As the leaves turn to fiery hues and a crisp breeze fills the air, Kingston comes alive with a world of enchanting experiences that cater to children and adults alike. With a bewitching lineup of events and activities this half term, families and friends are in for a treat; from ghostly gatherings to creepy crafts, this spooky season will be an unforgettable experience.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
With the little ones off school for a whole week, it can be hard to keep them entertained – luckily, lots of the businesses around Kingston are hosting activities and events with a Halloween theme to stop any boredom in its tracks! And don’t worry, there’s not just activities for kids; keep reading for what’s on this October half term:
Wacky Kingdom
Wacky Kingdom has lots of spooky events between 26th and 31st October including slime making, build a bear, face painting, pumpkin painting, and even a monster mash dance party! Book all of these events on their website.
Halloween show at the Fighting Cocks: 20th October, 12pm-5pm
Youth Anthems takes over the Fighting Cocks for an all ages rock n’ roll Halloween event! Expect face-painting and Halloween activities for the little ones, as well as rocking performances by the GOO, I,DORIS and a debut show by local pre-teen band Critical Feedback. Book your tickets here.
Halloween
31st October
Bring down the little Ghouls for pumpkin carving with GM Carl and his daughter Gwen from 4pm-7pm.
The Bentall Centre
Pumpkin Carving Workshop: 26th October, 11am–4pm
Bring the whole family along for a pumpkin carving workshop.
Halloween Activities: 31st October, 11am–4pm
Get the kids in the mood for trick or treating, with face painting, Halloween cookie decorating, and a fancy dress silent disco.
Rose Theatre
The Baddies: 29th October – 3rd November, multiple showings
Meet the very worst Baddies in the world, in this adaptation of Julia Donaldsons popular book. Book your tickets here.
Waterstones
Pokéthon Half-Term Card Trading Event: 30th October, 10am-11am
Get your Pokémon cards ready for a trading extravaganza at Waterstones. Meet fellow trainers and expand your collection. Collect, trade and battle (or learn the ropes)! Book your ticket (or tickets!) here, and get a Pokémon trading cards pack for free with each ticket.
Kingston Library
Halloween/Spooky Craft: 29th October, 10am–11am drop-in session
Get ready for Halloween and join Kingston Library in creating some creepy crafts!
Spooky Halloween Roll a Story: 31st October, 2pm–3pm
With the role of the dice, 6-12 year olds will choose their characters to write their spooky Halloween Story. Reserve your spot here.
Kingston Museum
Spooktacular sewing workshop: 31st October, 11am-1pm
Join Kingston Museum for a spooktacular sewing workshop this Halloween! Suitable for those 7+ years. Book here.
Halloween Pizza Class: 28th, 29th and 30th October, 10am-11am
Join a frighteningly fun Halloween event on 28th & 29th and 30th October where little ones create, while grown-ups unwind. Book here.
Halloween Baking: 30th and 31st October, and 1st November, 10am-11am
While the little ones unleash their baking and spooky decorating skills on cupcakes, grown-ups can relax with a luxurious sparkling cream tea. Book here.
For Adults
Halloween’s not just for the little ones – you can enjoy a night out too! Kingston’s nightlife can’t be topped, especially during the October season. Keep reading for what’s on during witching hour.
Halloween Craft Events
24th and 31st October 4:30pm – 8:30pm
For those feeling crafty, The Bentall Centre are running Autumn wreath making on 24th October, and Pumpkin Carving on 31st October. The pumpkin carving event also includes a potion bar to tantalise your taste buds.
Pryzm
Creepy Carnival
25th, 26th and 31st October, 9pm – 3:30am
The BUSIEST, CRAZIEST & MOST EXTREME time of the year is fast approaching… 3 nights of horror, scare actors, fire breathers, themed cocktails, tons of Halloween giveaways and full venue decor! Book your ticket here.
O’Neills
Blood, Sweat & Heels
30th October, 8pm – Midnight
Blood, Sweat and Heels @ O’Neill’s is a fierce Halloween drag show filled with spooky glamour and killer performances! Join the queens for a night of ghoulish fashion, high-energy numbers, and eerie surprises. Come dressed to impress and prepare for a frightfully fabulous evening!
The Fighting Cocks
Screening of the Corpse Bride
30th October, 7:30pm
A tale of optimism, romance and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Burton style. 18+ Only. Book here.
Sleep In Motion & Phoenix Lake
31st October, 7:30pm
This Halloween, brace yourself for a spine chilling night as Sleep in Motion and Phoenix Lake ignite the TFC stage! Book here.
Halberd/Detoxen/Gutlocker/Daughter
1st November, 7:30pm
London’s underground thrash titans and self-proclaimed South East Scum Halberd continue to cut bloody swathes through the UK metal scene. Book here.
TREATS & DEALS
In the mood for a scary snack? Some of the eateries in Kingston have special Halloween-themed treats and offers that will get you into a ghoulish mood!
The Cheeky Pea Halloween deal
28th October – 1st November: Kids eat free with every adult meal, plus a free bath treat from Lush!
Ole and Steen Ole & Scream
Sink your teeth into their Eye See You Muffin or try their Monster Whip – a creation that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth! And don’t forget the Spooky Spider Social – a sinister twist on your favourite Cinnamon Social, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). From Tuesday 15th until November 4th.
Lola’s Cupcakes Halloween range
Indulge your sweet tooth with Halloween-themed cupcakes and treats from Lola’s Cupcakes. From mummies to ghosts, these cakes are as delicious as they are spooky.
Bubble CiTea Spellbound Series
Check out three Halloween themed drinks, including the Princess Potion Slushie, Flying Monkey bubble tea and Wicked Witch bubble tea.
Bills are running their Kids Eat Free offer during half term if you need to recharge those batteries after all the Halloween shopping!
Don’t forget to pick up some extra trick-or-treating favourites! Sainsbury’s, M&S, Waitrose, and Tesco all have a wide selection of sweets.
WHERE TO BUY YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUMES & DECORATIONS
Stuck between choosing a cute cat costume, or a scary witch outfit? Never fear – Kingston’s got you covered with a range of places to sort your Halloween costume, with the addition of some creepy decor!
Partica: Partica on Fife Road has all of your Halloween party needs – from personalised balloons to a range of costumes, it’s a great stop for planning your perfect bash.
Flying Tiger: For cute and spooky decorations with a signature Scandi style, check out Flying Tiger on Clarence Street!
Character: The UK’s first Character store has a range of onesies and costumes from all your favourite characters, located in the Bentall Centre.
Claire’s: Located in the Bentall Centre on Clarence Street, Claire’s Accessories have some great options for the perfect Halloween costume for the little ones.
Krish: This independent, family-run business on Eden Street specialises in fancy dress, making it a one-stop shop for all your Halloween needs.
Primark: With both Halloween costumes and autumnal-themed homeware, Primark has great options for a full-on spooky bash or a civilised October dinner party – check out their range on Eden Street.
The Works: Head to The Works to pick up craft activities to make your own decorations.
Cass Art: Create your own decorations with a myriad of art supplies from Cass Art on Clarence Street including glow in the dark paint!
H&M Kids: H&M Kids in The Bentall Centre has a selection of Halloween costumes and accessories for children