From family-friendly activities to super-scary adults-only scare mazes, here's whats on this Halloween
Dust off the cobwebs on your Halloween costume (actually, leave them on) and get ready for a month packed with frightful events to suit all ages.
From spooky, family-friendly trails to ultra-gory horror film showings and downright terrifying scare mazes that will have your heart racing, there's plenty going on in and around Manchester and Liverpool this Halloween period.
Psst...keep your beady eyes on this page - I'll be updating it with more eerie events as and when I see them!
What's on in Manchester this Halloween?
Halloween in the City
If you're looking for free things to do with the kids in Manchester, the Halloween monster trail is a certified way to get them off their phones and out in the fresh air this half term. Be sure to look up (and watch out) for these creatures - you never know where they might be lurking... As well as the giant inflatable monsters, there'll be fancy dress takeovers, spooky storytelling, a Carnival of Monsters, and the Walk the Plank Monster Party Procession.
When: Saturday 25 to Friday 31 October
Where: Across the city centre
Price: FREE
Silence of the Baths III: Halloween Silent Disco
Girls on Film are back at Victoria Baths for another unforgettable Halloween night, transforming the iconic building into a spooky spectacle of music, glamour, and ghostly goings-on.
When: Saturday 25 October
Where: Victoria Baths
Price: £20 (book here)
Halloween Ghost Train: Year of the Bat
Are you ready for a fang-tastically frightening time on board our Halloween Ghost Trains? Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye and the whole monster squad are just dying to meet you at the East Lancashire Railway to celebrate the Year of the BAT this October.
When: Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November
Where: Bury Bolton Street Station
Price: From £14 (book here)
Grimmfest 2025
Grimmfest returns to Odeon Great Northern this autumn, to showcase the very best in new genre cinema. This year’s event will span four fear-fuelled days, highlighting 21 brand-new feature films and more World and International premieres than ever before.
When: Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 October
Where: Odeon Great Northern
Price: Weekend passes are £92.50 (book here)
Halloween at The Trafford Centre
From spooky crafting sessions to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for all ages to enjoy at The Trafford Centre this October. For full details of everything that’s happening, read our full article: Halloween hauntings take over the Trafford Centre.
When: Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November
Where: The Trafford Centre
Price: Various prices
What's on in Liverpool this Halloween?
Newsham Scream Park
Newsham Scream Park returns for a third frightful year this autumn, with brand-new horrifying themed rooms for horror fans to explore. Set inside Grade II-listed Victorian building, this seasonal attraction promises to deliver ‘more than just scares’.
When: Friday 3 to Friday 31 October
Where: Newsham Park Hospital
Price: From £33.25 (book here)
Open Air Cinema
The city’s biggest open-air cinema is returning to Calderstones Mansion this spooky season following a sold-out summer of screenings. Nine Halloween favourites, from children’s animations to thrillers and cult classics, will be screened under canvas in a giant canopy this October half term.
When: Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November
Where: Calderstones Park
Price: From £33.25 (book here)
What's on near Manchester & Liverpool this Halloween?
Scare City
The North’s most terrifying Halloween attraction returns for its sixth year, promising to be even more chilling than before. Starting out as a drive-in cinema in 2020, Scare City is now a walk-through horror attraction and has quickly become one of the UK’s most talked-about Halloween experiences.
When: Thursday 25 September to Sunday 2 November
Where: Camelot Theme Park, Lancashire
Price: From £29.50 (book here)
Quarry Bank Halloween Trail
Quarry Bank's splendidly spooky Halloween Trail returns this October, with an exciting lineup of tricks and treats to discover. From 3.5m tall skeletons with flickering red eyes to a Carnivorous Garden where Venus flytraps and other sinister plants seem to bite back, there’s a little bit of frightful fun for everyone to enjoy.
When: Thursday 23 October to Saturday 1 November
Where: Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Price: From £10 (book here)
Journey to Hell: Freak Nights
Thrillseekers are invited to challenge their worst fears and come face to face with the gruesome undead, sinister clowns, ghostly apparitions and more. Guests can experience terrifying rides engulfed in darkness (if they’re brave enough). Five Scare Zones and unlimited night-time riding…can you handle the Journey to Hell?
When: Thursday 23 October to Saturday 1 November
Where: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Price: From £39.50 (book here)
Scare Kingdom Scream Park
Prepare yourself for a pulse-pounding adventure like no other. Scare Kingdom Scream Park has been pushing the boundaries of fear for 17 years and leaving visitors trembling with anticipation. Expect mazes that will test your courage and ignite your darkest fears, all with a new twist.
When: Friday 3 October to Saturday 1 November
Where: Mrs Dowsons Farm, Blackburn
Price: From £33.01 (book here)
Halloween at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is celebrating Halloween with two weeks of spooky activities and themed installations. Head there to discover giant pumpkins, spellbinding stories and family activities dotted around the zoo. Spot a series of giant pumpkin sculptures, join in with campfire stories and dine on autumn flavours along the way.
When: Saturday 18 October to Sunday 2 November
Where: Chester Zoo
Price: Included in zoo admission
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