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Free events in October half-term

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There are lots of free events taking place in Essex during October half-term – from a Halloween parade to a family science day, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at what’s on below.  

Halloween party at the Hub

Location: Parkside Community Hub
Date: Wednesday 29 October
Time: 10am-12pm


Come along to the Hub for a morning of Halloween fun. We'll have a pumpkin trail in our community garden and other Halloween craft activities to enjoy. There will also be plenty of spooky snacks available, and every child will go home with a free trick or treat bag.

To book your place, email community@chp.org.uk. Limited spaces available. One adult per two children. Please note photos will be taken on the day. If you'd rather not appear in photos, please let us know.


Southend Halloween Parade 

  • Location: Southend seafront
  • Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
  • Time: 6.30-7.45pm 

 

Head to the seafront for a free evening of music, dancing, amazing costumes, and huge light-up puppets.

More information: southendhalloween.org 

 

Southend Seafront Free Fireworks Displays  

  • Location: Southend seafront
  • Date: Every Saturday from 27 September to 15 November 2025 
  • Time: September and October: Every Saturday from 8pm; November: Every Saturday from 7.30pm 

 

These free displays will be taking place throughout the autumn, including during half-term week. You’ll get a fantastic, uninterrupted view of the displays if you stand anywhere between Sea-Life Adventure and Genting Casino. 

More information: visitsouthend.co.uk 

 

Autumn Craft Fair and Halloween Spooky Trail 

  • Location: Danbury Leisure Centre, Chelmsford
  • Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
  • Time: 12-4pm 

 

Explore a vibrant selection of handmade crafts at the local craft market, before following the Halloween Spooky Trail through Danbury Community Woodland. Entry to the fair is free, and a small fee applies to the Spooky Trail. Come in your best Halloween costume for the chance to win one of the prizes for the spookiest, funniest, and most creative outfits! 

More information: danburyleisurecentre.org.uk 

 

Family Science Day 

  • Location: Anglia Ruskin University campus, Chelmsford
  • Date: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025
  • Time: 10am-4pm 

 

Get stuck into an exciting day of hands-on science, creativity, and discovery. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, there’ll be fun-filled science shows, immersive VR music game play, coding, and flying drones. There are also SEN-friendly sessions available. 

More information: Saturday event; Sunday event  

 

Star Gazing at Great Notley 

  • Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree
  • Date: 25 October 2025
  • Time: 7-9.30pm 

 

Have a go at observing the moon, planets, and other objects in the night sky through telescopes. The North Essex Astronomical Society will be on hand to teach you about the constellations and how to recognise them, and answer any questions. The event is free, but car parking charges apply. Be sure to check the details closer to the time, as it may be cancelled in the event of bad weather.

More information: northessexastro.co.uk  

 

Spooky Trail at Cressing Temple Barns 

  • Location: Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree
  • Date: October 18 - November 2, 2025
  • Time: 10am-4pm

 

Find all the spooky characters on the trail to be in with the chance to win a goody bag and Explorer Pass (worth £85). Pick up or download a free Spooky Trail on the Explore Essex website.  

More information: explore-essex.com 

 

Brentwood Connected Halloween Events 

  • Location: Hutton Road, Brentwood
  • Date: Thursday 30 October - Saturday 1 November 2025  

 

There’ll be three free Halloween events with spooky activities in Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone during October half-term. These include: 

  • Thursday 30 October (10am-4pm): Trick or Treat Trail in Ingatestone
  • Friday 31 October (3-6pm): Shenfield Spooktacular
  • Saturday 1 November (2-5pm): Festival of Frights in Brentwood 

 

More information: Shenfield Spooktacular 

 

Pumpkin Yard 

  • Location: Tom’s Farm Shop, Maldon Road, Tiptree
  • Date: Throughout October, including 24 and 25-31
  • Time: 24 October, 4-8pm; 25th to 31st October, 10am-7pm 

 

Enjoy the free Indoor Spooky Maze at this event which will also include other paid activities such as pumpkin picking, face painting, a ferris wheel, and marshmallow toasting. 

More information: facebook.com/events/toms-farm-shop 

 

Halloween Ride 

  • Location: Lewis Gardens, Colchester
  • Date: Sunday 26 October
  • Time: From 12pm 

 

All children are welcome to dress up in their best costume and take part in this Halloween bike ride. Crafts and face painting will be available from 12-1.30pm with the ride starting at 2pm. 

More information: Halloween ride 

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