What's On in Leicestershire & Rutland

Wonders of Nature

Venue: Harborough Museum

Website: www.harboroughmuseum.org.uk

Reflecting the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge theme “Story Garden”, discover the wonderful and amazing objects from the museum collections which will inspire stories and creativity.

Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee

Venue: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Celebrating over 35 years of Elmer the patchwork elephant and his unforgettable friends, this free family friendly exhibition brings to life McKee’s iconic stories through immersive, multi sensory displays...

Kumon Free Assessment

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

Now is the perfect time for your family to discover the benefits of Kumon at one of its Study Centres, which are now offering Free Registration to new and returning students from 16th September to 31st...

Pumpkin Village

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

Visit the Pumpkin Village and Fields, with fantastic photo opportunities, live entertainment, and roaming characters. Enjoy a variety of delicious food and drink stalls on site. Please note, pumpkins are...

Biking Buddies Courses

Venue: B-Buddies cic

Website: www.b-buddies.com/biking-buddies-courses

Biking Buddies courses have a maximum of 12 riders age 4-13 years and each session is full of games and activities as well as some individual attention. Riders leave the learn to ride sessions with great confidence,...

CycleSkills Clubs

Venue: B-Buddies cic

Website: www.b-buddies.com/cycleskills-clubs

Fun, recreational cycling clubs for riders who are wanting to improve their cycling ability, learn new skills and try a bit of off-road cycling in an engaging and exciting environment. No racing, nothing...

Family Forest Trail

Venue: Hicks Lodge

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge

This trail takes you into the young woodland around Hicks Lodge, there are stops along the way for you to relax and enjoy the views. The Zig-Zags take you down on to the long loop, or head back to the...

Family Gallery Workshops

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Website: https://attenborougharts.com/whats-on/family-gallery-workshops-5

Explore the exhibitions with the friendly learning team and use resources in the Salmon Gallery to explore through a range of creative workshops. Each week brings something new inspired by their gallery...

Go Kids Go Leicester

Venue: Unit 2, Raw Dykes Road

Website: www.gokidsgo.co.uk

Go Kids Go have a range of interactive games and activities such as Lazer arena , Climbing trees, Go Karts, Three tier play frame, Ninja Obsticle course, Bouncy castle and book your party with Go Kids...

Home Education Activity Sessions

Venue: Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre

Website: www.lopc.co.uk/education/home-education

Every Wednesday morning, 9.30-10.30am, enjoy activities specifically for Home Educated Children. Children can be as young as 5 years, but the activities are suitable for any age. These activity sessions...

Huncote Hound Club

Venue: Leicester Animal Aid

Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

The Huncote Hound Club is for animal lovers aged 5-16. Members receive their own special newsletter four times a year. Members also attend activity mornings at the Centre, getting up to all sorts of fun...

Lutterworth Country Park junior parkrun

Venue: Lutterworth Country Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/lutterworthcountrypark-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in whatever your pace! Free to join but register before you first go along.

Market Harborough Junior Parkrun

Venue: Welland Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/marketharborough-junior

A free, fun and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) every Sunday at 9am. Free but register before you first go along.

Matilda the Musical

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

With book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Matthew Warchus, MATILDA is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares...

RBC Race for the Kids at School

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.gosh.org/get-involved

Take part in the annual school charity fun run between 6-10 October and help build the new Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Get the whole class - or even the whole school...

The Bosworth Discovery Zone and Family Fun

Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park

Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

Family friendly guided walks, trails, the exhibition (with activities for children), the 1485 Tithe Barn cafe and the Bosworth Discovery Zone, a FREE space for families with young children. Open Thursday...

The Stick Man trail at Hicks Lodge

Venue: Hicks Lodge

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge/the-stick-man-trail-hicks-lodge

Have some forest fun this summer, as young adventurers follow the Stick Man activity trail at Hicks Lodge. Discover colourful activity panels, hands-on experiences building with sticks and learning about...

Time for Walkies

Venue: Hicks Lodge

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge

Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies. This interactive dog-focused trail features a variety of games and challenges for you and your happy hound to complete. Follow the route using the...

CQ Earlies

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Join Nupur Arts for a special Diwali edition of CQ Earlies! Make your very own Diwali lamp (diya) out of clay and decorate it with dazzling gems and sequins. Learn about the collection of festive objects...

Enchanted

Venue: The Empire Banqueting And Conference Hall

Address: 1 Foundry Lane

Website: https://visitleicester.info/event/enchanted

The Candlelight Concert is a magical musical experience that brings the beloved songs of fairy tales to life in a truly enchanting candlelit setting.With a welcoming, all-ages atmosphere and plenty of...

Warley at Statfold

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: https://statfold.com/warleymodelrailwayshow

Warley Model Railway Club return with their impressive and popular Model Railway Exhibition to Statfold. You can also explore all that Statfold has to offer from unlimited rides behind one of the fantastic...

Leicester Diwali Shopping Festival

Venue: Ramgarhia Community Centre

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in a family-friendly atmosphere filled with dazzling fashion, sparkling jewellery, festive décor, traditional gifts, and delicious food. With stalls from across the UK,...

The Nutcracker

Venue: Loughborough Town Hall

Website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

The original Christmas story is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It tells the story of Marie, a sad little girl, whose godfather, Drosselmeier, gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas...

Diwali and the Festival of Light

Venue: Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Website: www.lopc.co.uk

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre kick off the season on Saturday 18 October with Diwali and the Festival of Light by the Water, created in partnership with the Canals and River Trust. Expect a magical...

Halloween Trail

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

Wander through the historic castle grounds and enjoy the spooky playground trail, themed with bats, ghosts, and hidden surprises in the gardens. Perfect for children and families looking for safe and fun...

I've Lost my Bobble Hat! A new Nick Cope family show 2025

Venue: The Y Theatre

Website: https://ytheatre.co.uk

Help Nick find his beloved bobble hat in this fun filled musical hour with all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more.Nick’s live performances are legendary. If you haven’t heard his songs or seen...

Monster Masks Hunt

Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park

Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

Halloween is upon us and the monsters are getting ready for their annual masquerade ball. Search the site for ten spooky friends, and design your own mask for the party as you go. £2 per sheet, pick one...

Top Secret: The Magic of Science

Venue: MMC Venue

Website: www.mmcvenue.co.uk

Experience non-stop action-packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination. Top Secret is fun and entertaining for the whole family to enjoy along with inspiring and educating...

Children's Holiday Activity Club

Venue: Beaumanor Hall

Website: www.beaumanorhall.co.uk

From archery to high ropes, this Holiday Activities Club has a range of exciting activities on offer for youngsters aged 7-14 years to get out and explore the outdoors. Pre booking required via Eventbrite....

Kids Disco

Venue: MMC Venue

Website: www.mmcvenue.co.uk

The MMC Cafe disco is back! Join DJ shelly for a Halloween disco! Dress to impress and come and throw us your best shapes! Book your tickets in advance. 1-2.30pm. Tickets £3.

PumpkinFest 2025

Venue: Manor Farm Park and Woodlands

Website: www.manorfarm.info/events/view/pumpkinfest-2025

Enter the pumpkin carving championships for a chance to win a spellbinding prize, or guess how many pumpkins were grown this year for another chance to win. Take aim with their Pumpkin Cannon and join...

Annie

Venue: Loughborough Town Hall

Website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

This beloved family favourite musical returns to Loughborough Town Hall with hits that include “Tomorrow”, “It’s The Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Suitable...

Half Term Railway Day

Venue: Abbey Pumping Station

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Enjoy a ride on Peter the Narrow-Gauge Railway this half-term. There is a small charge for train rides (50p per person), and children under 3 years can travel for free. You can pay for your ride at the...

White Witch Workshops: Crafts, Cauldrons and Costumes

Venue: 1620s House and Garden

Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk

Join the White Witch and her friends for some Halloween crafts and stories in this ancient manor.You will have the chance to create a beautiful flower arrangement inside a pumpkin and a traditional Rowan...

Beetlespoof!

Venue: MMC Venue

Website: www.mmcvenue.co.uk

Magical illusions, pop songs and things that go bump in the night all form the essential ingredients of this bewitching plot sure to delight youngsters and adults alike. A ghoulishly spooktacular parody...

Peut-Être Theatre presents The Sleep Show

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Website: www.attenborougharts.com

A heartfelt and poetic exploration of sleep and secrets of the body clock come to life through dance.Created for children aged 4+ and their grown-ups, it’s a dance-theatre adventure that transforms bedtime...

Play in a Day

Venue: Century Theatre

Website: www.centurytheatre.co.uk

This workshop is designed for 8 to 13 year olds to give them an opportunity to develop a broad range of skills through the vehicle of devised drama. The group will create a short play from a stimulus linked...

Children’s Halloween Crafts

Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park

Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

Join Bosworth Battlefield for some frightfully fun Halloween crafts! Make your own monster mask, craft a scary pom-pom spider and build a pipe cleaner skeleton! There are two sessions running: 11am –...

Make a Scrapbook Family Event

Venue: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Design your scrapbook to hold memories of your holidays, your family, or just your favourite things. This free session is aimed at the whole family, very young children are welcome, but will need to be...

Monster Mayhem Hunt

Venue: 1620s House and Garden

Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk

The Creepy Creature Committee are gathering for their annual Halloween party.The beasties would like to take a selfie to remember the event, can you help round up the rest of these mischievous monsters...

Halloween Silent Disco

Venue: Leicester Guldhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Enjoy dancing to some Halloween favourites in the supposedly Haunted Guildhall! Complete the spooky Halloween trail around the museum and get creative at the mini Halloween craft table. Halloween Fancy...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Century Theatre

Website: www.centurytheatre.co.uk

In this adaptation, the classic fairytale gets the Lyngo treatment. Audiences can expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack, who sells...

Autumn Artisan Fair

Venue: Beaumanor Hall

Website: www.beaumanorhall.co.uk

Explore the fabulous array of stallholders where you can find one-of-a-kind items and locally made products.Warming hot chocolates and tasty treats will be available throughout the day and little ones...

Halloween Spooktacular!​

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: https://statfold.com/halloweenspooktacular

Perfect for families with younger children, with silly surprises, giggles around every corner and lots of memory-making for a great day out… and yes, costumes are encouraged! Plus pick your perfect pumpkin...

Spookathon

Venue: Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Website: www.lopc.co.uk

Visit for a spooky Halloween hunt across 25 acres of grounds, before climbing aboard a bellboat ride back to the wood-fired pizza truck. Gather round the fire with the witches and enjoy warming treats...

Pumpkin Carving

Venue: Century Theatre

Website: www.centurytheatre.co.uk

Perfect for families and all ages, you’ll have the chance to design and carve your very own spooky (or silly!) pumpkin, ready to take home and display for Halloween. £10 per pumpkin, Pre-bookable only.Spaces...

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde

Venue: Leicester Guldhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Experience a delightful mix of comedy and thrills in this unique adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s enchanting story, crafted specifically for children and families. This engaging one-man show promises plenty...

Fun for Little Ones

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Bringing 'Ms Rachels' character to life in a fun, interactive live on stage performance with lots of audience participation for little ones. With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on...

The Dinosaur That Pooped

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie,...

FREE Online Halloween Drawing Workshop

Venue: Online

Website: https://royaldrawingschool.org

Join the Royal Drawing School this Halloween for a two-hour live online drawing session. Artist Elizabeth McCarten guides 10–18 year-olds in drawing skulls, symbolism and atmosphere to create hauntingly...

Abbey Park Firework Display - Spooks and Sparks

Venue: Abbey Park

Website: https://visitleicester.info/festival/fireworks

Experience a Halloween-themed, spooky night with fireworks, thrills, chills, live stage music and performances throughout the event. With two dazzling firework displays, live entertainment and a night...

Leicester Racecourse Fireworks Festival 2025

Venue: Leicester Racecourse

Website: www.leicester-racecourse.co.uk/fireworks

The VAL Fireworks Festival is coming to Leicester Racecourse – with a spectacular evening of family fun, live entertainment, and award-winning fireworks displays synchronised to music.Funfair: Thrills...

Guiding Lights

Venue: National Memorial Arboretum

Website: www.thenma.org.uk/what's-on/events/guiding-lights

Inspired by the story Arbie and the Magical Lights, students will explore the symbolic role of light in acts of remembrance.Every day for two weeks NMA will welcome a different learning group to the Arboretum...

Harborough Showground Fireworks Spectacular

Venue: Harborough Showground

Website: www.harboroughfireworks.co.uk

Watch the night sky light up with an array of colors and patterns that promises to be a visual treat! Includes classic rides, thrilling attractions, and fun-filled activities. Whether you're a thrill-seeker...

Bonfire Night

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

Belvoir Castle are lighting up the skies from a new location in Ladies Field, allowing more space to enjoy the show. Prepare to be wowed by a larger-scale firework display from the award-winning MLE Pyrotechnics,...

Cirque: The Greatest Show - Reimagined

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk

Cirque explodes into 2025 with a brand-new show – bolder, braver and more breath-taking than ever before! Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original...

Miss Americana - A Tribute to Taylor Swift

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk

Step into the world of Taylor Swift in this electrifying show featuring the incredible Xenna. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation's music, style, and unrivalled stage presence. Xenna embodies every...

Shakespeare Schools Festival

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Join Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation this November for an exhilarating evening of live theatre, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools. See Shakespeare’s...

Hairspray – The Broadway Musical

Venue: The Little Theatre

Website: www.thelittletheatre.co.uk

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! KPAOS is back this November with ‘Hairspray!’ Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with...

Cinderella

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Don't miss this year's hilarious, fun-filled, family pantomime Cinderella starring Lichfield Pantomime favourite San Rabone! With hilarious comedy, beautiful sets and costumes, and a magical cast, Cinderella...

Discovery Morning

Venue: Leicester High School for Girls

Website: www.leicesterhigh.co.uk

The event offers the chance to experience the School’s friendly community and ambitious teaching first-hand. From pre-school to sixth form, every girl is known, valued, and inspired to achieve her best....

Cinderella

Venue: Loughborough Town Hall

Website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

Featuring sparkling sets, fabulous frocks, side splitting slapstick and not one, but two outrageous dames, this is an unmissable treat for the whole family. The clock is ticking so grab your tickets to...

Film Club - Toy Story

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

This cinema-style screening offers families the rare chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy Woody, Buzz and the gang on the big screen in a truly out-of-this-world setting.To infinity… and beyond!

MC Grammar: Books, Beats and Barz

Venue: The Y Theatre

Website: https://ytheatre.co.uk

Get ready for book bangers, epic rhymes and non-stop vibes! It’s the ultimate family party – so grab your caps, shades and chains and get ready to read, rap and rock the stage. Don’t miss this lyrical...

James B Partridge - The Big Christmas Assembly 2025

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk

This Christmas, James brings his beloved show to Leicester, inviting audiences to relive the heartwarming magic of a classic Christmas assembly.Fans rave about James’s ability to create a sense of community...

Aliens Love Panta Claus

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

This Christmas at Curve join a super-charged rabble of aliens and Santa Claus, as they spread festive knicker cheer across Curve, in the brand-new stage show of Claire Freedman and Ben Cort‘s picture...

The Sound of Music Theatre Day

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Through fantastic demonstrations and discussions with team members, gain exclusive insights into the rehearsal and technical process of the production. Discover how the actors, creatives and production...

Dick Whittington

Venue: The Little Theatre

Website: www.thelittletheatre.co.uk

Get ready for a spellbinding adventure filled with laughter, mischief, and a sprinkle of magic as The Little Theatre present the dazzling tale of Dick Whittington! This is a festive spectacle bursting...

Christmas Extravaganza

Venue: Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre

Website: www.lopc.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto will be open so go along, meet Santa, and collect an early Christmas present! Plus don’t miss the much-loved Santa Paddle on 21 December, with carols, festive treats, and a merry paddle...