Halloween in Poole: Costumes, Crafts and Spooky Season at The Dolphin

It is October. Somebody in your house has already asked what they are going to be for Halloween, and somebody else has said they are not bothering this year and will change their mind on 30 October.

Both of these people are welcome here.

Costumes, sorted early

Hollywood Fancy Dress is the reason people drive to Poole in late October. Whole costumes, the bits to finish one off, wigs, face paint and the accessory that turns a vague idea into an actual outfit.

Go early. The last week of October in a fancy dress shop is not a relaxing experience, and the good sizes go first.

Halloween Junk Journal Binder Event, Friday 2 October

Starting the season the crafty way. Junk journalling is making a book out of bits, scraps, papers, tickets and cuttings, and the Halloween version leans properly into the dark and gothic end of it.

At GATHER, free to join, and a good one to bring a teenager to.

Amelia’s Rainbow Halloween Pop Up, Monday 19 to Friday 23 October

Amelia’s Rainbow returns with a Halloween pop up for five days. A lovely local charity and a good excuse to pick up something seasonal while supporting them.

Sweets, cards and the rest of it

Mr Simms Sweet Shop is the obvious stop for anything going in a trick or treat bowl, and considerably better than a bag of own brand chews. Card Factory covers decorations, banners and wrapping. Toy Town and Poundland will fill the gaps for pumpkin carving kits and the cheap tat that children genuinely prefer.

Also this weekend

Branksome and Rossmore Fridges hold a jumble sale at GATHER on Saturday 3 October. Jumble sales and Halloween are a natural pairing. Some of the best costumes start life as somebody else’s curtains.

Then from Sunday 4 to Tuesday 6 October Maria Hayward brings her first art exhibition to GATHER. It is called It’s Ok Not To Be Ok and it follows her story through her art rather than her voice. Open 10am to 4pm and free to view.

Plan your visit

The Dolphin is in the heart of Poole with parking on site. Sort the costume now and enjoy the rest of the month.

Take a look at our What’s On listings before you set off, then come and find us.