October half term and Halloween events in Bristol -

While Halloween in Bristol is a bit more pared down than usual this year, there are still a handful of spooky shenanigans happening in order to entertain your little monsters! Here’s a round-up of October half term and Halloween events in Bristol.

*As with all events during these uncertain times, there is no guarantee that these events will go ahead. COVID-safety measures will apply – check the individual websites beforehand to avoid disappointment. Please let me know if you hear of any more Halloween events and I’ll add them to the list.

Half term and Halloween events in Bristol

Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch (PYO) (3-4, 10-11,17-18, 24-31 October and 1 November)

P-p-p-pick out a pumpkin to turn into your very own spooky jack-o-lantern from the patch at Avon Valley. This year the event has been made COVID Safe – book an entrance time slot with free car parking on site. There’ll also be fairground rides (charged separately), Pumpkin Paintball, Pumpkin Slingshot and lots more!

Tickets: £3pp, children under 2 are FREE. Please note tickets to the Pumpkin Patch do not give you access to Avon Valley Park, these can be purchased separately.

Image courtesy of Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Old Down Spook Fest (26 Sept-31 October)

A spine-chilling week jam-packed with ghoulish activities at Old Down Country Park! Take part in pumpkin carving (£4), a scavenger hunt (£2.50), pumpkin bowling and a Halloween dressing-up competition on 31st October, with a prize for the best costume.

For pumpkin carving, book a time slot at the ticket office. Entry tickets can be bought upon arrival at the park or online.

Pumpkin picking at Farringtons, Farrington Gurney (3-31 October)

Over 40,000 pumpkin seeds of have been planted for Farrington’s annual pumpkin festival – choose from an array of different varieties including the popular white ghost pumpkins. A real favourite among local families, booking essential.

Bradley Stoke Wizards and Witches Scarecrow Trail (24-31 October)

Complete Bradley Stoke Town Council’s fearsome Wizards and Witches Scarecrow Trail for a chance to enter the prize draw and win £50. Trail maps (£1) will be available from the Town Council Offices and Activity Centres from 28 September and prizes are available for the best and funniest scarecrows – vote for your favourite!

All proceeds from this event will go towards the Mayors’ Charities which include: Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Next Link Domestic Abuse Services.

Click the following links to download the event poster and entry form:

Spooktacular Halloween at Puxton Park (24-31 October)

Beware me babber, there’s all kinds of spoooooooky goings on for kids this October half term at Puxton Park. Take part in a rainbow pumpkin search to win some scrumptious treats, pick your perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (weekends from 3 October and half term only) and paint it for free at the paint station. Visitors can also meet some creepy critters at the spooky animal encounter.

Halloween displays in Bristol – (17 Oct – 1 Nov)

Since Halloween won’t be the ‘normal’ trick or treat experience this year, this city-wide trail allows Halloween-lovers an alternative super scary way to celebrate. Head out on your very own devilish adventure and seek out spooktacular home-made Halloween displays around Bristol with this handy map.

Drive In Cinema at Bristol Filton Airfield (27-31 October)

Get into the Halloween spirit by watching a spooky family-friendly monster-esque movie from the comfort of your car! During the course of the week Bristol Filton Airfield will screen Monsters Inc (27 Oct, 2pm), Hotel Transylvania (28 Oct, 2pm), Coraline (30 Oct, 2pm) and The Nightmare before Christmas (31 Oct, 2pm). Contact free and social distancing-friendly.

The Harry Potter Potion Class, Shire Way Social Club, Bristol (31 October)

Make two magical potions (including one drink and two cake pops) in this immersive Harry Potter experience, receive an exclusive Halloween-themed Harry Potter goodie bag and have your photo taken with props and an invisibility cloak! Dressing up is encouraged. £15.00 per person, suitable for all ages but pupils under the age of 6 will need to be supervised by an adult. The event is setup like a cafe and is taught as a class, therefore it is not a social gathering, and therefore within the guidelines to continue.

To book your place email: potionmakingclass@gmail.com

Dinky Drivers Halloween event, Coalpit Heath (31 October 1.20-2.30pm & 3.30-4.40pm)

Dinky Drivers offer a fleet of vintage pedal cars and ride-ons, together with other road/race related items for hire. This year, they’ll be holding a Halloween special and tickets are on sale now via www.dinkydrivers.co.uk

You may also like to read:

Bristol parks and open spaces: family walks that avoid the crowds

Best free things to do in Bristol with kids

Day trips from Bristol: family days out within 1 hour’s drive of the city