Discover Creativity Across The Culture County

Embrace creativity this autumn with our curated selection of autumn events in Durham.  Whether you want to get creative yourself, or experience creativity on show across the county this autumn

Lumiere's 9th edition brings a fresh programme filled with magic and joy, turning the city into a glowing art gallery. Enjoy spectacular artworks and exclusive commissions from renowned UK and international artists. Lumiere 2025 will captivate visitors and locals over three evenings, 13 to 15 November.

Durham Book Festival

Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and entertained by top authors visiting Durham City. Enjoy over 25 events across three days, covering history, humour, poetry, and fiction. Durham Book Festival is taking pace from 10 to 12 October and is organised by New Writing North and Durham County Council. The festival will feature Dame Pat Barker, one of the UK's top authors. Her daughter, Anna Barker, will join her for 'Dipped in Ink,' discussing their upcoming memoir about family and literature. And don't miss Ann Cleeves, author of books adapted into TV shows including ITV's Vera and BBC's Shetland.

Drawing in the Galleries at The Spanish Gallery

Experience Spanish masterpieces in Drawing in the Galleries on 17 October. and explore iconic art from the Spanish Golden Age through sketching. Led by artist Jilly Johnston, you'll learn tone, composition, and realism techniques in The Spanish Gallery. Whether you're a beginner or refining your skills, connect with great art in a new way.

Dressed for Departure at The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first public railway to use steam locomotives. Their new exhibit, Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail, opens on 27 September. This exhibation is part of the S&DR200 celebrations, highlighting the railway's impact on everyday life since its first journey in 1825.

National Poetry Day with Ray Lonsdale at Consett Library

Join local sculptor Ray Lonsdale on National Poetry Day for readings of his favourite poems that accompany his sculptures. Discover why these words have become part of his art. Ray will share his life, work, and inspirations, and answer questions.

Fused Glass Cactus Workshop

Northern Sky Designs presents a morning of creative fun at its very first Fused Glass Potted Cactus Workshop on 18 October. This is a very fun workshop, making your own fused glass cactus display.

The Storytellers by Luxmuralis at Durham Cathedral

Escape into a world of light and sound projections that bring storytelling to life at The Storytellers by Luxmuralis. From 8 to 12 October, literary illuminations will grace Durham Cathedral's ancient architecture. Luxmuralis is returning for its fourth year, showcasing a breathtaking light installation that transforms stories from books into reality. Walk through ancient texts, immerse in famous authors' imaginations, and explore worlds of romance, fantasy, poetry, and legends.

Durham Wine Week

The much-anticipated Durham Wine Week is making its grand debut from 10 to 19 October, offering an unmissable opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant wine scene at an unbeatable price. This is a city-wide celebration of wine, collaborating with some of the best venues across the city.

Singing Break at Auckland Palace

An inspirational and uplifting weekend of singing during the 10 to 12 October in the company of composer, singer and music director Joanna Forbes l'Estrange in the magnificent setting of Auckland Palace. Participants will have the opportunity to sing Joanna's major new work.  

South West Durham Heritage Festival

The festival will bring communities together to celebrate the region’s rich history and culture through an exciting programme of free, family-friendly events. On Friday 3 October, the festival arrives in Aycliffe, joining forces with the ever popular Aycliffe Street Food Market. Alongside an array of food stalls, visitors can try their hand at the heritage dig-pit, while roaming historical characters explore modern delicacies like bubble tea and chorizo jam.

S&DR200 Presents WOW North East

The first WOW Festival in North East England celebrates women, girls, and non-binary achievements with talks and performances, at Gala Durham on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October. Discover the historical impact of women and girls on the railways 200 years ago and discuss how they can lead the next wave of technological advancements in space and greener futures.

TEDxDurham at Gala Durham

TEDxDurham is coming back to its roots on 2 November, at the Gala Durham. The event, originally held in 2013, will return to its UK origins after traveling to Durham, North Carolina. Part of the global TEDx programme, it will feature 10 talks from leading thinkers, innovators, and storytellers. These talks aim to ignite curiosity, challenge viewpoints, and inspire the local community.

Let your creativity flow this autumn and make it a memorable autumn break in the Culture County.