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 Reading Rep and South Street, music from Reading Dub Club, comedy at The Hexagon, exhibitions at Reading Museum, Reading Biscuit Factory and The Rising Sun Arts Centre… and much more besides!

Raise a Glass! | Various Dates

Beer is part of Reading’s heritage – it’s one of our historic 3Bs – and there are plenty of opportunities to get tasting a fine brown brew this month. On 1-4 Oct, Double-Barrelled Brewery are pouring stouts and porters with their annual Dark Beer Weekend. Oktoberfest come to Siren RG1 on 9 Oct, and Twyford Beer Festival on 9 &10 Oct. And The Castle Tap host their annual Beer & Cider Festival on 22-25 Oct.

Local Theatre | Various Dates

Both professional and amateur theatres are going full speed this month. Reading Rep Theatre top and tails the month with Dracula (till 10 Oct) and Two Halves of Guinness (29-31 Oct); Shinfield Players Theatre hold a Battle of the Musicals on 1-3 Oct; Twyford Drama go retro with Home I’m Darling (8-10 Oct); and Progress Theatre continues its 80^th season with Dance Nation (12-17 Oct).

125 years of Reading Buses | 4 Oct

Reading Buses take over Broad Street to celebrate its 125th year of operation. From the junction of West Street and Broad Street Mall, there will be buses from throughout the decades as you walk down Broad Street, finishing with one of their latest electric buses near the Oracle, decorated to celebrate our 125 years. There will also be vintage buses providing trips from St Mary's Butts and following historic routes around the town.

Big-name comedy | Various Dates

Some of the biggest names in comedy – and some voices you need to start paying closer attention to –  will be taking to various stages in Reading this month. Mark Watson and Susan Calman come to The Concert Hall, The Hexagon hosts Alan Davies, Chris Ramsay, Nish Kumar and the all-star Stand Up For Slapstick show, while South Street welcomes Alfie Moore and Celya AB.

Dick Valentine | 6 Oct

Best known as the lead singer of Electric Six, Dick Valentine returns to Reading as part of his latest tour, supporting his new solo record “Anxiety Dogs”. An evening with Dick Valentine takes you on a tender, heartfelt journey through the Electric Six catalogue, his solo catalogue and the occasional cover song. Support comes from Reading’s own acoustic troubadour Ben Marwood.

SOKA Fest | 10 Oct

A brand new one-day multi-venue music festival taking over the town centre! Eight local venues will be hosting a variety of local acts, all giving their time to celebrate the memory of one of their own, Sophie Sheehan, and to raise money for Reading Pride. From rap to rock to folk to some very out-there music, there’s something for everyone!

The Orb | 23 Oct

Thirty-five years since Alex Paterson lit the multi-coloured touchpaper on The Orb’s interstellar space odyssey, he continues to swerve, becoming his own tribute act by never standing still and preparing a cluster of fresh new projects. He returns to Sub89 for another night of dance music, joined by “telepathic sonic lieutenant” Michael Rendall, plus an opening set from the genre-expanding DJ Minali.

Half-Term Events | 24 Oct – 1 Nov

From fun Halloween trails to craft and LEGO workshops, to theatre shows and workshops, to music performances and much, much more 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!

Diwali: Light It Up | 24 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 is Being Human, and Reading will glow with towering 17-foot puppets of Sita, Rama, Ganesh and their companions, surrounded by dhol drummers and dancers in beautiful outfits, inspired by the likes of goddesses, animals and mythic tales.

Behind the Scenes: Reading Museum Collection Tour | 28 Oct

A rare chance to take a guided tour of Reading Museum’s offsite store in south Reading where most of the collections that are not on display are kept. An experienced guide will point out highlights and there will also be an opportunity to handle some objects.

Halloween in Reading | Various Dates

Spooky season brings more events that will trick and treat in equal measure. We’ve got ghost stories both real and possibly real, some very creepy cabarets from D’Lecter Cabaret, The Scarlet Vixens and the Rising Sun’s Variety Night, ghoulish gigs and concerts, and Reading’s biggest costume party with the Shrek-tacular Ogrepalooza!