Looking for things to do in Birmingham this October half term? From Halloween trails and witchcraft trials to ghost tours, live shows and themed nights out, there are plenty of ways to spend the school holidays, whether you're planning a family day out, catching up with friends or making a weekend of it. With events running from 24 October to 2 November 2026, here's how to make the most of spooky season in Birmingham.

1. Get spooky at The Coffin Works

For something a little different this Halloween, head to The Coffin Works in the Jewellery Quarter, where there's a trio of events to get involved in over half term. On 25 October, the Precious Gems Film Club Halloween Screening brings Halloween cinema to the historic factory, while Halloween Fun at The Coffin Works on 31 October offers family-friendly crafts and spooky activities. Plus, if your child shows up in a costume, they get to go in for free! For an after-dark experience, Coffins and Cocktails: A Halloween Treat (18+) combines a candlelit tour with a Halloween-themed drink.

2. Dive into Halloween at SEA LIFE Birmingham

Things are getting spooky beneath the surface at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham with Ascarium: Tricks & Treats (PG), running until 1 November. Follow a Halloween trail through the aquarium, help the Sea Witch find her missing potion ingredients and take on challenges along the way. Complete the activities to earn a special reward, with plenty of spooky photo opportunities along the way.

3. Hunt for magical ingredients in the wild

Swap city streets for the great outdoors at RSPB Sandwell Valley, where the Wild Halloween Nature Potion Hunt invites visitors to help recover ingredients scattered by a mischievous flock of crows. Follow the clues and track down eight magical ingredients, from spider silk to autumn leaves, on a Halloween adventure inspired by nature. The trail runs until 8 November, so there's time to fit it into your half-term plans.

4. Meet giant witches at Thinktank

Watch out for Witches (PG) at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum on the 26 October. It's a playful Halloween-themed outing for families looking to add something unusual to their school holiday itinerary.

5. Make a day of it at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens has two ways to get into the Halloween spirit this half term, with activities running from 28-30 October.

For something hands-on, Bam-BOO! (PG) invites families to help build a giant bamboo marble run, learn about bamboo and meet Bo, a towering 13ft bamboo puppet. It's a nature-inspired activity that offers something a little different from the usual Halloween scares. There are also Bamboo Broom Making workshops for Wacky Witches and Wizards, where children can make their own bamboo broomstick to take home before putting it to the test with races and games on the lawn. These nature-inspired activities offer something a little different from the usual Halloween scares.

As the day draws to a close, join the Children's Halloween Lantern Walk (ideal for 5-10 year olds) to explore the gardens after hours. Follow a guide with your lantern in hand, search for the Good Witch and make your way back to the Courtyard, with a little Halloween mischief along the way.

With both events taking place at the gardens, you could plan your visit around the activity that best suits your family, or check the timings to see whether you can fit both into your day.

6. Put the grown-ups on trial

Head to the West Midlands Police Museum from 28-30 October for Scary Tales: Witches on Trial (PG). Inspired by the museum's playful Nursery Crimes trials, this Halloween experience puts witches in the dock, with visitors acting as the jury and deciding whether the grown-ups in their lives might be hiding a magical secret. The activity is included with museum admission.

7. Explore Birmingham's dark side on foot

Discover the stories behind some of the city's more mysterious corners with Birmingham's Dark Side Walking Tour or Birmingham: The Dark Side Halloween Walking Tour (not suitable for children under 12 or those of a sensitive disposition). These tours offer a different perspective on Birmingham, delving into its darker history and the stories that have become part of its past.

It's a good option for visitors who enjoy history with a spooky twist, and a way to see familiar streets in a different light.

8. Take to the canals for a ghost tour

Birmingham's canals have plenty of stories to tell after dark. Climb aboard a Brindley Cruises Ghost Tour (not suitable for children or people of a nervous disposition) for an eerie journey featuring local legends, true stories, live theatrics and special effects. Running until 1 November, this after-dark experience is aimed at those who enjoy a proper fright, so it's best suited to older visitors and anyone feeling brave. They also have a Kids' Halloween Boat Trip (PG) taking place if you're looking for something family friendly. 

9. Catch a chilling theatre show

If live performance is more your thing, Birmingham's theatres have some suitably unsettling options this half term.

At The Alexandra, Paranormal Activity (15+) brings the tension of the supernatural to the stage. For something with a darker sense of humour, I Screamed a Scream: A Villain's Cabaret runs from 29 October to 1 November, serving up spine-tingling showtunes and devilishly entertaining performances celebrating musical theatre's most notorious villains.

Both offer a theatrical alternative to traditional Halloween events, whether you're planning an evening out with friends or looking for something different to do during a city break.

10. Take on a zombie invasion at TOCA Social

Fancy putting your football skills to the test against the undead? TOCA Social at Bullring & Grand Central is hosting Attack of the Zombies (family-friendly) from 24 October to 1 November. Step into your own private playing box and take on interactive digital games as you blast away zombie hordes and compete for a place on the leaderboard. There are also limited-edition Halloween food and drink options, making it a good choice for groups looking for an activity that combines games and a bite to eat.

11. Child Free? Make brunch a little more boozy

For a Halloween get-together with friends, book a spot at Brunch & Boos: Halloween Bottomless Brunch (18+). Enjoy a Halloween twist on the classic bottomless brunch, with the perfect excuse to dress up, catch up with friends and enjoy a little time without the kids this half term. Check the event listing for timings and ticket details before booking.

12. Dance your way through Halloween

If you'd rather spend Halloween on the dancefloor, look out for the Halloween Silent Disco. Swap the usual night out for a headphone-led party, with music to get you into the Halloween spirit. It's a fun option for groups who fancy something a little different from the usual bar or club.

For another themed evening, the Monster Mash Halloween Party (18+) offers another reason to get dressed up and celebrate the season. Check the listings for the latest event details before making plans.

13. Not feeling spooky? There's live music to look forward to

Halloween isn't for everyone, and if you'd rather skip the witches, zombies and ghost stories altogether, there's still plenty happening in Birmingham over half term.

Head to Utilita Arena Birmingham to see J. Cole (under 14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult aged 18yrs+). It's a chance to make a night of it with live music, food and drinks before or after the show, and a reminder that the school holidays offer plenty of options beyond Halloween-themed events.

Make a half-term break of it

With activities taking place across the day and into the evening, October half term is a good opportunity to turn a day out into a longer stay. Spend the day exploring Birmingham's attractions, fit in a Halloween event or a theatre performance, then make time for dinner and a night in the city.

Whether you're following a trail with the family, uncovering the city's darker stories or planning a night out with friends, there's plenty to fill the school holidays.

Planning your visit? Browse more things to do in Birmingham and find somewhere to stay to make a full break of it.