Rainy days, shorter evenings, and a significant drop in temperature…there are a number of reasons we’re sad to see summer go.
But if you’ve been suffering with the summer blues. worry not. Turns out there’s actually plenty of good stuff to look forward to, as we put away the parasols and sunglasses, and reach for our scarves and boots.
Autumn in Liverpool is actually one of the best times of year, as the chillier air is warmed by art, culture, events and that famous scouse cheer.
And, need we remind you of two hugely popular celebrations coming up – mischievous Halloween and toasty Bonfire Night?
Take a look at the events below to see all the reasons we’re stoked for Autumn in Liverpool. And, if you’re coming from farther afield to join in the festivities, don’t forget you can book yourself a cosy night’s stay at any of our Liverpool short stay apartments.
Baltic Market Oktoberfest
27 – 30 September, Baltic Market
Back for it’s third year in a row (and no doubt due to popular demand), the Baltic Market Oktoberfest will surely be one of September’s highlights.
The festival aims to bring a touch of Munich to Liverpool, and will be showcasing traditional German beers, local craft beers, German sausage and other local food within its typically thriving market hall.
There’ll even be barrels from Black Lodge Brewery – Germany’s official beer Paulaner – and a number of German wines and gins selected by local merchants. Each of the eight food traders will also be adding a German twist to their menus, so be sure to get in there and get sampling the delights.
Liverpool Whiskey Festival
22 September, Metropolitan Cathedral
We do love an excuse to drink round here. And what better tipple to warm you up than a good ol’ dram of whiskey?
Liverpool’s Whiskey Festival is a perfect opportunity to get to know this spirit a little better and get into the Autumnal spirit. Based in Lutyen’s Crypt at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the festival will feature a selection of homegrown whiskeys from Scotland and some of the finest distillers from all over the world – including India, Taiwan, Japan and the USA.
Simply ask any of the exhibitors for a dram of whiskey and they’ll gladly serve, all whilst telling you about the heritage and brewing process of each whiskey you try.
This year the festival is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Whiskey Lounge, so there’ll also be some exciting surprises in store.
St George’s Hall Beer Festival
27 Sep, St George’s Hall
Another much-loved event this time of year is the St George’s Hall Beer Festival, where creators and drinkers come together in the iconic building to celebrate their shared love of the stuff.
Expect 200 different real ales and ciders to try, as well as a gin garden with a beautiful selection of boutique gins, spirits, wines and prosecco (for those who don’t like beer).
There’ll be entertainment and live music throughout, with a mix of hot and cold food from local vendors to soak up all the alcohol.
CAMRA members will receive a hearty discount on drinks, so be sure to bring your card along for some great savings.
Liverpool Film Festival
12-14 October, Odeon Liverpool One
Another huge event coming up this season is the Liverpool Film Festival – we can’t wait!
The second annual festival of its kind, Liverpool Film Festival is a chance to see new and emerging films on the fringe of the industry. This year’s attendees will be treated to an exclusive screening of ‘Laddie: Man Behind the Films’ which pays homage to producer Alan Ladd Jr, as well as an early look at short film ‘Being Keegan’ and a number of other short and feature-length movies.
The festival has expanded to two screens at the Odeon this year, and more filmmakers than ever are expected to attend and take part in post-screening Q&As. Whether you’re a film buff, budding film maker or somewhere in between, this is a weekend well spent.
Liverpool Literary Festival
19-21 October, various locations
The fall is not just a time to recognise the good work in film…but also literature and books.
The Liverpool Literature Festival brings together book lovers, avid readers, novelists and poets for a weekend of discussion, insight, readings, workshops and a chance to get to know the authors of your favourite scrawlings better.
Hosted by the Uni of Liverpool, the second Literary Festival looks set to be a big one, with appearances from Sir Tony Robinson, Val McDermid, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Colm Toibin, Fiona Sampson and heaps of others.
Liverpool Biennial Festival
14 July – 28 October, various locations
The Liverpool Biennial Festival is the UK’s largest celebration of contemporary art from all over the globe. This year it’s back, bigger than ever, as it celebrates it 20th Anniversary with the title ‘Beautiful World, Where Are You?’, inspired by the 230 year-old poem by Freidrich Schiller.
Bringing together a wonderful collection of eclectic and mesmerising art pieces, Liverpool Biennial really is a unique perspective and commentary on the world we live in. Check out this year’s art from over 40 different international artists, spread over the city’s finest venues, public spaces and hidden nooks.
You may find a glow-in-the-dark skate park, a lift exploding from a pavement, a Red prefab house pumping out Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ or fragments of a giant pipe popping out of the flag stones. Whatever it is, the Biennial Festival takes our beloved city and flips it on its head.
Halloween Ball & Lantern Parade
24-26 October, Sefton Park
Conveniently taking place during the school half term break, the Halloween Ball & Lantern parade at Sefton Park is a great Halloween activity to do with the little ones.
Get the kids dressed up in their costumes and bring them down to the Palm House for some spooky fun. During the day, there’ll be activities such as monster mask-making, lantern-making and a mini parade, whilst the evening ball will involve giant monster puppets for the children to meet, as well a disco, games, and dancing.
Chamber of Horrors
27-31 October, St George’s Hall
The Chamber of Horrors is a fantastically spooky event designed to chill you to the core this Halloween!
Based in the historic St George’s Hall, this year’s tour is expected to be eerier than ever, reliving gory scenes from Hollywood’s scariest blockbusters and telling all-new suspense-filled stories of the lost souls sent to the gallows at St George’s Hall.
Attendees need to be 15 or over, but families are welcome.
Ghoulies Haunted House
31 October, Dale St
Frequently voted as the city’s best all-year-round attraction, Ghoulies Haunted House will be a serious treat this Halloween!
Known for its impressively realistic haunted house and immersive scare experience, Ghoulies is the place to be if you fancy shaking things up a bit. Go along as a family to the Haunted House experience or, if you fancy something a little scarier, head to the Ghoulies X slot with your mates for a horrifying experience you’ll never forget (18s and over only).
Once in the house, you will be chased, threatened, spooked, and even touched or manhandled, but don’t worry – it’s all in good fun. If you are indeed wary of being touched, then you can get a glow stick from reception, which prevents the monsters from touching you.
River of Light Fireworks Show
5 November, Liverpool Dockside
We’d be utter frauds if we mentioned everything on this list but didn’t talk about Bonfire Night.
On 5th November, the River of Light fireworks show will be returning once again to light up the city skyline with a dazzling show specially commissioned from Titanium Fireworks (the same team behind the London New Year’s Eve party, the Commonwealth Games 2014 opening ceremony, and even Adele’s finale show at Wembley Stadium in June this year).
The display can be clearly enjoyed from both sides of the water, meaning those in Liverpool and the Wirral can all get a good view. There’ll also be performances from LED drumming act Spark!, as well as visual artists Halo and a number of dancers, acrobats and firebreathers.
