Autumn Half Term and Halloween in Southport

Southport is full of frighteningly fun things to do this Halloween and Autumn half term break!

Experience a brand-new book festival, ghost trains, spooky theatre, a Pokémon show, frighteningly-good fun at Southport Market....plus much, much more!

Check out our guide to what's on in Southport during Autumn half term, highlighting events and activities that are suitable for all ages.

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• 🍂 Autumn in Southport
• 🎆 Things to do in Southport

A brand-new book festival

Families can enjoy a festival of creativity and imagination over half term as Southport celebrates the first Books Alive 24-31 October.

Explore the town centre with the 'Jolly Postman Trail' and visit The Atkinson and Southport Library for the 'Festival of Stories'.  Fringe events will be taking place across the town, with bookish activities and appearances for beloved Children's authors.

Merseyrail train tickets to Southport are just £2 throughout the event (£1 for children).

Find out more

Halloween at The Bijou

As ever, Southport's much-loved independent cinema has a packed schedule of the hottest horror films to celebrate Halloween and half term.

If you've not seen this year's horror hit sensation Obsession, this is it.  There's also The Babadook and Videodrome for the frightful film geeks and both Scooby Doo movies and Corpse Bride if you're looking for family favourites.

Cinema listings

Pokemon at the Park

Harp Coffee and Games' first Pokémon Card Show at Southport Market was a smash hit in August.  They are returning bigger and better at Victoria Park on Sunday 1 November, with 45 vendors and lots of fun for collectors and enthusiasts.

Pokémon, One Piece, and other TCG collectibles alongside food and drink, face painting.

People can purchase special early access tickets, or entry to the Card Show is free from 12am onwards.

Early access tickets

Stage Frights at The Atkinson

There's two excellent options for theatre lovers at the Atkinson over Halloween.  The Body Smugglers Murder Mystery (Friday 23 October) is an interactive murder mystery packed with secrets and deceit, where you’ll help uncover the culprit.

There's also two performances of The Haunting of Blaine Manor on Saturday 24 October.  An award-winning thriller set in 1953 England, exploring a manor’s twisted history of madness, witchcraft, tragedy and death.

If Halloween isn't your thing, there's also something for the kids with A Tribute to Mrs Rachel.

Spooky Southport Market Fun

Get ready for a spooktacular half-term at Southport Market with heaps of entertainment to keep the little ones busy!

The fun includes slime-making workshops, Wizard School, a Dr Seuss-themed rave, and spooky Hocus Pocus parties. On Halloween itself, families can enjoy Room on the Broom storytelling and a Villains Halloween Bash.

Find out more 

SMEC Ghost Train

Ride if you dare!  An immersive, family-friendly railway journey packed with spooky surprises at Victoria Park.

Southport Model Engineering Club's model ghost trail ride takes you through haunted tunnels, ghostly stations, and encounters with friendly spirits as our decorated train winds through the darkness.

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Ghosts at The Grand

It's a double header at The Grand this Halloween.

Adults will love Ghost Stories By Candlelight on Saturday 31 October, a haunting evening of chilling ghost stories and atmospheric live theatre to be enjoyed alongside a delicious three-course meal by candlelight.

On Sunday 1 November, it's something more family-friendly, as the Hocus Pocus Family Halloween Spooktacular offers a day of spooky fun Halloween featuring a live show from the Sanderson Sisters.

Digz n Lidz

Half term break is a perfect opportunities to visit the brand new RC experience café on Lord Street, where you can enjoy remote-control diggers and construction vehicles in a specially-made sandpit.

Danny and the friendly team at Digz 'n' Lidz will be offering some free treats for visitors and there will be competitions throughout the week too.

New opening Digz 'n' Lidz

More events

Freezin
The Atkinson | Wed 28 Oct 2026
A magical family adventure featuring Jack Frost, dazzling costumes, comedy, music and plenty of frosty fun during the October half-term.

Taking Centre Stage: Female Artists in The Atkinson’s Collection
The Atkinson | Runs until 2027
An inspiring exhibition celebrating women artists represented in The Atkinson’s collection, spanning traditional and contemporary works.

Tom Jones Tribute
The Grand | Sat 24 Oct 2026
Enjoy Tom Jones classics from David Kidd, followed by a party set, DJ and one-course meal for a proper night out.

Grease V’s Dirty Dancing Bottomless Brunch
Waterfront Southport Hotel | Sat 24 Oct 2026
A fun-filled bottomless brunch battle between Grease and Dirty Dancing, with music, dancing, food and plenty of themed entertainment.

Oktoberfest 2026
Victoria Park | 23-24 Oct 2026
Southport’s official Oktoberfest brings two days of Bavarian fun, with beer, bratwursts, lederhosen and live music in Victoria Park.

Halloween Bingo
Victoria Park | Sat 31 Oct 2026
Also at Victoria Park is this year's Halloween-themed comedy bingo party hosted by Brendan Riley.   Interactive games, spooky surprises, music, prizes.  Fancy dress is very much encouraged.

Discover more...