22–31 October 2026: the monsters are back!
Keep your eyes peeled as 8 giant monsters pop up in unexpected places across Leicester.
Peering over rooftops and bursting through windows, discover a cast of quirky characters, each with their own peculiar personality.
Follow the free trail through Leicester city centre, meet every monster and enjoy a monster-sized adventure running all the way to Halloween.
MONSTER WEATHER UPDATE
Following the two storms over the weekend and earlier this week, ALL EIGHT monster installations are now visible again!
That means there are four more days to enjoy Leicester Monsters, right through to the final day and evening on Saturday 31 October (Halloween)!
If anything changes, we’ll update this page and send a notification through the My Leicester App, social media, and update this web page.
Last updated: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Meet 8 giant glowing monsters
10 days to meet them all
Magical by day or night
Family friendly, fully accessible
A short distance between locations
Monster Map
Ready to find them all? The Leicester Monsters Map shows you where all eight giant illuminated monster installations are hiding across the city centre, making it easy to plan your monster-hunting adventure.
During the event, you can pick up a free printed Monster Map from Visit Leicester Information Centre, Highcross Customer Service Desk, Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester Cathedral and LCB Depot.
Or, download a copy below and take it with you. See how many monsters you can spot along the way, and don’t forget to snap some photos and tag us on social media!
Find the Monsters on the My Leicester App
Take your monster hunt interactive with the My Leicester App! Use the app to navigate between all eight monster locations and check in as you discover each character.
Check in at all eight monsters and you’ll automatically be entered into our prize draw to win a Leicester prize bundle worth over £300!
Download the My Leicester App, find The Return of Leicester Monsters and start hunting from 22 October.
What’s On
There’s even more happening while the monsters are in town!
From monster-sized restaurant deals to family bike rides, crafts and special events, discover more ways to get involved while Leicester Monsters takes over the city centre..
Monster Deals: Leicester Restaurant Week
Monday 19 October – Sunday 1 November
Monster hunting is hungry work! Leicester Restaurant Week returns alongside Leicester Monsters, with fantastic offers at over 40 restaurants, cafés and eateries across the city centre.
Whether you’re stopping for breakfast, lunch, a spooky sweet treat or dinner, you’ll find plenty of delicious deals to make your monster adventure even better.
Ride Leicester Giant Monster Takeover Ride
Thursday 22 October | 6.30pm
Starts at Town Hall Bike Park | FREE
See the monsters on two wheels! Join Ride Leicester for a family-friendly evening cycle around the city centre, tracking down the giant illuminated monsters along the way.
The easygoing 5-mile ride is suitable for all ages and will take around two hours. Fancy dress is optional – but monster costumes and Halloween outfits are very welcome!
Please note: Bikes must have working lights. Children under 16 must wear a helmet and be accompanied by an adult. Bikes cannot be provided for this ride.
Spaces are limited and advance booking is required.
Monster Crafts & Storytelling at Central Library
Leicester Central Library | 22–31 October
During library opening hours | FREE
The monsters are taking over Central Library too! To celebrate The Return of Leicester Monsters, Leicester Central Library will be offering monster-themed crafts during library opening hours, alongside special monster storytelling sessions.
Perfect for little monster hunters looking for even more spooky fun while they’re in the city centre.
Run Rave Leicester: Halloween Spooktacular
Friday 30 October | Meet 6.30pm, run starts 7pm
Orton Square (outside Curve) | FREE
Get your running shoes and your best Halloween outfit ready for a 5K Halloween Run Rave through Leicester city centre!
Join Run Rave Leicester for a spooky group run with regroup points along the route, a live course DJ playing Halloween anthems, plenty of lights and spooky vibes, and fancy dress very much encouraged.
The run takes place while the Leicester Monsters are in town, so expect some giant illuminated faces along the way too!
Advance booking is required.
Important Information: Everything you need to know before heading out to find the Leicester Monsters.
Dates and admission: 22–31 October 2026. The event is completely free and no booking is required.
- Finding the monsters: There are eight giant installations across Leicester city centre. Use the Monster Map to find each location, or explore at your own pace.
- Monster Maps: Download your map by clicking on the link further up the page, or collect a free printed copy from Visit Leicester Information Centre, Highcross Customer Service Desk, Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester Cathedral or LCB Depot during their opening hours.
- Accessibility: The installations are designed to be viewed from public areas around the city centre, with relatively short distances between locations. There’s no set route or time limit, so you can explore at a pace that suits you.
- Visiting after dark: The monsters can be enjoyed during the day or illuminated after dark. There’s no need to visit at a particular time, although individual buildings and surrounding public spaces may have different access arrangements.
- My Leicester App and prize draw: The app is optional. To enter the prize draw, download the My Leicester App, open the Leicester Monsters trail and check in at all eight locations. Completing the check-ins enters you into the draw; prizes aren’t guaranteed.
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