You’d be hard-pressed to find a destination in the UK that doesn’t lean into the hallmarks and traps of stereotypical Autumn life.
From pumpkin patches to pumpkin spice lattes at the local café, Oktoberfest celebrations across pubs and bars, and a plethora of knitted clothes lining the shelves, Autumn is a time to hunker down with scary movies and cozy nights in, only leaving the house for the events and occasions that really excite you.
Of course, for those who are lucky enough to call Sheffield home, you’ll never be short of fun things to do throughout the Autumn months and into Winter. For this blog, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite must-do events in Sheffield during this time of year and in the coming weeks…
The Magic of Autumn in the City
Before we dive into the events and experiences on offer across Sheffield, we just wanted to clear one thing up – and that’s that there is no better place to spend the Autumn months than in the heart of Sheffield.
Whether you’re wandering the shops and dipping into cozy pubs with roaring fires or planning adventures in the adjacent Peak District just outside the city of Sheffield, Sheffield bridges the vibrance of city living with the escapism of the countryside beyond. This unique blend of two very different lifestyles grants students and those looking to really immerse themselves in their surroundings the beauty of juxtaposing experiences.
It means you can transition from a pumpkin spice latte to a microbrewery beer with ease and can spend a single weekend exploring the peaks and experiencing the best of city life.
And with Autumn bridging the busy summer months with the magic of Winter and the pending festive season, this is arguably the best time of year to make plans and get out to experience what Sheffield has to offer.
Top Events in Sheffield in Autumn
Celluloid Screams
We can’t talk about Autumn events and not touch on Halloween. As the night itself draws near, students up and down the city can be found out searching for their perfect costume. But if you’re not one for a night out and prefer the comfort of a horror film or two, then the Celluloid Screams film event is a must-visit.
Held at the Showroom Cinema from now until the 27th of October, head on down to see classics and modern Halloween mayhem come to life on screen.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
From spooky to wholesome, it wouldn’t be Autumn on Instagram without an endless stream of pumpkin patch photos. Head down to your local farm or pumpkin event to wander muddy fields, sip on hot chocolate, and find that perfect pumpkin for carving – or for turning into soup.
Visiting a pumpkin patch in the Autumn is a great way to end a long walk and encourages you to explore further afield and outside the main city.
Off the Shelf Festival of Words
For all you literary students and those who would do with a little inspiration ahead of your next essay or block of coursework, the Off the Shelf Festival of Words is an annual event that runs until 3rd November.
It celebrates the best and biggest names in the literary sphere, inviting them to speak and share their inspiration with those who want to put their ideas and visions on paper. You never know who you will hear talk, who you will meet, or what you will learn at these events; that’s the beauty of them!
Autumn Lights Festival
It’s easy to think of Autumn and immediately picture Halloween – but let’s not forget the role of Bonfire Night in getting us excited and ready for Christmas.
The Autumn Light Festival is a Bonfire Night extravaganza with live music, fireworks, a funfair, street food, and plenty to enjoy for all age groups. Considered the biggest and best fireworks event and show in Sheffield, this is one that you’ll be able to hear from anywhere in the city – though undoubtedly the best view comes from being in the heart of the event itself.
Festive Market Opening Weekend
This year’s festive market opens in the middle of November, crossing the line between Autumn and Winter to give Sheffield residents, students, and visitors even more time to get some Christmas shopping done nice and early.
This is so much more than just a shopping event and is a real celebration of all things festive.
Catch a Pantomime
This is really one for the Winter months, but we know how popular the pantomime gets and so booking tickets well in advance is essential!
This year’s show is Snow White and is sure to be a bundle of fun – something to do between Christmas and the start of the 2025 term, with visiting friends and family or with your housemates!
Turn Autumn Into a Chance to Boost Your Inner Circle
Whether you decide to visit some or all of the above events or reserve the Autumn nights for movie evenings chilled walks and catch-ups with your friends in the midst of your study sessions, there is no better time to expand your inner circle and build lasting connections with your fellow students.
And don’t forget that as well as the wider events being held across Sheffield, your housing team may have some ideas and events of their own up their sleeve. Reserve a night or two for some fun at home, and explore the plethora of events being hosted at your student accommodation.
