Spooky season’s upon us! Buckle up for almost a week of bone-chilling days and nights ranging from the best queer parties, charity events, brunch, and even a family rave! 

Thursday 26th

DYKONIC Halloween Masquerade

Kicking off the Halloween spookfest is Glass Closet’s masquerade for queer women, trans, and non-binary people. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged with a cash prize available for best dressed. If you’re struggling for inspiration, fear not, there’s even a Pinterest mood board brimming with ideas! The lineup is fiercely queer and proud, celebrating established icons and emerging talent. The pre-party social hour which runs from 7pm – 8pm (and offers discounted drinks) will showcase a novice queer DJ before moving on to three well-known acts who’ll be mainly playing pop with a mix of afrobeat, R&B, pop-punk, and alternative. Throughout the night there’ll be performances from four queer legends with a special headliner yet to be announced. If you’re looking to make friends then join the WhatsApp community and get to RVT early! 

From 7.00pm | The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, SE11 5HY | £10 – £20

Friday 27th

Halloween Charity Event

Look no further if it’s an atmospheric evening of live music you’re after. Catering to all its haunting energy, Tamesis Dock, the converted 1930s barge will deck its stage in all the black draping it can get its hands on for South London’s indie rock four-piece, Fresh Arms. Dynamic DJ duo Little House will close the evening with George Streets on the decks and Chris Clarke bringing in saxophone and bongo drum rhythms. The night’s proceeds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently in times of crisis overseas. Get the Halloween weekend started with ghoulish tunes on a haunted floating venue, all in the good name of charity. 

7.00pm – 1.00am | Tamesis Dock, SE1 7TY | £7

Saturday 28th

Emo Halloween Bottomless Brunch

Resuscitating your teenage years is this year’s Emo Bottomless Brunch. Prepare yourself to be haunted by the melodies of days gone by with three hours of emo anthems from the 00s all the way up to the present day, mixed by resident DJ and accompanied by a live drum percussionist. Make the most of an hour of bottomless Halloween-themed cocktails, beer, and cider, before tucking into a delicious brunch menu that ranges from pizza and burgers to French tacos and jerk chicken. Don’t miss the chance to go rifling through the depths of your wardrobe for an emo-inspired costume, it might be the last opportunity you get to live out your emo days! 

11.30am – 1.00pm | Fire, SW8 1RT | £44.99

BEYOND MIDNIGHT Halloween Special

Following last year’s sold-out Halloween special, Beyond Midnight returns to Fire for one of the most popular LGBTQ+ parties catered to all your biggest vices. Expect a yet-to-be-announced international guest DJ to take to the decks for a wicked combination of house and pop. This year’s club takeover even boasts a recently extended and refurbished dark room which is kitted out as the night’s ultimate pleasure zone. Download your ticket before 1am for free entry and get ready for a dark night of debauchery.

11.45pm – 12.00pm | Fire, SW8 1RT | From £11.25

Sunday 29th 

Big Fish Little Fish Halloween Mega Family Rave

Fire & Lightbox clear their three rooms for an afternoon of family fun complete with DJs, crafts, confetti, bubbles, and balloons! The multi-room dancefloor is kitted out with an LED light ceiling which creates the perfect spooky atmosphere for a few hours of bone-rattling dancing. Join the award-winning Big Fish Little Fish who have been helping parents be responsibly irresponsible since 2013. With Fabric resident DJ Terry Francis as headliner,  expect the perfect combination of acid house, techno, house, and drum ‘n’ bass to get your under-8s dancing away. There’ll even be craft and play areas as well as a chill-out zone and covered outdoor terrace. For children over 2, the incredible face painter Doxa Faces will be on hand to transform the little ones into fierce ghouls. 

1.00pm – 3.00pm | Fire & Lightbox, SW8 1SP | Free – £12

SABOR – Dia de los Muertos

The weekly family-friendly Sunday fiesta celebrating the culture and flavours of Spain and Latin America takes a terror turn on Halloween weekend. Get ghoulish for their Dia de los Muertos party and be transported to the streets of Latin America with live performances and DJs playing the best salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and more. Expect a whole host of mouthwatering Latin cuisine from empanadas and arepas, to paella and churros all paired with cocktails and ice-cold beers. Grab your flowing dresses and flowers and get yourself over to the face painting section to be transformed into the vibrant muertos that prowl the Latin streets on Halloween. 

4.00pm – 10.00pm | Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden, SW8 1SP | Free

Tuesday 31st

La Divina Afterhours – Halloween Special

If you’re brave enough to face the midweek Halloween rave then La Divina Afterhours are throwing a special edition of their usual monthly event. For over nine years, La Divina has brought the best underground techno nights to London and this is no different. Taking to the decks will be resident DJs Diana Loredana and Thomas Galbardi who will be joined by guests Dhez and duo Soko & Sev for a night of relentless techno until dawn. Dress up, make it a night, and leave when you can give the morning commuters a jumpscare on their way to work. 

11.00pm – 8.00am | Union Club, SE1 7TW | £10 – £20