October in Otley is shaping up to be a month of contrasts: big hair courtesy of the Bon Jovi tribute band Bon Joe-V, and big scares thanks to ghost stories, spooky tours, and the return of Woolpack Studios’ “Spookulele” night. Whether you’re in the mood for film, food, music, or a fright, there’s plenty happening around town. Here’s your guide to what’s on.
Bollywood Noir on the Big Screen
Venue: Otley Courthouse
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
A new season of Otley Film Society gets underway with Santosh, a taut crime drama from rural India. The story follows a young widow who unexpectedly inherits her late husband’s job as a police constable, only to be drawn into the murky depths of a murder investigation. Part social commentary, part police procedural, it’s a thoughtful opener that sets the tone for a diverse autumn programme. Expect the usual Courthouse warmth — a bar from 7pm and an accessible, welcoming atmosphere.
Folk, But Make It Electric
Venue: The Black Horse, Folk at the Farrier series
Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Forget fiddles in their cosy corner — Frankie Archer blows the genre wide open. Her electro-folk sound layers synths, samples, and beats under soaring fiddle lines and vocals, taking traditional tunes into bold new territory. It’s music rooted in history but plugged firmly into the present, perfect for anyone who likes their folk with a kick of adrenaline.
From Yorkshire to Hollywood
Venue: Otley Courthouse
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Want to know how Yorkshire became one of the UK’s most important backdrops for film and TV? Screen Yorkshire’s Chris Hordley joins Alex Leggat of Otley Film Society to lift the lid on what goes on behind the cameras. From Happy Valley’s gritty landscapes to the grandeur of The Crown, Yorkshire has been quietly starring in global productions for years. There’ll be insider stories, fascinating insights, and a chance to ask your own questions about the region’s screen boom.
You Give Love a Good Night Out
Venue: Tapas & Tunes
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Hair spray at the ready — Bon Joe-V are rolling into town to deliver a full-throttle Bon Jovi experience. Expect the swagger, the riffs, and the singalongs: Livin’ on a Prayer, Runaway, Wanted Dead or Alive, and the fist-pumping You Give Love a Bad Name. It’s unapologetically big, brash, and brilliant — a night of pure rock escapism where the only thing louder than the guitars will be the crowd.
Classic Cars at Dusk
Venue: Market Place
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 6:00 pm
Engines will roar as the Ilkley Jubilee Historic & Targa Rally gets underway in Otley. With over 80 classic cars from the 60s, 70s, and 80s lining up, it’s a petrolhead’s dream and a nostalgia trip all rolled into one. Whether you’re a fan of sleek sports cars, rally beasts, or just love a bit of chrome and horsepower, this dusk start makes for a spectacular sight as the cars parade through Market Place before heading off into competition.
Tales by Lamplight
Venue: Otley Courthouse
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
If you like your October evenings with a side of shivers, step into Darkness & Light, Adam Z. Robinson’s chilling double bill of ghost stories. Performed in a lamp-lit setting, the stories weave together horror, folklore, and psychological unease. Expect sinister villages, haunted dolls, and the creeping suspicion that you’re not alone. It’s intimate theatre designed to raise goosebumps — and possibly make you think twice about walking home in the dark.
Markets, Makers and More
Venue: Market Place (Farmers’ Market) & Otley Courthouse (Craft Fair)
Date: Sunday, October 26th
Otley’s markets are the perfect way to wrap up the month with a celebration of local flavour and creativity. On Sunday, October 25, from 9am-1pm, Market Place transforms into a hub of fresh, regional produce: artisan bread, farmhouse cheeses, seasonal fruit and veg, jams, chutneys, and more. At the same time (but starting an hour later) Otley Courthouse opens its doors to makers and crafters, offering a showcase of handmade gifts, jewellery, textiles, and artworks. Two opportunities to fill your bags — one with food, the other with unique finds.
Walking With Spirits
Venue: Departures from Market Place
Date: Every Saturday in October, 2025
Why wait until Halloween for a scare? Otley’s Ghost Tour runs every Saturday night, setting off twice from Market Place. Guides lead you through dark alleys and historic corners, telling tales of eerie happenings and spine-tingling local legends. Equal parts history lesson and hair-raising fun, it’s a walk that will make you see the town in a whole new (ghostly) light.
A Haunting Strum
Venue: Otley Social Club
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Halloween night itself sees the return of Spookulele. The Otley Ukulele Orchestra swap sunshine strums for eerie chords, delivering haunting tunes with a wink and a smile. It’s part concert, part Halloween party, and entirely unique. Expect a playful atmosphere, plenty of costumes, and the chance to end October with something as fun as it is spooky.