge Wells from the 3-6 October.
• The Haworth Sausage and Cider Festival is back by popular demand 4-6 October in the Old School Rooms.
• 100 years of Bradford on Film special screening at Bradford Cathedral on Friday 4 October as part of the Cathedral’s centenary celebrations at 6.30pm.
• The annual Bradford Print Fair will be held at the historic Bradford Club on Saturday 5 October, go and support some great local artists and have a nosy around the club while you’re there. Free entry and the bar will be open. 11am-4pm.
• Regular Craft and Draught session at the Rose and Crown on Sunday 6 October, bringing people together to practice their crafts, meet some new people and have drink or two. Tea and coffee also available. 2pm-4pm first Sunday of every month.
• The Bradford Stories Festival has a special all day launch at Kala Sangam on Thursday 10 October with performances, poetry, music, dance and a living library.
•  The Widescreen Weekend film festival returns on 10-13 October at the National Science and Media Museum. Don’t miss The Selfish Giant filmed in and around Buttershaw followed by Q&A with Director Clio Barnard on 13 October. 
• The Shine a Light Lantern Parade at Cliffe Castle park opens the Keighley Arts and Film Festival on Friday 11 October.
• Discover more Bradford stories with Mill Walks with Nancy: Mills, Myths, Musings as part of the Keighley Arts and Film Festival on the 11 and 12 October. The walks are free, but booking is essential.  
• The Bradford Comedy Club launches on Friday 11 October from 7.30pm at the Tapestry Studios.
• Fashion and beauty event at Broadway Styled on Saturday 12 October with pampering, makeovers and fashion stylist sessions, from 10am to 5pm.
• The Bloomin Buds Theatre Company’s new project stories on mental health in working class communities, a work in progress called Hand-print: a mark on humanity will be at the Impressions Gallery on Thursday 17 October at 7.30pm.
• Introduction to calligraphy class at Nordish cafe in Saltaire on Wednesday 23 October 10am-1pm.
•  Murder Mystery Evening and three-course meal at the Great Victoria Hotel Saturday 26 October from 7.30pm.
• Apple Day at Cliffe Castle celebrating all things apple related, apple pressing, cookery, pop-up café and even a bit of wassailing. Sunday 27 October 11am-3pm.

Not enough space for Halloween events, will update you nearer to the time! Watch this space.