We are officially past the halfway point of October, which means Halloween is in sight.
There is no wrong way to spend the spookiest day of the year. Whether you are heading to one of the country’s creepy historic castles, or wrapping up with a blanket and watching a scary movie, there is still plenty of time to make plans.
If you live in Edinburgh, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to Halloween activities. All throughout October, the Scottish capital is playing host to all manner of fun and events.
The Daily Record has rounded up some of the best spooky goings-on. From educational activities for young ones at Edinburgh Zoo and Dynamic Earth to ceilidhs and music festivals, something is sure to jump out.
Read on for the Daily Record’s guide to some of the Edinburgh’s top Halloween events this October.
Craigies Pumpkin Festival
When: October 1-27
Where: Craigies Farm, Queensferry
Craigies Farm just outside of Edinburgh is hosting two special Halloween events this year: a Pumpkin Festival and a Pumpkin Festival ‘After Dark’. The former will allow visitors to pick their own pumpkin from the farm’s massive patch, as well as venture out on a monster bale trail and even ride a barrel ghost train.
Meanwhile, as the name suggests, Craigies’ Pumpkin Festival ‘After Dark’ is a much more spine-tingling affair. The star of the show is a ‘haunted’ maze that will no doubt give visitors of all ages a good scare.
More information can be found on the Craigies website.
Halloween Hijinks at Edinburgh Castle
When: October 25-31
Where: Edinburgh Castle
There is nothing scarier than a castle, and Edinburgh Castle just so happens to be putting on a special Halloween event this October. On selected dates between October 25 and 31, the iconic attraction will allow visitors to head out on a special activity trail.
Exploring Edinburgh’s dark and morbid history, visitors will hear about ghosts, witches, and much more. You will also get the chance to pose with pumpkins and take part in other Halloween fun.
More information can be found on the Edinburgh Castle website.
Terminal V Halloween Festival
When: October 25-26
Where: Royal Highland Centre
If you are an electronic music fan, then there is no better way to celebrate the season than by heading to the Terminal V Halloween Festival on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Organisers expect around 10,000 techno lovers to descend upon the Royal Highland Centre on each night of the festival.
With two main stages at the Halloween-themed indoor site, there are plenty of big names set to appear. I Hate Models, Mall Grab, Blk., and SNTS are just a few of the acts you will be able to see.
More information can be found on the Terminal V website.
Waverley ‘Scare’ Halloween Ceilidh
When: October 25
Where: 2 Roxburgh Place, Assembly Roxy
If you want to head to a fun Halloween dance this October while also giving back to the community, then the Waverley ‘Scare’ Halloween Ceilidh could be for you. Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity, will be hosting the special themed ceilidh complete with prizes for the best costume and dancing.
There is nothing more Scottish than a ceilidh, and Halloween is the perfect time to add a spooky twist to one. Money raised from ticket sales will be used to provide life-changing support and services to people throughout Scotland affected by HIV and hepatitis.
More information can be found on the Waverley Care website.
Bridgerton Halloween Ball
For those who like the idea of heading to a dance this Halloween, but are keen for something a bit more formal than the Waverley ‘Scare’ Halloween Ceilidh, the Bridgerton Halloween Ball at The Scotsman Hotel could be just the ticket. As the name suggests, this is especially likely to appeal to fans of the Netflix series Bridgerton.
According to organisers, you can expect everything from “decadent dining” and “glamorous attire” to “enticing entertainment and scandalous drama”. Tickets to the ball include a welcome glass of champagne and a three-course meal.
When: October 27
Where: The Scotsman Hotel
More information can be found on The Scotsman Hotel website.
Spooky season at Edinburgh Zoo
When: Various
Where: Edinburgh Zoo
All throughout October, Edinburgh Zoo will be putting on a range of special Halloween-themed events that will entertain animal lovers of all ages. Whether you want to carve special spooky treats for the zoo’s residents, or enjoy some tasty food yourself at the its ‘Beasties and Broomsticks’ brunch, there is something for everyone.
Another highlight is the ‘Skulls and Sip’ workshops, where you can learn all about the skulls of various animals. With a range of alcoholic and soft drinks on offer, this adults-only event is sure to be as fun as it is educational.
More information can be found on the Edinburgh Zoo website.
Frightful Fun at Dynamic Earth
When: October 2-November 3
Where: Dynamic Earth
Speaking of educational, Dynamic Earth will be putting on a special Halloween-themed exhibition all throughout October about how “the creatures you fear are important to our planet”. The science museum even has a special ‘Trick or Treat Trail’ for little ones.
Meanwhile, in terms of what’s on offer for adults, Dynamic Earth will also be hosting ‘Planetarium Lates’. As well as numerous scary films, the planetarium will be used for the ‘What’s Up? The Fright Sky’ show that promises to “draw back the curtain on some of space’s dark secrets”.
More information can be found on the Dynamic Earth website.
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