This October half-term there’s a fantastic selection of family events to discover and explore in Liverpool and the city region. From fun-packed family days and spooky cinema screenings to an aquarium feeding workshop and a very special Halloween concert.
Head out with the family and make the most of this autumn half-term, here’s our selection of fun and inspiring family events to enjoy over the school holiday.
River of Light 2026: Together (23 October – 1 November)
River of Light returns this autumn half term illuminating the city with 13 free light installations inspired by the theme Together. Explore the trail across locations including Pier Head, Royal Albert Dock, Williamson Square and Liverpool ONE, daily from 5–9pm. Quiet hours take place on 28 October and 1 November, 4–5pm.
Bluecoat Family Weekend, Bluecoat (24 – 25 October)
The popular Bluecoat Family Weekend returns this October! Join the fun for two days of free family-friendly activities celebrating the Bluecoat archive.
Discover the stories, people and moments that have shaped the arts centre’s history, while exploring the archive’s transformation through The National Archives’ Archives Revealed programme. Suitable for all ages, free, drop in.
Family Day, Liverpool Irish Festival at Museum of Liverpool (24 October)
A Festival-staple and must-see; Liverpool Irish Festival invite you to pop-by for a Family Day at the Museum of Liverpool. There, they’ve a veritable array of activity to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. The Armagh Rhymers return with their Liver Bird story helping to understand how the First Nations people of North America helped the Irish during The Great Hunger.
The Bolger-Cunningham Dance School will give it their all in the morning, before the George Ferguson School for Irish Dance produce junior and senior dance sets, whilst Melody Makers will bring their intergenerational group to play in the space.
Spooky Cinema: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Reader (24 October)
Liverpool’s biggest open-air cinema returns to the historic Calderstones Mansion for Spooky Season with a screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This time they’re bringing you movie magic under the cosy cover of a giant canopy featuring a hand-picked selection of Halloween family favourites, cinematic masterpieces and literary adaptations.
Arrive early and soak up the autumnal atmosphere before the sci-fi classic begins with music, food and drinks. All profits support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure, Liverpool Playhouse (27 – 31 October)
Find out in this fully interactive, inventive, and fast-paced family show that brings Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure’s tale to life while revealing the story behind it. Celebrating the power of children’s imagination and the importance of play, young audiences are invited to become storytellers themselves, helping a troupe of travelling players build a wild adventure.
Based on the best-selling picture book by Kristina Stephenson, and created to mark the 20th anniversary of this much-loved, modern-day classic, the show features live music, glorious puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and more laughs than you can waft away with a stinky sock.
Fintastic feeding time, World Museum (27 October)
Join the museum’s marine educator as they plunge beneath the surface to discover the wonders of their underwater world with Fintastic Feeding Time . Get an up-close look at some of their most fascinating rock pool creatures on our big screen!
Through interactive games, you’ll uncover the secrets of these amazing animals and the hidden world they call home. You’ll also get to watch their educator feed one of their live animal enclosures. Whether you’re a future marine biologist or looking for a splash of fun, this exciting session promises a wave of discovery.
Freezin, The Atkinson (28 October)
Packed with dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery, toe-tapping tunes, laugh-out-loud comedy and plenty of boos for the baddie, Freezin is the ultimate October half-term treat for the whole family.
Spooky Sudley, Sudley House (30 – 31 October)
Join the fun at Sudley House this Hallowe’en for some ghostly goings on at Spooky Sudley. Hallowe’en at Sudley House will be family friendly but they do recommend that their very youngest visitors might like to be pre-warned that the theme of the event will be a bit spooky!
With crafts, storytelling, icky handling collections and face painting there will be plenty to see and do through the day at Sudley.
Halloween in Concert, M&S Bank Arena (31 October)
This Halloween 2026, as darkness falls across the land, join the amazing cast and live band at The Auditorium for Halloween in Concert — a brand-new live Halloween music spectacular. With stunning stage visuals, state-of-the-art production and immersive lighting effects, this electrifying concert brings to life a spine-tingling crescendo of all things Halloween… with a twist!
Arrive dressed to impress — there’s a prize for the best costume — and settle in for the music of the night in this thrilling new concert experience that’s truly out of this world.
To discover more events taking place across Liverpool and the city region, explore Uncover Liverpool’s What’s On listings.