I love that “Halloween events Nottingham” means more than one evening of scares in the city. The 2025 Nottingham Halloween Festival runs from 25 October to 2 November and invites everyone to join in the fun.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly thrills or nighttime excitement, the city has you covered.
Halloween Events Nottingham 2025
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event name | Nottingham Halloween Festival 2025 |
| Date range | 25 October – 2 November 2025 |
| Key venue | Nottingham city centre & Nottingham Castle |
| Highlight day | 31 October 2025 |
| Entry fee | Free for many parts; select events from £1-£2 |
| Main attractions | Rooftop monsters trail, Monster Bus safari, Monster Mash |
| Target audience | Families, friends, Halloween fans |
What the Festival Is All About
This festival turns Nottingham’s city centre into a Halloween playground. From 25 October you’ll spot giant rooftop monsters across high-street buildings.
A Monster Bus safari runs 30-31 October and 1 November for monster-spotting tours. On 31 October at Nottingham Castle there is the Monster Mash event packed with music, crafts and a parade of giant skeleton puppets.
I find the rooftop monsters especially fun because you wander the streets and spot them no scare zones required.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Origins & Festival Growth
The festival is organised by the city centre promotion “It’s in Nottingham” working with local venues and businesses. The rooftop monsters idea grew from a desire to make Halloween more accessible and playful rather than purely scary.
Over recent years it has expanded into a full-week city-wide autumn celebration rather than just one night. In 2025 the focus seems as much on city exploration and family fun as on late-night party events.
Key Dates, Times & Locations
- Rooftop monsters trail: 25 October – 2 November across multiple shops and buildings in Nottingham city centre.
- Monster Bus safari: Thursday 30 October, Friday 31 October, Saturday 1 November. Morning tours at 10 am and 11.30 am. Afternoon tours at 1 pm and 2.30 pm.
- Monster Mash at Nottingham Castle: Friday 31 October, time slots at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm; general running from 10 am-5 pm. Includes the Strolling Bones parade at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm inside the castle grounds.
- Location of Monster Mash: Nottingham Castle, Lenton Road, Nottingham NG1 6EL.
If you are joining the rooftop monsters trail, pick up the festival map at the city centre information point and start exploring.
How to Participate in the Halloween Festival
Getting involved in the Nottingham Halloween Festival is simple and fun. Many of the events are open to everyone without tickets, so you can join the rooftop monster trail or explore the decorated streets at any time during festival days.
For paid activities such as the Monster Mash at Nottingham Castle, you’ll need to buy tickets early because entry numbers are limited. Tickets are affordable and usually sell out fast.
If you love performing, volunteering or helping with setup, you can contact local event organizers through Nottingham City Council’s community team. Volunteers often help guide visitors, distribute maps and support children’s activities.
There are also costume contests where locals proudly show off their creativity, making it a great opportunity to meet other Halloween lovers.
Viewing Tips and Best Spots
I’ve found that one of the best ways to enjoy Halloween events in Nottingham is to start your walk from Old Market Square in the afternoon. The rooftop monsters are visible from different angles, so bring your camera and stroll toward Victoria Street and Wheeler Gate for perfect viewing points.
For families, the city keeps the main routes pedestrian friendly and accessible. Wheelchair users will find the pavements around the square and the castle route smooth and easy to navigate. The event team also provides temporary ramps at key points. If you want fewer crowds, go on weekday afternoons rather than Halloween night.
The weather in late October can be unpredictable. Bring a warm coat and maybe a light poncho just in case of drizzle. I always carry a small torch or use my phone light after dark for better visibility without spoiling the atmosphere.
Costumes and Themes for 2025
The city’s official theme for 2025 follows the “Monsters on the Roof” idea, celebrating playful, cartoon-style creatures instead of traditional horror. Many families dress their kids as friendly monsters or characters from Nottingham folklore like Robin Hood ghosts and forest spirits.
If you’re attending the Monster Mash, bright colors and glowing accessories stand out well in the castle grounds. Costumes should be family friendly because children’s activities run all day.
Avoid props that look like weapons, and make sure outfits allow easy walking since the routes involve cobbled streets and mild hills.
One of my favorite costume tips is to coordinate with friends so you stand out together. Group themes like classic movie monsters or funny skeleton crews always attract attention from photographers.
Entertainment and Highlights
The Nottingham Halloween Festival mixes entertainment for every taste. The Monster Mash features stage shows, spooky storytelling, and small performances from local dance and theatre groups. The Strolling Bones parade inside Nottingham Castle uses giant skeleton puppets that march to live drumming. It’s playful rather than scary, perfect for families and first-time visitors.
The Monster Bus safari has become another crowd favorite. You ride through the city centre spotting rooftop monsters while a guide shares fun Halloween trivia about Nottingham’s landmarks. It’s interactive and a good way to explore the area if you’re visiting for the first time.
Even after the main events finish, many pubs and restaurants hold themed nights, live music sessions, and Halloween-inspired food menus. Locals usually head to Hockley and Lace Market for late-night fun once the castle closes.
Food and Local Experiences
Halloween in Nottingham is as much about good food as costumes and lights. Around Old Market Square, food stalls serve warm drinks, pumpkin-spiced treats and local snacks. If you prefer a sit-down meal, restaurants nearby offer Halloween specials like black pasta dishes, pumpkin soups and spooky cocktails.
For families, several cafes set up small pumpkin-decorating stations, making it easy to take a break between events. It’s a casual, relaxed environment where everyone can enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.
I also recommend checking small shops that sell local crafts during the festival week. You’ll find handmade candles, gothic art and Halloween décor created by Nottingham artists. Supporting them adds more spirit to the celebration.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Nottingham is well connected, so getting to Halloween events is easy. The nearest train station is Nottingham Railway Station, about ten minutes from Old Market Square and the castle.
If you are driving, the best parking spots are at Broadmarsh Car Park and Trinity Square Car Park. Both stay open late during festival week. Public transport runs frequently, and trams drop you right in the centre.
For those staying overnight, book early. Hotels near Maid Marian Way, Lace Market and Derby Road are within walking distance of the main Halloween sites. I personally suggest choosing a central hotel so you can walk everywhere and enjoy the festive lights without worrying about transport.
Safety and Rules
Nottingham takes visitor safety seriously, especially during large public gatherings like the Halloween Festival. Security staff and city wardens patrol throughout the week. Bags may be checked at the castle entrance and major events, so pack light. Avoid carrying toy weapons or anything sharp that might cause confusion.
Parents will find child-friendly zones clearly marked, with lost-child stations at the castle and the city information point. Keep an eye on children in crowded spots and make sure they wear something reflective after sunset. I always tell friends to bring a small first aid kit and keep emergency numbers saved just in case.
Alcohol is not allowed inside Nottingham Castle during the Monster Mash, but nearby pubs and restaurants offer themed drinks for adults once the family events end.
Photography and Social Media Tips
Halloween events in Nottingham create perfect photo moments. The best lighting for rooftop monsters is right after sunset, around 5 pm to 6 pm, when the sky turns orange but the streetlights are already glowing.
Avoid using flash since it can flatten the colors. Instead, increase your phone’s exposure a little for better low-light shots.
If you love sharing photos, use the festival hashtags posted on banners around the city so your pictures join the online gallery.
Local photographers often roam the area and capture the best costumes, so keep your eyes open. Always ask before photographing children or other guests to maintain a friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion
Halloween events in Nottingham are more than just a few spooky displays. They bring the whole city together with creativity, color and laughter. The 2025 festival promises rooftop monsters, joyful parades and family adventures that show how Nottingham embraces the fun side of Halloween.
If you plan to visit, prepare your costume, grab your camera and come ready for a week filled with friendly monsters and city magic. I’ve attended many local events, and this one remains my favorite because it’s welcoming, well organized and full of genuine community spirit.
FAQs
Most activities are free, including the rooftop monsters trail and city decorations. Some attractions, like the Monster Mash, have a small entry fee.
Only certain events, such as the Monster Mash or bus safari, require tickets. These can be bought in advance to secure a spot.
Absolutely. The entire event is family friendly, with gentle themes and daytime shows for younger visitors.
Use city car parks near Broadmarsh or Trinity Square. They are the most convenient during the event week.
Yes, but the city encourages creative and friendly looks since many families attend. Avoid overly frightening masks or weapons.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your chosen time slot to allow for check-in and walking up to the castle entrance.
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