Halloween and October Half Term in Southampton
Each year in the leadup to Halloween, Southampton offers a wide variety of activities and events for all ages. From pumpkin picking to costume-filled club nights, the city comes alive with autumnal colour and spooky happenings. Whether you’re planning a family day out or a night of frightful fun with friends, Southampton has something to suit your Halloween mood.
The city’s central location, reliable public transport and mix of heritage, green space and nightlife venues makes it a fantastic place to celebrate the spooky season. You’ll find haunted happenings across the Cultural Quarter, the Old Town, and within popular destinations like Westquay and The Marlands, there is plenty of choice whatever your interests or budget.
Half-term favourites
Southampton is packed with experiences for all ages, from educational and hands-on activities to fun-filled days out. Explore some of the city’s favourite local venues below, including museums, cinemas, bowling alleys and more.
Diwali celebrations in Southampton
As the nights draw in, Southampton also comes alive with the colours and lights of Diwali. The city’s celebrations often feature live performances, music, dance and delicious food, bringing the community together to mark the Festival of Lights.
On Friday 18 October, Papillon will host Diwali Southampton, the city’s biggest Diwali party organised by Padharo. The night will feature DJ TRUX mixing Bollywood beats with global hits, alongside vibrant lighting, festive décor, giveaways and award-winning vegetarian and vegan dishes.
For daytime celebrations, the Diwali Mela Festival returns to Oasis Academy Lords Hill on Saturday 11th October. This free event offers a full day of live music, delicious food, cultural showcases such as a fashion show, Diwali bazaar and family-friendly fun, with free entry for all.
Oktoberfest Southampton
Stein Garten kicks off the celebrations on Thursday 3rd October with its own festive party, complete with traditional Bavarian music, authentic German food and, of course, plenty of steins of drink. Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere, themed décor and a chance to dress up in lederhosen or dirndls for the evening.
Later in the month, Southampton’s Guildhall Square will host the city’s flagship Oktoberfest event on 24th and 25th October. This large-scale celebration brings together live entertainment, delicious food, and a wide selection of beers, ciders and seasonal drinks, creating a true festival atmosphere complete with oompah bands. With music, dancing, and a festive Bavarian feel, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Oktoberfest in Southampton.
Halloween in Southampton
Get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween in Southampton! From family-friendly trails, pumpkin picking and craft workshops to late-night club parties and over-18s events, the city has plenty to keep everyone entertained this October.
Halloween fun for the family
If you’re looking for family-friendly Halloween activities in Southampton, there’s no shortage of creative and exciting events taking place during the half-term break and the Halloween weekend itself. Families can enjoy themed trails through parks and shopping districts, with many events offering free activity booklets or treats for children who come in costume. These Halloween events in Southampton are ideal for young children, with interactive clues, gentle storytelling, and plenty of chances to dress up without the fright factor.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Cultural venues such as SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery, and Tudor House & Garden often run special Halloween workshops and craft sessions. These activities allow children to make their own lanterns, masks or spooky decorations, while also learning about the city’s history in an engaging way. During the October half term, families can also look out for storytelling sessions or ghost-themed walking tours that have been carefully adapted to suit younger audiences.
IKEA Southampton will also be hosting a range of free family activities full of adventure and Halloween fun! From safari-themed activities to hands-on crafts and a lively Halloween party, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.
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28th Oct: Creature Creations – children can get crafty making their own safari animals with Pyssla beads
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29th Oct – 2 Nov: Safari Adventures – take part in a fun in-store trail and spot safari surprises along the way.
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29th Oct: Mini Park Ranger for the Day – little explorers can experience life as a park ranger for the day
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31 Oct: Annual Halloween Party – join in the spooky celebrations with a live DJ and plenty of Halloween spirit
All events are free to attend for IKEA Family members. Find out more about each of the events listed above here.
Pumpkin picking near Southampton is another popular option for families in autumn, with places like Pickwell Farm and Sunnyfields offering large patches where children can choose their own pumpkin straight from the field. Many locations also offer carving stations, hay bale photo opportunities, and food stalls serving warm seasonal treats.
And for a bit of fun further afield, why not make Southampton your base this autumn and head out to Paultons Park? Their Halloween Spooktacular event - from 16th October - 3rd November 2025 - transforms the theme park into a family-friendly experience for all ages, complete with pumpkins, decorations and seasonal entertainment that little ones will love.
Halloween club nights and over 18s parties
If you’re over 18 and searching for Halloween club nights in Southampton, the city’s nightlife scene will not disappoint. Halloween weekend typically sees a huge variety of themed events, club takeovers, costume contests and special DJ appearances across many of Southampton’s most popular night-time venues. Whether you're into house, drum and bass, chart hits or throwback anthems, you’ll find a Halloween party to suit your music taste and dress code.
One of the highlights of this year’s Halloween in Southampton is Nightmare in the Square – the city’s biggest Halloween party, taking place in a huge marquee at Guildhall Square on Friday 31 October 2025. More than 2,000 costumed partygoers will fill the square for a night of music, live scare actors, and roaming entertainers. The line-up includes performances from BBC Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges, A Little Sound and Fish56Octogon. Tickets start from just £10 – click here to find out more.
If you prefer a more relaxed party atmosphere with cocktails and themed entertainment, venues like Orange Rooms and Revolution often host Halloween nights that blend dance floors with lounge areas and Halloween-themed drinks menus. Expect to see prizes for the best costumes, horror movie soundtracks mixed with club classics, and plenty of opportunities to take photos in front of decorated backdrops or props.
Popworld and Trilogy usually offer themed nights across the Halloween weekend, often including two-for-one drinks, glow-in-the-dark wristbands, and spooky party games. These nights are perfect for students and young adults who want a high-energy night out with a nostalgic twist
Explore Southampton with walking tours
For those who enjoy exploring on foot, Southampton has a variety of walking tours that bring its history, legends and architecture to life. Supernatural Tours host popular ghost walks that uncover the darker side of the city with spine-tingling tales, and they also run themed tours exploring mysterious locations and haunted hotspots around Southampton. Other guided tours focus on the city’s medieval walls, historic buildings and maritime heritage. Whether you’re drawn to eerie stories or simply want to discover the city’s past from a fresh perspective, these tours offer an atmospheric and memorable way to experience Southampton.
Plan your autumn adventures!
Whether you’re planning family activities for the October half-term in Southampton or looking forward to Halloween events in the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check our What’s On page, social media channels from late September onwards to plan your October half-term activities and Halloween celebrations in Southampton.
