Fringe events bring even more Halloween fun to Paisley this October
Paisley Halloween Festival returns on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026, bringing two nights of spectacular entertainment to the town centre. Alongside the main festival programme, a wide range of fringe events and activities will take place across Paisley and Renfrewshire, giving visitors even more reasons to make a day of it.
From family workshops and storytelling sessions to live shows, markets and spooky experiences, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit before and after the festival parade.
Family-friendly activities
Families can enjoy free Halloween-themed arts and crafts workshops at The Art Department, where children can create spooky masks, pumpkin hats, origami creatures and more. Sessions take place on both festival days from 4pm to 7pm, with all materials provided and no experience required.
At Paisley Central Library, a programme of Halloween activities includes Spooky Bookbug sessions, storytelling and craft workshops. A special British Sign Language storytelling event will also take place on Friday, welcoming Deaf and hearing children and families to enjoy a shared Halloween experience.
Visitors can also stop by Piazza Shopping Centre for free Halloween face painting with Pumpkin Jack on both festival days.
Businesses open late
These businesses will stay open later than normal business hours while you're out enjoying Halloween fun:
- Paisley 3d Print Shop at 2 County Place, Paisley will be open from 10am to 9pm on both festival nights
- Paisley Toy Model Store on High Street, Paisley will be open until 8.45pm on both festival nights.
Food, drink and live entertainment
The popular Big Feed Night Market returns to Bridge Street, serving up a variety of street food, drinks and market stalls throughout the festival weekend. Whether you're looking for a quick bite before the parade or somewhere to soak up the atmosphere, it's the perfect place to stop and refuel.
For those looking for an extra Halloween show experience, Sisters of Salem: The Dark Realms Ritual Family Halloween Show comes to Paisley Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, featuring live performances, music, magical surprises and plenty of Halloween-themed fun.
Spooky experiences
For visitors who enjoy something a little darker, The Haunted Cottage: A Sma' Shot Mystery in Paisley offers an immersive Halloween adventure at the historic Sma' Shot Cottages. This adults-only experience runs on selected dates throughout October and challenges visitors to uncover the mystery lurking within the cottages.
Events across Renfrewshire
Halloween celebrations extend beyond Paisley town centre, with community events taking place across Renfrewshire. In Renfrew, the Freaky Friday Monster Mash Family Dance combines dancing, costume competitions and family entertainment, while STAR Project is hosting a range of themed community activities throughout October.
Plan your visit
Many fringe events are free to attend, while some require advance booking. Visitors are encouraged to check individual event details before travelling.
To find out what's happening and start planning your Halloween weekend, explore the full fringe programme and discover even more ways to enjoy Paisley Halloween Festival 2026.
Paisley Halloween Festival Fringe Events
| Event | Location | Date & Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Feed Night Market | Bridge Street Car Park | Fri 4pm to 9pm, Sat 12pm to 9pm | Street food, drinks and market stalls. |
| Pumpkin Jack Face Painting | Piazza Shopping Centre | Fri 23 & Sat 24 Oct, 2.30pm to 6.30pm | Free Halloween face painting. |
| Halloween Arts & Crafts Workshops | The Art Department | Fri 23 & Sat 24 Oct, 4pm to 7pm |
Free family workshops creating masks, hats and spooky crafts. |
| Family Activities at Central Library | Paisley Central Library |
Fri 23 & Sat 24 Oct 4.30pm – 5.00pm |
Spooky Bookbug storytelling sessions. Maximum capacity 10 children plus adults. Booking will be available from 16 October. Book here. |
| Family Activities at Central Library | Paisley Central Library | 5.20pm – 5.45pm |
Spooky stories (aimed at ages 3 – 7 years) Booking will be available from 16 October. |
| Family Activities at Central Library | Paisley Central Library | Fri 23 & Sat 24 Oct, 5.45pm to 6.30pm |
Halloween craft session (suitable for ages 4 – 10 years) Booking will be available from 16 October. |
| BSL Spooky Storytelling - Halloween Special | Paisley Central Library | Fri 23 Oct, 4.30pm |
A free Halloween storytelling experience delivered in British Sign Language by West Scotland BSL for Deaf and hearing babies, children and families. Four drop-in sessions run throughout the evening with spoken translation, communication support and no booking required. Costumes encouraged. Booking will be available from 16 October. |
| Sisters of Salem: The Dark Realms Ritual | Paisley Town Hall | Sat 24 Oct, 2pm to 3.30pm |
Ticketed family Halloween stage show with music, witches, monsters and magical surprises. Single ticket £18.95 plus booking fees. |
| Halloween Fancy Dress Karaoke | Harvies 86 Glasgow Road, Paisley, PA1 3NU |
Sat 24 Oct, 8pm | Fancy dress karaoke with prizes for best dressed. No booking required. |
| The Haunted Cottage: A Sma' Shot Mystery | Sma' Shot Cottages | 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th & 31st Oct at 9pm |
Adults-only immersive Halloween experience. |
| McAddams Family Snack Attack | STAR Project | 15 Oct, 2pm to 4pm |
Free family event with ghoulish games, activities and spooky snacks and a chance to meet the McAddams. Spooky dress-up encouraged! |
| All Hallows' Eve | STAR Project | 29 Oct, 5pm to 7pm |
A free gentle community evening remembering those we have lost. We'll walk the labyrinth at Fountain Gardens together before returning to STAR Project for a relaxing sound bath. |
| Freaky Friday Monster Mash Family Dance - Renfrew Community Council | Renfrew Legion | Fri 23 Oct, 5pm to 8pm | Family disco, fancy dress competitions and Halloween fun. |
| Renfrew Community Council's Halloween Event | Robertson Park | Sat 31 Oct, 1pm to 4pm | Free family Halloween event with games, prizes, costumes, jokes, songs, tricks, Halloween surprises and more. Sessions available for children aged 6 and under, and ages 7 to 12. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No booking required. More information. |
| The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with Live Score | Paisley Arts Centre | Sun 18 Oct, 8pm |
Silent horror classic The Phantom of the Opera (1925) presented with a live soundtrack performed by Andrew Wasylyk and Tommy Perman. |
| 3 Witch Trials of Paisley Walk | Cenotaph, High Street to Gallow Green, Paisley | Fri 23 Oct, 6pm |
Guided walking tour exploring the stories behind the three Paisley witch trials, ending at Gallow Green. |
| Crow Party | What If, 25 Moss Street, Paisley | Fri 30 Oct |
Creative Halloween-themed workshop where participants can make miniature trinket displays, trade treasures and enjoy spooky refreshments. £25 per person. Book in store or online. |
| Graveyard Tours, Walks and Talks | Various locations across Renfrewshire | Various dates |
Guided heritage walks and talks exploring local graveyards, stories and history with Heritage Buddies. |
| High Vibes Halloween Community Fayre | Johnstone Town Hall | Sat 31 Oct |
Community market featuring local makers, wellbeing stalls and Halloween-themed activities. |
| Northern Frights: Halloween | Paisley Town Hall | Fri 30 Oct, from 5pm |
Over-18s horror convention featuring guest appearances, Halloween traders, exhibitions and themed entertainment. Tickets cost £25. |
| Autastic Club - Spooky Soirée | Solid Rock Allstar Academy, Paisley | Sun 25 Oct, 11am to 12noon | A highly inclusive, family-oriented Halloween event featuring singing, signing of favorite songs, access to gymnastics equipment, and a bouncy castle. There are no diagnosis restrictions or postcode boundaries required for attendance. Find out more. |
| Weavers: Trick or Treat Bags | Weavers, Paisley | Mon 19 Oct |
Children's Halloween craft workshop where participants can design and decorate their own trick-or-treat bags. |
| Halloween Fun at Thistles & Tykes | Thistles & Tykes Children's Café, Renfrew | Sun 18 Oct, 11.15am to 1.15pm |
Interactive Halloween event for toddlers and young children featuring slime-making, potion brewing, mini discos and festive furry guests. Suitable for ages 2+. |
| Bloody Mary Halloween Ball | Venue, 5 Wellmeadow Street, Paisley | Sat 31 Oct, 7pm | A fantastic all- out dressed-up party, live local rock band Howlin Radio playing the best favourites, 12 cabaret drag and burlesque acts and late party! Book tickets at FMC Events. |
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