It’s the first weekend of October, Tunbridge Wells – and we’re kicking things off with three school open days this Friday. There’s plenty more happening too, including Autumn Magic at Birchden Vineyards, a Farm Shop Supplier Tasting at the gorgeous Dragonfly Farm, pumpkin picking, live music, family activities and a proper 80s night out.

Plus, there are just a couple of spaces left on this weekend’s Bread Making Workshop if you fancy getting hands-on! Here’s our round-up of the best things happening in and around Tunbridge Wells this weekend…

♥ Bishops Down Primary School Open Day takes place on Friday 2 October from 9 – 10am, giving you the chance to meet the Headteacher, Reception Teacher, staff and pupils, tour the school and see learning in action. The Tunbridge Wells school has wonderful grounds, open spaces and a thriving Forest School, alongside a nurturing Early Years provision and an ambitious, engaging curriculum. A second open morning will take place on Friday 16 October, with school tours also available throughout November.

♥ Hilden Grange School Open Morning takes place in Tonbridge on Friday 2 October from 9:30am – 12pm. Explore the independent co-educational prep school’s classrooms, facilities and picturesque grounds, and get a feel for everyday life at the school.

♥ Rose Hill School Open Morning is also taking place on Friday 2 October from 9:30am – 12pm. Have a look around the school’s classrooms, specialist teaching spaces and 16 acres of grounds during its Autumn Term Open Morning.

♥ Autumn Magic at Birchden Vineyards begins this weekend in Groombridge and runs on selected dates throughout October. Little explorers can take part in the Children’s Immersive Mystery Trail, searching for the missing pieces of the Harvest Moon, choosing and decorating a pumpkin, toasting marshmallows and making a Harvest Key. The Autumn Magic Barn is also open to everyone on event days, with pumpkins, seasonal food, a Bavarian BBQ and the lovely Blackbird Café.

♥ Farm Shop Supplier Tasting is happening at Dragonfly Farm in Speldhurst on Saturday 3 October from 11am – 2:30pm. Meet some of the local suppliers stocked in the farm shop, sample their products and find out more about the people behind the produce. No ticket needed – just turn up.

♥ Bread Making Course at Bore Place takes place on Sunday 4 October from 10am–4pm. Led by Pietro Pagani of Tunbridge Wells cookery school The Alternative Table, this hands-on workshop is all about getting floury, learning new baking skills and, naturally, taking something delicious home with you.

♥ The Simon & Garfunkel Story comes to Trinity Theatre on Saturday 3 October, with performances at 3pm and 7.30pm. Direct from the West End, the show celebrates the music and story of one of music’s most iconic duos, with a live band, projection imagery and original film footage, alongside classics including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Tickets are £33.

♥ Irish & Trad Sessions return to The Sussex Arms on the Pantiles on Sunday 4 October from 4pm. Expect an afternoon of traditional Irish, Cornish, folk and old-time tunes from some of the county’s best session players. Entry is free, although table booking is recommended as it gets busy.

♥ Tonbridge School Open Morning takes place on Saturday 3 October, giving prospective pupils and families the chance to explore the school and find out more about life at Tonbridge School.

♥ Martin Kemp: Back to the 80s is bringing the ultimate nostalgic night out to Assembly Hall Theatre on Friday 2 October. The Spandau Ballet star will be behind the decks playing huge 80s anthems from Duran Duran, George Michael, Madonna, Culture Club, Chaka Khan and, of course, Spandau Ballet. Expect plenty of singalongs and nostalgia.

♥ Check out the new marble run at Wilderness Wood! This place is an absolute gem. There’s always something new each time we visit…Have you been? This Sunday they are hosting their monthly Sunday Slice too….

♥ GO Outdoors officially opens its new Tunbridge Wells store at North Farm on Saturday 3 October from 9am – 5pm. There’ll be an opening celebration, with the first 100 groups through the doors receiving a goody bag worth £40. Selected bags will also contain £500, £200 and £100 vouchers to spend in store – so it could be worth getting there early!

♥ PYO Pumpkin Season is officially here, with plenty of pumpkin patches opening across Kent and Sussex. Alongside Groombridge Hill Pumpkins, there’s The Great Pumpkin Pick at The Montreal Estate, Meopham PYO at Broomfield Farm, Sharnfold Farm and Feagans Farm in Uckfield, all offering their own take on autumn pumpkin picking. Check out our full guide to pumpkin picking in Kent for all the details.

♥ Spookiful at Standen begins on Saturday 3 October at Standen near East Grinstead. This spooky-but-not-scary trail winds through the gardens with creepy crows, bats, magical encounters and activities along the way. It runs until 1 November.

♥ The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Knole continues throughout October, with 12 giant sculptures inspired by The Gruffalo dotted around the estate. Head into the deep dark wood, spot the characters and combine the trail with an autumn wander around Knole’s grounds.

♥ Pumpkin Rainbow & Halloween Trail is already underway at Priory Farm, with Brother Hay’s brand-new School of Trickery taking over Discovery Land. Expect interactive challenges, playful pranks, spooky surprises and plenty of Halloween-themed fun for little ones. Tickets are from £9, with under-2s going free.

That’s the weekend sorted! Whether you’re heading pumpkin picking, getting spooky with the kids, exploring an open day or dancing your way through the 80s, there’s plenty to get stuck into around Tunbridge Wells this weekend.