Halloween means different things to different people; but for us it means putting together a killer outfit and partying until we drop dead. We got in touch with DesignMyNight to find the bloodiest, scariest and most fun Halloween parties across the capital. From murder mystery dinners to running away with a haunted circus, all you need to worry about is sort out what you’re gonna wear.

Alcotraz Halloween Special – London

Inspired by America’s infamous Alcatraz prison, this Halloween bar is locking you up and throwing away the key…at least for a few hours. Serve time behind bars as this jail-inspired pop-up brings back the ghosts of past prisoners for Halloween. If that weren’t scary enough, you’ll also have to take on the warden as he searches for contraband booze and any cocktail drinking; which is unfortunate, given that your cellmate just so happens to be a mean mixologist.

Theatre of Blood – London

With a name like Theatre of Blood, you can expect massive things this Halloween. Taking place in the atmospheric Coronet Theatre – which has more than 100 years of history behind it – this party is bringing ALL of the horrors to life on the 27th. Hang out in the restored Victorian concert hall to see live music from a trash orchestra and Brides of Dracula’s grisly burlesque, or if you have the guts, go explore the arch rooms for gruesome surprises that include immersive theatre and classic cinema.

The Crazy Circus Party – London

Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to town and this one in particular happens to be all sorts of psychedelic. Pop Brixton is transforming their space into a high-top tent for a night of freaks and phantoms, and you’re invited. Less creepy clowns and more floods of glitter, the party will feature music from Voodoo Love Orchestra and Opsa Balkan Band as well as having glitter tattoo artists and out-of-this-world decorations.

Halloween Party at The Roof Gardens – London

Take your partying to the next level this year as one of London’s swankiest sky-high venues throw two debaucherous nights in the name of Halloween. The Roof Gardens is transforming from hot West London club to hangout of the living dead with the help of spiderwebs, performers and gruesome decorations. Get there early for a free cocktail as well as having enough time to explore all the spaces, which include a Tudor Garden and Spanish-style courtyard.

Night of a Thousand Spirits – London

If you prefer your Halloween parties a little more intimate, Courtesan in Brixton are keeping things close and personal. Do a deal with the devil, or just pay the £6.66 ticket price, to see burlesque performances from Demi Noir and Eliza DeLite as well as West End regular Tim Rogers as compere. Two special cocktails will also be stirred up for the party, including the knockout Corpse Reviver No.2 which mixes gin, lillet blanc, dry curacao, lemon and absinthe.

Nightmare in Shoreditch: Ballie Ballerson Takeover – London

Ever heard of Ballie Ballerson? Silly question; of course you have! It’s London’s only adult play pit den boasting 1 million balls, and this October they’re hosting one massive Halloween party titled ‘A Nightmare in Shoreditch’. There’s gonna be themed cocktails, deadly tunes and a few surprises in store, so it’s in your best interests to get involved.

Club Noir – The Beautiful and the Damned – Glasgow

For their final ever Halloween shindig, Club Noir are saying goodbye with an earth-shaking show. The burlesque club is taking over Glasgow’s O2 Academy for a series of outrageous cabaret acts. As well as the usual burlesque, the night will include appearances from Jimmy Vee (the actor who plays R2D2 in Star Wars), contortionists and music from DJ Loveless and DJ Poprock.

Watch Scary Movies Underneath Cardiff Castle – Cardiff

Looking for things that go bump in the night? Cardiff Castle is a good place to start as the site has had more than 2000 years of history, which includes Roman occupation and Norman battles. Descend down into the castle’s underbelly to spend a night in the cellars as they screen a selection of classic films, from Hocus Pocus to The Evil Dead.

Meet the Widow Murder Mystery Dinner – Edinburgh

Murder mystery is getting a swish makeover courtesy of Edinburgh’s Lulu. The George Street spot is combining games, dinner and Champagne for an epic night of entertainment. There’s been a gruesome murder and it’s up to you to help solve it; while you’re working to bring the perpetrator to justice, you will be fed four delicious courses along with plenty of Champagne from the widow herself, Veuve Cliquot.

Cirque Du Soul Halloween Special – Bournemouth

Cirque Du Soul’s travelling troupe of misfits have landed in Bournemouth’s O2 Academy for a night of revelry and wretchedness. ‘The bigger, the better’ seems to be the motto of this party, with attendees expected to go full whack on costumes and entertainment which includes confetti cannons, stilt walkers and fire breathers, to name a few. The musical line-up is just as massive; for Bournemouth’s party, Shy FX and Flava D are leading proceedings while Stamina MC is supporting.

For more info on the best Halloween events in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight.

by Leighanne Bent