What’s On
Paisley Halloween Festival is back for 2023
- Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 October
- 5 to 9pm each night
- New and improved format
Get ready for Halloween in Paisley, where gothic creatures and macabre masterpieces await… We’re looking forward to welcoming you back this year for a new and improved experience.
Paisley Halloween Festival is one of the biggest and best of its kind in the UK and this year has the theme of ‘Gothic Halloween’. As always, it’s free to attend.
We’re back this year with a new format. Paisley town centre will be transformed into a Halloween playground, set against the spectacular backdrop of Paisley’s historic Abbey, with TWO ZONES created this year.
Halloween Trail Zone
Enter via the haunted gates to explore Frank & McSteins Fire Show, Spooky Bat Cave and Raven’s Realm. Set beneath the atmospheric Abbey, the trail will weave its way from Cotton Street to Abbey Close.
There will be a one-way system operating in this zone. Please note there will be a queue to access the trail. This is to ensure everyone has a great chance to experience the trail.
Live Performance Zones
Here you can expect street theatrics from festival-favourites Spark! LED Drummers and Pyroceltica. Plus sword-swallowing, stilt-walkers and community music and dance performances.
Plus!
Thrilling aerial acrobatic performances from All or Nothing’s flying vampires, as well as marshmallow pits, haunted funfair and devilishly-tasty street food. And keep your ears open for an eery surprise from the spires of the Town Hall…
Paisley Abbey illuminated in 2022. Photograph by Stuart White
Event details
Map
This year we’ve created an early map to show you how the updated site will work. In early October we’ll release a second map showing all the gothic details you’ll need.
Timings
In early October we will release all the timings you will need to plan your spooky nights out. We’ll let you know where your favourite performers will be, and at what times you can catch them.
Getting onto site
You’ll be able to reach the festival site from most of the main roads into Paisley town centre, but please be aware there will be no access via Bridge Street, due to the one-way system in operation in the trail zone. Instead, please enter via Mill St/Gauze St or Forbes Place/Causeyside St.
Stewards and signage will be in place to help direct you around the site.
Accessibility
We’ve been working hard to make this festival as accessible as possible. We have been partnering with the Disability Resource Centre and Spinners Gate to ensure we’re getting things right. Our accessibility guide to the festival will be available in early October.
Travelling to Paisley
Travel by train
Paisley Gilmour Street is the closest train station to the event, with regular services running from Glasgow Central, Ayrshire and Inverclyde.
The journey time to Paisley from Glasgow Central is less than 15 minutes. On arrival at Paisley Gilmour St, exit via County Square to reach the festival site.
- Plan your journey at scotrail.co.uk
Travel by bus
McGill’s Buses operate several services to Paisley town centre from across Renfrewshire and beyond.
- Plan your journey at mcgillsbuses.co.uk
Travel by car
Paisley town centre is a 12-minute drive from Glasgow City centre and just minutes away from the M8 motorway exits 27 and 29. Car parking is available across the town centre. Accessible parking will be available at Renfrewshire House. Our accessibility guide to the festival will be available in early October.
Travel by bike
Paisley is easily reached on two wheels. Bike racks are available in County Square, top of the High Street and outside Renfrewshire House.
About Paisley Halloween Festival
The festival is produced by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with internationally-renowned circus performance specialists Cirque Bijou. It is supported by EventScotland as part of their national events programme.
Don’t just take our word for how much you’ll enjoy the event. Our 2018 edition won Best Cultural Event or Festival at the 2019/20 VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards. And our 2022 festival has been nominated for the prestigious regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards this year too.
Volunteer with us
We are looking for volunteers to help make the festival bigger and better than ever. If you love Paisley, are passionate about events, or just want to help create unforgettable experiances, we want to hear from you.
We have a range of opportunities available across all aspects of the event. We’ll try to match you into a role that’s perfect for you. And you’ll be given training and support. Event volunteers are instrumental in making memorable moments for our visitors.
Find out more about volunteering at major events.
