What’s On
Get ready for a Halloween experience like no other!
Paisley Halloween Festival 2025 is back, and it’s bigger, brighter, and more fantastical than ever before.
This year, the streets of Paisley will come alive with an enchanting parade, magical installations, and spine-tingling street performances.
Whether you’re young or old, the Halloween Festival promises to transport you into the world of your favourite children’s books and films. So, grab your costume and get ready for a night of thrills, chills, and magic!
Event details
- Friday 24 October: 4.00pm – 9.00pm
- Saturday 25 October: 2.00pm – 9.00pm
The parade
- 7pm on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October
The parade takes approximately 60 minutes.
This year’s Halloween parade will bring the beloved worlds of children’s books and films to life, featuring professional artists, talented local performers, and hundreds of community participants. From Harry Potter’s giant chess pieces to creatures from Where the Wild Things Are, the parade will immerse you in the magic and wonder of your favourite stories.
Expect to see:
- Giant chess pieces from the Harry Potter universe
- Fantastic Mr Fox
- A dazzling Mary Poppins ensemble complete with LED-lit umbrellas
- An array of characters from Where the Wild Things Are and more
The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy the upbeat sounds of local bands like Blocowinnoch and the entertaining Spark! LED Drummers, who will be playing live music throughout the parade, keeping the energy high and the crowd dancing.
Paisley’s community groups will join the parade as they dance, march, and bring the streets to life with their vibrant performances. Featured participants include:
- Cameron School of Dance
- Kibble School
- right2dance
- STAR Project
- Caitlin Bonnar Dance
- RockUs Community Choir
- Jennifer Scott Dance
- Promise Champs
- Evolve (Bring Unity to Communities)
… and many more!
Packed programme of street shows and performances
In addition to the parade, the festival offers a packed street show and stage programme. You can look forward to the return of the brilliant All or Nothing and their aerial rig with a spellbinding performance and a chance for you to have a go yourself!
Magical installations in the town centre
The heart of Paisley will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland, featuring several Halloween-themed installations. Wander the town centre and discover these enchanting works of art:
The witch carver’s cauldron
Location: Corner of Gauze Street and Cotton Street
This cauldron bubbles with magical mist, fiery flames, and colourful lights — an eerie spectacle that will leave you spellbound!
Giant spider
Location: Cotton Street
Our giant spider is once again out and about on the streets of Paisley, how close do you dare to get?
Illuminating lighting displays and inflatable wonders
The festival will also feature a series of magical lighting displays and inflatable installations that bring Paisley’s landmarks to life with a spooky twist:
The Paisley Abbey bat colony
Location: Paisley Abbey
Watch as bat silhouettes flutter and swoop across the Abbey’s ancient walls, casting eerie shadows as they come to life under the night sky.
Goofs invasion
Location: Paisley Town Hall
The Goofs are once again loose in Paisley town hall, but can you spot the one that got away?
Kevin
Location: Paisley Town Hall
Meet Kevin, a shy and curious creature peeking from behind the Town Hall. Watch him carefully as he observes the festival from a distance.
Chomper
Location: Piazza Roof
High above, Chomper lurks on the Piazza Shopping Centre roof, ready to take a giant bite out of the building. Can you spot him before he sees you?
A spooktacular weekend in Paisley
This Halloween, don’t miss the chance to be part of Paisley’s most magical event of the year. With captivating performances, awe-inspiring installations, and an atmosphere of pure Halloween magic, the Paisley Halloween Festival 2025 promises a spooky weekend to remember!
