Looking for whats on Stoke on Trent in October 2026 and beyond? From exciting theatre productions and live music to Halloween thrills and family days out, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire offer a fantastic range of entertainment throughout autumn and into the New Year. Whether you want to join friends for an evening of comedy, explore local art and culture, or enjoy a family adventure, there is something for everyone. Family entertainment encompasses a range of live shows and circus performances.

Our guide highlights the latest events, important dates and places to visit. Always check the venue’s full listing before booking, as schedules and tickets can change. You can also follow our Facebook page, Facebook, to learn more about our tour dates and discover what’s coming up next.

Whats On Stoke on Trent

Gandeys Circus at Trentham: Halloween Spooktacular

Ready for some Halloween thrills? Gandeys Circus brings its brand-new Halloween Spooktacular to Trentham Estate from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. This Big Top show combines spectacular performances, daring acts and spooky entertainment, making it the perfect place for families seeking excitement (The Big Top is a traditional tent used for circus performances).

Show times and tickets

• Where: Circus Big Top, Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8JG.
• Dates: 23 October to 1 November 2026.
• Opening night: Friday 23 October at 5:30pm, with seats priced at £9.99 (plus a £4 ringside supplement).
• Weekends: Performances at 12 noon, 2:30pm and 5:30pm, except for the final Sunday, 1 November, when there is no 5:30pm show.
• Half term: Shows at 2:30pm and 5:30pm from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, plus a noon performance on Friday.
• Tickets: From £9.99 for side seats to £35 for Premium Ringside, plus a £1.95 booking fee per ticket. Family tickets are available.

Performances last around two hours, including the interval. There are no animals, just talented human performers bringing the Big Top to life. Under-twos can sit on a parent’s lap for free, while hot food, drinks, candy floss and popcorn are available inside. Read the FAQs page or visit the Gandeys Circus contact page before you visit for more information.

Theatre, concerts and comedy

For a different kind of evening, Hanley is the place to head. The city centre’s main venues offer theatre, music, drama and comedy throughout the year, while those looking for something edgier can seek out adult night circus shows in nearby areas.

The New Vic Theatre in nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme presents The Borrowers from 13 November 2026 to 23 January 2027. Its distinctive theatre-in-the-round setting brings audiences close to the action, making performances feel personal and immersive, much like the Gandeys Circus England UK shows that tour across the country.

Victoria Hall offers concerts and live music, with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on 19 November, The Stylistics on 26 November and Shed Seven on 8 December. For tribute music, The Australian Pink Floyd plays at the Regent Theatre on 30 November, while circus fans can also enjoy the spectacular Gandeys Circus Coventry dates elsewhere in the region.

Comedy fans can look forward to Richard Ayoade’s Afterthoughts on 19 October, Bill Bailey’s Vaudevillean on 10 November, Jonathan Pie on 22 October and Paul Smith on 11 November. Check individual listings for availability before making plans with friends.

Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s best-known entertainment venues. Originally built as a cinema in 1929, it now welcomes touring musicals, drama, dance and other major theatre productions to Staffordshire. It offers audiences the chance to enjoy West End-style entertainment without travelling to Birmingham or Manchester. The Regent Theatre has 33 upcoming shows listed.

Musicals and pantomime

October brings Jersey Boys, playing from 26 to 31 October 2026. Legally Blonde follows from 17 to 21 November, with Dirty Dancing running from 24 to 28 November.

For festive family entertainment, the Regent’s pantomime is Snow White, running from 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Stoke favourite Jonathan Wilkes returns as Muddles, helping bring traditional pantomime fun to the stage. An audio-described and signed performance is scheduled for 29 December. The Nutcracker ballet is also performed during the holiday season and it’s been a holiday favourite since 1954.

Book tickets early for popular shows and check the Regent Theatre’s full listing for performance times, accessibility information and any additional dates.

Sporting Events

Sporting events are another great way to enjoy life in Stoke-on-Trent. The bet365 Stadium is home to Stoke City Football Club and holds just over 30,000 spectators. Match days bring plenty of atmosphere, whether you follow the team regularly or simply enjoy the excitement of live sport.

Check fixtures before travelling and allow extra time for traffic and parking around the stadium. If you’re planning an evening out, consider combining a match with food nearby or exploring Hanley’s restaurants and entertainment venues.

Stoke on Trent

Beyond the stages and stadium, Stoke-on-Trent has plenty to offer anyone interested in culture, creativity and family adventures.

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley offers free entry and a fascinating display of local heritage. Visitors can discover part of the Staffordshire Hoard, a restored Spitfire and an impressive collection of ceramics celebrating the city’s pottery-making world. Families can enjoy pottery painting this Halloween in Stoke-on-Trent. The Stoke Ceramics Fair is on October 17, 2026, with it showcasing over 40 ceramic artists, and circus lovers can look ahead to the Gandeys Circus Trentham and K-Pop Dragon Circus dates.

For hands-on creativity, visit Emma Bridgewater in Hanley or World of Wedgwood in Barlaston, where decorating studios and tours let visitors learn about the craft. Interactive games are available at the Wedgwood children’s activity event. Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton offers another glimpse into the area’s industrial past, including its historic bottle ovens, while fans of live spectacle can plan a trip to the Gandeys Circus Nottingham K-Pop Dragon Circus.

Families can explore Trentham Estate’s gardens with its Shaun the Sheep trail, lakeside walks and adventure play, with Monkey Forest next door. Waterworld at Festival Park provides indoor water-based thrills, with slides and pools for a fun day whatever the weather, and there are also touring circus events such as Gandeys Circus Solihull and the Gandeys Circus Trafford Centre Halloween Spooktacular within easy reach of Staffordshire.

Alton Towers

For even more thrills, Alton Towers theme park is a short journey from Stoke-on-Trent, near the village of Alton. Its Scarefest event runs from 16 October to 1 November 2026, offering Halloween entertainment, attractions and experiences for a range of ages. You can also enjoy spooky Big Top fun at the Gandeys Circus Merry Hill Halloween Spooktacular. Check the official website for opening times, age guidance and tickets before setting off.

As Christmas approaches, Trentham’s Winter Light Trail runs from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, offering more than a mile of illuminated displays. Together with the Regent’s pantomime and the New Vic’s festive show, it provides plenty of ways to enjoy the season.

Whether you love theatre, festivals, sport, music or family adventures, Stoke-on-Trent has something to discover. Explore the latest listings, check your dates and get ready to enjoy everything this lively Staffordshire destination has to offer.

Is Gandeys Circus coming to Stoke-on-Trent?

Yes. The Halloween Spooktacular runs at the Trentham Estate from 23 October to 1 November 2026. Book tickets on our tour dates page.