Dancing at the Zombie Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo, Sat

A rare opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Edinburgh Zoo after dark as part of this spine-chilling special event. The evening starts with a last torchlit look around Dinosaurs Return, the Zoo’s summer animatronic exhibition, which wraps up after seven blockbuster months this weekend. Next, it’s on to the site’s supposedly haunted mansion house for a Zombie-themed silent disco, complete with a range of spooky refreshments and professional face-painters for those who haven’t had time to dress up. For over 18s only, tickets are £25. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/events

Paisley Hallowe'en Festival

Paisley Town Centre, Fri-Sat

After a successful introduction in 2014, Paisley hosts its second Hallowe’en showpiece this weekend. Described as two days of light and dark with a few spooky surprises - and mostly free of charge - highlights include Friday evening’s huge costume parade from Paisley Museum, as well as an afternoon of seasonal crafts, mask making, pumpkin carving and scary film screenings from noon on Saturday. Both days also have street entertainers, kid’s activities and an outdoor funfair - as well as a spectacular nightly fire garden installation and show at Abbey Close. www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

Dundee Science Festival

Across Dundee, from Sat

Two weeks of fun, entertainment, inspiration and curiosity for science buffs of all ages, as one of the largest annual events in Tayside returns. Highlights of a busy opening weekend include Saturday’s live space science show in the Wellgate centre, and Sunday’s family fun day of demonstrations, hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits at Dundee Science Centre. There’s also a chance to celebrate Hallowe’en with a heroes and monsters event delving into the science of super powers, and two interactive performances for grown-ups uncovering the truth about dowsing, telepathy and psychic readings. www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk

CHAS Devil Dash

Balloch Castle Country Park, Sat

A diabolically fun way to get some fresh air and exercise whilst raising funds for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland by donning a pair of devil horns then running or walking a 6.66km course on the banks of Loch Lomond. The event also has a family fun zone with activities and Hallowe’en-themed family entertainment open from 10am - including a Devil Dawdle obstacle race for kids under 10s. Register for £12.50 (plus £30 sponsorship pledge), or add an additional £2.50 to land an exclusive event t-shirt. Entries close on Friday. www.chas.org.uk

Perthshire Amber Festival

Perthshire, from Friday

Not everything this week comes designed to give you the shivers. This autumnal arts festival instead celebrates the music, heritage and culture of Perthshire. As well as festival-founder Dougie Maclean, this year’s folk-flavoured bill includes the likes of Blazin’ Fiddles, Karine Polwart, and Benny Gallagher. Meanwhile, the usual series of spin-off workshops, guided walks, open mic sessions and special events include Sunday’s Decorated Wheelbarrow Parade, which is followed by a free afternoon picnic at Stanley Hill, featuring living history demonstrations, a family storytelling tent and an outdoor music stage. www.perthshireamber.com

Hallowe’en Night at the Museum

Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, Oct 31

Approaching things from a slightly different angle, this unusual event offers the rare chance to enjoy a real museum sleepover. After a family-friendly evening of ghost stories and ghoulish party games, overnight guests will be able to bed down for a for a creepy campout among the attraction’s collection of old ships and nautical exhibits dating back over 150 years. Stick around until morning, and you might even get a spot of breakfast. Booking for the evening Hallowe’en party is £5, with the sleepover an extra £7.50 (advance booking essential). www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org

Botanic Lights

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, from Thu

See one of Edinburgh’s top attractions in a completely new light with the latest incarnation of this award-winning after dark garden trail, this year themed around the four seasons. With details still under wraps, organisers promise an even bigger and more ambitious spectacle than before, using state-of-the-art technology, projections and lasers. There might even be the chance to spot some urban wildlife, including bats, badgers and foxes. Running Monday to Saturday until November 22, tickets are £14 (£7 for under 16s). www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/home/botaniclights

Children’s Classic Concerts: Magic and Monsters

Glasgow and Edinburgh, Sat-Sun

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and hosts Owen Gunnell and Oliver Cox present this Hallowe’en-themed introduction to live orchestral music, specially designed for children of primary school age. Leaning heavily on Scottish myth and legend, there will be plenty of great tunes and audience participation to look forward to - with the best-dressed little monsters in with a chance of winning a trolley dash courtesy of A1 Toys. At Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Sunday, tickets are £6-£15. www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk

Cake & Bake Show

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Fri-Sun

Essentially a live version of The Great British Bake Off, this comforting three-day cook show is actually partnered with the UK’s favourite amateur baking series - meaning there will be exclusive appearances from contestants including latest winner Nadiya Begum, plus former champs John Whaite and Jo Wheatley. Along with mouthwatering attractions including masterclasses, demonstrations, competitions, market stands, a book shop and a cafe, guests also include pud-loving presenter Gregg Wallace, Celebrity Masterchef Lisa Faulkner, and TV chef Phil Vickery. Tickets are £12 plus booking fee (kids £4-£9.50). www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk

Hallowe’en at Traquair House

Traquair Estate, Innerleithen, Fri-Sun

Scotland’s oldest inhabited house is marking Hallowe’en this Sunday with a day of family activities and entertainment including live magic shows, creepy storytelling, a hedge maze treasure hunt, and creepy crawly handling sessions. Continuing a year-long anniversary commemoration of the 1715 uprising, there are also Jacobite-themed ghost tours of the 900-year-old property being conducted on Friday and Saturday evening. Ghost tours are £12 (children £8), while entry to the Hallowe’en Fun Day is £8 (£4) - come dressed up and you could win a prize… www.traquair.co.uk