As the sea mist drifts across the harbour and the evenings draw in, St Ives and its surrounding Cornish towns are getting ready for a Halloween season filled with fun, family activities, and spooky charm. From pumpkin trails and children’s discos to ghost tours and haunted attractions, there’s something for everyone this October.
Halloween Events in St Ives
Golden Lion Halloween Kids’ Party – 31 October
The Golden Lion in St Ives is hosting a Halloween disco for children from 4pm to 7pm. Tickets are £3 per child and include entry, a buffet, drinks, goodie bags, and a fancy dress competition. Perfect for families looking for a safe and fun Halloween celebration.
St Ives String Band – Halloween Hoedown
Later that evening, local favourite the St Ives String Band will be performing at Driftwood Spars for a lively Halloween Hoedown from 9pm to 11pm. Expect upbeat music and a friendly community atmosphere.
Local Decorations and Themed Events
Shops, cafes, and pubs around St Ives will be decorated for Halloween, with some venues offering themed nights, costume parties, and live music. Visitors are encouraged to explore the town and enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout October.
Pumpkin Trails and Themed Walks
Families can join local pumpkin trails and lantern walks organised by community groups and neighbourhoods, adding an extra touch of Halloween fun to an evening stroll by the sea.
Spooky Attractions Across Cornwall
If you’re staying in St Ives, there are several exciting Halloween experiences across Cornwall worth exploring:
Bodmin Jail – Halloween Nights
Bodmin Jail is one of Cornwall’s most haunted attractions. Throughout Halloween week, it will host evening tours, ghost stories, and immersive experiences based on its dark history. Advance booking is advised.
Eden Project – Halloweden
Running from 25 October to 2 November, the Eden Project’s "Halloweden" features pumpkin displays, potion-making workshops, torchlit trails, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The seasonal ice rink will also be open.
PK Porthcurno – Spooky Bunker Experience
The underground wartime tunnels at PK Porthcurno will be transformed into a spooky adventure filled with sound effects, lighting, and storytelling. Open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Newquay Zombie Crawl – 25 October
Families can join the famous Newquay Zombie Crawl, starting at 3pm from Station Parade. There will be face painting, music, and a lively procession through town, followed by entertainment and workshops.
Tintagel – Dark Gathering
Held the weekend before Halloween, the Dark Gathering brings together folklore, fire performances, and live music in a unique celebration of Cornish tradition and the supernatural.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Halloween Activities
The museum in Falmouth is offering Halloween crafts, interactive exhibits, and storytelling sessions for families – all included with general admission.
Visitor Tips
Book ahead for popular attractions like Bodmin Jail and Eden Project.
Check age recommendations for events – some are designed for adults only.
Bring warm layers and torches for outdoor evening activities.
St Ives makes a great base for exploring both local and county-wide events.
Look out for smaller pop-up events advertised locally in cafes and shops.
Whether you’re carving pumpkins by the harbour, exploring haunted sites, or enjoying a lively night of Cornish music, Halloween in St Ives offers a perfect mix of seaside charm and spooky celebration. It’s the ideal destination for families, couples, and visitors looking to enjoy the autumn atmosphere by the coast.