Looking for Halloween activities across Scotland this October? From Halloween-themed afternoon tea to glamorous drag performances and immersive dark carnivals, we’ve curated a list of seven unmissable activities that will send shivers down your spine.
Fall Into Fun at Arnprior Farm’s Iconic Pumpkin Festival
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Arnprior Farm invites pumpkin enthusiasts and seasonal lovers to experience the ultimate autumnal celebration. From 9th to 29th October, this enchanting farm offers a host of family-friendly activities amidst a spectacular array of 20,000 pumpkins.
Enjoy quad pod rides, bale mountain climbing, face painting, and more. Don’t miss the mouthwatering selection of food and drinks from local culinary talents. Indulge in loaded fries, stone-baked pizzas, and seasonal pumpkin gin fizz.
Book your tickets in advance at arnpriorfarm.com.
Dark Carnival at VEGA, Glasgow
Step into a world of weirdness and wonder at the immersive Dark Carnival hosted by VEGA. Starting on Halloween weekend, on Saturday, 28th October, VEGA’s sky-high bar will host two enthralling events: a cabaret and an elevated dinner.
From 12pm to 4pm and 6pm until late, guests will witness captivating performances from the realms of Burlesque, Illusion, and Contortion against the stunning backdrop of Glasgow’s skyline and the neon-lit, Halloween-transformed interiors of VEGA.
The afternoon session will feature Rockabilly pin-up Tootsie Annie with her inimitable burlesque style, along with mind-bending performances from illusionist Prof. Cogsworth. Puppeteer Paul Ross will host the cabaret session, complete with his master puppets, while professional contortionist Minnie Knot will showcase her extreme flexibility.
The evening session will be an interactive experience, with artists not only performing but also interacting with tables, creating an atmosphere of wonder and mystery.
To complement the extraordinary entertainment, guests will be served two limited-edition Halloween-inspired cocktails and one dish from an exclusive menu as part of the ticket price. Be sure not to miss out on the ‘They All Float Down Here’, a monster cocktail, and the ghoulish ‘Vampire’s Kiss’.
Tickets for Dark Carnival Cabaret and Dinner can be booked in advance at vegaglasgow.com.
Spook-tacular Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park
From Friday 13th to Sunday 29th October, Dalkeith Country Park is hosting its biggest spooky season to date. Families can enjoy a wide array of events and activities, including pumpkin picking, craft workshops, spooky storytelling, and outdoor cinema magic.
The Halloween spectacular concludes with the Fawkes Festival, featuring a fireworks and laser extravaganza lighting up the sky in front of Dalkeith Palace.
On Saturday 14th October, visitors can kick off the festivities at the Curiously Creepy Pumpkin Patch, where they can pick the perfect pumpkin before exploring the rarely opened undercroft of The Orangerie.
Restoration Yard will host various workshops for children, including cookie decorating, crafting, and crochet.
Meanwhile, Adventure Cinema will bring classic and family movies to Dalkeith Country Park’s open-air setting.
Don’t miss the grand finale, Fawkes Festival, on Saturday 28th October, filled with fairground rides, fabulous food, and a breath-taking fireworks display.
For more details about the Halloween events at Dalkeith Country Park and to book tickets, visit dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk.
Indulge in Halloween Themed Afternoon Tea at Mimi’s Bakehouse
The Leith and Corstorphine branches of Mimi’s Bakehouse are brewing up a hauntingly delicious Halloween themed afternoon tea. From 13th to 31st October, treat yourself to a wickedly indulgent spread filled with spookily delightful savouries and sweets. Enjoy the warm ambiance and heart-warming treats that have made Mimi’s Bakehouse a beloved Edinburgh institution.
Tables can be booked at mimisbakehouse.com.
Explore GlasGLOW: The UK’s Biggest Halloween Event
After five sold-out years, GlasGLOW is back with even more mesmerising sound and light displays, Insta photo-opps, and interactive moments.
But before you get lost in the spectacle, unleash your creativity at the free pumpkin carving workshops organised by itison. From October 19th to 29th, join the expert artists from The CLAASH COLLECTIVE at the Children’s Garden in the Botanic Gardens between 11am and 3pm. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Halloween adventures.
Explore Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens and indulge in a 60-minute outdoor adventure, featuring the return of Marshmallow Land, a mouthwatering gourmet street food village, and a dazzling GLOW bar for the perfect end to your night.
Bookings can be made at itison.com/glasglow.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Drag Spooktacular
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is pulling out all the stops this Halloween with two exciting drag events. On 28th October, starting from 12pm, Eve, the hotel’s all-day dining destination, will host a drag villain brunch.
With DJ Zac from Bolton and Mystica Glamoor as hosts, guests can indulge in mouthwatering brunch favourites such as crispy chicken burgers and fluffy pancakes while being entertained by Mystica’s mesmerising drag performance inspired by iconic fairytale villains.
The spooktacular drag villain brunch is free to attend, and a table reservation is all that is required to join the festivities.
For those daring enough to stay out after sunset, the hotel presents an electrifying drag rendition of the Rocky Horror show. From 9pm till late, Klarity Productions, Krystal Klear, and DJ Jasper Noir will take the stage, accompanied by star-studded guests such as Daddy Delight.
To enhance the experience, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s mixologists will be serving specially curated Halloween-themed cocktails throughout the day.
Bookings for the drag villain brunch and the Rocky Horror drag show can be made at virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
Halloween Family Day at Marine North Berwick
Looking for a spooktacular day out with the family? Marine North Berwick has you covered. On 28th October, step into a world of magic and delights at their Halloween Family Day.
Little ones can enjoy a sumptuous Halloween themed Children’s Afternoon Tea, complete with savoury and sweet treats with a spooky twist. Adults can relax and savour a glass of champagne along with the delectable pastries prepared by the talented pastry chefs.
Engage in a Trick or Treasure Hunt around the hotel and grounds, get your face painted with designs of ghastly ghosts or wicked witches, and have a frightfully good time.
