Halloween – also known as the second most wonderful time of the year – is creeping up on us, and whether you want to run away with a haunted circus or watch horror movies at a pop-up cinema in the sky, we’ve got you covered. DesignMyNight have dished the dirt on London’s quirkiest Halloween happenings, and you’d be dead foolish to miss out.
If you’re looking for an unusual (but awesome) way to spend Halloween, you need to hop aboard the Silent Halloween Disco Boat. Floating along The River Thames, you’ll have prime viewing of some of London’s most iconic buildings, all while you pick your own soundtrack and cause murder on the dance floor. Dressing up is obviously encouraged, so get ready to lather yourself in a bottle (or two) of fake blood.
Fire breathers, cage dancers and deadly DJ sets; these are three things you can bank on if you nab a ticket to the Halloween Ball at The Mansion. Rumored to be one of this year’s best Halloween events, you won’t find out the location of this secretive soiree until 48 hours beforehand. Like any good bash, fancy dress is compulsory, and there’s gonna be a prize for the most outlandish costume, giving you an excuse to go the whole nine yards.
Sky Garden is known as one of London’s prettiest places in the sky, but it’s transforming into an eerie party pad this October, and all manner of ghosts and ghouls are invited. Plonked 35 floors above the city’s bustling streets, you can feast your eyes on spine-tingling views of the city while you dance the night away to an epic soundtrack. There will be ghostly-themed cocktails and best costume will win a bottle of bubbly to enjoy on the night.
There’s a supernatural Halloween dining experience happening at Bread Street Kitchen this October and it’s enough to make any vampire to eat their heart out. The five-course meal will include everything from pig’s head croquettes to braised veal shin with smashed pumpkin and black garlic sauce, with boozy gin and tonic sorbet and chocolate fondant to end the frightfully fantastic feast.
Reckon you have what it takes to solve a murder? Lord and Lady Thornley-Cruttock will be hosting an auction of all their family heirlooms at Hush Mayfair, but things are set to go terribly wrong as the Lord is found dead. Dun dun dun. Your evening will start with a Crystal Head Vodka cocktail and you’ll sink your teeth into a three-course meal, all while trying to figure out who’s got blood on their hands.
If you want to celebrate Halloween by watching a horror movie, we’ve got just the place. Psycho is being screened at the very top of The Shard on October 31st and your ticket will include a complimentary Grey Goose Vodka cocktail. Get ready for an unforgettable night of terrific views and Espresso Martinis, as you watch one of the best horror flicks ever made.
Halloween: Carnival of Carnage
There’s a secret members’ club tucked away in the depths of East London and they’re opening their doors to all of the city’s freaks to throw one massive Halloween party. Dress code is clowns in cravats, dandy devils, tail-coated terrors and monocled mummies, and it’s a strictly ticketed event – but you can expect a playground of spooky storytelling, cinema screenings and seances across all four floors.
Stranger Strings: An Orchestral Rendition
Up for a bit of time travel this Halloween? There’s a Stranger Things-inspired party happening at Electric Brixton and it’s gonna have an orchestral rendition of the show’s acclaimed soundtrack; think everything from Dolly Parton to The Clash. ‘80s fancy dress is, of course, compulsory, and there will be a retro light show to keep you on the dancefloor until it’s time to call it a night.
Zombie Escape
Looking for something scary to do in the lead up to Halloween night? There’s an immersive experience happening on the 26th, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll be locked in a room with a zombie and there will be 60 minutes on the clock. Your job? To find the clues, solve the puzzles, and get the hell out of there before you’re eaten alive.
Midnight Apothecary: Halloween Spectacular
If escaping from a flesh-eating zombie isn’t your idea of fun, how does drinking Halloween-themed cocktails and toasting marshmallows over an open fire sound? Midnight Apothecary is hosting a magical night at their rooftop plot and it’s gonna be cute as hell. You’ll even have the chance to venture down into Brunel’s spooky underground chamber before you make your dreaded trek home.
For more info on London’s best Halloween events, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
By Leighanne Bent
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