Want to feel more arty? Here’s our guide to Liverpool’s best cultural events this October

Our city is brimming with arts, culture, and everything in between, and as fun as Concert Square and Raz Bombs can be, there is in fact more to Liverpool than knocking back pints in St Peter’s Tavern every weekend. If your new semester resolution is to explore the city a bit more, and to absorb local art, then you’re in the right place. We’ve curated a student friendly guide to the best cultural events going on this month, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into markets, exhibitions, or art trails, these beautiful events will help you celebrate the start of autumn, so grab your flatmates and go and take a look!

Indika Festival by Milap

One of Europe’s largest celebrations of Indian Arts is coming to Liverpool City Region this Friday. Chiming with Milap’s 40th Birthday this month, the team are pulling out all the stops to make INDIKA 2025 the biggest and best celebration to date – with 15 days of outstanding Indian music, dance, storytelling, food, yoga, workshops and activities for everyone throughout the October half term. For dance students, INDIKA is offering two exclusive workshops for individuals with two or more years of dance experience; a Kathak Workshop with Sanjukta Sinha and a Bharatanatyam Workshop with Apoorva Jayaraman.

The festival runs for 15 days over 11 venues across the city, so if you’re not feeling in the mood to tackle your required reading one day, it’s the perfect opportunity to mooch around town and soak in some culture.

Liverpool Black History Month

Most Read

Everything the real Adeline Watkins has said about her twisted relationship with Ed Gein

The deeper meaning of why Ed Gein saw everything green in The Ed Gein Story’s episode four

The MAFS UK 2025 episode schedule has changed – when it will be on for the rest of the series

Under the theme Power and Pride, Culture Liverpool presents projects including spoken word, gospel music, textiles, dance and digital art, celebrating Black voices across Liverpool. Be sure to check out all the events BlackFest has to offer, such as and the finale taking place in Invisible Wind Factory on 30th October. There are some iconic local figures, authors and speakers taking to the city centre to showcase underrepresented voices and cultural projects, so it’s your perfect chance to learn something outside a lecture theatre and shine a light on incredible arts.

River of Light Festival

Liverpool’s favourite autumnal activity is back on on Friday 24th October until Sunday 2nd November. With this years theme being The Science of Light, bring your smartest flatmate and get on down to the Albert Docks to have a look at some gorgeous displays, and learn some fun facts about the city you call home. Here’s a pro tip though – dress up warm! Those winds down by the Mersey can get bitter. It’s a good excuse to stop by somewhere for a hot chocolate and a sweet treat though, which is always a bonus.

Liverpool Literary Festival

The University of Liverpool is celebrating 10 years of its Liverpool’s Literary Festival taking  place on the 17th to the 19th October. This year’s fabulous programme includes authors such as Juno Dawson, Emma Jane Unsworth, Nussaibah Younis, Dorothy Koomson, and film critic Mark Kermode. If you’re a School of the Arts student, you can grab a free ticket through the uni, so it’s a great day to learn, listen and connect with brilliant authors and creatives.

Liverpool Makers Market

Although it runs twice monthly, it’s very likely many freshers won’t have discovered the infamous Makers Market yet. Whilst the first event this month took place on the 5th October at Royal Albert Dock, you can still catch the next market at the Bombed Out Church on the 19th. From gorgeous handmade jewellery to delicious food, there’s over 50 wonderful local artisans and independent stores to spend your student loan. You already know a sweet treat here will go down better than a Lidl bakery muffin, that’s for sure.

It’s looking like the winter blues will be at bay for a few more weeks if you can get down to these incredible events – surround yourself with the arts and culture of the city, you won’t regret it!