🎃 October in Glasgow: Pumpkin Patches, Spooky Hunts & Family Fun! 🌟

This week’s issue brought to you by

Hey Wee Weekenders! 🎉

October has officially arrived, and you know what that means—spooky season is upon us! Whether you're ready for some pumpkin-filled fun, want to explore the mysterious world of fungi, or are excited for a fin-tastic panto, this weekend has a little something for everyone. From thrilling circus acts to nostalgic sing-alongs, Glasgow is bursting with family fun to kickstart the month. Let's dive into the weekend!!

🎪 Big Kid Circus: Illumination Show 🎪

Roll up, roll up, Wee Weekenders! The Big Kid Circus is back with a brand-new dazzling show, Illumination, and they’ve brought along some serious thrills! With a global cast of performers, you’ll witness everything from hilarious clowns to gravity-defying acts, including the ONLY all-female Globe of Death in Europe—prepare to be on the edge of your seat as these daredevils speed around in breathtaking stunts. This isn’t just any circus—it’s a celebration of skill, strength, and a ton of fun for the whole family!

📍 Where: Motherwell Parade Shopping Centre
🗓️ When: 2nd–6th October
- Wednesday: 7pm
- Thursday & Friday: 4:45pm & 7:30pm
- Saturday: 2pm & 5pm
- Sunday: Midday & 3pm
💷 Price: See event website for ticket details

🎟️ More info

🏃‍♂️ AJ Bell Junior and Mini Scottish Run 🏃‍♀️

Time to lace up those trainers, Wee Weekenders! The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Scottish Run is coming to George Square, and it's all about getting the wee ones moving! With races for all ages—whether they’re zooming through the Toddler Dash or giving it their all in the Junior Run—there’s a race for everyone. Fancy some extra fun? Come dressed as a superhero and let those capes fly! Every runner gets a medal, and the atmosphere will be packed with high-fives, cheers, and superpowers galore.

📍 Where: George Square, Glasgow
🗓️ When: Saturday, 5th October
💷 Price: See event website for entry details

🎟️ More info

Sponsored by Dance Inc. Studios

Dance Inc. Studios provides fun, confidence building, non-competitive dance classes in Bishopbriggs, Bothwell, Bearsden and Busby. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of dancers by creating a community where they feel safe, welcome and supported. We aim to provide a happy space where young people can express their individuality, develop valueable, transferable life skills, and grow into confident members of our dance family. 

🎃 Halloween Scavenger Hunt at RSPB Lochwinnoch 🎃

Ready for a spooky adventure, Wee Weekenders? Head to RSPB Lochwinnoch for a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt through the woodland trails! Hunt for hidden creepy-crawlies and spooky surprises, using your activity pack to guide you along the way. Once you’ve cracked the trail, return to the visitor centre to claim your well-earned reward! Perfect for little explorers who love a mix of nature and Halloween fun.

📍 Where: RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
🗓️ When: 1st–25th October (During opening hours)
💷 Price: £3.50 per activity pack

🎟️ More info

🎃 Pumpkin Festival at M&D’s 🎃

Get ready for pumpkin-filled fun, Wee Weekenders! The Pumpkin Festival at M&D’s is back, and it’s packed with activities for the whole family. From picking your very own pumpkin to enjoying Halloween-themed games (where everyone’s a winner!) and spooky storytelling in the heated theatre, there’s plenty to keep the little ghouls entertained. Don’t forget to hop aboard the Pumpkin Express Train and get crafty with some Halloween arts and crafts. It's the perfect autumn day out—pumpkins, prizes, and all!

📍 Where: M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, Strathclyde Country Park
🗓️ When: 5th–27th October
💷 Price: £8.95 (with hot drink) or £11.50 (with pumpkin)
🧒 Under 2's: Free (but no pumpkin or prize)

🎟️ More info

🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid – Lanark Panto Club Juniors 🧜‍♂️

Dive under the sea with the Lanark Panto Club Juniors as they bring The Little Mermaid to life on stage! This fin-tastic production promises an ocean of fun, with a talented young cast ready to take you on an underwater adventure. Whether you're cheering on Ariel or laughing along with the sea creatures, it’s a perfect family night out that’ll make a splash! Don’t miss out on this panto magic.

📍 Where: Lanark Memorial Hall
🗓️ When: 3rd–5th October
- Thursday & Friday: 7pm
- Saturday: 1pm & 6pm
💷 Price: £13 / £11 concession / £40 family ticket (4)

🎟️ More info

🎶 Artie’s Singing Kettle – Greatest Hits 🎶

Get ready to sing along, Wee Weekenders! Artie is back with his iconic Singing Kettle show, packed with all the favourite tunes from Bunny Fou Fou to Aiken Drum. This show is perfect for a trip down memory lane for parents and grandparents while giving the kids a chance to discover these classic sing-along hits. Don’t forget to dress up in your favourite colour for even more fun—just keep Granny safe from being "shoved aff the bus"!

📍 Where: Rutherglen Town Hall
🗓️ When: Saturday, 5th October at 11am
💷 Price: £12

🎟️ More info

🎢 Darktober at M&D's 🎢

Brace yourself for thrills in the dark, Wee Weekenders! Darktober is back at M&D’s, where you can hop on a selection of outdoor rides as many times as you dare—all under the eerie Halloween night sky. With the Darktober Wristband, you'll get unlimited access to rides like the Runaway Mine Train, Rip Tide, Air Raid, and more. Just remember, this is for the rides only—so don’t expect any creepy clown encounters from the Freak Show this time!

📍 Where: M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, Strathclyde Country Park
🗓️ When: 4th–31st October (Selected dates and times)
💷 Price: See event website for details

🎟️ More info

🕸️ The Addams Family – A New Musical Comedy 🕸️

Get ready for a hilariously spooky night, Wee Weekenders! The Albany Stage School is bringing The Addams Family to life at Beacon Arts Centre, with a quirky twist on the classic tale. Wednesday Addams is all grown up and has fallen in love with a “normal” boy—what could possibly go wrong? Expect a night of kooky chaos, secrets, and laughs as the Addams family faces some big changes in this must-see musical comedy!

📍 Where: Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock
🗓️ When: 3rd–5th October
- Evening shows: 7:30pm
- Saturday matinee: 2:30pm
💷 Price: See event website for details

🎟️ More info

🍄 National Fungus Day Foray 🍄

Join the fungal fun, Wee Weekenders, and explore the wild world of mushrooms and fungi at Dams to Darnley Country Park! Whether you're hunting for edible treasures or spotting the dangerous ones, this guided foray is a brilliant way for the family to get out in nature and discover these weird and wonderful organisms. Dogs on leads are welcome, and be sure to dress for the outdoors—fungi won’t mind a little mud!

📍 Where: Dams to Darnley Country Park (Meet at Darnley Mill entrance)
🗓️ When: Saturday, 5th October, 1pm–4pm
💷 Price: Free (but booking required)

🎟️ More info

🛒 The Little Children’s Market – Glasgow 🛒

Calling all bargain-hunting Wee Weekenders! The Little Children’s Market is hosting its BIGGEST nearly new sale yet at Glasgow Club Scotstoun. With thousands of baby and children’s toys, clothes, books, and more, you’re sure to find some hidden treasures—all at a fraction of their original price! Got some stuff to sell? There are still a few tables left for hire. Don’t miss this fab chance to shop and save big!

📍 Where: Glasgow Club Scotstoun, 72 Danes Drive
🗓️ When: Saturday, 5th October, 11:30am–1:30pm
💷 Price: £2 adults / Children FREE

🎟️ More info

🌌 African Skies at Glasgow Science Centre 🌌

Celebrate Black History Month with an out-of-this-world adventure, Wee Weekenders! Join the expert planetarium team at Glasgow Science Centre as they take you on a stargazing journey from Glasgow to the skies of Africa. Discover the rich history and cultural stories behind the stars, while also looking ahead to Africa’s bright future in space exploration. It’s an educational, fun-filled experience for the whole family!

📍 Where: Glasgow Science Centre
🗓️ When: 5th October (3pm) & 6th October (4pm)
💷 Price: £6.50, or £3.50 with a day ticket

🎟️ More info

Until next time! 🎃👋

That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! Whether you’re zooming down the Pumpkin Express or stargazing under African skies, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Don’t forget to share your weekend snaps with us—we love seeing how our Wee Weekenders make the most of these events.

See you next Wednesday for more October magic! 🌟