Halloween is one of the easiest nights of the year to sell, because people already want to go out, dress up and do something a bit different. The hard part is getting them to pick your night over everything else on. Here's a practical plan you can follow, whether you're running a club night, a pub quiz, a family pumpkin trail or a ghost walk.
1. Start early and work backwards
People make Halloween plans earlier than you'd think, especially groups who need to sort costumes and babysitters. Aim to have your event listed and on sale around six weeks before, then plan your promotion in waves:
- Six weeks out: announce the event, put tickets on sale and launch an early-bird price.
- Three to four weeks out: share the line-up, the theme and any prizes. This is when most people start deciding.
- The final two weeks: reminders, behind-the-scenes posts and a clear "last chance" push.
Write the dates in your calendar now, so promotion doesn't get squeezed in around setting up the venue.
2. Get your poster and visuals right
One strong image will do more work than ten average ones. Your poster should answer four questions at a glance: what it is, where it is, when it is and how to get a ticket. Keep the text big and short, and leave the detail for your event page.
- Pick a look and stick to it: the same colours, fonts and artwork on the poster, your social posts and your event page.
- Make a square version for Instagram and Facebook, and a tall version for stories and reels.
- Use photos or artwork you have the rights to. Photos from your own past events work brilliantly.
- Put a QR code on printed posters that goes straight to your ticket page, so people can buy while they're standing in front of it.
3. Create a Facebook event and share it in local groups
A Facebook event is still one of the best ways to reach people locally. When someone taps "Interested" or "Going", their friends can see it too, and Facebook reminds them as the date gets closer.
- Use your poster as the cover image and put your ticket link near the top of the description.
- Add your venue as a co-host if they agree, so the event shows on their page as well.
- Share it in local community, "what's on" and interest groups. Read each group's rules first and only post where events are welcome.
- Post updates inside the event (new acts, prizes, set times) so guests get a notification each time.
4. Make short Instagram reels
Short videos are a great way to show people what the night will actually feel like. They don't need to be polished: a phone, decent light and a bit of personality is plenty.
- Film the venue being decorated, a DJ testing tracks, or a sneak peek of the props.
- Reuse clips from last year's event, if you have them, with a "this year, it's back" caption.
- Keep them short, put the key details on screen, and finish with where to get tickets.
- Put your ticket link in your bio and in your stories using a link sticker.
5. Use early-bird pricing
An early-bird price gives people a reason to buy now rather than "nearer the time" (which often means never). Set a lower price for a limited number of tickets or until a set date, and say so clearly.
When the early-bird ends, tell people. "Early-bird tickets end on Friday" is a simple, honest message that gives undecided people a nudge. Only use deadlines that are real, and stick to them.
6. Partner with venues, local businesses and creators
You'll reach far more people with a bit of help. Think about who already talks to the crowd you want:
- Your venue: ask them to share the event on their socials, put a poster up and mention it to customers.
- Local businesses: fancy-dress shops, barbers, cafés and bars might happily display a poster or offer a prize in return for a shout-out.
- Local creators and influencers: a guest-list spot or a couple of tickets can be a fair swap for a post or a story. Pick people whose followers actually live nearby.
- Performers: give your acts, DJs and hosts their own ticket link and a ready-made graphic, so it's easy for them to share.
7. Give people a reason to dress up
Costumes are half the fun of Halloween, and a theme or contest gives people something to talk about and plan around.
- Pick a theme that's easy to join in with, like "horror films", "monsters" or "glow in the dark".
- Run a costume contest with a prize worth winning: a bar tab, free entry to your next event or a voucher from a partner business.
- Set up a photo spot with good lighting and a simple backdrop. People will share their photos, which is free promotion for your next event.
- If it's a family event, keep it friendly rather than frightening, and say so clearly on your page.
8. Send reminders
Lots of people intend to buy and simply forget. A few well-timed reminders make a real difference:
- Post a countdown in the last week: "One week to go", "This Saturday", "Tonight".
- Message people who said they were interested and ask if they've got their tickets yet.
- Tell ticket holders what to expect: start time, dress code, how to get there and that they'll need their ticket on their phone. It cuts down on questions and makes the night run smoothly.
9. Use one ticket link everywhere
Make it as easy as possible to go from "that looks good" to "I've got my ticket". On TickTap, every event has its own page, so you can share one link everywhere: in your bio, on the Facebook event, in group posts, in your reels and on the QR code on your posters.
Buyers don't need an account or an app. They pay at checkout and get their ticket straight away, with a QR code that's scanned at the door. Fewer steps means fewer people giving up halfway.
A quick checklist
- Event listed and tickets on sale about six weeks before
- Poster in square and tall sizes, with a QR code on printed copies
- Facebook event created and shared in the right local groups
- Two or three short reels planned
- Early-bird price with a real end date
- Venue, partners and performers sharing your link
- Theme, costume prize and a photo spot sorted
- Reminders scheduled for the final week
Have a brilliant (and busy) Halloween!
