15 things you can do this week in Liverpool (20 October – 26 October)

Autumn’s fully kicked in now and that means a new season of brilliant events, including the return of one of Liverpool’s most popular outdoor spectacles – River of Light.

Don’t miss that, or lots of other things to do in Liverpool this week …

River of Light is back!

This Friday sees the return of River of Light with a brand new theme, The Science of Light, and 10 spectacular illuminated large-scale artworks creating a free 3km trail around the waterfront. It’s on until Sunday November 2, artworks will be lit each night from 5pm until 9pm, and if you’re heading into town to check it out, it’s a good idea to leave the car at home and get a Merseyrail to Central or James Street.

Find out more here.

Brookside Hollyoaks crossover

It’s the one Brookie fans have been waiting for – the crossover celebrating Hollyoaks 30^th anniversary airs on E4 at 7pm on Wednesday. The special episode features Brookie legends Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson, Paul Usher as Barry Grant, John McArdle, Philip Olivier, Suzanne Collins and Michael Starke as Sinbad, as well as Louis Emerick who currently plays detective Donny Clark in Hollyoaks.

Find out more here.

Aintree Racecourse Halloween Family Fun Day

If the kids already can’t wait for Halloween, this is an ideal spooky day out to really get them excited. Aintree’s Halloween Family Fun Day this Sunday has a full day of racing, starting with Shetland ponies at 11.10am, plus entertainment, face painting, and scary surprises – plus under-18s with an adult go free.

Find out more here.

New menu at Zeus Taverna

Summer’s starting to feel like a memory, but if you want to recreate gorgeous sunny holidays Zeus Taverna on Castle Street, inspired by Santorini, is the place to be. It’s launched a new lunch menu so you can treat yourself to traditional favourites with 2 courses or three small plates for £20 Sun to Thurs 12-4pm.

Find out more here.

John Bishop at the M&S Bank Arena

His life story’s just inspired a new film by Bradley Cooper, so 2025’s already been quite a year for comedian John Bishop. Now he’s back at the Arena doing what he’s been doing best for the last 25 years. This tour celebrates his quarter of a century, with three Liverpool shows on Friday and Saturday.

Find out more here.

Knowsley Safari Halloween Trail

Knowsley Safari has all kinds of ghoulish tricks and treats lined up for kids from this Saturday as the Foot Safari is transformed for spooky season. There’ll be Halloween-themed activities including workshops with the Poo Keeper, the Smell Box Challenge (if you dare!), crafts and a fancy dress competition.

Find out more here.

Cocktails at Simone’s Cocktail Club

If you’re looking for somewhere cool for cocktails, head to Queens Avenue off Castle Street because Simone’s is hidden away but so worth finding. Just launched, it’s open every Wednesday to Sunday til 1am, with a hand-built sound system and DJs playing a chilled mix of soul, jazz, funk, R&B and more.

Find out more here.

The Signalman at the Floral Pavilion

There’s some fantastic shows coming to the Floral Pavilion this season and this week it’s a pre-Halloween chiller. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat for a Dickens thriller about a signalman who’s haunted by visions of impending disaster – on from Thurs-Sat, starring Chris Walker and John Burton.

Find out more here.

Half term fun on the Mersey Ferries

It’s always nice to have at least one big day out planned for when the kids break up, so why not keep it close to home and have a fabulous day on the ferry? There’s no better way to see Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, you’ll hear interesting facts and you can hop on and off at the terminals to go exploring.

Find out more here.

Breaking the Code at Playhouse

WWII codebreaker Alan Turing’s story is a fascinating one and the basis for award-winning film The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbach. Now on the Playhouse stage, Breaking the Code focuses on his extraordinary career and how prejudice around his sexuality changed his life. From Tues-Sat.

Find out more here.

The Shining at The Plaza Community Cinema

You can’t beat a horror classic at Halloween and this one is up there with the very best. The Plaza in Waterloo is screening The Shining with Jack Nicholson on Saturday, with DJ set from Nick Gartland from 7pm, or a creepy kooky one for the whole family – The Addams Family on Friday October 31 from 6pm.

Find out more here.

The Sleeping Beauty ballet at the Liverpool Empire

For anyone who loves ballet, this one is absolutely magical. English National Ballet presents Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s version of a fairytale classic set to Tchaikovsky’s music, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, with incredible choreography and stunning sets and costumes. At the Empire, Thurs-Sat.

Find out more here.

Decadent desserts from Victor’s Sweet Delights

When it’s getting cold, nothing cheers you up quite like something super-indulgent and sweet and the selection at Victor’s Sweet Delights ticks both those boxes. Run by baker Victor Guzman, the shop on South Road, Waterloo is full of desserts that look and taste amazing including viral French fruit pastries.

Find out more here.

Blackstock Market Halloween Family Fun Day

Get the kids along to Blackstock Market from this Sunday for free Family Halloween Fundays on October 26, 29, 30 and 31 between 12 and 3pm. There’ll be lots of Halloween-themed fun, including creepy face painting, spooky mascots, hair braiding, soft play, kids karaoke and eerie surprises, no booking needed.

Find out more here.

Friday night dinner at Barnacle

Any restaurant with chef Paul Askew’s name attached is going to be pretty special and Barnacle’s no different. This new restaurant and bar on Hardman Street is a partnership with Paul’s son Harry, creating dishes inspired by Liverpool’s maritime history and using the best local seasonal ingredients.

Find out more here.

For more of what’s on in Liverpool check out our calendar HERE.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.