It might feel like summer is only starting to draw to a close, but Halloween is round the corner and with the promise of darker evenings and colder nights, solid October plans are a great way to keep spirits high.
We've taken a look at what Swansea has to offer this Halloween so you don't have to and here are the best picks for all ages.
Go pumpkin picking and visit a haunted barn in the Gower
From October 7 until October 31, you can pick your own pumpkins at Poundffald Farm in the Gower. Gower Fresh Christmas Trees at the popular farm will not be charging an entry fee this year due to the cost of living crisis so you will just have to pay for the pumpkins you pick! They said: "We are going to have a large variety of various types of pumpkins and different sizes available to our customers, and this year we will be open longer with our flood-lit evening picking sessions."
There will also be a Ghostbusters Party in the Barn from October 22 until November 6, an hour-long show taking place in the Haunted Barn which will include spooky performances, the chance to meet 'Marv the Monster' and pumpkin carving. If you visit the farm during the first week of November there will also be the chance to tag your perfect Christmas tree ready to pick up in the following weeks.
Where: Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses, Swansea, SA4 3PB
When: You can go pumpkin picking from October 7 until October 31 and catch the Ghostbusters Party from October 22 until November 6.
How much: Entry for pumpkin picking is free and price of pumpkins vary on size costing from £1 to £12. Party in the Barn costs £12.95 for a child's ticket, £2.95 for an adult ticket or £29.95 for a family ticket (two adults + two children).
Watch an 80s cult horror film at Taliesin Arts Centre
Before there was Stranger Things there were classic films like Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining and The Lost Boys. These three films will be screened at Taliesin Arts Centre throughout October for Halloween and tickets cost £5 which includes a drink. Hobo's Swansea will be there with vintage clothes and merch too so you can truly embrace the 80s and go back in time just like Marty McFly.
Where: Taliesin Arts Centre, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PZ
When: A Nightmare on Elm Street is showing on Wednesday, October 5, The Shining is showing on Tuesday, October 25 and The Lost Boys is showing on Halloween night.
How much: £5 for cinema ticket which includes a drink
Book online at www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
Spend time after dark with creepy crawlies at Plantasia
A family-friendly activity for Halloween night which offers something a bit different, Plantasia are opening their doors later than usual on October 31 so you can meet their slithery snakes, scary scorpions and terrifying tarantulas after dark. There will be animal handling challenges and spooky story-telling sessions and the Cackling Canopy Café are offering a 'Beast Feast' of pizzas and drinks which can be pre-booked.
Where: Plantasia, Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea SA1 2AL
When: October 31, one-hour slots available to book from 6pm until 7.30pm
How much: Adults £10, children (2-15 yrs) £10, families (two adults and two children) £34, Concessions £10 and children undertwo go free.
Book online at www.plantasiaswansea.co.uk
Get your glowsticks ready for a big nineties Halloween festival
What's more scary than double denim making a comeback? This nineties festival will be held in Singleton Park on Friday, October 28 and if you get your hands on some tickets you can dance to 90s beats from the likes of Phats & Small (Turn Around 'Hey What's Wrong With You') and Baby D ('Let Me Be Your Fantasy') while donning Halloween-themed fancy dress. Something to blow away the cobwebs and combat those end of festival season blues!
Where: Singleton Park, Mumbles Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PY
When: Friday, October 28, 7pm til 11:00pm (Last entry 1:00am)
How much: £39.25
Book online at www.thebigninetiesfestival.co.uk/swansea-halloween
Win spooky prizes at the Bingo Lingo Halloween special
The cheeky bingo night which always promises beer-fuelled singing and dancing and weird and wonderful prizes is returning for a Halloween special on October 28. The event will take place in Patti Pavilion and fancy dress is very much encouraged. Get a group together, put on your best costumes and expect pure chaos!
Where: Patti pavilion, Mumbles Road
When: October 28, 6pm-11pm
How much: £14
Book online at www.bingolingo.club/events
Celebrate Halloween at Mumbles Pier
There's lots to do with the family this Halloween at Mumbles Pier and on October 31, children can take part in an interactive story telling experience and help Dopey Derrie the fairy find her wings. The “Not-so-scary fairy party!” will include wand-making, scavenger hunts, singing, dancing, bubbles and even a snow machine!
From November 1 to November 4, there will be magic shows, crafting, cupcake decorating and even creepy critters to meet on the pier which is all free of charge and will help keep little ones busy during half term.
Where: Old Lifeboat Cottage, Mumbles Rd, The Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EN
When: Events take place from October 31 until November 4
How much: Children's tickets for Mumbles Pier’s Halloween Experience cost £10 and can be booked online, all other events are free to attend and there is no need to book in advance
Book online at www.mumbles-pier.co.uk
Make your own fun this Halloween with craft workshops
If you're still looking for kid-friendly Halloween activities, there will be a Halloween Workshop on Saturday, October 22 at Llansamlet Community Centre for children who are neuro diverse and their family/ carers. Activities will include apple printing, sensory painting, splat painting and a spider web paper craft, remember to wear old clothes that can get messy!
Over at garden centre Dobbies, children aged 3-10 years can become an official "Little Scare-ling" by learning how to be super scary and make their own monster plant pot to take home. An official Little Scare-ling certificate and kid's meal is included in the ticket price and there are sessions from Thursday, October 28 until Sunday, October 30. The good news is that an adult's ticket includes coffee and cake or even afternoon tea!
Where: Halloween Workshop - Llansamlet Community Centre, Church Rd, Llansamlet, Swansea SA7 9RH
Little Scare-lings- Dobbies Garden Centre, Siemens Way, Bon-y-maen, Swansea SA7 9FT
When: Events run from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30, check online for availability.
How much: Halloween Workshop costs £5.98 and Little Scare-lings costs £8.99+ for a child's ticket and £6.99+ for an adult ticket.
Book Llansamlet Halloween Workshop at www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-workshop-tickets-417853770877
Book Little Scare-lings online at ww.events.dobbies.com
If you're holding a Halloween event in Swansea, contact katie.hoggan@reachplc.com
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