Discover Creativity Across the Culture County

Embrace your creative side this autumn with our handpicked selection of events across Durham. Whether you're looking to get creative yourself or discover inspiring exhibitions, performances and artistic experiences, there's plenty to enjoy this season.

After Dark Volume 2 at The Light

After Dark Volume 2 is a visceral look into one of the formative visual worlds that shaped Liz West's practice: the colour, sound, and spectacle of 90s pop. To  mark the 30^th anniversary of the Spice Girls' debut album, a selection of exclusive pieces from West's Guinness World Record-holding Spice Girls collection will be on display on Friday 6 November

Juan Martín Masterclass at The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is excited to welcome back world-renowned flamenco guitarist, Juan Martín on 25 October. Hailed as one of the greatest exponents of flamenco guitar, Martín has captivated audiences across the globe with his fiery technique, soul-stirring compositions and deep-rooted authenticity. Bring your guitar and learn from one of the best of the flamenco guitar tradition. This is a small class with a maximum of 15 participants. Non-participating guests can buy a spectator ticket to observe the class in progress.

Front Row Talk: The Cornish Sketchbooks at The Bowes Museum

Join Mike Thornton, Norman Cornish's son-in-law, for an intimate walkthrough of The Bowes Museum's Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks exhibition. Discover how Cornish's sketchbooks shaped his creative practice and became a visual record of his life and work, capturing the people, places and everyday moments of his hometown of Spennymoor and the wider County Durham region. This event is part of The Bowes Museum's Front Row Talks series, offering a closer look at the life and work of a local artist.

Celebrate Science at Locomotion

Calling all young scientists! Locomotion is the next stop for the annual festival to celebrate science running from 27 to 29 October. Get inspired by science this autumn! Durham University is partnering with Locomotion to host an exciting three-day festival. See live demonstrations, hands-on experiments and creative activities for the whole family.

David Ford’s Songbook at Old Cinema Launderette

A stripped back, intimate evening hosted at one of Durham’s most unique venues , the show celebrates 25 years of David Ford’s songwriting, blending live performances with the stories and inspirations behind the songs. Expect powerful moments, reflection, warmth and humour throughout.

Autumn Tales at 2 at Auckland Gardens & Wilderness Garden

Join a duo of lively storytellers for Autumn Tales, a fun family storytelling session around the fire in Auckland Palace’s purpose-developed Wilderness Garden. Expect seasonal stories full of humour, imagination and a little mischief, shared outdoors in one of the Palace grounds’ most playful spaces running from 28 October to 31 October.

Make an Impression! At The Bowes Museum

Inspired by the work of the Impressionists, visitors can explore colour, light and atmosphere through painting or sketching in a dedicated creative space. Canvases and painting kits are available to purchase and can be used alongside easels set up in the Create Space, recreating the atmosphere of a traditional artist’s workshop. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or simply enjoy the space as a place to draw and develop their creativity.

Family Activities Build a Beast at Durham University Oriental Museum

Learn about the powerful ancient Egyptian goddess Taweret and build your own mythological creature! Explore, learn and create with a programme of free family events. Taking inspiration from objects on display across the Oriental Museum's galleries, families can get creative all season long. Activities are generally suitable for families with children aged 5 - 11 years old and the build a beast activity takes place on 21 November.

Shared reading with Amy Lord at Barnard Castle Library

As part of the Durham Book Festival, join Amy lord on Friday 30 October at Barnard Castle Library for a shared reading event. Where participants come together to read aloud, explore themes, share perspectives, and enjoy thoughtful conversation in a welcoming and relaxed environment.