Pumpkin hunts, trick-or-treat, spooky parties
Halloween brings carved pumpkins, costume competitions, and free family fun to Putney this October. From daytime pumpkin patches to evening terrace parties, here’s your complete guide to Halloween week in SW15. Plus where to eat and celebrate.
Most events take place on Friday 31 October and over the weekend, with warm-up celebrations from Tuesday 29 October. Positively Putney’s big free celebration runs 12–5:30pm on Halloween day itself.
What is Halloween?
Halloween traces back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed the boundary between the living and dead grew thin. The name comes from “All Hallows’ Eve” – the night before the Christian feast of All Saints’ Day.
Today’s traditions blend these ancient roots with medieval customs: trick-or-treating evolved from door-to-door “souling” for food and prayers; jack-o’-lanterns came from Irish folklore about a man cursed to wander with a carved turnip (later adapted to pumpkins in America); and costumes originated as disguises to ward off roaming spirits.
After centuries as a quiet observance in Britain, Halloween has roared back as a community celebration embraced by families across Putney and beyond.
Events by day
Wed 29 Oct: Halloween Themed Pub Quiz (The Spotted Horse) — Test your Halloween knowledge with horror movie rounds, spooky folklore, and seasonal trivia. Team format, prizes for winners. Evening session.
Thu 30 Oct: Children’s Pumpkin Hunt (Wimbledon & Putney Commons) — 11am–4pm starting opposite the Windmill. £3 entry includes reptile encounters (11am-3pm), face painting (12-3pm), and colouring competition. Outdoor family adventure with prizes and treats.
Thu 30 Oct: Halloween Party at Studio Art Cafe — 4:30–6:30pm, 114 Upper Richmond Road. Magical family party designed for children featuring:
- DJ Emm Rose providing age-appropriate entertainment
- Make-your-own Halloween bag charms craft activity
- Party cupcakes
- Halloween temporary tattoos
- Best Dressed Competition
£39 per child includes all activities, treats, and free entry for one parent/guardian.
HALLOWEEN DAY
Fri 31 Oct: DAYTIME: FREE TOWN CENTRE CELEBRATION
Halloween in Putney — Positively Putney’s free celebration, 12–5:30pm:
- Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch in Church Square (12-4pm) — Pick your perfect pumpkin to carve on-site or take home
- Friendly Halloween Characters roaming the town centre with photo opportunities (12-5:30pm)
- Face Painting & Balloon Modelling outside Putney Arts Theatre (1-3pm)
- Trick or Treat Trail around participating businesses (1-5pm) — Over 50 businesses taking part. Look for posters in windows or check the full trail map
- Spectacular Spooky Pyro & Fire Shows in Church Square (4pm & 5pm) — Show-stopping finale performances
All activities completely free. Costumes encouraged!
EVENING: PUB & VENUE CELEBRATIONS
Free Halloween Live Music at East Putney Tavern — 7pm-11pm. Regular Friday live music event with a Halloween twist.
Halloween Fancy Dress Party at Putney Salsa Club — 7pm-11:45pm at Dance Lab Ballroom Hall, 63 Upper Richmond Road). DJ Jeff spinning Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha all night. £10 entry.
Terrace Halloween Party (The Spotted Horse) — 7pm-10pm. Evening celebration on the Juniper Terrace with fancy dress competition and prizes for best dressed.
Halloween at The Coat & Badge with Jubel — From 7pm at 8 Lacy Road. Jubel beer takeover with: live music, Best Dressed Competition, Jubel Race to the Bar Minute competition. Over-18s only.
Halloween Party with DJ Billy Idle at Putney Pies — 10pm-2am. Late-night dancing in unique underground vault setting. FREE before 10pm.
Treats and Sweets
Local Halloween Treats
Gaya Bakery (Putney Bridge Road) — Putney’s cake studio creates delicate Halloween pumpkin cupcakes each October. Bite into pumpkin pie spice flavours with brown butter maple cream cheese topping, beautifully presented in pumpkin shapes. Also offers bespoke Halloween celebration cakes with delivery across South West London.
GAIL’s Bakery (Putney High Street) — Known to offer hand-iced skeleton biscuits for Halloween, seasoned with mixed spice and cinnamon. Fresh baked throughout the day alongside their famous cinnamon buns..
Check These Putney Bakeries
While we haven’t confirmed specific 2025 Halloween offerings, these local bakeries are worth checking:
PAUL Bakery & Café (Putney High Street) — French bakery chain that often stocks seasonal items!
The Bakehouse (Upper Richmond Road) — Traditional Putney bakery known for fresh breads, pastries, and seasonal treats
Supermarket Halloween Ranges
Waitrose & Sainsbury’s (Putney High Street) — Extensive Halloween sweet ranges including:
Carving pumpkins and decorative gourds
Trick-or-treat multipacks for giving out
Premium chocolate selections
Seasonal baking supplies for home treats
Have a spoooooky Halloween!
