Club nights, best-dressed bar tabs and ghost walks – What to do this Halloween

Pic: Szabó János

It is hard to believe that Halloween is not an official holiday, given how much it is celebrated. In fact, these spooky celebrations are looking to be the social revival some need after a stunted year. 

The themed weekend came to nothing in 2020 when bars, clubs and venues were still restricted for business because of the pandemic. Trick or treating activities were banned as people were unable to meet with others who were outside their social bubble of six. 

With restrictions lifted, the long awaited autumn event may not be as commercially popular as it is in the USA, but still rouses excitement among the young and ‘not-so-young’ because of the costume factor. 

This Hallo-weekend from October 29 – 31 will play host to some interesting events in our ELL boroughs, and we’ve filtered out the best for those who are eager to go out. So dress in something frightful (or not) and make up for lost time with these celebrations!

  • Hackney libraries ‘not ever so slightly scary halloween storytime for under 5s’

Where: Abney Public Hall

Where: Stoke Newington Library
184 Stoke Newington Church Street
London
N16 0JL

When: October 30, Saturday, 11am-12pm

Cost: Free

Introducing Stoke Newington library’s special Halloween Storytime with storytellers Alka and Lois featuring ‘not so spooky stories’ where your young ones can listen to tales, sing along and participate in other interactive activities.

Interested parents can register here

  • SLOW DANCE + UNTITLED (RECORDS): HALLOWEEN at EartH

Where: 11 – 17 Stoke Newington Road
Dalston
London
N16 8BH

When: October 30, Saturday, 8pm – 3am

Cost: £16.90 per person entry

The popular multi-art space of EartH in Hackney is throwing a Halloween bash of cross-spectrum live music with the likes of surreal jazz, avant garde pop, electronica and experimental hip-hop; featuring artists Grove, Horsey, Waterbaby and Nukuluk. DJs will be supplementing heavy hitting basement club till late. This event is strictly for above 18s and dressing up is highly recommended.

More information on booking can be found here

  • ‘Hail Lucipurr’ Halloween party with Deviant & Dandy 

Where: Deviant & Dandy Brewery
Arch 184 Nursery Road
London
E9 6PB

When: October 30, Saturday, 6pm-2am

Cost: Free

The independent Hackney brewery celebrates Halloween and the release of its newest beer ‘Hail Lucipurr’. Party till late with DJ CrissyKybosh, beers, drink specials and vegan hot dogs by No Bones. A £50 bar tab will be gifted to whoever is best dressed.

The event is free but booking tickets here would be the best way to guarantee entry.

  • ‘Halloween Spooktacular at Pub on the Park

Where: Pub on the Park
19, Martello Street, E8 3PE

When: October 30, Saturday, 8pm-1am

Cost: Free

For those wanting the comfort of a tavern, Pub on the Park is gearing up for Halloween with their annual bash with views overlooking London Fields. DJs will be playing a mash of alternative, indie, 80’s Music and Party tracks; and prizes are to be won for best dressed. Did we mention that there will be apple bobbing?

More information can be found here

  • Halloween at Dog and Hell 

Where: The Dog and Bell
116 Prince Street
Deptford
SE8 3JD

When: October 30, Saturday

Traditional Deptford pub, the Dog and Bell, has been described as a ‘Great British boozer’ and is known for its selection of real ales, excellent food, and events like its annual pickle festival. Their Halloween event is scary like how a puppy dressed as dracula might be terrifying, but this local favourite might be the cosiest way to spend the weekend. Spooky craft cocktails will be available for the evening and a £50 bar tab will be awarded to the best dressed.

More information can be found on their Twitter page here

  • DON’T TELL DAD – HALLOWEEN SPECIAL!

Where: Job Centre, Deptford
120-122, Deptford High Street
SE8 4NS

When: October 30, Saturday, 7pm – 1am

Cost: £8

‘Don’t tell dad’ is the self-declared ‘world’s greatest game show’. Hostess Stacey and stagehand Ori welcome attendees to participate in their hilariously riske games that would leave one ‘shaken to the core’. Drinks and food will be served at the Job Centre and costumes are highly encouraged. Tickets are running out fast for their Halloween special, so snatch them up fast if you want to experience something unconventional this fall.

Tickets can be bought here

  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Midnight Screening

Where: The Signal Pub
7, Devonshire Road
SE23 3HE

When: October 31, Saturday, 12am – 2am

Cost: £10

Doing your Halloween bookings but all screenings of Rocky Horror Picture Show have sold out weeks in advance? The Signal at Forest Hill has your back. This multifaceted pub will be hosting a midnight screening of the Halloween cult classic with each ticket including an entry cocktail. Attendees can enjoy the lovely heated pub garden and award-winning food earlier in the evening. Fishnet stockings and garters in theme with the movie are also thoroughly welcomed.

Book tickets here

  • Art & Sipping – Halloween special on a rooftop

Where: Ten Degrees
100A George Street
Croydon
CR0 1GP

When: October 29, Friday, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Cost: £49.10 – £59.88

This event is perfect for those who fancy a relaxing Halloweekend, or one that could involve a partner without sweating on the dance floor. Art & Sipping hosts recreational painting lessons for non-painters and painters alike to create their own work. Under the guidance of their professional artists, attendees are allocated a personal art station during the two-hour sessions and are encouraged to release their inner creativity. This ticket includes a complimentary non-alcohol prosecco, canvas (which you can bring home), a tote bag and all the painting equipment you need for your session. 

Booking information can be found here

  • Pumpkin Party at Flip Out Croydon

Where: Flip Out Croydon
Centrale Shopping Centre
Frith Road
Croydon
CR0 1TA

When: October 31, Sunday

Cost: Ranges from £20 for a single person (three hour session) – £108 for a family of six (three hour session)

Trick or Treating isn’t the only way your whole family can celebrate Halloween all together. Flip Out Croydon is hosting a Halloween-themed day at their fun-filled arena, along with a bring-your-own carved pumpkin contest. The prize –  A free birthday party at their venue with up to ten guests. Their indoor attractions also include Synthetic Ice Skating, Mini Golf, Laser Quest and bumper cars, to be decked out ghoulishly on the day itself. Kids who dress up will receive a goodie bag, and many games, competitions and giveaways will happen throughout the day.

More details on pricing and booking sessions can be found here

  • BGWMC Haunted House Party 

Where: Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
42-44 Pollard Row
London E2 6NB

When: October 30, Saturday, 9pm – 2am

Cost: £12 before 10PM and £15 after

The historic club is hosting their annual haunted house themed party, which splits the venue into three rooms: ‘The Haunted Dancehall’, where DJ SAFARI PHIL will be spinning 90s nostalgia along with halloween themed performances; ‘The Funhouse’, which will have fairground style games like apple bobbing, hook-a-heart, even a ‘brain’ eating contest; and the ‘Basement Carrie’okie Lab’, which features karaoke. Definitely not one to be missed, it is a huge night with loads of activities to appease all kinds of clubbers.

Tickets are only available at the door, so be sure to get there early. More information about the venue and event can be found here 

  • Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Where: All tours depart from the Whitechapel Art Gallery
77-82 Whitechapel High St
London E1 7QX

When: 7 days a week, 5pm and 7.30pm

Cost: £15

Is Halloween not the best time to walk where the Ripper has walked? The tour will take you deep into the notorious history of 1888 Whitechapel – to the sites where the killer had slain his five victims, other key locations in the story and learning about the prime suspects for his identity. Prepare for grisly details, unexpected turns and a chill down the back of your spine as the story of London’s infamous murderer unfolds before your very eyes.

Bookings can be made here

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