Autumn is a great time to discover Coventry, with a packed programme of live music, comedy, exhibitions, Premier League football, university open days and major events taking place across the city and surrounding area.
From the arrival of one of the UK’s most important contemporary art exhibitions to live performances at Coventry Cathedral, top-flight football at Coventry Building Society Arena and some of the country’s biggest exhibitions just a short journey away at the NEC, there’s plenty of reason to plan an autumn break in Coventry.
Here are some of the highlights to look out for from September to November 2026.
Arts, Culture & Exhibitions
British Art Show 10: A Chorus of Strangers
2 October 2026 – 10 January 2027
One of the biggest cultural events coming to Coventry this autumn, British Art Show 10: A Chorus of Strangers opens in the city on 2 October, bringing one of the UK’s most important contemporary art exhibitions to Coventry for more than three months.
Coventry is the first city to host British Art Show 10 as it begins its national tour, with work by more than 30 artists presented across the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry University and the Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre.
Held every five years, British Art Show showcases some of the most exciting contemporary art being produced across the UK. With visitors expected to travel from across the country throughout its 12-week run, it’s set to be a major highlight of Coventry’s cultural calendar this autumn and winter.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated visit to British Art Show 10 or including it as part of a wider city break, give yourself plenty of time to explore the exhibitions across Coventry’s participating venues.
Meet Dippy at the Herbert
Families visiting Coventry this autumn can also come face-to-face with one of the world’s most famous dinosaurs at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
Dippy in Coventry: The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur continues throughout autumn, with the Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus cast taking centre stage at the museum.
Alongside Dippy, the Herbert’s galleries make it well worth allowing a few hours to explore Coventry’s history, art and culture – particularly on a crisp or rainy autumn afternoon.
Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment
Coventry’s autumn calendar is packed with live entertainment, with everything from comedy and music to talks and special performances taking place across the city.
Live Music at Coventry Cathedral
Few venues provide a backdrop quite like Coventry Cathedral, and its autumn programme offers several opportunities to experience live music within this extraordinary setting.
On 25–26 September, the Cathedral hosts its first 24-Hour Music Marathon, bringing together musicians, bands and choirs from across Coventry for 24 hours of continuous live music.
Musical theatre star Carrie Hope Fletcher brings her Ghost Light Tour to the Cathedral on 10 October, while An Evening of Kate Bush follows on 17 October, performed by a full band, vocalists and string quartet.
Big Names at Warwick Arts Centre
There’s also a packed autumn programme at Warwick Arts Centre.
Country duo Ward Thomas celebrate ten years of their album Cartwheels on 24 September, while Alan Davies returns to stand-up with Think Ahead on 25 September.
The autumn comedy and entertainment programme continues with plenty more familiar names throughout October and November, making Warwick Arts Centre well worth checking when planning your visit.
Premier League Football Returns to Coventry
There’s an extra buzz around Coventry this autumn as Coventry City return to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season, bringing top-flight football back to the city after a 25-year absence.
The Sky Blues will welcome Premier League opposition to Coventry Building Society Arena throughout the autumn, making match weekends an exciting time to visit the city whether you’re a Coventry supporter or following your team away from home.
With demand likely to be particularly high around home fixtures, it’s worth planning your accommodation in advance if you’re heading to Coventry for a match.
Heading to the game and staying overnight? Discover more about staying near Coventry Building Society Arena.
Make Cogs Part of Your Matchday
If you’re heading to a Coventry City home game, stop by Cogs Bar & Kitchen before or after the match and take advantage of our special matchday offer.
Simply show your valid Coventry City home match ticket and you’ll receive 10% off drinks and the Cogs bar menu for two hours before kick-off and two hours after the final whistle.
Located within Hotel Indigo Coventry, Cogs is a relaxed place to meet for a pre-match bite and a drink or to continue the matchday after the final whistle.
DISCOVER THE COVENTRY CITY MATCHDAY OFFER
Visiting Coventry for a University Open Day?
Autumn is also an important time for prospective students and their families, with Coventry University holding several undergraduate open days during the season.
Upcoming dates include:
- Saturday 26 September 2026
- Saturday 24 October 2026
- Saturday 28 November 2026
The university’s city-centre campus makes it easy to combine an open day with time exploring Coventry, while the October event also includes a Postgraduate Open Day.
The University of Warwick also begins its new academic year during the autumn, with students arriving in late September ahead of the start of the autumn term in October.
If you’re travelling from further afield for an open day or university visit, an overnight stay gives you plenty of time to explore the campus and get a feel for Coventry without having to rush home afterwards.
Halloween & October Half-Term in Coventry
Visiting Coventry during October half-term? There’s plenty happening around the city for Halloween, from family activities to ghost stories in some suitably atmospheric surroundings.
Halloween at London Road Cemetery
For something a little spookier, historic London Road Cemetery hosts two special events during October.
An Evening of Ghost Stories takes place in the cemetery’s Anglican Chapel on 16 October, bringing classic ghost stories by Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to life in suitably eerie surroundings.
Then, on 30 October, historian Adam Wood presents Hallowe’en Horror, an evening of real-life tales of terror, ghosts and gruesome stories from Coventry’s past.
Halloween Makers Market at FarGo Village
Head to FarGo Village on 24 October for its Halloween Makers Market, bringing together independent makers and creatives for a suitably spooky edition of the popular market.
It’s also a great opportunity to explore more of FarGo Village’s independent shops, food and drink while you’re there.
Family Halloween Fun
Families can get into the Halloween spirit on 30 October at the Coventry Half-Term Halloween Family Fun Day, with Halloween-themed activities, games and family entertainment.
Coventry’s museums and attractions also make October half-term a great time for a family city break. Visit Coventry Transport Museum and discover the city’s motoring story, or head to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, where you can still come face-to-face with Dippy, the Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast.
Whether you’re looking for ghost stories, family activities or simply somewhere to explore during half-term, there’s plenty happening in Coventry this Halloween.
Bonfire Night in and Around Coventry
Remember, remember the fifth of November! Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November in 2026, with fireworks and special events taking place in and around Coventry over the surrounding weekend.
Gunpowder Gala at Coombe Abbey
Saturday 7 November 2026
For a Bonfire Night celebration with a difference, head to nearby Coombe Abbey for its Gunpowder Gala.
The evening combines a four-course feast with a theatrical retelling of the Gunpowder Plot, before guests head outside to watch a fireworks display over the lake. The celebrations then continue with a post-banquet disco.
If you’re planning an autumn break around Bonfire Night, keep an eye on local event listings too, with further displays and community events likely to be announced as November approaches.
Major Events at the NEC Birmingham
Coventry is also well positioned for some of the UK’s biggest exhibitions and events at the NEC Birmingham, with Birmingham International easily accessible by rail from Coventry.
Highlights this autumn include:
Autumn Fair
6–9 September 2026
One of the UK’s leading retail trade shows returns to the NEC, bringing together hundreds of brands across home, gift, garden, fashion and lifestyle.
Grand Designs Live
2–4 October 2026
Inspired by the Channel 4 programme, Grand Designs Live brings together hundreds of exhibitors covering home design, self-build, renovation, interiors and gardens.
Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show
13–15 November 2026
Thousands of classic cars, bikes and other vehicles fill the NEC for one of the UK’s biggest events for motoring enthusiasts.
Coventry’s excellent rail connections make the city an alternative base for visitors heading to major NEC events – with the added benefit of having plenty to explore before and after the show.
Explore Coventry This Autumn
Of course, you don’t need an event in the diary to enjoy an autumn break in Coventry.
Discover the striking contrast between the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral and the modern Cathedral alongside it, explore the city’s automotive history at Coventry Transport Museum, or spend a few hours at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
Coventry city centre is also home to a growing collection of places to eat, drink and explore, while the city’s central location makes it a useful base for discovering more of the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
Make an Autumn Break of It
Whether you’re visiting Coventry for Premier League football, a concert, an exhibition, a university open day or simply a weekend away, Hotel Indigo Coventry puts you in a great position to experience the city.
Located beside Coventry Railway Station and just a short walk from the city centre, our boutique hotel combines individually designed bedrooms with a location that makes exploring Coventry and travelling further afield easy.
After a day exploring, return to the hotel for dinner and drinks at Cogs Bar & Kitchen, before settling in for a comfortable night in the heart of Coventry.
Make the most of autumn in Coventry and book your stay at Hotel Indigo Coventry.
