Including spooky family trails, pumpkin picking a nostalgic rave and silent discos in two of Bristol’s most iconic and unusual venuesThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
2022 file image of Halloween at Avon Valley(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
In case you missed it, the weather has taken quite the grey and rainy turn this week. This would be bad news for any summer lovers out there, but if you’ve been looking forward to colder, darker and wetter climes – and the cosiness of autumn – then you must be completely in your element.
And, of course, with the change of season comes the excitement of autumnal holidays and festivities – the key one being Halloween.
Fortunately for us here in Bristol, the city and surrounding areas are usually home to some of the cosiest and spookiest events around. We took a look at the events being promoted in the run-up to Halloween, from new entries to old favourites:
Dick & Dom in the Haunted Bungalow rave
Where: O2 Academy Bristol
Fans of Dick & Dom In Da Bungalow back in the day will no doubt be excited by this event. According to the few official details available: “Expect non-stop bangers, massive ghostly decor, laser light show and absolute insanity.
“Go hard with your spookiest costumes as the boys spin non-stop floor fillers, dance anthems and much more.” This 18+ only event has a curfew of 3am and the kids’ TV personalities will be physically ‘In Da House’. Tickets cost £11.25 for Second Release and £16.90 for Final Release – you can buy yours via the O2 Academy’s official website.
SS Great Britain’s spooky half term
Where: Brunel’s SS Great Britain, BS1 6TY
Described as its ‘spookiest Halloween yet’, the SS Great Britain is hosting events throughout the entire October Half Term – from October 25 until November 2. These include ‘Woeful Wounds’, taking place between 11am-3pm in the First Class Dining Saloon, and costing £3 per session.
This event is back by popular demand and sees special effects make-up artists from SGS College who will create realistic cuts, rashes, and blisters using film and TV grade make-up to create incredibly realistic wounds and injuries – both with a choice of fake blood or no blood at all. This will be available for ages four and up.
Then the Haunted Ship event will see strange and unusual explorations below deck on board the SS Great Britain, like ghostly crew and apparitions of passengers. While finally the Terrifying Turnip Trail will return, giving visitors a spooky trail around the dockyard and ship, with each turnip revealing fascinating facts about Victorian Halloween traditions. These attractions will be included with the price of admission.
FEAR and Avon Valley Pumpkin patch
Avon Valley’s FEAR scream park is an award-winning event (Image: Giulia Spadafora/Avon Valley)
Where: Avon Valley Adventure Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31, 1TP
Two well renowned Halloween events in the Bristol area are the Avon Valley pumpkin patch, and the Fear Scream Park. This year’s Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch opens on September 27, while Fear opens on October 10, and its sister event Fearless, on October 25.
Fear includes a multi-award winning line up of scream mazes – X4, VITA NOVA, Malefica, The Core, and the brand new attraction, Seeds of Evil. There will also be the infamous fire show, thrilling funfair rides, and iconic street entertainment.
Meanwhile, another new feature for this year’s Fear is ‘Lock & Load’, the description of which reads: “Gear up with realistic weapons firing tracer ammo for an immersive shooting adventure, to defend a rebel base against the Republic of England’s newly engineered alien soldiers.” You can book your Fear tickets already via this link.
Meanwhile, successful in the ‘Best Event’ category at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards in 2024 and open select days and nights from September 27 – October 31, Avon Valley boasts the South West’s biggest pumpkin event.
Home to an authentic pumpkin patch, grown with 36 years PYO experience by the Douglas family, it offers photo opportunities on the patch and in the main event area, with a pumpkin house, pumpkin tower and fire show, along with other seasonal displays. What’s more, spooky characters will be dressed to impress and entertain while visitors enjoy seasonal drinks and street food from the bar area.
There’s also the chance to try out seasonal stalls including apple slingshot, the apple cannon and cornholing. And as the sun goes down, the patch lights up for night time picking and live music in the bar. Book your tickets to these popular events here.
Late evening pumpkin pickers enjoy walking through an illuminated pumpkin tunnel Saturday 29 October 2022, at the pumpkin patch at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)Howl-oween at Bristol Zoo Project
Where: Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP
Another October Half Term event, Bristol Zoo Project is running its Howl-oween: Creatures of the Dark event between October 25 and November 2. Visitors will be able to join in with spooky activities for all the family, and follow a chilling Scavenger Hunt around the zoo to uncover a treat.
You’ll also be able to enter the Den of Darkness and experience the eerie world of the night, learn about animal behaviours and what they get up to by the light of the moon, and see real biofacts. You can get creative at a Halloween crafts and activities corner, and listen to fascinating tales from ghostly guests to learn what lurks in the shadows.
Halloween costumes are encouraged, and guests can also cosy up with a warming autumnal drink and enjoy festive treats at the courtyard café and pizzeria. Find out more and book tickets here.
Silent Disco at Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious
Where: Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious
Bristol’s ‘biggest silent disco ever’ is taking place across two iconic Bristol venues – Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious, on November 1, promising ‘non-stop floor-filling bangers from the 80s, 90s, and 00s across several channels, including indie anthems hosted by Propaganda, where you pick the tunes while you dance and sing along’. This is an 18+ only event.
You only need one ticket to enjoy both venues. Tickets cost £27.5 plus a £2.75 booking fee. Buy your tickets here.
Bristol Aquarium – Navigate through chilling underwater realms and vibrant jungles adorned with cutting-edge Halloween vibes until 9pm. Then, gather in the main arena of the aquarium for one of Bristol’s most epic Halloween Silent Discos until 11pm.
We The Curious – Step into the shadow of Bristol’s most chilling science experience and enjoy interactive exhibits whilst dancing to killer tunes all the way until 11pm.