Stick on a witch’s hat, grab your plastic pumpkin bucket and head off into the night (with your mum and dad) for some trick-or-treating. October 31st was a lot simpler when you were six. Fast forward a couple of decades and Halloween has taken on a NYE-style role on our social calender – with a lot more planning involved.
Inevitably there will be last minute costume ideas, probably involving a white bed sheet and pair of old scissors. But if you're venturing out this year, settling on a place you and your gang will all enjoy is the hardest task of them all. Luckily we’ve got you covered, with our pick of the best parties, immersive pop-ups and bars for a ghoulish night out…
'The Gore Tour'
**Where...**Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
Why... An all-nighter for the non-squeamish. West London’s iconic cinema is hosting a ‘mind-melting night of visceral horror’, with a selection of four films from across the globe, back-to-back - including Blood Feast (US) and Audition (Japan). Although the night isn’t totally depraved – they’ll be cocktails, a half-way breakfast and a revitalising kit to take home with you the next day.
**When...**Saturday 29th October, at 11.45pm
How much...Tickets cost £40 per person for an armchair, or £80 for a front bed or back sofa
‘Rooms’, with FKA twigs
Where... Shoreditch, London
**Why... ** As part of The Veuve Clicquot Widow Series, alt-pop star FKA twigs will perform live, moving through 12 rooms transformed by leading set designers for an immersive experience like no other. ‘There aren't always opportunities to make your wildest creative ideas a reality, this is one of my most ambitious projects to date so I'm very excited to be bringing it to life,’ FKA twigs says. The hottest Halloween ticket in town.
**When...**27th and 28th October
How much... Tickets cost £30, with the final batch of tickets on sale at midday on Friday 28th October 2016. For more information head to www.veuveclicquotwidowseries.co.uk
Halloween Happenings at Topshop
**Where...**Topshop, Oxford Street
**Why...**Topshop is getting a Mystic Meg makeover this All Hallows' Eve. Think Tarot readings, mind doodling with a reiki master and a magic potion workshop to make moonspells for healing, love and inspiration with lifestyle platform She’s Lost Control (yes, really). There’s also a range of beauty treatments in-store over the weekend – from face jewels to hair chalking at the Bleach salon.
**When...**From Thursday 27th until Sunday 31st October
**How much...**£10 per person - head hereto book an appointment.
Stranger Things-Themed Halloween Party
**Where...**Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
**Why...**The perfect antidote to cure your post-Stranger Things blues. Get ready for an evening of ‘80s pop culture nostalgia, themed cocktails and a badass synth playlist. Time to put on your best ‘Eleven’ outfit and enter The Upside Down.
**When...**Friday 28th October, 8pm – 2am
How much...Tickets OTD cost £5
Halloween Weekend
When...Patterns, Brighton
Why... The hipster hangout on Brighton’s seafront will be transformed into a Blair Witch-style haunted wood, with house and techno tunes from DJ Call Super on Saturday.
When... Thurs 27th - Monday 31st October, 11pm – 4am
**How much...**£6 per ticket
Mighty Boosh Halloween
**Where...**The Book Club, East London
**Why...**If you’ve got your sights on a more surreal night out this year, this Mighty Boosh spectacular is just for you. Think hidden rooms, Boosh-themed bingo from 8pm and Baileys you can drink from a shoe. Naturally.
**When...**Saturday 29th Oct, 8pm – 3am
How much...Tickets OTD £5
Twisted Circus
**Where...**Rumpus Room at Mondrian London
Why... Feeling decadent? The iconic rooftop venue in the capital will be transformed into a spooky Big Top, serving up Trick or Treat tipples. The best part? No need to put too much effort into your look before, as there’s a makeup artist on hand for the event. The Insta-friendly option.
**When...**Saturday 29th October, at 8pm
**How much...**Early bird tickets priced at £50, include Champagne on arrival.
Scotland’s Day of the Dead
**Where...**Saint Luke’s, Glasgow
Why... Mexico comes to one of Glasgow’s oldest churches this Halloween. Expect a sombrero-topped four piece band, piñatas and Aztec rituals. Time to get your sugar skull face game on…
When... Saturday 29th October, doors open 7.30pm
How much...Tickets £10 in advance
Balthoween
Where... Balthazar Restaurant, Covent Garden
Why... A three-day spookfest of food, drinks and dancing at the London haunt frequented by Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss. The West London restaurant will be adorned with gothic floral displays and ‘Pick Your Poison’ masterclasses on Saturday (Corpse Reviver No.2, anyone?). For hard-core foodies book a table on Sunday to enjoy a Halloween-inspired menu. In fancy dress, of course.
When... 28th-30th October
Seymour’s Parlour
Where...The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
**Why...**The elegant Victorian townhouse - festooned with withering flowers over Halloween weekend – is ideal for low-key celebrations. Sip on ‘Death in the Afternoon’ cocktails into the night…
**When...**28th-31st October
**How much...**Three cocktails for £30
A Halloween Karaoke Party
Where... Lucky Voice Karaoke Bars (Soho, Islington and Brighton)
Why... Gaga Bloody Mary’s? Staff dressed zombies? And, of course, a mammoth Halloween playlist to keep you crooning into the night with your nearest and dearest – from Thriller (a classic option) to Rocky Horror Picture show tunes.
When... Friday 28th Oct – Monday 31st Oct. To book a private booth head to luckyvoice.com.