8 Things to Do in Edinburgh this Halloween!
With just over a week to go until Halloween, it’s time to start planning your Halloween weekend! Edinburgh’s Gothic architecture makes it the perfect backdrop for the season and we’re sure you won’t struggle to find something fun to do! To help you narrow down your search we’ve chosen 8 Things to Do in Edinburgh this Halloween. So, whether you’re with your little ones or looking for a fun night out on the town, keep scrolling as there’s something for everyone.
1. Royal Botanic Halloween Trail
- Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
- When: Monday 22nd October 2018 – Wednesday 31st October at 10am-4pm
- Price: £2 per map
Looking for something fun to do with your little ones? This is a fun trail for the whole family where you need to help the Garden witch’s cat Mi-agh to find healing plants and cast a spell to cure the witch of her cold. There’s no booking required and you can pick up a map at the John Hope Gateway reception desk for only £2. The best bit is, if you complete the magical trail, you’ll receive your special Halloween gift!
2. Edinburgh Horror Festival
- When: 26th-31st October
- Where: Various Locations
The Edinburgh Horror Festival is a multi-art-form event running over the weekend before Halloween each year in Edinburgh. There are lots of interesting events to take part in (and some of them are “pay what you want too” or free) such as Stand-up Horror (a comedy show with a spooky twist), Rocky Horror Night, and many more comedy, magic and horror acts. The Edinburgh Horror Festival returns for a new season of witchery and gore. This year there’s their usual live shows as well as a micro convention over the weekend before Hallowe’en featuring stalls, interactive sessions, talks and signings.
3. S.C.R.E.A.M Ball (Sportsman’s Charity Really Eerie Annual Magical Ball)
- When: 27th October at 7pm
- Where: Prestonfield House
- Price: £80
Looking to do something a little grander while helping out a great cause? The Sportsman’s Charity Really Eerie Annual Magical Ball (also known as SCREAM) is back at Prestonfield House’s Stables Ballroom and promises to be an excellent eerie evening of great food and wicked entertainment. Your ticket will include a welcome drink, three-course dinner, half bottle of wine, and exceptional entertainment! Attendees are encouraged to dress up with a ‘Hint of Halloween’ in mind.
3. Halloween Weekend Pub Crawl
- When: 27th-31st October
- Where: Various Locations
- Price: £11.21 – £16.52
Fancy a night out on the town? Then don your best costume and head out for a fun pub crawl with your friends. When you check in for the pub crawl, you’ll get your wristband and a map of participating bars. In addition to the drink specials, the wristband will waive all cover charges at all participating venues during pub crawl hours. From there, the night is yours!
4. Little Terrors Candy Apple Making
- When: 28th October at 10am
- Where: The Granary, Leith
- Price: Free
Another great family event for your little ones is hosted by the Granary! Bring along your mini monsters and let them create and decorate their very own spooky candy apple completely free of charge.
5. The Spooky Castle
- When: 28th October at 10am-1pm
- Where: Lauriston Castle
- Price: £7
Lauriston Castle is a real hidden gem, located a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre. The grand home and charming grounds are worth a visit during any season! Due to the age of the building, it’s also the perfect location for Halloween. Be very brave and dabble in four terrifying family activity activities. Spend some time out in the creepy old woods and search for clues with their ghouls and make terrifying Halloween treats in the historical kitchen. Remember to go in full fancy dress!
6. Watch a Scary Movie!
- When: 31st October
- Where: The Filmhouse, the Cameo, and Vue Cinema
If you’re a horror fan, what better day of the year to head to the cinema than Halloween! Various Edinburgh cinemas are celebrating by showing both old and new horror movies. The Filmhouse is showing The Shining (6.15pm) and The Evil Dead (9pm). Plus, the Cameo is showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show (10.45pm). Lastly, Vue Cinema is showing Halloween (7pm) and the Fog (9:45pm). Plenty to choose from!
7. Samhuinn Fire Festival
- When: 31st October (gates open at 7pm)
- Where: Calton Hill
- Price: Tickets are £6 and booking fee in advance and £9 on the day.
End the month of October with a bang by heading along to watch the Samhuinn Fire Festival! For the first time ever, the Samhuinn Fire Festival will mark the turn of the seasons at the top of Calton Hill. That means more space, more performers, more drummers, and more fire. This Samhuinn Fire Festival will be totally immersive as you wander between hundreds of otherworldly creatures battling it out all over the Hill. Get up close to this spectacular struggle between the seasons, brought to life by wild drumming, fire-dancing, acrobatics, and vibrant costumes. A night you won’t forget!
What a list! Halloween sounds like it’s going to be a blast.
Looking to visit Edinburgh this Halloween? We have a range of gorgeous holiday homes to choose from. Take, for example, this gorgeous property in Edinburgh’s West End: 15/3 South Charlotte Street!
Why not take a look at the rest of our properties and find your perfect Edinburgh holiday let? Go on, you know you want to…
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