Halloween & Half Term: Things to Do in Reading

29th September 2026

Spooky season is almost here, and Reading is pulling out all the stops for Halloween. Whether you’re after eerie entertainment, family-friendly fun, or a night of ghoulish revelry, here are the top things to do this Halloween in Reading. 

Dracula 

23 Sep–10 Oct | Reading Rep Theatre 
Get your gothic fix with Reading Rep’s atmospheric take on Bram Stoker’s classic. Follow Professor Van Helsing and a group of young men and women as they battle Dracula in this haunting theatrical thriller. Age guidance 12+. 

Pumpkin Patch 

17–18 & 24–31 Oct | Beale Wildlife Park 
Pick your perfect pumpkin, wander through a spooky woodland walk and tackle the maize maze at Beale Park. During half term, there’ll also be spooky crafts, mini-beast sessions and a Halloween trail for even more seasonal fun. 

The Michael Jackson Thriller Day Party 

24 Oct | The Purple Turtle 
Step into the spooky world of Michael Jackson with an afternoon of Thriller, Jackson 5, 80s pop, soul, funk and R&B. Expect plenty of dancing, singing and Halloween vibes, with Thriller-inspired fancy dress very much encouraged. 18+. 

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure 

24 Oct–8 Nov | Basildon Park 
Head to Basildon Park for a Halloween adventure inspired by the bestselling children’s books. Hunt for hidden ghosts, race broomsticks, play Halloween hoopla and look out for warty toads along the way. Perfect for little trick-or-treaters. 

Halloween Broad Street Beats 

24 Oct | Broad Street Mall 
Broad Street Mall is turning up the volume for spooky season with live music, family-friendly activities and plenty of spooky surprises. Expect performances from local talent, free face painting, a trick-or-treat tote bag decorating workshop, music bingo, Halloween costumes and a visit from Topsy. 

Reading’s Autumn Adventure Trail

24 Oct–1 Nov | Reading Town Centre 

Looking for something to keep the kids busy over half term? This free autumn trail is all about acorns, not scares. Pick up a map and explore Reading town centre, spotting acorns hidden in shop windows along the way. Keep an eye out for golden acorns too, as you could win a prize!  

Matilda Too Halloween Cruises 

Various Dates | Burghfield Bridge 
Climb aboard Matilda Too for a spooky 35-minute cruise along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The boat will be dressed up for Halloween, with a spooky tale potentially thrown in for good measure. 

Hallowellyween

24 Oct–1 Nov | Wellington Country Park
Head to Wellington Country Park for a spooktacular half-term packed with Halloween fun. Expect creepy crafts, spooky trails, Halloween games and plenty of chances for little ones to get into the spirit of the season while exploring the park.

October Workshop: Mask Making 

27 Oct | Reading Rep Theatre 
Little monsters can get creative ahead of Halloween with this hands-on mask-making workshop. Design and decorate a spooky mask using card, feathers, gems, glitter and more, then create a story or picture book featuring a favourite ghostly character. Ages 5–10. 

Disturbia: A Thames Valley Gay Chorus Concert 

30 Oct | South Street 
Get ready for a night of spooky, weird and downright wicked songs with Thames Valley Gay Chorus. There’ll be plenty of chances to join in, so warm up those Time Warp moves and get ready to sing along. Age guidance 14+. 

Ghosts of Reading Past 

31 Oct | Thames Lido 
Take a walk on Reading’s darker side with drag performers Big Jay and Philli Mi Up. Discover stories of unsolved murders, pirates, royalty and real ghost sightings, alongside some verified local history and a few restless souls. 

Family Halloween Disco 

31 Oct | Caversham Pier 
Swap the dancefloor for the Thames with a 90-minute Halloween disco cruise. Expect a DJ, dancing, spooky decorations and plenty of fancy dress as the whole family dances its way along the river. 

Variety Night – Halloween Special 

31 Oct | Rising Sun Arts Centre 
Get dressed up for a spooky evening of live music, drag, DJs and more. With performances from Big Jay, Philli Mi Up, Polly B Rose, DeepSonics and others, there’s plenty to keep things lively — plus a prize for best dressed. 18+. 

Pumpkin Picking and Woodland Trail 

Multiple Dates | Wasing Estate 
Head to Wasing Estate for a wholesome day out among the pumpkins. Pick your perfect carving candidate and follow the woodland trail for a gentle dose of autumn magic. Great for families or anyone wanting a break from the scares. 

Schism Reading: Halloween 

31 Oct | Face Bar 
Two rooms, six DJs and a whole lot of alternative Halloween energy. Expect rock, metal, pop punk and ska in the Red Room, with goth, synth, industrial and EBM in the Blue Room — plus trick-or-treat goodie bags and a cash prize for best dressed. 

Readifolk Theme Night – That’s Spooky 

1 Nov | Watlington House 

Keep the Halloween spirit going for one more night with Readifolk’s spooky theme night. Share songs and tunes linked to all things spooky — or simply sit back and listen. Under-25s go free. 

Reading Alternative Halloween Market 

31 Oct | Reading Biscuit Factory 
For those who like their shopping a little bit different, the Reading Alternative Market is a treasure trove of gothic gifts, handmade jewellery, taxidermy, crystals, art and lots more. Perfect for grabbing unique Halloween décor or an outfit with edge. 

Sing-along-a-Scary Nick at The Flowing Spring 

31 Oct | The Flowing Spring 
Warm up those vocal cords for a night of singalong scares. This spooky musical evening promises laughs, audience participation, and just enough fright to keep you on your toes. 

Deadlocked Escape Rooms – The Reading Witch 

Throughout October | Deadlocked Escape Rooms 
Ready for a real scare? Step inside Deadlocked Escape Rooms and face “The Reading Witch.” Solve puzzles and unravel mysteries before time runs out. Perfect for groups who love a thrill and a challenge. 

From pumpkin patches and ghost hunts to spooky theatre, live music and Halloween parties, Reading has plenty to keep you entertained. So grab your costume, gather your favourite people and get ready for a frightfully fun October.