For a vibrant autumnal destination this October half-term, look no further than Islington Square on Upper Street, where spooky decorations set the scene and fancy dress is strongly encouraged.
From a charity ghost trail through the neighbourhood to a bustling artisan food market, Islington Square is bringing together its standout retailers and restaurants for an unforgettable lineup of activities. Visitors can look forward to pumpkin decorating, live face painting, mask-making workshops, interactive bingo, and delicious seasonal dining offers.
ISLINGTON HALLOWEEN TRAIL – THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER (1pm – 4pm)
Families are invited to set off on a thrilling neighbourhood adventure, solving clever clues, hunting down three hidden ghosts, and collecting stamps across 17 local stores – including Wheat, Lucy & Yak, Fe Fe Fanclub and Selv Roastery.
The adventure kicks off at David Astburys estate agents on Upper Street, where participants can pick up their trail maps. Fancy dress is highly encouraged, with a best dressed costume competition awarding a huge prize to the most spooktacular outfit!
It’s £3 per person and to book tickets visit here. 100% of ticket proceeds go directly to The Toy Project, a local charity supporting its work recycling and redistributing toys to children and families who need them.
MARKET STALLS & EXCLUSIVE OFFERS – SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER (11am – 6pm)
On Halloween Day, Urban Food Fest brings a vibrant autumnal atmosphere to the Square with a curated selection of artisan market stalls, independent makers, and delicious seasonal street food traders.
To mark the occasion, Islington Square’s shops and restaurants are rolling out exclusive treats, pop-up events and seasonal dining deals throughout the day:
· Selv Roastery: Warm up with 50% off Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
· OMNOM: Feast with 15% off your total food bill.
· ODEON Luxe & Dine: Win free cinema passes! Keep an eye on Islington Square’s social channels to win two tickets to featured seasonal films including Verity, Other Mother, Clayface or Resident Evil.
· Activate: Embark on a Halloween bingo trail around the arena (£4.95 per child, includes trail plus a 20-minute craft session or game room play; entries available 11am–3pm).
· WagWorks: Opening its doors to four-legged friends and dog lovers for a special Halloween Open Day.
· Supply 91: Treat yourself to ‘A Close Shave’ with their Beard & Razor Work treatment – a 45-minute luxury grooming experience complete with hot towels and facial care.
· The Wearer: Bring in broken or damaged jewellery for repair and take a turn at the Trick-or-Treat bowl for a chance to win £10 off your repair.
· Borough Kitchen: Master the perfect sizzle with an interactive Steak Knowledge Cooking Class covering searing techniques and achieving ideal doneness.
· New Meta Gaming: Get into the spirit with a costume party packed with gaming sessions and prizes.
· Wheat: Little ones can unleash their creativity with hands-on Halloween crafts and mask-making workshops.
· Stamp Store & Post Office: Add a splash of colour to your day with live face painting sessions.
Whether you’re hunting ghosts with the family, sampling gourmet street food, or grabbing half-price treats, Islington Square is the place to explore, celebrate and discover the best of North London this autumn.
