It seems like only yesterday that we were enjoying the summer holidays, but from this weekend some Croydon schools are already breaking up for half-term! With local schools staggering their October holidays over the next three weeks, some lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective) households – including ours – have a two-week break that spans both Halloween and Bonfire Night.
That’s a whole lot of days to fill with fun, so we’ve put together a handy list of ten things to see and do in and around Croydon. And because half-term shouldn’t be entirely about the kids, we’ve snuck in a few suggestions just for the grown-ups at the end too.
1. Next Level Gaming Festival – Centrale
Calling all gamers! Next Level returns to Centrale this half-term with four days of free gaming, creative activities and a chance to discover the careers behind your favourite games. From retro arcade machines and pinball to designing your own avatar and exploring game development with the BRIT School, there’s plenty to get stuck into. There’ll also be talks and demonstrations from people working in the gaming and creative industries.
Saturday 24 – Tuesday 27 October, 11am–4pm – Upper Mall, Centrale, Croydon. Free entry.
2. Half-term at the Museum of Croydon
There’s plenty happening at the Museum of Croydon this half-term, starting with the first ever Croydon Archives Open Day on Saturday 24 October, featuring games, workshops and hands-on activities exploring the borough’s history. Elsewhere, little ghouls can follow a spooky trail around the museum (17–31 October), or get creative at two Craft Club sessions – making paper cameras on Wednesday 28 October and creepy Halloween crafts on Friday 30 October. While you’re there, don’t miss the museum’s latest exhibition, Shaping Croydon: Architecture and Ambition, exploring the changing face of our town.
17–31 October – Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street. Archives Open Day and spooky trail are free; check booking details for Craft Club sessions.
Shaping Croydon exhibition, photo by Chris O’Donovan
3. Black History Month – Ashburton Hall
Celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of storytelling, music and drumming at Ashburton Hall. Led by Asafo and Lauren, this interactive event explores African, Caribbean and other cultural traditions through stories, song, dance and rhythm. Drums and percussion will be available, but you’re welcome to bring your own!
Tuesday 27 October, 12.30–2.30pm – Ashburton Hall, Ashburton Park, Croydon.
4. Half-term at Stanley Arts
Stanley Arts has a packed programme this half-term, from family entertainment to Halloween fun. Younger audiences can enjoy Flotsam, a magical new opera inspired by David Wiesner’s picture book, on Friday 30 October. Then, on Halloween itself, get stuck into pumpkin carving before donning your spookiest costume for the family disco. There’s also a historic tour of the building and the launch of the Windrush: The Love Story exhibition on Wednesday 28 October, celebrating Black History Month.
Wednesday 28 – Saturday 31 October – Stanley Arts, South Norwood. Tickets for the Halloween Family Disco start at £4.
5. Canny Valley – Turf Projects
As a response to the rise of AI, Turf Projects’ latest exhibition, Canny Valley, celebrates the glitchy, messy and surreal creations of the human imagination. Featuring work by eight artists, the exhibition opens on Halloween with art, drinks, weird cake and the launch of artist-designed mystery boxes containing miniature artworks.
Saturday 31 October, 1–4pm – Turf Projects, Whitgift Centre, Croydon.
6. Halloween Funfair – Crystal Palace Park
For some thrills and spills this half-term, head to Crystal Palace Park, where Irvin’s Halloween Funfair returns with rides and attractions for all ages. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping excitement or something a little gentler for younger visitors, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Entry is free, with rides charged separately – and there are six half-price ride days during the week.
Friday 23 October – Sunday 1 November – Palace Terrace, Crystal Palace Park. Open 4–10pm on the first Friday, then 1–10pm daily.
Find out more and buy ride tokens
7. Fireworks across Croydon and beyond
Remember, remember the fifth of November! If you’re looking to light up your half-term, there are several local fireworks displays to choose from. Sanderstead Fireworks returns to Atwood Primary School on Thursday 5 November, while Crystal Palace and Anerley Fireworks at James Dixon Primary School and Croydon Wanderers Rugby Club’s Bonfire Night Extravaganza both take place on Saturday 7 November. Expect spectacular displays, refreshments and plenty of family fun – just remember to book ahead where required!
5–7 November – Sanderstead, Crystal Palace and West Wickham.
Atwood tickets | James Dixon Primary School | Croydon Wanderers details
And a few for the grown-ups…
8. With Love, From South – The Village Table
Celebrate Croydon’s Black music heritage with With Love, From South, an event exploring the sounds, spaces and communities that have shaped the borough’s musical identity. From jazz, soul and reggae to pirate radio and the legendary Big Apple Records, expect a panel discussion celebrating local music history, followed by an open jam session welcoming singers, MCs, musicians and poets.
Thursday 29 October, 6–11pm – The Village Table, Queen’s Gardens, Croydon. Free, booking required.
9. Halloween double bill – David Lean Cinema
Sink your teeth into a Halloween double bill at the David Lean Cinema, with two classic Hammer horror films starring Christopher Lee as the infamous Count. First up is Dracula (1958), followed by Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966). Perfect for horror fans looking for some old-school scares this Halloween – although perhaps not for younger children!
Saturday 31 October – David Lean Cinema, Croydon Clocktower.
Dracula | Dracula: Prince of Darkness
See Croydonites preview for photo credits
10. Croydonites Festival 2026
Croydon’s festival of experimental theatre returns from 4–21 November, bringing a packed programme of bold, inventive and sometimes downright bonkers performances to venues across the borough. From magic and comedy to immersive theatre, there’s plenty to discover, although much of the programme is aimed at grown-ups. We caught up with the festival directors last week to find out what’s in store.
4–21 November – Various Croydon venues.
And there we have it – our guide to a whole lot of half-term fun! Do share any other events we’ve missed in the comments below.
Posted by Julia
No Comments