If you’re looking ahead to autumn, there are plenty of seasonal events taking place across Cumbria for all to enjoy.

Head to Cockermouth on September 23 and 24 for the flagship Taste Cumbria festival. Celebrate Cumbrian produce with a producers’ market, cooking demos, picnic area, hot food stalls, and plenty more. 
On Saturday, October 7, the Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow hosts its Classic Drive and Ride in Day where you can join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their vehicles to display at the museum. Taking place between 10am and 2pm, it’s a chance to see everything from motoring classics to more recent sports cars.
The Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (October 28 – November 18) sees stargazing themed activities and events take place across the county. Think dark sky canoeing, bushcraft cookery, folk music and plenty more. Head to visitlakedistrict.com to see what’s on.
Penrith’s annual Winter Droving festival takes place on October 28. Expect street performances, market stalls, funfair rides, and a vibrant torchlight procession. Don’t forget your mask!
There are several arts and culture exhibitions taking place throughout the month. At Grizedale, learn about the history of women in forestry at The Lumberjills’ Story (until December 10); Blackwell welcomes an exhibition by artist Halima Cassel titled ‘Reflections’ (until January 1); while at Rheged, don’t miss Libby Edmondson – A Life Full of Colour (until November 26). 
If you want to try your hand at a new skill, there are plenty of workshops across the region – Hare Hill Barn, Cowshed Creative, and Quirky Workshops offer a range of options.
Ahead of Halloween, there’s a whole host of spooky events taking place. At Walby Farm Park, you can pick your own pumpkins at their annual Pumpkin Picking on the Farm event between October 1 and 31. Every paying child receives a free pumpkin, which they can carve in the on-site carving tent. 
ZipWorld Windermere is welcoming brave visitors for a Halloween themed event. Arachnophobia sees their Treetop Nets taken over by eight-legged creatures between October 21 and 30. 
If you’re looking for a full day out, it can be enjoyed as part of Brockhole Windermere’s Pumpkin Passport Plus – featuring over 20 additional Halloween themed activities across Brockhole. 
Attractions like Brewery Arts in Kendal, Wordsworth Grasmere, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and Brantwood in Coniston are hosting family-friendly Halloween events throughout the half term holiday. Meanwhile, Muncaster’s annual Halloween family festival is joined by a new evening event. Scarecaster takes place on October 20, 21, 27, and 28. 
For more autumn events inspiration, head to Cumbria Tourism’s official visitor-facing website: www.visitlakedistrict.com.