The days might be getting shorter, but there’s still plenty of reason to get out and about on Hayling Island this October. The month starts with a beer and cider festival, followed by live entertainment, a local market, theatre and a few Halloween celebrations.
If you’re planning a night out or looking for something to do during half-term, here are some dates to put in your diary.
Start October With a Beer and Cider Festival
Hayling Island Community Centre is hosting Ale-ing Fest 2026 on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October. The real ale and cider festival has three sessions across the two days, with food and music to enjoy alongside the drinks.
Friday evening features live music from Fantastic Planet, while Friday Street will play on Saturday evening. If you’d prefer to settle in for a drink and a chat, the Saturday afternoon session has background music instead.
The following week, medium Lee Roberts visits the Community Centre for An Evening of Mediumship on Thursday 8 October. Doors open at 7pm, the evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £12.
Understanding Menopause
Starting on Monday 12 October, Step Into a Mighty Menopause is a four-week beginners’ course for people preparing for menopause, starting to notice changes, or wanting to understand it better.
The sessions explore what’s happening in the body, the role of hormones and practical ways to support yourself. They take place at Hayling Island Community Centre on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm. The full course costs £60.
An October Market and a Spooky Night Out
There’s an early taste of Halloween on Friday 16 October when Halloween Boogie Bingo comes to the Community Centre. Doors open at 7.30pm and fancy dress is encouraged, so it’s a good excuse to start planning your outfit.
Tickets are £20 per person and include a welcome drink, bingo book and photo booth.
If a relaxed afternoon browsing local stalls is more your thing, head back to the Community Centre on Saturday 17 October for the Hayling Island Indoor Market. Around 40 stallholders will be there with homeware, candles, jewellery, baked goods and seasonal gifts. You can stop for food or a drink while you browse, and perhaps make an early start on the Christmas shopping.
The market runs from 12pm to 4pm, with free entry.
Two Very Different Nights Out on 23 October
Friday 23 October gives you a choice of live entertainment on the island.
At Newtown House Hotel, Ministry of Anthems will bring 90s dance music and club favourites to the stage. Expect live versions of songs including Insomnia, Set You Free and Freed From Desire. Doors open at 7pm, the band starts at 8pm and tickets are £10 per person.
Over at Hayling Island Community Centre, KAPOW Wrestling promises an evening of live professional wrestling. The event runs from 6.30pm to 9pm, with ticket prices and booking information available through the event listing.
Family Fun for Half-Term
As October draws to a close, there’s more for families to look forward to.
Funland is holding two Halloween Fright Nights, on Saturday 24 October and Friday 30 October. Both evenings run from 5pm to 9pm and include unlimited rides, horror mazes, a fancy dress competition and fireworks to finish the night. Tickets are £20 per person, and everyone entering the park needs one.
Hayling Youngstars will also be bringing High School Musical: On Stage! to local audiences from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October. With evening shows from Wednesday to Friday and two Saturday matinees, there are several chances to catch their production during half-term.
For those who would rather gather a team than brave a horror maze, the Halloween Quiz Night and Fish & Chip Supper takes place at South Hayling United Reformed Church on Friday 30 October. The quiz runs from 7pm to 10pm and tickets are £15 per person, including supper.
Keep an Eye on What’s Happening Locally
It’s lovely to see so many different events taking place across Hayling this month. You could spend an afternoon supporting local stallholders, enjoy a show with the family or make plans for an evening out with friends.
Browse the What’s in Hayling events page for full details and booking links. We’ll keep adding events as they’re announced, so it’s worth checking back when you’re making plans.
If you’re organising something on the island, you can add your event too and help more local people hear about it.