The clocks are going back and spooky season is almost upon us, so obviously we’re getting our Halloween on. We’ve channelled our inner ghouls to bring you a bumper guide, unearthing some of the best hauntastic happenings in and around Brighton, whatever your appetite for horror. You’ve trundled through the fields to pick your pumpkin and dived into Horrorfest’s scary offerings, so what else can you get up to this Halloween season? We’ve got everything from petrifying parties, wicked workshops and creepy cocktails to all manner of ghostly goings-on. How much do YOU dare?

Get creepily creative
If your idea of Halloween heaven is making stuff, then welcome: First up, Cult Classics are back with another of their themed all-level immersive drawing events, Halloween style. The session is all about Beetlejuice and will feature costumed models, themed sets and playlists, plus plenty of spooky surprises. Dressing up is optional, but highly encouraged, with a prize for the best dressed (Friday 1st November; 7.30pm – 9.30pm; from £10, book in advance or drop in). Bitter Women Brewery are hosting a Halloween felt ornament workshop (26th October; £7.18) at Beak Brewery in Lewes with some tasty beer deals. Open Bakery have a Halloween-themed hand-cut ravioli and tagliatelle workshop (Thursday 31st October; 6pm – 8.30pm; £75) with Italian pasta chef Tommaso Giacomin who’ll guide you in making the perfect pasta dough, colouring it, and filling it with butternut squash before you devour it (our favourite bit) with your new-found cooking friends. You’ll also make two portions of pasta to take home. (Wee sidenote: their ghost macarons are also in stock now – if we haven’t eaten them all by the time you read this.). And smell-it-before-you-see-it shop Lush are running a series of bath bomb-making workshops (Saturday 26th October – Friday 1st November; 12.30pm – 3.30pm; £11.13).

Become a creature of the dark
If you’ve been to the Booth Museum then you’ll be familiar with the feeling you’re being watched, as their floor-to-ceiling collection of weird and wonderful taxidermy fills the space. This Halloween, the BOOth (geddit?) are giving you the chance to go behind the scenes of the exhibits with taxidermist Jazmine Miles-Long leading the way. You can expect plenty of spooktacular surprises, along with a prize for the best costume.
Friday 25th October, 6.30pm; £25
Booth Museum of Natural History, 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 5AA
brightonmuseums.org.uk

Something spooky this way comes
Now’s your chance to explore the eerie happenings behind the doors of Preston Manor, Brighton’s most haunted house. The Edwardian manor is a wee bit spooky even when it’s light outside and as it’s well known for being incredibly haunted. Lots of ghostly figures and weird phenomena have been spotted over the years, so you might even see the house’s famous resident apparitions, including a White Lady who walks through walls and a disembodied hand that manifests in bedrooms. Museum experts will be available to answer all your questions about the house’s previous occupants – and whether they’re still there. There’s also a ghost tour for 13-16s on 29th October.
Wednesday 30th October; 10.30am – 4.30pm; £6
Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Preston Manor

Be afraid, be very afraid
Despite The Actors’ reputation as one of Brighton’s most haunted venues, the haunting within pop-up escape room Unsolved is purely fictional. We joined the crew for this 45-minute hell ride earlier this year during Brighton Fringe and now they’re back scaring the bejeezus out of people at The Actors every weekend in October. You’ll find ghostly knocks, chilling screams and impeccable attention to detail, all serving to heighten the tension as you delve deeper into the sinister truth behind what happened to the fictional Moore family in 1901. It’s an absolute must-visit for lovers of horror and escape rooms, completely unlike anything the city currently has to offer. Just one word of warning: you might want sleep with the lights on afterwards. Read our full review here.
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October; various times; £12.50
The Actors, 4 Prince’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD
Book tickets
See a scary film or three
White Wall Cinema have crafted an enviable niche in screening underrated gems and their two Halloween showings are no exception. First up is Us, a black horror story from Jordan Peele, the writer and director of Get Out. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, WWC say Us is a “fascinating secret code of a horror movie filled to the brim with hidden clues, messages and ideas”. Nyong’o plays Adelaide who returns to her childhood home with her husband and kids, only to be confronted by a gang of attackers who seem to look exactly the same as her and her family. Yikes. And their Halloween night film this year is 1994 dark pop-culture classic The Crow. Starring Bruce Lee’s son Brandon in his final role (he died in an on-set accident), the beautifully shot film tells the tale of a rock musician who gets resurrected one year after his death so that he can pay back all those who wronged him. And for more film action, Brighton Film Club is presenting an expertly curated selection of terrifying shorts from around the world (Tuesday 29th October; 7pm; £10), while the original cut of The Shining and Demi Moore’s new film The Substance are showing at Duke of York’s and Duke’s at Komedia, respectively. And over at Cineworld, you can see Halloween blockbusters Saw (Thursday 31st October) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (Friday 25th October) for just a fiver.
Wednesday 30th October; 7.40pm and Thursday 31st October; 8pm; £9.40
Wagner Hall, 2 Regency Road, Brighton, BN1 2RU
whitewallcinema.co.uk
Get stuck into a murder-mystery challenge over dinner
We love a good murder-mystery night and with its hidden nooks and crannies, the historic Lion and Lobster makes the perfect setting. This Halloween, you’re invited to get your gladrags on and embark on a voyage back to the 1920s. You’ll be a guest on the luxury liner SS Loon-A-Sea, but there’s foul play on board and the guest cabaret artist meets with a sticky end. But who was the killer? That’s your job to find out! A four-course meal and a welcome drink will help to get those little grey cells working. And if you’d rather take a more active part in the evening’s activities, there are a few roles available for guests, too.
Thursday 31st October; 7pm – 11pm; £60
Lion and Lobster, 24 Sillwood Street, Brighton BN1 2PS
Book tickets

Accio potion
If you haven’t been before, The Cauldron in Brighton offers a witchy take (check out our review here) on cocktails all year round, so it’s no surprise they go all out on 31st October. On arrival, you’ll be immersed in a mystical world, provided with a witch’s hat and wand and treated to a welcoming shot of ectoplasm. Assuming you survive the ectoplasm, you’ll then get to craft two limited-edition potions that impressively change colour, glow in the dark, bubble, and emit smoke. Hermione, eat your heart out!
Various dates and times; from £38.69
1 – 2 Clarence Gdns, Brighton, BN1 2HA
thecauldron.io

Who you gonna call?
Ghost Walk of the Lanes is the longest-running ghost walk event in Brighton. These fantastic 70-minute walks, led by eccentric ‘Victorian ghost walkers’, uncover the darker history behind the city’s bustling Lanes, the oldest – and most haunted – part of the city. From unsettled spirits at the Black Lion pub to macabre tales of brutal murders and what’s really going on at Hannington’s Lane, you’re guaranteed an entertaining, if chilling (and maybe chilly) evening. The walks take in eight haunted sites and cast the city in a whole new light – you’ll never again look at those streets in quite the same way! And they’re running some extra walks just for Halloween on Thursday 31st October and Saturday 2nd November at 6pm and 7.30pm – no need to book, just turn up. They’ve also teamed up with The Ship Hotel to offer a spooky cellar dining and ghost walk experience (Friday 25th October and Friday 15th November; £55). Where are those Ghostbusters when you need them?
Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 7.30pm; from £8 (cash or card); meet at Druid’s Head on Brighton Place (opposite Donatello’s Restaurant)
ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk

A murder most horrid
Prefer your ghost walks even more, well, murdery? Then you’ll love the Murder, Malice and Mystery tour that born and bred Brightoner Nat runs for free on demand. The tour takes you back to the time when Brighton was known as the ‘Queen of Slaughtering Places’ and you’ll discover all about Brighton’s most notorious killers, and learn how to avoid being sentenced to death (that’s quite high up on our list) and why it’s not just the sugar and high calorie content that can make chocolates bad for you.
Availability on request, email nat@realbrightontours.com; free
Meet Brighton Station main gates, opposite Budgens, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XP
realbrightontours.com

Pump, pump, pump(kin) it up
The Geese pub (excellent roasts and sausage and mash) in Hanover are getting their ghoul on this Halloween with a pumpkin and pints night for those who prefer crafting to cackles. It’s simple: buy a pint and you’ll get a free pumpkin to carve or decorate and be in the running for a prize for the best design.
Monday 28th October; from 4pm; the cost of a pint
The Geese, 16 Southover Street, Brighton, BN2 9UA
thegeesebrighton.com

Get spooked in the city
Some of Brighton’s most popular attractions are getting their spook on this Halloween. If you’re looking to get some good snaps, then head along to the Upside Down House to see its fangtastic interior redesign (until 3rd November). And crazy golf fans should check out glow-in-the-dark crazy golf haven Globalls at the Marina where they’ve got a Halloween takeover on their Jurassic course this month.
Upside Down House: 42 – 43 Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2LN
Globalls: 1 – 5, The Village, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5WA

Spill the tea
If you’ve always been curious about tarot, then head to the fabulous Stanley Road Store for a pre-Halloween reading to see what’s in, ahem, store for you. The lovely Charlie, aka Tarot in Technicolor, is popping up at the multi-brand indie department store, offering full readings, vibe checks, plus a mini shop within a shop selling tarot decks, tarot-inspired jewellery, prints and more.
Saturday 26th October; 11am – 6pm; £15
Stanley Road Store, 54 – 55 Market Street, Brighton BN1 1HH
Tarot in Technicolor

Don’t spill the tea
You’ve probably noticed that we can’t get en-Oeuf of the egg-cellent Oeuf. Or appalling egg puns. Can you blame us with that oh-so-Instagrammable decor that’s only equalled by bloody good food and drinks? This year, they’ve teamed up with their new sister cafe, Bayon Bakery, bringing a whole load more spooky goodies to the table, from miso egg mayo mini buns to mini pumpkin spiced French toast (Thursday 31st October; from £30). But there’s more! The team over at The Grand are also putting on a special Halloween spread in their boujie terrace (28th October – 3rd November; from £40). Putting a spooky spin on the sarnie, they’ve gone to town on the toppings on their sweet and savoury treats, with pumpkin, ghost and bat-topped tarts and delices.
Oeuf: Thursday 31st October, 2pm and 3pm sittings; from £30
8 Third Avenue, Hove BN3 2PX
oeuf.cafe
The Grand: Monday 28th October – Sunday 3rd November; various times; from £40)
97 – 99 King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 2FW
grandbrighton.co.uk

Shock shock horror horror
It wouldn’t be this time of year without the legendary Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm. There are 11 immersive (and we mean immersive) scare experiences – each with live actors – to choose from, graded according to just how terrifying they are, as well as street theatre shows, live music and more. We can tell you that if you like your scares extra punchy, then you’ll especially love the chill-inducing Cellar and who or what it holds… Need even more screams? You can pay for various add-ons, including a 40-metre-high scream ride, slingshot, and being shocked, literally. No, we’re not sure how we feel about that one either. Less terrifyingly, if you head down for the finale night, you’ll be able to enjoy some extra bangs for your buck courtesy of the closing fireworks display.
Until Saturday 2nd November, various times, from £44.95 (fast-track tickets allow you to queue jump, so it makes planning a bit easier)
Shocktober Fest Scream Park, Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE
shocktoberfest.co.uk

It’s a dead cert
Several venues around town are embracing Halloween’s not-quite-cousin Day of the Dead. To mark the Dia de los Muertos, which honours loved ones (human and animal) who are no longer with us, Brighton eateries Shelter Hall, Halisco and Carlito Burrito have joined forces with Cazcabel Tequila to put up altars (Thursday 25th October – 8th November) adorned with photos, flowers and food. Shelter Hall‘s also got a big Mexican party on Friday 1st November, with a live Mariachi band, Mexican eats from Crudo, a Margarita bar and face-painting (sittings at 6.45pm and 8.45pm; free), while cosy Carlito Burrito‘s bringing the fiesta on Saturday 2nd November (free, but email for guest list) with Latin and world music, drinks deals and fancy dress prizes. And if you visit any of the above venues, you can also enter Cazcabel’s competition to bag a £4,000 trip to Mexico (just ask staff for the entry form link). Wahaca‘s also getting in on the colourful Day of the Dead celebrations with a fully decked out altar featuring life-size skeletal figurines (calacas) hand-crafted by talented artisans in Oaxaca and some new menu items, including roast squash, grilled achiote seabass, a beet tartare and a chocolate orange margarita. For a higher-end take on the flavours of Mexico, try chef Greg Clarke’s El Bolillo, the newest addition to the Hove dining scene.
Don’t be a drag
If you’re searching for some fun events to go to while staying in line with the Halloween theme, we’re big fans of the events at Ironworks. This Halloween, they’ve got a Hootenanny with “a bewitching brew of music, mayhem, and macabre merriment”. That translates as some excellent drag artists, live music, costume prizes, and, for those who dare, a whole heap of interactive fun. Get ready for a roasting!
Thursday 31st October; from 6.30pm; from £11.53
Ironworks Studios, 30 Cheapside, Brighton, BN1 4GD
ironworks-studios.co.uk

Shake, rattle and roll
Fancy rocking out on Halloween? Then get yourself down to city-centre pub The Great Eastern for a bone-swinging time. They’re not skimping on the scary vibes with an extra-special Halloween mega-mix, spinning vinyl-only rotten rock & roll, ghastly garage and spooky surf all night long. Basically, if it’s any of the above genres, or blues, funk, country or jazz, and references something spooky, it might well be on the playlist. Let’s skel-et-on.
Thursday, 31st October; from 6pm; free
The Great Eastern, 103 Trafalgar Court, Brighton
greateasternbrighton.co.uk

What else?
The sportily inclined might fancy a Halloween-themed party 5k along the seafront with Run and Rave (Friday 1st November; 7pm; £9) or a spin or strength class with jump scares from creepy clowns at Rox Life. The Old Market in Hove has their Halloween O-bop with the legendary DJ Yoda headlining (Friday 1st November; £27) and the super-friendly Kemptown Klub (in, surprise surprise, Kemptown) is holding its annual Halloween party on Saturday 26th October (7pm) with spooky songs and cocktails (it’s a members’ club, but you can just pop in and join on the spot). The Robin Hood pub are also throwing a Halloween party on Saturday with chilling choons and spooky drinks (from 8pm; late). Fancy joining the funkiest cult in town this Halloween? Head over to the Font for a cult-themed night of disco, funk, cabaret, circus, drag, interactive theatre (involvement’s optional, don’t worry), and more plus a ‘baptismal ball pit’ and a ‘creepy confessional booth’ where you can offload all your sins (Friday 1st November; 9pm – 2am; £11.55). There’s a £50 bar tab up for grabs for the best costume, too. North Laine Brewhouse have put a spooky spin on their musical bingo brunch with drag prince Alfie Ordinary (Saturday 26th October; from midday; from £6); the Basketmakers’ Arms have got several days of Day of the Dead celebrations (Thursday 31st October – Saturday 2nd November; free) with Mexican food, themed drinks, flamenco guitar (on Saturday) and a charity raffle; while quiz and Simon Pegg fans might want to do battle over the Shaun of the Dead 20th anniversary quiz at Bison Beer (Thursday 31st October; 7.30pm; £2.88).