Winchester Brew - 30th October '25

From fancy-dress parties to spooky film screenings, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this week. Add in some brilliant children author events for book lovers and the arrival of the Winchester Comic Fair, and it’s shaping up to be another colourful week this Halloween season.

As always, Winchester Brew brings together a mix of events for everyone - whether you’re after family adventures, late-night fun, or something creative in between. We’ve got a bumper 35+ events listed in this week’s issue, so take a look below and see what’s brewing near you.

And don’t forget - if you enjoy Winchester Brew, share your referral link at the bottom of the email with a friend. You’ll earn rewards while helping more locals find out what’s happening around town. 🎃

Our featured pick of the events this week.

📚🛍️ Winchester Comics Fair @ The Nutshell. The Winchester comics fair brings together 40 independent artists, writers , and creators to showcase the diverse and inclusive UK comic book and graphic novel scene. There is something for everyone, old and young,  aficionados and novices alike. Come along and meet the makers!

Comics, visual narrative, call it what you will; it is more than just super heroes and Garfield.

The Winchester Comics fair brings independent comics makers, artists, and writers from all over the UK.

It’s free entry and runs from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM this Saturday.

A curated list of events from the next seven days. We try to only include events that still have availability, though things can sell out quickly so best to check ahead. Cheapest adult ticket price option shown where available.

🎈🎃 Wizard Week, The Watercress Line, until Saturday. The Watercress Line transforms into a place of magic and mischief for Halloween! We have lots of spooky activities to keep the kids entertained this October half-term.

🎈📚 The Great Games Trail, The Royal Logistics Corps Museum, Thursday till Saturday. Join us as we celebrate the launch of our brand new exhibition, all about members of our Corps family who have competed at the Olympic Games. Take on our interactive trail and find the gold medal winning objects on display in our museum.

🎃🎈Print your own spooky t-shirt for Halloween!, The ARC, at 1:00 PM. Make this Halloween extra creative by designing a t-shirt that shows off your spooky style. All materials are provided, including inks, stencils, screens, and a t-shirt to take home. £30

🎬 Cinema Screening: Matilda, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 1:30 PM. See the world from a kid's-eye view with Matilda, a modern fairytale that mixes hilarious humor with the magical message of love.  £12

🤝☕️🍷 Death Cafe Winchester, The Cabinet Rooms, at 5:45 PM. Death Cafe is an opportunity to talk openly about death and dying. There is no agenda, no speakers, just what participants want to talk about.

🖼️🍷 Paint and Sip, The Westgate, at 6:00 PM. Join us for a relaxed and creative Paint & Sip experience, which includes a welcome glass of bubbly (or a soft alternative). You'll receive step-by-step guidance as you create your own artwork. It's the perfect way to unwind, enjoy a drink, and take home a unique piece of art. £35

🎶 Moscow Drug Club, The ARC, at 7:30 PM. Moscow Drug Club are a heady and waggish mix of jazz, French musette, Latin grooves and New Orleans Swing. They combine their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt! £18

🎃🎶 Zappa Halloween! Treacherous Cretins – Frank Zappa tribute, The Railway Inn, at 8:00 PM. Treacherous Cretins present a show of the scariest, spine-chilling songs from Zappa’s catalogue interspersed with their interpretations of your favourite classics. £15

🎃🎤📚 Betty Steady and the Fidgety Wizard: Hallowe'en event with Nicky Smith-Dale, P&G Wells Booksellers, at 10:00 AM. Get ready for some magical Hallowe'en hilarity as we enter the world of Betty Steady, the Guardian of Wobbly Rock! Author Nicky Smith-Dale will introduce her characters, read from the book, and join us in a magical craft activity.

🎭🎈 PLAYTIME! Gee-Whiskers - A Cooking Catastrophe!, The Nutshell, at 10:00 AM. Come along for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre session with The Last Baguette theatre company. There’ll be silliness, play-acting, games and music… £18

🍽️ Gurkha Curry Lunch, The Gurkha Museum, Peninsula Barracks, at 12:30 PM. Join us for a delicious traditional two course Nepali curry lunch and a complimentary drink. In our grand McDonald Gallery, which houses our unique picture, silver and medal collection, our Gurkha curry lunches take place on the last Friday of each month. £33

🎃🎶🍽️ Halloween Party, Abbey Mill, from 4:00 PM. • Burgers and Frights by OFM • Ticket inc. grown up drink or kids meal • 4-10pm (Food till 8) • DJ • Goodie Bags • Prizes for best dressed • Everyone welcome including furry friends. £6.66

🎃🏃‍♀️🏛️ Walking Tour: Halloween for Families, Winchester Visitor Information Centre, at 5:00 PM. A Halloween tour for families lasting 60 minutes. Halloween fancy dress encouraged for all the family but wrap up warm! £8

🎃🏃‍♀️🏛️ Walking Tour: Halloween (Adults), Winchester Visitor Information Centre, at 7:00 PM. A Halloween feast of ghosts and other ghastly goings-on. Fancy dress optional to enter into the fun spirit! £12

🎶 Miserere - Zeb Soanes, St Martin's Voices, Winchester Cathedral, at 7:30 PM. Join Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes and St Martin's Voices, from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, for an evening of words and music for remembrance and reflection, including Allegri's Miserere and Parry's Songs of Farewell. £10

🎃🎶 Rave to the Grave, The Railway Inn, at 8:00 PM. The Pumpkin King has arrived and is transforming Platform 1 into Halloweentown, for a devious free entry club night as we celebrate the eve of All Hallows’ Day! 🎃 Come dressed in your scariest garments with a chance to win free drinks.👻

🎬🍷 Film Society: Weapons (2025), Cabinet Rooms, at 8:30 PM. Over 18s only. Book in advance £16.75

🎈🌳 The Crusader’s Collectible Escape Game, The Hospital of St Cross, check for slots still available. Join this immersive escape game set within the stunning medieval buildings of St Cross Hospital. Your investigation will take you through rarely seen areas of this historic site, culminating in an escape room deep within its ancient underbelly. £25

🍽️🎓 Cookery Class: Steaks, Lainston House, at 10:00 AM. Well done, medium or rare – master the art of the perfect steak. £149

🎃🎤📚 The Forever Bear: Storytime with Lu Fraser, P&G Wells Booksellers, at 10:30 AM. Bring your favourite teddy bear* for a very special storytime with star picture book author Lu Fraser! Lu will read her beautiful new book 'The Forever Bear', and we will have bear-related activities and goody bags. Perfect for ages 3-7.

🎭 Magic & Marvels, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 1:30 PM. Step right up and prepare to be amazed by the one-man extravaganza, Magic & Marvels, presented by the extraordinary and multi-skilled performer, Michael Jordan! £12.50

📚 War Cloister Tour, Winchester College, at 2:00 PM. These thought-provoking tours bring to life the stories of the pupils and teachers from Winchester who died in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts, who are remembered in War Cloister. The tours also explores the architecture, symbolism, and impact of War Cloister today. £15

🛍️ General Auction, Weeke Community Centre, at 2:00 PM. We hold popup auctions in and around Winchester Sellers drop their items off in the morning We open for viewing at 12:30pm The auction starts at 2pm We settle up immediately afterwards and it’s all done in a day!

🎪🎈 Bonfire and Fireworks Night, South Wonston Recreation Ground, from 5:30 PM. Gates open 5.30pm with hot food vendors, a fully licensed bar, WI providing fabulous teas and coffee. Bonfire is lit at 7pm. Fireworks at 7.30pm. Timings are subject to change.

🎶 Loud and Clear Night in Winchester, Unit 12 CIC, Winnal Lane, at 7:00 PM. We bring together DJs, dance music, an awesome sound system, and custom reactive visuals to create an uplifting rave experience without alcohol or drugs. Expect high energy, deep bass, and a friendly, welcoming crowd.

🎶 Funke and the Two Tone Baby, The Railway Inn, at 8:00 PM. Funke and the Two Tone Baby hits the road this October and November for the Rig 8 Tour. Showcasing his latest musical explorations, before hitting the studio to record album No. 5. £14

🧶🌳 Autumn Dried Flower & Willow Wreath-making Workshop, Bella Crafts, at 10:00 AM. Create a beautiful everlasting Autumn wreath. Why not bring a friend! We will supply all the resources you will need to create a beautiful willow wreath which you can then choose how to decorate! £39

🛍️ Jumble Sale, Unit 12 CIC, from 11:30 AM. Grab a bargain! We will have clothes, toys, games, books, shoes, accessories, household items, bikes and small furniture items (up to the size of a bedside table) There will be a raffle and tombola and our cafe will be open for coffee and cake! 50p entrance!

🎶🎭🎈 Nick Cope: I've Lost My Bobble Hat!, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. I’VE LOST MY BOBBLE HAT! A new Nick Cope family show for 2025! Help Nick find his beloved bobble hat in this fun filled musical hour with all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. £12.50

🧘 Evening sundown yoga with Sophie House, Elevate Fitness Studios, at 5:00 PM. Think relaxed Ibiza evenings, think relaxing yoga, think about time after class with your community.Finish your weekend by joining us for a calming yoga session followed by chilled socials. £10

🎤🎗️ Naomi House & Jacksplace Comedy Night, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:45 PM. Join us for a hilarious comedy night. Winchester's very own comedy legend Paul McCaffrey is back supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace for the third year. He will be joined on stage by friends for an evening of side-splitting stand-up comedy. £28

📚 Winchester College Treasure Tour, Winchester College, at 1:30 PM. Explore the treasures of Winchester College’s collections, including works of art and rare books that are not normally on public display. £15

🎃🎈 Firework Spectacular!, Hunter Park, Twyford, from 5:00 PM. A Night of Dazzling Lights and Magic! Join us for an enchanting evening filled with awe and wonder as we light up the sky with a breathtaking firework display. Bring your friends and family for a night of dazzling lights, joyous celebrations and memories that will last a lifetime.

🎤 Poetry Platform, The Railway Inn, at 7:30 PM. Winchester's maddest open mic welcomes writers and audience of old and new to our celebration of words and all their joy.

⚽ Winchester City FC vs Bideford, Hillier Way, at 7:45 PM. Come and support the Citizens in their next home match. £13.50

🎃🪩🕺🏽 Dance Yourself Dizzy Jive Class, Guildhall Winchester, at 8:00 PM. Dance Yourself Dizzy is re-opening at Winchester Guildhall for class nights every Tuesday! Spread the word, bring your friends & spread the Modern Jive love! £10

🎃🎭 The Addams Family, Theatre Royal Winchester, Opening Night, at 7:30 PM. Get ready for a frightfully good time, as Winchester Musicals and Opera Society brings The Addams Family musical to the Theatre Royal. Characters from the cult-favourite films including Gomez, Morticia and Wednesday will be joined by new friends for some hilariously dark adventures. £20

🎬🍷 Film Society: Shaun of the Dead (2004) , Cabinet Rooms, at 7:00 PM. Over 18s only. Book in advance £14

Got an event we should feature in the Winchester Brew? Click the button below and add your event details!

Could your home be their happy place?

Every week we’ll recommend a walking or cycling route in or near the Winchester area.

A bit of froth to end on…

Did You Know? Between the 12th and 13th centuries, the St Giles Fair (chartered 1096) grew into one of medieval Europe’s largest fairs, attracting merchants from overseas and transforming Winchester into a major trade hub.

Riddle Me This: Forward I’m heavy, but backward I’m not. What am I? Last week’s answer: A hole.

Brain Teaser: Two guards stand before two doors: one leads to freedom, the other to doom. One guard always lies; the other always tells the truth. You can ask one question to one guard. What do you ask?: Last week’s answer: It’s the digits 0–9 ordered alphabetically by their English names (eight, five, four, nine, one, seven, six, three, two, zero).

Till next time,