As the nights turn darker, we head towards Halloween - one of the biggest party nights of the year. If anything, these days it’s a whole party week. And as always, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate more than deliver.
If you want to dress up and have a big blow out, you’re more than catered for, but you don't have to. Maybe you want to get lost on a scare maze, or watch a classic movie with proper old school 3D glasses. Go ahead. Maybe you want to shun Halloween entirely in favour of celebrating the Celtic new year, Samhain. There’s a whole festival for that.
We’ve pulled together all of the best Halloween-themed parties, club nights and get-togethers this week to get your spooky fix. Dressing up (in most cases) is optional.
If you’re looking for events for kids, find our pick of the best family-friendly Halloween activities here:
Strange Tourist
Now, here's our pick of the best parties, flicks and bashes for adults...
Spooky Halloween films
Do you like scary movies? Check out these Halloween cinematic treats.
Halloween Pub Quiz at The George & Heart
Brush up on your ghouls and vampires for The George & Heart's Halloween Pub Quiz. Also expect physical challenges and creative rounds. Teams of up to six can book, by DM, or drop into the pub. For those who haven't eaten, there will be two burgers for £25 on the night.
Wednesday, October 28, 7pm. The George & Heart, 44 King Street, Margate, CT9 1QE.
Culty Film Club presents The Creature from the Black Lagoon at Faith in Strangers
A proper 'dinner and a movie' night out, Culty Film Club will serve you a three course meal and test your film knowledge with a spooky quiz for the first part of the evening. Then you can settle down with a pair of proper old school red and blue 3D glasses to see the Creature from the Black Lagoon jump out of the screen at you.
Wednesday, October 28, 7pm. Faith in Strangers, 17 Ethelbert Crescent, Margate, CT9 2DY. Tickets £55.
Ken Russell's Gothic at Ramsgate Community Cinema
Ken Russell's 1986 psychological horror is a fictionalised retelling of Mary Shelley's visit to Lord Byron in Villa Diodati by Lake Geneva, where she wrote Frankenstein. Starring Natasha Richardson, Gabriel Byrne, Julian Sands, Claire Clairmont and Timothy Spall, it also features a soundtrack by Thomas Dolby.
Wednesday, October 28, 6.30pm. Ramsgate Community Cinema, Paragon Works, Albert Street, CT11 9HD. £3.50 suggested donation.
Good Good Film Club at Margate Arts Club
Kicking off three nights of Halloween fun at MAC, Good Good Film club will be screening a scary movie. As ever, the title of the film won’t be revealed until you’re in the room. However, they have teased that it’s a low-budget comedy-horror that will please fans of Halloween, Shaun of the Dead and Panic Room.
Thursday, October 29, 6.30pm to 10pm. Margate Arts Club, 276 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2PT. Tickets from £5.
Fear & Fizz: The Lost Boys at The Carlton
The Carlton's Film & Fizz night is being invited in for a Halloween edition. Sit down with the free glass of prosecco you'll receive on arrival and watch 1987 classic The Lost Boys. 80s vampires are the best vampires. Especially when they're a gang led by Kiefer Sutherland.
Friday, October 30, 7.45pm. The Carlton, 29 St Mildreds Road, Westgate-On-Sea, CT8 8RE. Tickets £6.80.
Nadja at The Palace Cinema
In 1993, invited by David Lynch to come up with a low-budget horror movie, Michael Almereyda made this exotic, moody, funny and endlessly inventive reimagining of the Dracula myth. The Palace screens this new 4K restoration director's cut to mark Halloween.
Saturday, October 31, 7.30pm. The Palace, Harbour Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1ET. Tickets £9.
Scary storytelling
Hunker down and listen to some spooky stories, from ghosts to true crime.
Katerina Diamond at Vincent's Cafe
Bestselling crime writer Katrina Diamond will talk about her career and read from her appropriately titled new novel Trick of Treat. Free glass of wine on arrival. All proceeds will go to the RNLI.
Thursday, October 29, 6-7pm. Vincent's Cafe, Spencer Square, Ramsgate, CT11 9LD. Suggested donation £5.
Dr Friday’s Stage Fright: A Halloween Special at Tom Thumb Theatre
A talk rather than a screening, psychologist and criminology lecturer Dr Ross Friday will explore the effect horror movies have on our minds. Discover the science of fear, why our brains crave a good fright, and the films that were inspired by real-life crimes.
Thursday, October 29, 7.30pm. Tom Thumb Theatre, 2A Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2LB. Tickets £16.50.
Halloween Stories at The Best of Times
Broadstairs bookshop The Best of Times will be hosting a spooky open mic. Got a terrifying campfire tale you want to share? Book a slot to tell it. Real or fiction, poetry or prose, get up on stage at what we're told is Thanet's most haunted bookshop. Just want to be spooked? You can settle in just to listen too.
Friday, October 30, 6.30pm. The Best of Times, 1 Chandos Road, Broadstairs, CT10 1QP. Free tickets.
It's Not 'Sam Hain'! at The Fermentorium
Explore the history and tales of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, from which Halloween originates.
Friday, October 30, 7pm. The Fermentorium, 38 King St, Ramsgate, CT11 8NT. Free entry.
Radio 4 Uncanny at Ramsgate Tunnels
Listen to an episode of Danny Robins' Radio 4 podcast Uncanny, which was recently recorded in Ramsgate. In his latest investigation of a paranormal encounter, he visited a property in the town to learn about 'The Little Biter'. The story led him down to Ramsgate Tunnels, where you'll be able to hear the episode yourself.
Saturday, October 31, 4.30pm. Ramsgate Tunnels, Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate, CT11 8FH. Free tickets.
The Raven at The Ravensgate
The Ravensgate will be kicking off its Halloween evening with a reading of The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. Put your hand up if you know this story best in its version on The Simpsons.
Saturday, October 31, 7pm. The Ravensgate Arms, 56-58 King Street, CT11 8NY. Free entry.
Spooky festivals
Large scale events celebrating the drawing in of nights, from explorations of witchcraft to scare mazes.
A Dead Good Festival in Margate
Marking the witches’ new year Samhain, this four day celebration of magic and mysticism has a wide array of events, including live music, film screenings, talks, workshops, rituals and more.
Until Sunday, November 1. Various venues in Margate. Various prices. See the full schedule and book tickets.
Andy Malt
Ramsgate Autumn Festival
Not exclusively Halloween-focussed but including a lot of relevant events, Ramsgate Autumn Festival takes place this month. The festival celebrates Ramsgate’s heritage, Gothic architecture, literary connections and creative spirit. There's a programme of events, workshops, food and drink deals and more at venues around the town.
Until Sunday, November 1. Various venues in Ramsgate. Various prices. See the full programme.
Halloween Fest at Quex Adventure Farm Park
Quex Adventure Farm Park will be transformed into a hellish horror show for three nights in October. There will be three clown-themed scare mazes, a bar to calm your nerves afterwards, live music and pumpkin picking.
October 24, 30 & 31. Quex Adventure Farm Park, Quex Park, Birchington, CT7 0BH. Tickets from £24.95.
Halloween arts and crafts
Halloween can be wholesome. Get together with others to enjoy making crafts with a spooky slant.
Puppets & Pints: Halloween Edition at Off Licence
It's been a while since the last Puppets & Pints night, so it's great to see it returning for Halloween. The concept is pretty simple: Go to the pub and make puppets while you drink pints. Other non-alliterative drinks are available. All materials are provided and you don't need any puppet-making experience to join.
Wednesday, October 28, 6.30-9pm. Off Licence, 1 Ethelbert Terrace, Margate, CT9 1RX. Tickets £15.87.
Wildlife Drawing: Wolves & Witchcraft at Fort Road Hotel
The next Wildlife Drawing animal life drawing workshop will be a witchy special edition. While wolves model for you, you'll learn about their connection to witchcraft, wolves in folklore and have some of the big wolf myths busted. 10% of profits will be donated to Wolf Watch UK.
Thursday, October 29, 7-9pm. Fort Road Hotel, 18 Fort Road, Margate, CT9 1HF. Tickets £38.
Zita Whalley
Lantern Workshop at Arts in Ramsgate
As part of Ramsgate Autumn Festival, there will be a lantern parade through the town on November 1. If you want to be a part of it, head to a lantern-making workshop and get crafting.
Saturday, October 31, 2-4pm. Arts in Ramsgate, 46 High Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9AG. Free entry.
Halloween hang outs
Maybe you're looking for something quieter than a full on, arms in the air Halloween club night, or just something to do on your way to one.
Charity pumpkin carving competition at The Ravensgate
Show off your pumpkin carving skills and help raise money for the RNLI. All tools will be provided, but bring your own pumpkin. Adult and child categories with prizes to be won.
Sunday, October 25, 1-3pm. The Ravensgate, 56-58 King Street, Ramsgate, CT11 8NY. Competition entry £4 per person.
Gothic Afternoon Tea at LeKeux Vintage
Margate's Orchid Room tea room is currently without a permanent home but will be popping up at LeKeux Vintage to serve up a three course Gothic afternoon tea and signature cocktail. Vegan and gluten free options are available.
Sunday, October 25, 2-5pm. LeKeux Vintage, 100-102 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RE . Places £13, email agregory112@btinternet.com to book.
Tarot and Tincture at Alley Bar
Ramsgate's Alley Bar is hosting a tarot and tincture social. Head down for hard liquor and fortunes.
Friday, October 30, 7.30pm. Salt House, 12 Queen Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9DR. Tickets £3 (members free)
Night of the Loving Dead at Modern Love
Modern Love will be spooking it up with a mix of horror visuals and soundtracks carefully curated by musician Jon Dix. Catch clips of cult classics and lesser-known cinematic treats as you sip Halloween-themed cocktails.
Saturday, October 31, 3pm to midnight. Modern Love, 19 Cliff Terrace, Margat, CT9 1RU. Free entry.
Pumpkin carving competition at The Last Light
Who has the best pumpkin carving skills in Cliftonville? This question will be answered at The Last Light on Halloween night with a selection of entries judged and a winner named. The pub will also be serving blood orange sangria and brain haemorrhage zombie shots, and there will be prizes for the best costumes that come through the door. If you want to be in the pumpkin competition, you need to drop off your entry by October 30.
Saturday, October 31. The Last Light, 85 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2RJ. Free entry.
Halloween pre-party at Lowlife
Before you head out to whatever Halloween party you have lined up, Lowlife is opening late to get things rolling. There will be a special drinks menu, Halloween party games and fancy dress.
Saturday, October 31, 7-10pm. Lowlife, 139 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2QY. Free entry.
Glamoween at The Cockle & Hen
No hastily put together costumes here, the Cockle & Hen wants you dressed like you're going to Halloween at Studio 54. Dress to impress and enjoy a disco soundtrack as you lounge in this gorgeous Margate seafront bar.
Saturday, October 31. The Cockle & Hen, 24 High Street, Margate, CT9 1DS. Free entry.
Halloween-adjacent fun things to do
Big nights out where maybe Halloween isn't really the centre of attention.
Bongo’s Bingo Halloween Special at The Drill Shed
Winner of Time Out Most Original Night Out Award, bingo rave Bongo’s Bingo has a new residency at The Drill Shed. On October 30, it’ll be getting spooky as the numbers are called.
Friday, October 30, 6-10pm. The Drill Shed, 1 Ethelbert Terrace, Margate, CT9 1RX. Sold out - join the waiting list.
Marskaters Halloween Roller Disco at Cliftonville Community Centre
Marskaters roller discos are always popular and this edition will have a Halloween theme. There will be prizes for the best costumes. No skates? No problem. Hire them for just £3. And beginners can join a lesson to get you rolling before the event officially starts.
Friday, October 30, 8-10pm (beginners lesson 7-8pm). Cliftonville Community Centre, Cliftonville Hall, St Paul's Road, Margate, CT9 2DB. Tickets £7.
Pro Wrestling Colossus presents Invasion of the Body Slammers 3 at St John’s Community Centre
One of the most fun afternoons out to be found in Thanet, Pro Wrestling Colossus know how to put on a camp, silly show that you will find yourself completely invested in. You’ll scream for the goodies, boo at the baddies and be wowed by the incredible physical skill of the performers.
Saturday, October 31, 4-7pm. St Johns Community Centre, Victoria Road, Margate, CT9 1LN. Adults £15, kids £7.
Zita Whalley
Dress up and dance
You've picked out your outfit, you've slapped on a hefty amount of face paint. Here's where to go to sweat it all off.
Double D’s Coven at The Quarterdeck
LGBTQ+ night Double D’s will be getting witchy down in the Quarterdeck, underneath Cinque Ports in Margate. Music will be a blend of sleazy pop, sultry rock-pop and ethereal disco. Dress code: leather and lace.
Saturday, October 24, 9pm to late. The Quarterdeck, 50 Marine Terrace, Hall by the Sea Road, Margate, CT9 1XJ. Tickets £3.
Hexed Vampire Ball at Margate Arts Club
Thanet’s only regular goth night is, of course, putting on a Halloween party - the annual Vampire Ball. Resident DJs the Filth Collective will goth, darkwave post-punk and more. There will also be cabaret and burlesque performances through the night.
Friday, October 30, 6pm to 2am. Margate Arts Club, 276 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2PT. Tickets from £8.
Margate House Party at Margate House
With an early start, Margate House is setting up a party across two floors of the boutique hotel. There'll be candlelit corners, dark cocktails and a kitchen dancefloor. Free cocktail on arrival.
Saturday, October 31, 2pm until late. Margate House, 6 Dalby Square, Margate, CT9 2ER. Free tickets.
Tidal Halloween Party at HOFFS
Right off the bat, this night has a £100 prize for the best costume. That's a bold opener. Music-wise, it’s hitting hard too. Messiah Riff Audio's Bonzo will be doing a Ramones tribute, while members of Grungers and Freak Scene will be performing the hits of your favourite dead musicians as Monstars Dead Band.
Saturday, October 31, 7pm to 1am. HOFFS, 18 Marine Drive, Margate, CT9 1DH. Tickets £8.
Atomica! at Ramsgate Arts Club
Alt-pop and indie night Atomica! is rolling up for a Halloween edition, decking out the beautiful basement venue Ramsgate Music Hall in suitably spooky decor. Music-wise, expect Bowie, Blondie, Pulp, The Cure, Madonna, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Abba and more.
Saturday, October 31, 8pm to 3am. Ramsgate Music Hall, Old Wine Warehouse, Charlotte Court, Ramsgate, CT11 8HE. Free entry.
Cockles & Muscles Halloween party at Margate Arts Club
If you’re serious about fancy dress, you need to be in the door at Cockles & Muscles’ Halloween party. Costumes are essential for entry and everyone will be on their A game. There will be drag shows on the hour and an eclectic playlist of music from a variety of DJs.
Saturday, October 31, 6pm to 2am. Margate Arts Club, 276 Northdown Road, Margate, CT9 2PT. Tickets £10.
Spooky Party at La!
LGBTQ+ venue La! will be putting on a Halloween party in its basement club with a free shot for anyone who arrives in fancy dress. There will also be a prize for the best costume. DJ Emma K will be playing all night with party bangers and spooky hits.
Saturday, October 31, 8pm to late. La! 13-15 High St, Margate, CT9 1DL. Free entry.
Mordor on the Dancefloor at Where Else
Winner of the best pun competition is Lord of the Rings themed party Mordor on the Dancefloor. Taking place at Where Else in Margate, the venue will be dressed to look like Mordor and there will be a headline set from Mount Doom - a LOTR theme metal band consisting of members of Goat Girl, piglet and leather.head.
Saturday, October 31, 9pm to 2am. Where Else, 21-22 The Centre, Margate, CT9 1RL. Tickets £13.91.
Nip Slip at The Drill Shed
LGBTQ+ party Nip Slip returns for a spooky edition. Resident DJs Real GC, Sophie Stirling and AKA Fox will get things moving on the dancefloor with a wider line up still to be announced.
Saturday, October 31, 9pm to 2am. The Drill Shed, 1 Ethelbert Terrace, Margate, CT9 1RX. Tickets pay that you can up to £12.
Halloween with Nathan Fake and Gold Panda at Faith in Strangers
Possibly not the spookiest of nights but it sounds devilishly good. Nathan Fake will be heading to Nathan Fake for three DJ sets on Halloween night. They'll go up solo first, then will close the night with a B2B set that's sure to tear the roof off.
Saturday, October 31, 10pm to 2am. Faith in Strangers, 17 Ethelbert Crescent, Margate, CT9 2DY. Tickets £17.60.
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