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Wells isn't one to sit quietly through half-term. Between pumpkin art competitions, ghost-themed museum trails and a climbing-centre Halloween party, the city's got plenty on its October–November to-do list.

Whether you're wrangling small children, dodging fireworks, or just want to sit in a church with classical music and a paper cup of tea, this week's event line-up should do the trick. And yes, it includes a leopard-print bingo night. Because of course it does.

Running a pumpkin‑carving workshop, a village quiz or a poetry night for pigeons? You can nub your event for free here.

Thursday 30 October

At Rock Farm, the October half‑term holiday club lets children build dens, whittle sticks and carve pumpkins between 10 am and 3 pm (or a shorter morning session if your little ninjas prefer a lie‑in). It's £25 for the full five hours or £15 for 2½ hours — almost cheaper than a babysitter, and you get back a child who smells faintly of woodsmoke.

If you'd rather hug a tree than climb one, head to the Bishop's Palace in Wells for Nature Ninjas from 11 am to 3 pm. Expect eco‑trails and hands‑on activities; palace admission gets you in. Meanwhile, Glastonbury's Sounds Joyful takes over St John's Hub at 10.30 am for a dementia‑inclusive singalong with tea, coffee and cake for a fiver.

Looking for something entirely different? Earthspirit Centre in Compton Dundon opens its four‑day Ancestral healing retreat – Sex, Blood and Bone at 6.30 pm. It's £790 for breathwork, trance dance and the chance to unpick family secrets in a supportive setting; vegetarian meals included.

Ongoing exhibitions provide calmer pursuits: Wells Cathedral's Wells Art Contemporary (93 artworks and 22 site‑specific installations) runs until Saturday; the museum's Halloween Art Competition invites children to design pumpkin‑themed posters; the Spooky half‑term trail has clues to solve for a prize; and at the Somerset Rural Life Museum the A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor exhibition celebrates the life of the iconic Exmoor writer.

Friday 31 October

Halloween is here and so are the fancy‑dress events. The Art Bank invites costumed children (and grown‑ups) into the Art Bank Halloween Party 2025 from 3 pm to 5 pm, with tickets £3.50 per child. Expect silly games, DJ sets and more sugar than is strictly legal.

At the Bath & West Showground, the Ghost Train Glow Party offers rides, magic, glow puppets and a children's disco while adults sip drinks at the bar from 6 pm. Ferne Animal Sanctuary's Spooktacular fun runs all day with games, a spooky trail and a fancy‑dress competition – adults £5, children £3 and proceeds help the sanctuary.

If your idea of a perfect Halloween is a silent disco with zombies, Rare Species Entertainment brings a zombie‑themed silent‑disco tour to Frome; headphones on at 7 pm and tickets £12 plus booking fee.

Planet Volt holds a Halloween party from 6 pm to 10 pm for climbing centre customers. Street's Not your average Halloween party! The Street Inn promises remixed tracks and prizes for the most creative or downright spooky costume. Prefer a zen approach? Shepton Mallet's sound healing sessions are there if your idea of a scream is a vibrating gong.

Saturday 1 November

November opens with equal parts fireworks and funk. The King William pub in Shepton Mallet throws the Mad Hatters Tea Party – think heavy basslines, DJs from The House That Jack Built and Immence and a room full of top hats and rabbits. Down the road, West Shepton Playing Fields host Fireworks Night; gates open at 6.15 pm, adults £4 and children £2 – wrap up warm and pretend your dog actually loves explosions.

In Glastonbury, Jamie Mac turns The Rifleman's Arms into a free Halloween rave at The Rife's, blending pop, rock, dance and drum‑and‑bass for over‑21s. Wells Cathedral hosts the Somerset Festival of Remembrance at 7 pm – a reflective evening with military bands and a poppy drop.

Sunday 2 November

If you need a quieter Sunday, there are two All Souls services: Mendip Hospital Cemetery holds its service at 3 pm and St John's Church in Glastonbury follows at 4 pm with an All Souls Service of Light . Later, Sadlers Bar in Wells hosts Leopard Print Bingo at 6 pm, raising money for a London Marathon runner – bring a small prize and a loud voice.

Monday 3 November

Shake off the weekend with a free concert at St Thomas's Church: Trio Paradis perform Bohemian Rhapsodies at 11 am (refreshments from 10.30 am). If you prefer minutes and motions, the Royal Air Forces Association meets at Wells Golf Club for its RAFA Mid‑Somerset branch meeting at 11 am with a presentation and optional lunch.

Tuesday 4 November

Street's The Loft transforms into an inclusive play space for the SEND supper club from 4 pm; £5 gets your child a two‑course meal and unlimited soft play.

Thursday 6 November

By Thursday the fireworks have faded, but there's still plenty to cheer. In Shepton Mallet, 8 Town Street hosts the Shepton Artists pop‑up exhibition opening party from 6 pm to 9 pm, with complimentary drinks and local art for sale. Over at The Cider Barn in Stone Allerton, the AD ASTRA Cider Farm charity quiz kicks off at 7 pm (doors 6 pm); £5 a head supports the RAFA Mid‑Somerset branch and there's plenty of cider, beer and wine on tap. Earlier that morning, Glastonbury's Sounds Joyful returns for another 10.30 am singalong.

Planning the West Country Championships of Competitive Loitering? Thinking of a candlelit poetry night for pigeons? Don't be shy – nub your event here and let the locals know.

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Still got a lantern parade or a ukulele jam up your sleeve? Don't keep it to yourself — nub your event for free right here.

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