The Reader is bringing a packed programme of Halloween and Bonfire Night events to Calderstones Park this autumn, including a brand-new illuminated family experience, spooky cinema screenings, pumpkin carving and a gothic-inspired supper club.

Taking place throughout October and into November, the autumn programme will see the Mansion House and its gardens transformed for a series of seasonal events for both families and adults.

One of the biggest new additions is Glow in the Park, a family-friendly alternative to traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, which will take place on 5 and 6 November.

The event will fill the Mansion House garden with illuminated performances, interactive light workshops, lantern making, woodland walks, storytelling and a silent disco.

Visitors will also be able to see Halo Glow, an illuminated performance from Jago Juggling Arts, whose previous appearances include the London 2012 Paralympic Closing Ceremony, Glastonbury Festival and RHS Bridgewater.

An interactive Light Workshop will give visitors the opportunity to learn tricks and experiment with light as part of the experience.

Annie Bowden, Programme & Participation Manager at The Reader, said:

“There’s something particularly magical about the autumn season in Calderstones Park so we’ve created some extra special new events this year.

“If you find big firework displays a bit overwhelming – especially with children – Glow in the Park promises all the enchantment with a community focus and welcoming feel.

“Our brilliant event chefs have crafted a beautiful feast inspired by the autumn season to pair with a curated selection of gothic readings at our first Supper Club.

“And for our events that sell out each year, like the Monster’s Ball, Pumpkin Picking and Spooky Cinema screenings, our new cosy tent in the Mansion House garden means that we can welcome more of our community to enjoy the fun.”

Halloween fun for families

Halloween celebrations begin with Cosy Pumpkin Carving, running from 25 to 27 October. Children can settle down for a seasonal story before heading into the Mansion House garden to choose their own pumpkin, carve it and take their creation home.

The popular Monsters’ Ball returns on Saturday 31 October, inviting families to dress up and hit the dancefloor for a Halloween party featuring a live DJ, ghostly games and spooky stories.

During half-term, The Reader is also teaming up with children’s publisher Nosy Crow for Halloween at the Storybarn, taking place from 26 to 30 October.

The special sessions will include games and crafts inspired by Tracey Corderoy’s Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Robber Ghost.

Younger film fans can also enjoy Room on the Broom, the animated adaptation of the much-loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler story. The film will be screened in the Theatre Room on 27 and 28 October as part of The Reader’s Mini Movies programme.

Halloween events for adults

Adults can get involved in the Halloween celebrations too, with The Reader launching its first Seasonal Supper Club on Saturday 31 October.

The candlelit gothic-themed evening will combine stories of mystery and suspense with an autumn-inspired dining experience created by The Reader’s in-house chefs.

Literature lovers can also head to Bookshop After Dark on 29 October, when The Reader’s independent bookshop will turn its attention to gothic and horror fiction.

Guests will be able to discover new reads with recommendations from the bookshop team, alongside exclusive discounts and a complimentary drink.

Spooky Cinema returns to Calderstones Park

Liverpool’s Open-Air Cinema also returns for another autumn season, with Spooky Cinema running from 24 to 28 October.

A giant heated tent will host a line-up of Halloween favourites and autumn classics including Hocus Pocus, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Labyrinth, You’ve Got Mail, The Woman in Black and Little Shop of Horrors.

Gates will open an hour before each screening, giving cinema-goers time to enjoy live music, freshly prepared street food and cocktails before settling down for the film.

Glow in the Park brings a new Bonfire Night experience

The autumn programme continues into November with Glow in the Park on 5 and 6 November, offering families a Bonfire Night celebration without a traditional large-scale fireworks display.

Calderstones Park’s Mansion House garden will be illuminated for the occasion, with visitors able to explore performances, woodland walks, storytelling, lantern making, light workshops and a silent disco.

The new event has been designed to offer a welcoming community-focused alternative for families and anyone who may find large fireworks displays overwhelming.

The Reader’s full Autumn 2026 programme is on sale now here, with proceeds from ticket sales helping support the Liverpool charity’s Shared Reading work with children, families and adults across the city and beyond.