October Half Term at Exeter Phoenix 2026
Published October 9, 2026
This Autumn half-term, we've got film screenings, theatre shows and spooky family workshops that everyone can enjoy. From the silly world of Pantomime to zine-making to the beautiful worlds of Studio Ghibli, there's something for everyone in our family programme.
Film
Arietty (U)
Sat 17 Oct - Mon 19 Oct
A gorgeous Studio Ghibli adaption of the classic story The Borrowers. Arietty is intrigued by the human world and one day when she is exploring, she is discovered by the human boy Shawn and they begin to form a friendship.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Cat Video Fest 2026 (U)
Fri 23 Oct - Sat 31 Oct
Our favourite family-friendly cat-themed film event is back this October with the finest selection of cats on film.
What’s more, every ticket benefits local cats in need!
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Wildwood (12A)
Fri 23 Oct - Thu 29 Oct
From the makers of Coraline, Wildwood is a tale of a girl’s desperate quest to save her baby brother unfolds into a spectacular, high-stakes adventure through a forbidden forest full of enchanted creatures, endearing allies, and formidable adversaries.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Whisper of the Heart (U)
Fri 30 Oct - Wed 04 Nov
Discover the brilliance of this heartwarming 1995 coming-of-age classic from the legendary Studio Ghibli. A chance encounter with a mysterious cat sends Shizuku, a girl with her head in the clouds, on a quest for her true talent.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Theatre
Jack & The Beanstalk (Sort Of)
Mon 26 Oct | 11.30am & 2pm
Family theatre and rock star legend Kid Carpet is back with a totally brand new show! A lo-fi, hi-tech, big-beat bonkers panto stuffed with songs, silliness and surprises.
Kid Carpet doesn’t care for panto. The Noisy Animals absolutely love it.
So guess what they’re doing? Yep. A panto. Now there’s a beanstalk in the middle of everything, and nobody’s quite sure what’s going on.
Find out more and book your tickets here>>>
Watch the trailer here>>>
Workshops
Brickfilm: Lego Animation
2 Day Workshop
Mon 26 Oct - Tue 27 Oct | 10am - 4pm
Use stop motion animation techniques to design, plan and shoot a short film using your favourite Lego from home.
SOLD OUT
Sketch A Skeleton
Thu 29 Oct | 10.30am - 1pm
Get up close to a replica skeleton and draw the bare bones of the human body. This is a great way to develop your observational drawing skills as well as creating some frighteningly good portraits of our resident Skelly!
Find out more and book your space here>>>
Model a Monster
Thu 29 Oct | 2pm - 4.30pm
Learn some techniques for sculpting in clay and create a character inspired by legendary creatures, gargoyles, folk tales and your own imagination.
Find out more and book your space here>>>
Create a Spooky Zine
Sat 31 Oct | 10.30am - 1pm
Join us for a hauntingly fun spooky zine making workshop and craft atmospheric mini magazines perfect for Halloween or any other ghostly occasion.
Find out more and book your space here>>>
Set your alarms
It's almost time for Yeti...
Exeter Phoenix and Quirk Theatre Present a hilarious, heartwarming festive show for all the family, exploring friendship, courage and what it means to truly belong.
Showing from Sun 13 Dec to Sun 27 Dec
We recommend booking tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Find show times and book your tickets here>>>