Bolton is gearing up for a frightfully fun Halloween season, with a packed programme of eerie entertainment, family-friendly activities, and community-led events across the borough.
From haunted heritage sites to themed parties and pumpkin trails, residents and visitors alike are invited to plan ahead and enjoy a safe, spirited half-term.
With Halloween falling on Friday 31 October, and school half-term running from Monday 27 to Friday 31 October, this year’s schedule offers something for everyone - from daytime crafts to after-dark ghost hunts.
Families can enjoy Halloween at Rock Hall on Saturday 25 October, 11am to 3pm, where children can make Halloween masks, decorate spooky gingerbread men, and take part in Halloween dress-up. Warm drinks including tea, coffee, and hot Vimto will be available.
Bolton Library and Museum invites families with children aged 6+ to join them for Ghastly Ghost Stories for Gruesome Gremlins on Wednesday 29 October, with sessions at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Each session lasts one hour, and tickets can be booked on Eventbrite.
For those who seeking jump scares, After Dark Family Fun Ghost Tours will take place at Smithills Hall on Thursday 30 October, where a housekeeper will guide visitors around the manor, sharing its haunted history and tales of past residents. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Smithills Hall will also host Ghost & History Tours on Thursday 23 October and Thursday 13 November at 7pm – recommended for those aged 16+. Join experienced guides as they share ghostly tales of the past (and present) tenants, including first-hand accounts of paranormal happenings. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
If ghost hunting is your hobby, you can also take part in Smithills Hall Ghost Hunts, happening on Halloween night and 22 November, from 9pm to 2am. Discover a spine-tingling night of mystery and adventure whilst exploring the Hall. Tickets available online.
For an autumnal and Halloween-themed day out, visit Heaton Fold Artisan Market on Sunday 26 October, from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy a falconry display from Lancashire Hawks and Owls, alongside a seasonal variety of stalls.
Albert Halls brings the ultimate Halloween party on 26 October with Villains Unleashed – an hour-long show of spine-tingling songs and chilling choreography, starring favourite villains like Cruella and Maleficent. Dressing up is encouraged. Book tickets online.
On Halloween itself, Smithills Hall will host a free Halloween Fun Day from 11am to 3pm, inviting families with children aged 4+ to enjoy a Halloween disco, crafts, and games.
Bolton Market is also getting into the spirit by hosting a Spooktacular Halloween Party on 31 October, from 12pm to 2pm, featuring fiendish face painting, spooky crafting, and a creepy cookie workshop. Fancy dress is encouraged!
To keep little terrors even more entertained over the Halloween half-term, Smithills Farm is running a special seasonal period with pumpkin picking every weekend in October, and a Halloween Fright Night on 31 October, featuring haunted tractor rides, woodland walks, werewolf woods, and zombie barns. During half-term week, the farm will be open with a spooky sweet hunt, staff in Halloween costumes, and a children’s fancy dress competition. Book tickets online.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said:
“Halloween in Bolton is always a special time for families and communities, and this year’s programme offers something for everyone.
“Visitors and residents are invited to explore our local heritage sites in a unique way through haunted history tours – catered for both families and adults.
“There’s lots going on this year with a mix of fun Halloween parties, from Bolton Market to Albert Halls.
“We’re proud to support events all across the borough that bring people together and celebrate the season safely and joyfully.”
Discover more Halloween events happening in Bolton on visitbolton.com.