Here’s a roundup of some of the seasonal treats in store.
5. Fear on the Wear, Sunderland, October 20-31
Historical tales of ghostly goings-on, mysterious monsters lurking in the shadows and a food market with a spooky twist are just of the exciting events taking place
when Sunderland’s Fear On the Wear festival returns.
The annual celebration of all things terrifying will run across the city centre from 20- 31 October, with something for everyone.
It features a new AR Trail, ghost tours, and a community lantern parade taking place on 27 October from the Museum and Winter Gardens at 6pm.
The following day Sunniside Food Market will return – with its own Halloween twist – which will also feature a number of performances by students from Sunderland College.
Youngsters can also take part in the annual Spooky Stories competition, where they are asked to write 500 words of their own terrifying tale. Photo: submitted
6. Halloween at Stack Seaburn, October 31
Stack Seaburn is hosting its own Kids Party on October 31 with a whole host of family friendly entertainment lined up, including appearances by a number of witches and other Halloween characters.
Youngsters are being encouraged to turn up in fancy dress for the party – which begins at 5pm with doors opening from 4pm – and enjoy a Halloween disco, face painting as well as receiving a goody bag.
Adults can also get in on the act, with a special Halloween themed Kroud Karaoke night planned on Friday 27 October.
Tickets for the special children’s event are £3 each and can be booked via Stack Photo: LEWIS PALMER
7. Durham Lumiere, November 16-19
It's one of the most spectacular events on the North East's culture calendar - and excitement is building for what's being billed as the biggest Lumiere yet.
More than 40 installations will be lighting up Durham for the return of the bi-annual festival, which takes place this year from November 16-19, from 4.30pm-11pm each night.
It is free to attend for everyone and tickets are only required to enter Durham city centre during peak hours between 16:30-19:30. Everyone can enjoy Lumiere across the city without a ticket after this time. Tickets available at https://www.lumiere-festival.com/ Photo: ‘Universal Loom’, Daniel Canogar.
8. Family Fright Fest, Lintz Hall Farm, Burnopfield, October 14-29
Family Fright Fest, held at Lintz Hall Farm, Burnopfield, is a sell-out every year, with entertainment and Halloween style fun aimed at the under 12s.
This year's event features pick your own pumpkin, a fairground, scare mazes and more.
Family Fright Fest will run every Saturday and Sunday from 14 October until 29 October, opening from 11am until 4pm. Ticket prices are from £6 for a child under 15
to £9 for adults, with a family ticket for five at £36 from www.familyfrightfestuk.co.uk Photo: max cooper photography