Families across Wakefield district will be able to take part in free Halloween activities and pumpkin trails during October half-term.
Wakefield Council has announced a Halloween Spooktacular in Castleford from 24 to 31 October 2026, alongside trails at markets in four other towns.
The Castleford programme will include a haunted house, a live DJ, pumpkin decorating, face painting and street performers. A Halloween-themed Arriva bus will also visit, giving families information about free travel for children.
When are the pumpkin trails?
- Castleford: Halloween Spooktacular programme from 24 to 31 October.
- Ossett: pumpkin trail on Friday 30 October.
- Wakefield, Pontefract and South Elmsall: pumpkin trails on Saturday 31 October.
Children can collect a free trail map and search for hidden pumpkins at the district's markets. Traders will join in with themed displays and seasonal products, and families are encouraged to dress up.
Free half-term activities
The expanded Castleford event is funded through the Pride in Place programme. Councillor Matthew Pinder, cabinet member for district regeneration and regional growth, said the funding would help attract visitors and support local enterprise.
Councillor Andrew Wakefield, cabinet member for strategic housing, skills and business growth, said the markets were an important part of their communities and the events offered families a chance to spend time together while supporting traders.
The council says the events are free. Activities are spread across the programme, so families should check the published dates and times rather than assume every attraction runs throughout the week.
Full event information is available on Wakefield Council's Halloween Spooktacular page.