What's on in Reading this month

The nights are drawing in – and there are plenty of events to draw you into Reading this October, too! Plenty of local organisations are helping to celebrate Black History Month with events and activities, we’ve got visits from top-tier comedians, and our local theatres are going full-pelt all month long. And, of course, lots of events that go BUMP! in the night with spooky Halloween events all throughout October, too! As usual, these are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to What’s On in Reading this October – do head to whatsonreading.com for so much more!

Black History Month in Reading | various dates

Reading once again offers up wonderful selection of events and activities that celebrate the contribution our diverse black community has made, and continues to make, to our town.

There's theatre at South Street and live music from Reading Dub Club. Through a Different Lens brings films and filmmakers to Reading Biscuit Factory while Reading Museum hosts a new exhibition. And CultureMix Arts offer plenty of classes, workshops and performances from steel pans to soca dancing! And much more besides!

Local Theatre | various dates

Both professional and amateur theatres are going full speed this month, with a wide variety of shows to kick off their respective seasons. Progress Theatre start the month with the intense Gagarin Way (29 Sep-4 Oct) and wrap it up with an 80s horror-inspired Titus Andronicus (27 Oct-1 Nov). Reading Rep Theatre are also on double-duty, with musical The Last Five Years running till 11 Oct, followed by back-to-back Bard – Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth, both 24 &25 Oct, alternating matinee and evenings. The Mill at Sonning will leave you all a-shiver with The Shadow in the Mirror (till 8 Nov) while Shinfield Players Theatre will have you cry-laughing with Calendar Girls: The Musical (3-11 Oct). And Twyford Drama are celebrating their 60^th anniversary on 10 & 11 Oct with Diamond Gems!

Magic and Mirth Evenings | various dates

Typical – you wait ages for a night showcasing magic, comedy and mindreading and three come along in one month! De Vere Wokefield Hotel host a Mystery & Mischief Night on 3 October, Hocus Jokus comes to Shinfield Players Theatre on 16 Oct, and The Mill At Sonning present Laughs & Illusions on 21 Oct.

Halloween in Reading | various dates

Spooky season lasts all month long (and, indeed, spills into the first weekend of November!) with oodles of events that will trick and treat in equal measure. We’ve got ghost stories both real and possibly real, classic horror films, pumpkin carving, Halloween trails, Halloween “specials” of some of our regular nights out, and some very creepy cabarets!

David Olusoga: History's Missing Chapters | 4 Oct

The renowned historian comes to Reading for the first time with a brand-new talk examining some of history’s missing chapters to uncover how and why some events and some people are remembered and others forgotten. Taking examples from the world wars, the Industrial revolution and other pivotal moments in global history, David uncovers history’s missing persons. 

Comedy at The Hexagon | various dates

There are some truly stellar comics coming to Reading’s six-sided theatre this month. Alexei Sayle, Stewart Lee + more star in Stand Out Stand Up on 6 Oct, Spinal Tap II’s Kerry Godliman is on 12 Oct, Josh Widdicombe joins us on 13 & 14 Oct, Father Dougal himself Ardal O’Hanlon is on 16 Oct, Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow once again on 21 Oct, and Babatunde Aléshé has High Expectations on 24 Oct.

James Joyce: Enigmas and Puzzles | from 7 Oct

A new exhibition from the University of Reading’s Special Collections shares never-before-seen personal papers of beloved author James Joyce, thanks to their Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection. Explore Joyce’s large social network of friends and artists, his family life as a loving father, and the inspirations for his work. Learn about the practical adjustments Joyce made to work despite his ill-health, and view a selection of rare editions of books from Stephen Joyce’s library.

Dodgy | 12 Oct

More than just Britpop, these legends of the live scene are still going strong and coming to Sub89 this month, bringing all the hits like “Staying Out For The Summer”, “In A Room” and the massive “Good Enough” – officially one of the most played tracks on British radio in the last 30 years.

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason | 14 Oct

The Classical Music Alive In Reading season begins with a visit from one of the most famous families in modern classical music. Already captivating audiences with the maturity of her performances, Jeneba’s debut at the 2024 BBC Proms was heralded by the press as “demonstrating musical insight, technical acuity, and an engaging performing persona” (Music OMH). An exclusive Sony Classical Artist, Jeneba’s debut solo album Fantasie was released in early March.

Diwali: Light It Up | 18 Oct

Kala The Arts will once again be lighting up the town centre with performances and a parade in their big Diwali celebrations. This year’s theme, Devi, honours the power and beauty of the goddess and the natural world, and Reading will glow with towering 17-foot puppets of Sita, Rama, Ganesh and their companions, surrounded by dozens of lanterns and light installations.

Half-Term Events | 25 Oct - 2 Nov

From fun Halloween trails to autumn crafts and LEGO workshops, from Dinosaurs and fairy-tale adventures on stage to classical music to get little legs moving, there’s plenty for kids of all ages this half-term – all guaranteed to wipe away the words “I’m bored”… at least for a little while!

Concerts In Caversham Autumn Festival | 24 Oct - 1 Nov

A series of four classical concerts at St Andrews Church, Caversham, that bring some truly international-quality musicians north of the river. Experience the acclaimed Pelléas Ensemble, bass-baritone Dingle Yandell and the Ferio Saxophone Quartet, all in a unique and intimate setting. And if you book for all four, you can save!