There is a small mystery at the heart of Glasgow's big Halloween funfair this year. Come back a fortnight after your first visit and one of the rides will have vanished, with a different one standing in its place.

That is Ride Roulette, the new idea for 2026 at Spooktacular, which opened on South Street on the Clydeside on Friday 2 October and runs until Sunday 1 November. Organisers say one spot at the fair will change hands through the month, with three thrill rides taking turns.

What is spinning in, and when

Matterhorn had the opening weekend, from 2 to 4 October, and has now moved on.

Superstar takes over from Wednesday 7 October to Sunday 18 October. Organisers describe it as a high-energy funfair favourite that combines fast spinning with swinging movement. It stays in place right through the October school holiday.

Freak Out arrives on Wednesday 21 October and stays until the fair closes on Sunday 1 November. With high-speed rotation and dramatic swings, organisers say it is "definitely not for the faint-hearted".

Plenty for everyone else

Now in its sixth year, Spooktacular has more than 20 rides and attractions, according to the organisers. Returning favourites include the Starflyer, Waltzer, Take Off, Big Wheel, Twist, Dodgems and Matrix.

Younger visitors have the Runaway Train, Mini Ski Jump, Tea Cups, Bungee Trampolines, Family Coaster, Chair O Planes and Monster Trucks.

Away from the rides there are game stalls, food and drink, Halloween-themed areas and spooky photo spots. Face painting is available at weekends, and walkabout Halloween characters appear on selected weekends.

Plan your visit

Where: 225 South Street, Glasgow, G11 6JY.

When: Until Sunday 1 November 2026.

Normal weeks: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm and 5pm to 9pm.

October Week, Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October: Open every day, with sessions from 12 noon to 4pm and 5pm to 9pm.

How it works: You book a four-hour session, and your wristband gives unlimited rides for that session.

Online prices, as listed on the Spooktacular website:

  • Big Monster (over 1.2 metres), all rides: £22.50
  • Little Monster (under 1.2 metres), family and kids rides: £19
  • Family ticket (two Big Monsters and two Little Monsters): £70
  • Non-rider park access: £4

Tickets are priced by height, not age, so it is worth measuring the children before you book.

How to book: Tickets are on sale online through Skiddle, where you choose your date and time slot. Tickets are also sold on the door throughout the run. Organisers advise booking ahead to guarantee entry and say on-the-door prices apply to same-day purchases. Those door prices are not published, so check before you travel.

Good to know: Height restrictions apply to all rides, and organisers say the line-up may change or individual rides may close for operational reasons. Carers can enter free on a non-rider basis with a valid Carers Card, but need a wristband if they are going on rides. Assistance dogs are welcome, but other dogs should stay at home. There are toilets and baby changing facilities on site.

The fair is closed on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 October, so the next chance to visit is Wednesday evening, when Superstar makes its debut.