The October Bank Holiday is here — the perfect time to slow down or catch up , enjoy a change in routine, and have some family fun in the lead up to Halloween Night! Whether you’re taking it easy at home or heading out adventuring, we’ve got some easy ideas to enjoy the midterm break in your own way.
And don’t forget the clock change - more on that below!
Art & Craft: Halloween Toilet Roll Fun
Get creative with easy, family-friendly Halloween crafts using empty toilet rolls:
Mummy Rolls – wrap rolls in white tissue or bandages and add googly eyes for spooky fun.
Pumpkin Tubes – paint orange, draw pumpkin faces, and add a green paper stem.
Bat Tubes – fold tops into ears and glue on paper wings.
These crafts are perfect for decorating your windowsills, mantelpieces, or even making a little Halloween village at home. Pair crafting with a cosy autumn playlist for extra fun! Joanne Kelly Hair on Spotify has some real classics for Autumn if you want to go all in!
Book Recommendation: Little Arty and the Happy Dance
Arthur Gourounlian's debut children's book, Little Arty and the Happy Dance was released during the week and it’s such a special picture book. It is a celebration of dance, joy, and friendship.
Storyline: Little Arty, an energetic child with a love for dancing, helps his friend Lala find happiness through movement and imagination.
Themes: Emphasises positivity, creativity, and the magic of dance.
Availability: Selection of online and instore: Including Eason and Dubray Books.
Keep an eye out for upcoming book signings with Arthur, including:
📍 Eason @ Mahon Point - October 25th at 1pm
📍 Eason Shop Street, Galway - October 27th at 1pm
📍 Eason @ Arnotts, Lower Ground Floor, Dublin - November 1st at 1pm
Celebrate : Cork Jazz Weekend
23rd - 27th October
If you're in Cork this weekend, don't miss the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival! The city will be alive with music, and it’s not just for adults! We’ve been going as a family for the past three years and it’s a must in our calendar now!
Live Performances and Family-Friendly Events: Enjoy jazz bands and musicians performing across various venues, including kid-friendly activities and performances suitable for all ages. Some of our favourites include:
Fiona Kennedy and Band, Clayton Hotel Cork City
Live at the Library, Grand Parade
Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Cork's streets filled with music and celebration: Beat on the Street, and Jazz on the Plaza by the Opera House being highlights every year! Be sure to keep an eye out for the Jazz Bus!
Put on all your sparkle and enjoy all the City has to offer!
Business Spotlight:
Snugi Knitwear
October is Wool Month so we wanted to put the Business Spotlight this week on a beautiful business that has wool at it’s very heart and core.
Founded in 2020 by Serena Grimes, Snugi Knitwear is a luxury, sustainable slow-fashion brand specialising in high-quality merino wool products. Inspired by Donegal’s rugged landscape, the multi-award-winning label offers three collections: Snugibabog (baby), Snugi Madra (dogs), and Snugi Snámh (outdoor enthusiasts).
Using natural, hypoallergenic merino wool from Donegal and Italy, Snugi combines comfort with environmental responsibility. With products ranging from Aran jumpers and rompers to blankets and dog jumpers, all made in Ireland, the brand celebrates Irish knitwear heritage while educating on wool’s eco-credentials.
Snugi aims to expand globally, bringing “the gift of comfort for a more sustainable world”
Stay up to date with Halloween Events:
Check @thefamilyedit on Instagram and the website for curated events in your area.
From pumpkin picking to costume workshops, there's something for everyone.
Have a wonderful October Break, and don’t forget the clocks go back one hour this Sunday, 26th October. The change will happen at 2am.
And most important to remember this Bank Holiday and Midterm:
Your Family. Your Way.