Posted by 
Looking for family-friendly activities this half-term? Here’s a round-up of events happening in and around Preston to keep everyone entertained.
Dark Moon Comic Fair at Fishergate Shopping Centre
Saturday 19 October
Calling all comic fans! Browse over 30 stalls featuring everything from action figures and collectible card games to comics and clothing. Free entry from 9am to 4pm.
More info on Dark Moon Comic Fair
Midnight Carnival Pantomime at Longridge Civic Hall
Saturday 19 October
Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky pantomime. Two performances at 2pm and 4pm ensure fun for the whole family.
More info on Midnight Carnival Pantomime
Simon McMinnis: The Pumpkin Carver at Barton Grange Garden Centre
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October
Watch renowned artist Simon McMinnis work his magic as he carves pumpkins into stunning art. Perfect for all ages to admire his intricate designs.
More info on Simon McGinnis: The Pumpkin Carver
North West Bird Watching Festival at Martin Mere
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October
Start your day with the breathtaking sight of geese leaving the roost, then enjoy talks, workshops, and guided walks. A must-visit for nature lovers.
More info on North West Bird Watching Festival
Pumpkin Patch and Pup-kin Patch at Dobbies Preston
From Saturday 19 October
Kids can pick their own pumpkins, while furry friends can enjoy the Pup-kin Patch. Prices start at £9.99 for kids and £8 for dogs.
More info on Pumpkin Patch
More info on Pup-kin Patch
Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween Party at Dobbies Preston
Multiple dates from Saturday 19 October
This Halloween party for kids aged 3-10 includes spooky snacks, games, and gourd decorating. Tickets cost £10.99 per child, £7.50 per adult.
More info on Little Scare-lings
Spooky Stories at The Guild Lounge
Monday 21 October
Listen to spine-chilling tales from professional storyteller Rogan Mills. Audience participation is a must!
Little Seedlings Holiday Club at Dobbies Preston
Monday 21 to Friday 25 October
Young gardeners can enjoy storytelling mixed with gardening magic, crafting fairy gardens, and more. Fun and educational for the little ones.
Lantern Making at The Guild Lounge
Tuesday 22 October
Get crafty and design your own lantern to celebrate either Diwali or Halloween. Ideal for kids and adults alike.
Diwali Decorating at The Guild Lounge
Wednesday 23 October
Fun Diwali activities for all – explore the festive crafts such as Diya decoration, Rangoli designs, Toran making, Diya mobile.
More info on Diwali Decorating
Halloween Pumpkin Carving with Mr Wolf at The Continental
Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 October
Join children’s entertainer Joshua for pumpkin carving fun. Sessions run at 11am and 12pm on all three days.
More info on Halloween Pumpkin Carving with Mr Wolf
Mr Sleepybum at The Guild Lounge
Thursday 24 October
Enjoy a hilarious, interactive comedy show for kids and families featuring silly dreams and slapstick fun. Written and performed by Jody Kamali.
Marc Makes Comics: Comic Drawing Workshop at Chew’s Yard
Thursday 24 October
Cartoonist Marc Jackson leads this hands-on comic creation workshop. Recommended for ages 7 and up, tickets are £10 each.
More info on Marc Makes Comics: Comic Drawing Workshop
Wild Magic at Brockholes Nature Reserve
Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October
Join Brockholes’ woodland school of magic for broomstick making, spell casting, and potion brewing in an enchanting outdoor setting.
Giant Scarf Project at The Guild Lounge
Friday 25 October
Knit and chat at this drop-in session as part of the Giant Scarf project, with some family-friendly activities included.
More info on Giant Scarf Project
Storytelling and Games with Witches and Wizards at Fishergate Shopping Centre
Saturday 26 October
Join the magical fun with storytelling and games inspired by your favourite wizards from 11am to 3pm. Free for all budding witches and wizards.
More info on Storytelling and Games with Witches and Wizards
Halloween and Bonfire Event at Walmer Village Hall
Saturday 26 October
Build a guy, enjoy a magician show, and take part in fancy dress competitions before the bonfire and fireworks display light up the night.
More info on Halloween and Bonfire Event
Lancashire Hawks and Owls at Barton Grange Garden Centre
Saturday 26 October
Meet the birds of prey from Lancashire Hawks and Owls and snap a picture with them for a small fee.
More info on Lancashire Hawks and Owls
Pumpkin Carving at Brockholes Nature Reserve
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October
Pick and carve your pumpkin in Brockholes’ cosy carving zones, with tools and refreshments provided.
More info on Pumpkin Carving at Brockholes
The Greatest Halloween Party at The Continental
Sunday 27 October
Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween party with fire performers, stilt walkers, aerial artists, and more. Costumes encouraged!
More info on The Greatest Halloween Party
HENGE: All Ages Matinee Show at The Ferret
Sunday 27 October
Join HENGE for an out-of-this-world musical performance for all ages. Get ready for a unique blend of rave and prog rock.
More info on HENGE: All Ages Matinee Show
Spooky Film Season at Vue Preston
Throughout half-term
Catch Halloween classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Ghostbusters during this family-friendly film season.
More info on Spooky Film Season
Samlesbury Hall Ghost Trail
Throughout half-term
Explore the haunted rooms of Samlesbury Hall and hear the spooky tales of its 13 resident ghosts. A thrilling experience for the whole family.
More info on Samlesbury Hall Ghost Trail
Monster Trail at Fishergate Shopping Centre
Throughout half-term
Embark on a monster-hunting adventure around Fishergate Shopping Centre. Find all eight friendly monsters to win a special prize.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
