Note: we’ve excluded any events that had already sold out at the time of original publication (14 October). Please let us know about any events we’ve missed, and we’ll add them to this growing article.
The Book Club in Shoreditch hosts Wasteland Party, details below.
Peculiar Parties
Dark Circus Halloween Party, 25 October
Bloomsbury Ballroom hosts a circus-themed Halloween party: step inside the abandoned circus and prepare for a spine-chilling sensory feast. It will be an evening of macabre thrills and fiendish frolic featuring music, drinks and food. £25, prebook, 9pm
The Drunken Hallows Bash, 25 October
It’s all about drinks and dance, of course. The macabre party takes place at The Comedy Pub in Piccadilly Circus: there will be a best costume contest, a photoboot and scary performers during the night. £15/£10, prebook, 10pm
Wasteland: The Survivor’s Party, 30 October
Head to The Book Club in Shoreditch for a post-apocalypse-themed party. A team of body-modification experts will turn party-goers into cyborgs using recycled limbs from their fallen comrades (prosthetics and face-paint). Have photos taken on the cyber king’s throne, enjoy a menu of toxic-waste cocktails and then go to the underground bunker for techno, electro and house music. £5, prebook, 8pm
Ghostly Tours and Ghoulish Supper, 30 & 31 October
Hear about the ghostly goings-on at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, with a lantern-lit tour followed by supper and a glass of wine in the Painted Hall. £35pp, prebook, 6.30pm daily
Hainault Spooky Lantern Festival, 31 October
Step inside the darkness of Hainault Forest where you will follow the blood trail, avoid the zombies, find the monsters and hear some spooky stories. Fancy dress is welcome but remember that you’ll be outside in the forest for most of the night. Brrrr! Free(£3 donation suggested), prebook, from 5.30pm
Fire Festival, 31 October
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens has decided to kill two birds with one stone this year, combining the night of the ghouls and ghosts, with the explosive tale of the festival a few days hence — that of Guy Fawkes. There will be a live show during the night with dancers, fire performers and explosive fireworks alongside with mulled wine and food stalls. A bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
Haunted House Party, 31 October
The Working Men’s Club in Bethnal Green turns into a hunted house for the scariest night of the year. Get ready to run up and down the stairs, as there will be three different floors with DJ sets. There’s also a scary cinema, face-painting and Halloween games. £10/£12, prebook, from 8pm
A Gothic Gathering, 31 October
Celebrate the scariest night of the year within the Gothic surroundings of the Booking Office restaurant, inside St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Dress gothic and enter the RIP area, try ghoulish cocktails and Halloween inspired snacks, dance on the darkest dance floor. To book a table, email bookingoffice@renaissanceh
otels.com or call 020 7841 3566.
Indeedy Musical Bingo: Halloween Spooktacular!, 31 October
Join Jess Indeedy and the Indeedy Inc. crew for a night of Indeedy Musical Bingo, music, fancy dress (prizes awarded), and spooky party games. £15+bf in advance, 9pm-2am
Twisted Circus Halloween Festival, 31 October
Four DJs heat the atmosphere up at The o2 for a night of horror and dancing on the dancefloor. Dress fancy and enjoy face paint, masks, plasma screens, glow sticks and even violinists. £20, prebook, from 9pm
Southern Hospitality Halloween Party, 31 October
The basement of Trapeze restaurant and club in Hoxton hosts a music takeover from Southern Hospitality, featuring hip hop karaoke and a players ball. Fancy dress is encouraged and there will also be treats and prizes throughout the night. You can book your space in advance for £5 by emailing Halloween@southernhospitality.co.uk or just turn up on the night, tickets will be £7 before 11pm and £8 afterwards. From 9pm
The High Priestesses Silent Ball, 31 October
Head to Camden Centre, enter a deadly silent ballroom and move like you were still alive. During the night there will be spine tingling cabaret acts, hoops, fire, a risqué burlesque troop and contortionists. £20, prebook, 9pm
The Halloween Twisted Ball, 31 October
Another one at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes — this time a Halloween Ball inspired by the movies of Tim Burton. There will be Tim Burton film screenings, music, drinks and a fancy dress competition. £8/£6+bf, prebook,9.30pm
Halloween: An Evening of Fear and Wonder, 31 October
The venue? The View from The Shard. The dress code? Creepy. Then, what to expect? There will be projections and screenings inspired by BFI’s Sci-Fi: Days of Fear & Wonder season, alongside with cocktails and a music performance from the lead of hit musical Wicked. £39 (over 18s only), prebook, 10pm
Vampire and Vamp Ball, 31 October-1 November
The historical Westminster County Court in Covent Garden hosts this chic ball on Friday and Saturday. There’s unlimited drinks, a three-course meal followed by Halloween treats before a night of dancing. It’s not cheap. £79, prebook, 7.30pm-1am both days
Found Horror Series, 31 October-1 November
East London’s Troxy Theatre hosts two nights of terrifying underground electro and techno beats curated by DJs and producers. On Friday 31 October the main act is George Fitzgerald, while on Saturday 1 November Maya Jane Coles dominates the stage. Choose which one you prefer, dress to scare. £15+bf for both events, prebook, 9pm-6am both days
London Transport Museum hosts a Subterranean Scream Late on Friday 31 October. Details below
Museum Lates
Late at Natural History Museum, 31 October
It can be quite creepy walking close to the museum’s giant dinosaur skeletons in the dark — so this is the perfect opportunity for some late night chills. Entry to the museum is free and most of the galleries are open to visitors, as well as the museum cafe. You can also see the museum’s current exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year or join a photography masterclass (these events are ticketed). Free, just turn up, from 6pm
London Transport Museum’s Subterranean Scream Late, 31 October
Wear your best Halloween costume and explore London’s dark and deadly side. During the night, listen to author Scott Wood who takes you into London Undergound folklore with his Urban Legends talks, create a frightful mask with Fran Herrick or meet the museum’s resident ghosts. There’s also a 2-4-1 offer on cocktails. £10/£8, prebook, 6.45pm
Death in the Archives Halloween Late, 31 October
The National Maritime Museum opens the door of the Queen’s House for a night of maritime terror and death. Investigate tales of death, disease and destruction from the archives of the Caird Library, take part in a candlelit tour of The Art and Science of Exploration exhibition and join a death drawing session. Oh yes, there will also be a taxidermy demonstration. £15, prebook, 7pm
Late at the Library: The Sorting, 31 October
The British Library invites you to take a journey… to the cemetery. Theatre company Les Enfantes Terribles welcomes you to your own funeral while Tankus the Henge band plays some electrifying music. During the night, you can get even more scared as the library’s current exhibition Terror and Wonder is open to visit. £15, prebook, 7.30pm
Monster Movies
The Duke Mitchell Film Club Halloween Special, 27 October
Head to The Phoenix Artist Club for a free-entry night of horror cinema. It’s an evening of brand new and vintage short horror films from around the world. Plus all horror trailers, music, giveaways, madness and more. Free, just turn up, 8pm
Halloween Screenings at Vue Islington, 29-30 October
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ghostbusters with a double bill go screenings on Wednesday 29 October. If you prefer extraterrestrials to ghosts, then look out for the screenings of Alien & Aliens on 31 October.
Genfest at Genesis Cinema, 30 October
Genesis Cinema in Stepney Green celebrates its 15th year with an evening of multi-arts spooks and scares. There will be themed film screenings, live music, comedy, cabaret and live art. Films screened include Ghostbusters, Frankenstein and The Babadook. Check website for updates, most of the events are free or under £5.
Nomad Cinema, 30-31 October
There are still few tickets left for Nomad Cinema’s outdoor screenings at The LookOut in Hyde Park. Ghostbusters and The Blair Witch Projects have already sold out, you can choose between The Wicker Man screened on Thursday 30 and Little Shop of Horrors on Friday 31. £25+bf, prebook, check website for timing
Pop-Up Halloween Screens, 30 October-2 November
Cinema screens pop up at the outdoor 20th Century Theatre in Notting Hill. Films on the schedule include Friday 13th, Ghostbusters, Nightmare on Elm Street and Candyman. You’ll have to navigate your way through a scare maze before finding a seat in this spooky halloween cinema, so make sure you bring your own cushion to hide behind. £20, prebook, until 2 November
The Halloween Movie Mash-up Weekend, 31 October-2 November
Portobello Pop-Up Cinema hosts the second edition of this scary cinema festival. During the three-days cinematic experience, there will be sing-a-longs, frightening ‘dressing up’ boxes and traditional Halloween activities such as Pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and trick or treating. Movies screened include 80s cult The Lost Boys and The Shining. £5+bf daily, prebook, until 2 November
Shorts on Tap, 30 October
See seven short horror films from all over the world for free at 93 Feet East on Brick Lane, with special guests from the film industry if you feel like a bit of networking. There’s a fancy dress party later. Free, from 7pm
Fangtastic Family Fun
Halloween Create & Make, 26 October
The Designer Museum hosts a creativity workshop lead by emerging designers. Drop in to join in with a range of design inspired activities, this month taking in all things spooky and ghoulish. The session is free but you need to buy tickets for the museum £12.40 adults, £6.40 children over six years old. just turn up, 1pm-4pm
Horrid Halloween Highlights Tour, 27-31 October
Discover the haunting and hidden history of Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College during the spookiest period of the year. The tour includes exclusive access to the Victorian Skittle Alley. Tours start from the ORNC welcome desk in Discover Greenwich and are suitable for ages 8+. £6 adults/Free for under 16s with an accompanying adult, prebook, 12pm daily
Centre of the Cell Halloween Special, 29-31 October
Vicious vampires, microscopic monsters, deadly diseases and an interactive snot show take over Centre of the Cell, part of Queen Mary University of London’s science education pod in Whitechapel. There will be workshops, creative learning sessions, interactive science shows and lab tours. Tickets are £7/£5 depending on the event — book in advance. Until 31 October
Halloween Spooktacular, 30 October-2 November
From pumpkin carving and creepy crafts to bug hunts and trails full of secrets and surprises, there’s something for everyone this Halloween at Morden Hall Park. Bring along your own pumpkin to carve out and don’t forget to dress in a spooky outfit. £4, prebook, daily 11am-3pm
Tricks & Treats Animation Workshop, 30-31 October
Chocolate Films in Stockwell teaches you how to create horrible creatures, scary faces and spooky landscapes ready to watch on the big screen on the Friday afternoon. This workshop is for children aged 5-11 and introduces them to the world of stop-motion animation in a creative and playful environment. £35, prebook, 9am-3.30pm daily
Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall, 31 October-1 November
Parents and under fives are let loose on the dance floor in this family-friendly disco, taking place at Wilton’s Music Hall. With a retro eclectic vibe Monski Mouse’s DJ style takes in tracks from swing to latin, pop, 80′s classics and rocking nursery rhymes. You just need to find the right costume now — see if you can get the whole family coordinated. £8/£5, prebook, 11am
Spooktakular Times in Greenwich Market, 31 October
The whole family can get special Halloween treats at Greenwich Market this year. Head to the heritage market for plenty of free fun activities: a costume workshop, storytelling at the local Waterstone’s, face painting, pumpkin carving and much more. Free, just turn up, 12pm-8pm
Halloween Gingerbread Men Fancy Dress Class, 31 October
Take your kids to BKD in Dalston Junction and enjoy an afternoon of baking. You will be provided with eight gingerbread men and all the components such as fondant, icing writers, cutters and sprinkles to make your very own scary Halloween gingerbread men. Dress to terrify, suitable for ages 2+. £25, email hello@bkd-london.com to book your place, 1.30pm-3pm
St Ethelburga’s Hallowtide Fair, 31 October-2 November
For three nights only, Punchdrunk Enrichment theatre company transforms the historical Eastbury Manor House into a fun and festive Hallowtide Fair. There will be traditional games, local stalls and festive music. Tickets for non-residents have already sold out but there are still some available for Barking and Dagenham residents. £4/£3, prebook, daily 6.30pm-8.30pm
Photo: Halloween Tales event on Facebook. Details below
Theatre of Horrors
Stand Up Tragedy: Tragic Horror, 25 October
There will be screams, and sinister laughters and some crying as well. Stand Up Tragedy folk take to the stage at the Hackney Picturehouse for their Halloween special gig: there will be music, comedy, fiction, spoken word and even a sing-a-long. £5/£7, prebook, 7.30pm
Las Maravillas: The Lost Souls of Mictlan, 28 October-1 November
This Halloween, venture into a perilous realm where wonder, beauty and fear combine in a windowless world of souls. Navigate the nine levels of Mictlan, the Aztec Underworld, and face the formidable trials of life-after-death beneath the Earth, in the Rose Lipman Building in Haggerston. £10-£15, prebook, 6pm-10.30pm
Halloween Tales, 30 October until 1 November
Expect a spooky three-day theatre event organised by Blackshaw Theatre Company and taking place at The Selkirk Pub in Tooting Broadway. The focus is on Duncan Gates’ new play, Fetch. There will be a play reading each night and the Halloween party will conclude the celebration. Main details on the website — tickets are £8.95 for each night.
National Theatre Encore: Frankenstein, 30-31 October
Head to the Barbican for a broadcast of Frankenstein, screened live from the National Theatre. This edition of the play is directed by Academy Award winner Danny Boyle. £17, prebook, 7pm daily
Ghost Stories Halloween Special, 31 October
Book your special Halloween ticket now for the scariest show of the West End. Written by The League of Gentleman’s Jeremy Dyson and Severance’s Andy Nyman, the show comes with a health warning to stay away if you have a nervous disposition! £45-£25, prebook, 10.30pm
Terrifying Talks and Tours
Month of the Dead, throughout October
Brompton and Kensal Green cemeteries seem to be the perfect location for this rather scary festival. The themes? Dead, dead and dead — of course. There are plenty of talks and tours to choose from (many of them have sold out already): here are our suggestions. Londonist’s editor-at-large Matt Brown and Matthew Hogan will be giving tips on coping with catastrophe in the capital in their Apocalypse Now & Then talk (19 October) while Londonist contributor Scott Wood and Chris Josiffe explore London life after death in their Psychic City talk on 2 November.
GoToMidtown Free Halloween Walks 22-31 October
Explore the darkest side of London, take part in a guided walk lead by one of GoToMidtown guides. You can choose between Scary St Giles and Bloomsbury (27 October, 1pm), More Spooky Stories (28 and 29 October, 1pm) or Haunted Holborn (30 and 31 October, 1pm). All of these walks are free, you just need to meet in front of their kiosk outside Holborn Station.
Necropolis — London’s Journey of the DEAD, 30 October-1 November
Deep underneath the tunnels of Waterloo Station you can discover the remains of the ancient Necropolis Railway Station. Journey back in time with this pop-up storytelling experience, to when the city’s graves were overflowing with corpses and city-dwellers were forced to take their dead on a one-way train. £8-£12, prebook, until 1 November
The Witching Hour: A Halloween Ghost Walk, 30 October-1 November
This spooky Halloween ghost walk is a chance to dowse for restless spirits. Wind your way through the haunted streets of the Old City, hear terrifying tales including that of the She Wolf who haunts a ruined churchyard and the evil baby farmer who left a curse. Meeting point is outside St Paul’s tube station exit 2 (not suitable for children). £12, just turn up, 7pm daily
Fortean London Halloween: Ghost, Witches and Demons, 30 October
Hear tales of ghosts, witches and demons of London in The Vaults at Dirty Dicks pub near Liverpool Street Station. The line-up includes author Roger Clarke talking about ghosts, historian Jessie Ware talking about an Elizabethan exorcism in Hackney, editor of the Skeptic Deborah Hyde revealing the tragic story of a Westminster witch and Scott Wood marking the local ghosts and ghouls on to a map of London. Each talk will be 20-30 minutes. £3/£2, prebook, 8pm
Tales of Death, Dread and Destiny, 31 October
The Old Operating Theatre Museum hosts a candle light evening of tales, music and mystery. Join The Memento Moriatas authors group in an esoteric literary journey on the witches’ favourite night. £13+bf, prebook, 7.30pm
Enjoy a botanical cocktail on the rooftop garden of the Brunel Museum, Saturday 25 October.
Miscellaneous Mwaaaa-ha-has!
Travelling with Unfamiliar Spirits Festival, from 21 October
This two-week festival is dedicated to the exploration of Halloween’s pagan roots. The festival comprises of a group exhibition, an academic conference at the Warburg Institute, book launches and workshops. Most of the events take place at The Cob Gallery in Camden, check website for full listing of events. Until 2 November
The Vaults of Terror, 23 October
Step into the darkness of The Vaults Gallery and see a spooky exhibition where 21 artists interpret the theme of TV Horror through the mediums of screen printing, drawing, sculpture and installation. The exhibition kicks off with a fancy dress Halloween party, there will also be garage and punk rock music the night. Free, prebook, 7pm
Midnight Apothecary Halloween Spectacular, 25 October
Head to Brunel Museum’s rooftop garden for pumpkin-laden revelry, botanical cocktails using garden and foraged ingredients, a roaring firepit, apple bobbing and free toasted marshmallows as well as delicious hot food from I Should be Souvlaki. Ticket includes optional guided descents into Brunel’s spooky and huge underground chamber beneath the roof garden and free access to the Brunel Museum Engine House. £5, prebook, 5.30pm
Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ Pop Up Painting, 27 October
What better to get you in the mood for the scariest day of the year than painting The Scream? Pop Up Painting holds a session at The Shortlands Tavern in Bromley, no previous experience needed, all materials provided. £25, prebook, 8pm
Mexican Day of The Dead Pop Up Painting, 28 October
If you couldn’t make it for the Edvard Munch session, Pop Up Painting is having another session at the Gipsy Hill Tavern in Crystal Palace. This time the theme is the Mexican Day of the Dead: no previous experience needed, all materials provided. £25, prebook, 8pm
Chiplote Boo-rito 2014, 31 October
Mexican food chain Chipotle gives a special treat to customers wearing fancy dress on Halloween night. From 5pm until closing time, Chipotle restaurants around London will charge just £2 for a burrito, burrito bowl, salad, or order of tacos. Proceeds from the fundraiser, up to £10,000, will benefit the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation. Watch the teaser video here.
Kinetic Comedy Halloween Special, 31 October
Laugh until you die with stand-up acts by Kinetic Comedy, taking place at The Library in Islington. During the night there will be fun competitions for the attendees and delicious treats as a prize. £10, prebook, 8pm
Frizzi 2 Fulci: Halloween at the Barbican, 31 October
Fabio Frizzi, the Italian music master of horror soundtracks, holds a concert at the Barbican accompanied by film scenes from Lucio Fulci movies. We’re sure you will want to hide under your seat. £15-£22.50, prebook, 8pm
Halloween Urban Food Fest, 1 November
The Urban Food Fest Halloween Ghosts & Ghouls Extravaganza takes place at the Euro Car Parks in Shoreditch. There will be devilish street food delights and a forbidden fruits cocktail bar. Everyone in Halloween fancy dress will win a free shot from the Urban Food Fest bar and the best costume will win a bottle of champagne. Free, just turn up, from 5pm
Visit a scary Halloween Shop in Crews Hill
Hop on a train from King’s Cross and in 30 minutes you’ll get to Crews Hill in Enfield, where you’ll find plenty of greenhouses and garden centres. We were particularly attracted by Enfield Garden Centre, where we found a very creepy Halloween Shop — probably one of the creepiest we’ve seen so far.