As we make our way through October, the ghost and ghouls are preparing to come out and play to celebrate Halloween 2022.
Whether you love to get a fear and a fright or you prefer watching the fireworks from afar, there is no shortage of spooky and spectacular events taking place across Northern Ireland to enjoy this month.
There is something for everyone this Halloween season so whether you are looking for an activity to impress the kids or are in search of a good scare with your friends, we have got you covered.
Read more: Paranormal walking tour of Belfast back in time for spooky season
Here is a round-up of some Halloween-themed events happening across each council area in Northern Ireland:
Belfast
Belfast Halloween Days
Watch out for Monster Mayhem family fun this Halloween as Belfast Halloween Days, brought to you by Belfast One, makes a return from October 21-31. There’s a free, fun spooky monster trail with an amazing family prize up for grabs.
Also, from October 27, look out for giant animated monsters popping up in places across the City Centre.
W5 Late Halloween
Join W5 for a strictly adults-only, after-hours evening of frightfully good fun. At W5, fun has no age limit but on Thursday. October 27 2022 between 7pm - 11pm, there are no kids allowed and adults are given the run of the place.
Put on your scariest costume and discover what lurks in the Reimagined W5 with a fully-licensed bar open to help settle the nerves, catch-up with friends and enjoy a thrilling Thursday evening child-free.
Halloween Chocolate Apple Workshop
Arrive at Aunt Sandra's Shop on the Castlereagh Road to be welcomed into their Chocolate Party Room where you will create your own dipped chocolate apple with many different sweets to decorate with. While your chocolate apple is hardening, get to meet Frankie the friendly Frankenstein.
There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs and sessions last 1.5hrs and all can be booked through their website - October 29 and 30.
Colin 'Spooky' Glen Halloween Event
Brave a spooky mountain walk through the deep, dark forest to meet your favourite Halloween characters like the ‘Hocus Pocus’ Sanderson sisters, Jack Skellington, “The Pumpkin King”, Sally and Oogie Boogie from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
Hear a spooky story from Penny the Pumpkin as she tells the beloved Julia Donaldson tale, ‘Room on the Broom’ before you finish your night with some toasted marshmallows and a spooktacular spectacle from the Jump, Jiggle and Jive dance crew. Availability for booking on October 29.
Boo at the Zoo
You and your little witches and wizards can enjoy a weekend of mischievous merriment for all the family, with a range of eerie activities including pumpkin-decorating, face-painting, slime-making, enchanting animal meet and greet and touch tables.
You can even watch the zoo animals tuck into pumpkin activities of their own as they enjoy some hall-zoo-ween enrichment at feeding times. Open October 29 and 30.
Halloween at Let's Go Hyrdo
Watch as Let's Go Hyrdo transform their usual camping grounds into a massive Pumpkin Patch stocked with 1,000s & 1,000s of farm-grown pumpkins. Get your photograph on a tractor, trailer & more.
With witches visiting the resort daily, ghost stories, visit the pumpkin patch, toast s’mores, enjoy a short ride on a haycart, treats and more. Celebrations from October 21-31.
The Drive-In Cinema is also with Horror week. Be sure not to miss the fireworks at 7:30pm sharp on Halloween Night.
Halloween Extravaganza at Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Gaol's Halloween Extravaganza includes the Spooktacular Gaol Tour, the Pumpkin Puffer Train Ride and the main attraction – The Pumpkin Patch. You can visit their Petting Farm and meet Larry the Alpaca, Lexi the miniature cow, Pappa the pig and all their farmyard friends before finishing your fun-packed day at Crumlin's Live Interactive Halloween Musicals where the West End comes to North Belfast.
It lasts 120-180 mins approximately and runs from October 21 to 31.
Pooch Social Halloween
It’s that spooky time of year again when The Dirty Onion host their Wooftacular Pooch Social Halloween event, which gives your dog the chance to dress to impress and win some awesome prizes. On October 30, best dressed pup will win an overnight stay at Bullitt’s Dog Dens (dog-friendly rooms) along with their human owners.
During the day The Dirty Onion will have an outstanding doggy fair offering all sorts of pup treats and crafts. Plus, they’ll have live music throughout the day and a photo stage where you can grab a selfie with your furry friend.
Clubland Halloween
Clubland Live returns to Belfast for its biggest-ever live show to date. Saturday, October 29 sees the UK's leading dance brand take over the SSE Arena with a Halloween special - The Arena of Horror!
The lineup, when finalised, will read like the premiere league of commercial dance music. This event is for strictly over 18's event.
Belfast Ghost and Paranormal Tours
Walk in the footsteps of those Belfast citizens who lie unquiet in their graves even beneath your feet as you walk the dark streets on this scary tour with author, historian, and ghost storyteller Francis Higgins.
This tour is not for the easily scared as you’ll hear of horrible murders and executions that took place in the heart of Belfast City and the still unquiet spirits that lurk there in the shadows and corners of our streets. It will run every weeknight until Halloween night.
Derry City and Strabane
Lock N Load Zombie Apocalypse
Ranked 4th in Ireland's top things to do before you die - enter a solo game of laser tag or battle up to 30 players one of which has just been bitten by the zombies. If they tag you three times you'll be infected and your weapon will turn from living to walking dead.
The event begins on October 27.
Awakening of The Walled City
October 28-30. A great Samhain gathering awaits in our spine tingling City of Bones. Venture across the Peace Bridge to our immersive Forest of Shadows, where the unbelievable seems believable for a few enchanted nights at Awakening the Walled City.
In 2022 the Ancients will return to Derry Halloween’s Spirit Worlds, each representing a different spirit of Samhain. The myths and mischief of Samhain will be interwoven throughout, connecting our city to the Worlds Beyond the Walls.
The City of Bones
Prepare yourself to meet Walter de Burgh and his ancestors as they haunt the confines of the Walled City, turning it into their very own ‘City of Bones’. With installations, illuminations and guises to chill even the coldest of hearts, the spirit of this starved knight will be welcomed by the people of Derry as they embrace Samhain.
The Forest of Shadows
As the veil between this world and the next decays, walk through the portal where the veil is at its thinnest along the banks of the Foyle. Nothing is what it seems as you enter the lair of Phantom Queen Morrigan.
Beware of paths lined with shape-shifting creatures and shadows that disguise whatever Queen Morrigan desires. She will lure you in to the depths of the forest…..if you dare….
Parade and Fireworks
After a long three years, the famous Carnival Parade will return to Derry Halloween.
Organised by the North West Carnival Initiative, the Carnival Parade will bring the festival to a thrilling close on Monday night as some of the City’s finest performers bring the story of the 9th Wave to life, reawakening the river Gods for a fearsome display of magic and mayhem led by some of our most spooky spirits of the deep.
The celebrations will culminate in the Festival Finale fireworks with all eyes on the River Foyle for a deathly display of pyrotechnics.
Mid and East Antrim
Halloween Steam
On the historic 1907 platform at Whitehead Excursion Station you’ll board their train for a trip within their premises.
Hauled by their vintage steam engine and sitting in a 1960s carriage you will be transported to a bygone era. Afterwards, you will be able to see at close hand how the magnificent steam locomotive works.
Hallowena
People’s Park, Ballymena will host one of the scariest nights of the year on Friday, October 28 from 6pm – 8.30pm.
The free event will thrill and chill with a packed programme of spooktacular activities for your little monsters to enjoy with a fire juggling display, a fancy dress competition, spooky walkabout characters, a kiddies funfair and live music.
Follow the extended spooky illumination trail throughout the park and bump into some familiar characters along the way. Admission is free and no tickets are required.
Halloween Hooley
Join the fun on Saturday 29 October in Larne Town Park. It will turn into a monster mash of chills and thrills for all you ghosts and ghouls.
Taking place from 6pm – 8.30pm, there will be plenty of spine-tingling fun - from breathtaking fire juggling shows and live music to spooky storytelling and a UV disco to get all your little pumpkins moving and grooving.
There will also be a range of haunted hot food, creepy confectionery and hot drinks to purchase on site. And don’t forget to wear your spookiest costume as spot prizes will be up for grabs.
Halloween Bat Walk
Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead - Friday, October 28 from 5pm to 7pm.
Go bat hunting this Halloween! Explore the woods after dark with torches and bat detectors and see what fascinating creatures you can see in the night sky.
Bring your own torch if you have one and enjoy a dander with local expert Aidan Crean, looking and listening for bats.
Ards and North Down
The Enchanted House of Puppetry
No ghosts or ghouls, just incredible performances and workshops by some of the most talented puppeteers around. From Sleeping Beauty by Cre8 Theatre to the incredible Hands Up! by Lejo from the Netherlands, Ards Arts Centre will be turned into a magical space that will inspire the imaginations of both young and old alike.
Ards Arts Centre are delighted to welcome back some of our favourite faces including Little Gem Puppets and Clydebuilt Theatre and even Aloisious Ginderbalm the Troll, who will be making a star appearance.
Hallowe’en at Ulster Folk Museum
From October 29-31, step back in time at Ulster Folk Museum and experience a traditional ‘Samhain’ (pronounced sow-an), or Halloween as we know it today.
Leftover turnips from the harvest will be carved with scary faces to help ward off restless souls, and you can try your hand at our special Halloween crafts. They’ll be music in the streets from the Armagh Rhymers, and traditional Halloween fayre to try.
Learn about the gory history of medicine in Northern Ireland with the team from Ulster University’s Epidemic Belfast podcast…not for the squeamish! And experience the magical prowess of magician Trevor Price.
Eek! Weeks
A fantastic, fun wildlife learning eek!sperience for all the family in Comber.
Are you brave enough to explore our interactive trail? Discover an eek!citing and mysterious world of wetland nature this October half term. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears pricked and engage all your senses as you make your way around our wetlands for a truly eek!citing experience.
Newry, Mourne and Down
Rowallane Garden Autumn Festival
Join Rowallane Garden and take in the Autumnal displays, explore the garden with a self led trail and have some autumn fun.
Autumn fun at the weekend:
- 22 October - 1pm - 3pm | Live music with Pure Blarney
- 23 October | Vintage Tractor Display in the Stable Yard
- 29 October - 1pm - 3pm | Meet the Morrigan - The story of the original Halloween
- 30 October - 1pm - 3pm | Hazel the Autumn Fairy visits Rowallane
Hot food by AMARC catering on selected dates.
The Wacky Witches Halloween Parade
Join the Wacky Witches and their creepy friends as they parade across Newry City followed by a spooktacular family event with traditional Halloween games, arts and craft and spooky stories in Marcus Square.
Date: Saturday 29 October - assembly at 3pm in McClelland Park. Marcus Square: 4.30-7.30pm.
Celebrate Hallows’ Eve at Castle Ward
Step back in time at Castle Ward and experience a traditional Hallowe’en weekend of spooky fun. See how the people of the past celebrated during the 18th and 19th Centuries and discover age old traditions and folklore.
Their Trail Head cottage will be transformed into a Hallowe’en spectacle, full of traditions and autumnal decorations you will discover how our ancestors celebrated the spooky season.
All this and more 22 – 23 October as Castle Ward celebrate a truly traditional Hallowe'en holiday at Castle Ward.
Halloween at Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Journey into the Seven Kingdoms this Halloween and explore the making of Game of Thrones, at the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge.
Walk through the TV show's authentic sets, discover the secrets of filmmaking, and explore the skill and artistry that brought the award-winning HBO series to life at this family-friendly attraction.
To celebrate their first-ever Halloween at Game of Thrones Studio Tour, they are offering a special promotion rate of 25% off all tickets for visits booked between Saturday 29th October – Saturday 5th November 2022.
Kids also go FREE, right up until 31st December 2022.
Throughout the week (29th October – 5th November), they're also offering 10% off all merchandise in the Studio Shop, spot prizes for the best fancy dress and special Halloween treats.
Gather your friends and family and book your epic day out now!
Lisburn and Castlereagh
The Scarecrow Night Walk
From October 28-31, Hillsborough Castle’s scarecrows have come alive, possessed by mischievous spirts that have crossed through the veil to our world! Scattered throughout our spooky, illuminated gardens, do you dare to come to find them all after dark?
Get creative by visiting in your favourite spooktacular costume with spot prizes for the best dressed! Enjoy a delicious range of autumnal hot food and drinks, the perfect treat after your chilling adventure.
Purple Turnip Festival
Join Lisburn’s spookily, historic Market Square transformed for some Hallowe’en festive fun with the annual Purple Turnip Festival. On October 22, from 11am – 4pm, kids of all ages can enjoy taking part in our ‘Wee Critters’ curiously cute, creepy and crawly interactive animal sessions, but don’t worry, they’ll be more scared of you than you of them.
From 12pm-2pm there’ll be local walkabout Hocus Pocus Sanderson sisters,all the way from Salem who will run around the crowds, casting their magical spells!
From 10am-4pm, kids aged 6-12 can take part in a thriller of an arts & crafts workshop facilitated by Anann’s Arch, when they can create their very own lantern to be hung for all to see.
Hallowe'en at Lisburn Museum
Following their Halowe'en schools' programme, on Wednesday 26 October, 7-9pm, join for some ghostly readings and peculiar carry-ons. Enjoy an evening of free historical horror and traditional tunes with some light refreshments to calm your nerves.
From 31 October until 4 November 10-11am and 3-4pm, join in the antics of the ghostly museum staff and enjoy some free seasonal, eerie art workshops to create some strange and magical creations.
Outdoor Halloween Cinema
On October 29, head down to Market Square in Lisburn city centre for a spooky outdoor cinema experience for the whole family.
This free event will be showing Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and no booking is required to watch. Seating is limited but families are welcome to bring their own.
Causeway Coast and Glens
Council Programme of Halloween Events
- Ballymoney - Thursday 27th October The Showgrounds (parade from Castlecroft)
- Limavady - Friday 28th October Roe Mill Playing Fields
- Coleraine - Saturday 29th October Rugby Avenue Playing Fields
- Ballycastle - Monday 31st October The Seafront (parade from Dalriada Lower Car Park)
All of the above are 6.30pm – 8.30pm with Quiet Time for Children with Additional Needs at 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Each of the four locations do not have all the same entertainment but will have a selection from the following elements: live music, DJ, fancy dress competition, fireworks, spooky characters, fire poi, glow poi, magician, balloon modelling, wall of terror, spooky animals and stilt walker.
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Screams and Tricks Funfair
Dust off your broomsticks and join if you dare for the Screams and Tricks Funfair at V36. There will be plenty of amusements that will give you a thrill from Friday 28 October to Saturday 5 November. An inclusive session is also available on Sunday 30 October from 2-4pm.
Spooked Out
Saturday, October 29 promises to give you a fright as Spooked Out at V36 returns for another year. Grab your best fancy dress and join from 6pm-8pm for all of the tricks and treats we have in store.
The night will come to close with our fangtastic fireworks finale at 8pm. Please note this is a ticketed event.
Fright Fest
Antrim Castle Gardens will have some spooky goings on with ‘Fright Fest’ from Saturday 29 – Monday 31 October. Take a Devilish Dander, Witchy Wander or Spooky Saunter through the Ghostly Gardens, enjoying the Heart-Pounding Hocus Pocus at the Antrim Festival Group's Fright Fest.
Halloween at Junction Retail Park
The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim will be calling all ghosts and ghouls from Friday 28 to Tuesday 2 November with live entertainment, twilight markets, pumpkin decorating, fire eaters, baby rave, a hay maze, workshops and much more.
Fermanagh and Omagh
Hallowe’en at Ulster American Folk Park
Take a journey back in time for a truly traditional Hallowe’en experience. See how the people of Ulster celebrated during the 18th and 19th Century, taste old fashioned Halloween fayre, discover age old traditions and folklore and keep your eyes peeled… as you never know what you will find as you walk the Park!
Opening hours:
- Saturday 29th October 10:00-17:00
- Sunday 30th October 10:00-17:00
- Monday 31st October 10:00-17:00
Wicked Witch Trail
The woodland above the Marble Arch Caves will be transformed into a spooky world of Halloween surprises. A quest awaits those who dare to explore a trail of monsters and magics and for those brave enough to help save the cave from the grips of an evil witch's spell.
This activity includes the children following their magical Halloween quest map where they will encounter vampires, cave trolls and witches who will help them to create a spell and brew up a plan to help banish the evil witch for good.
Strangest Things
Be your supernatural self at the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Halloween Fireworks event at 6 pm on Monday 31 October 2022.
The Strangest Things event takes place at the Broadmeadow, Enniskillen, and at the OASIS Plaza, Omagh.
The theme of the event encapsulates what has been a very strange few years with limited opportunities to come together and enjoy seasonal events such as Halloween.
With spot prizes, a Halloween disco and a supernatural fireworks display – it’s a night of fun, frights, and fireworks.
Spooky Castle Look-out
Enjoy the fireworks display from the historic grounds of Enniskillen Castle & experience the “Strangest Things Tour” in our museum galleries.
Ticket-holders can drop in and out of the Spooky Castle throughout the evening to participate in other activities across the town.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor viewing of the Enniskillen fireworks display.
Mid Ulster
Fright Night at Jungle NI
The Jungle NI have got some new twists and surprises in store. Consisting of their infamous story-based Woodland Trail main event and 6 terrifying Scare Attractions, you’ve got yourself an adrenaline-spiking night out.
Enter the real-life horror movie spun in the depths of the ancient and haunted woodlands by a cast of nefarious and sordid creatures, telling tall tales to startle, bamboozle and scare even the most robust horror fans.
Armed with special effects, embedded sound and enhanced lighting throughout the journey, this immersive and terrifying event will provide all the adrenaline spiking stimulation you need this Halloween.
Mid Ulster Sports Arena
Saturday 29 October, 6pm - 8.15pm with fireworks at 8pm.
Activities include:
- kiddie’s amusements
- face painting
- inflatables
- fire jugglers
- spooky train
- merchandise stalls
- confectionery and hot food stalls
Market Square and Hill of the O'Neill
Friday 28 October, 6pm - 8pm with fireworks at 7.50pm.
Activities include:
6pm - 7.45pm at Market Square: Face painting, Balloon modelling, Character walkabouts, Fire/LED performers, Halloween themed workshops (arts & crafts activities), On stage entertainment with DJ, Competitions and giveaways, and Halloween themed photo opportunity props.
Fireworks fired at 7.50pm from Hill of The O'Neill. This year's fireworks will be low debris and low noise making them more environmentally friendly than ever before while still providing the same high-quality display.
Maghera Leisure Centre and St Patrick's College Playing Fields
Monday 31 October - Halloween Hooley at Maghera Leisure Centre 4pm - 7pm with fireworks at St Patrick's College Playing Fields at 7.30pm (gates open at 7pm).
Activities include:
4pm - 7pm at Maghera Leisure Centre:
- Party Playhouse
- Quad Pods Rides
- Bungee Trampolines
- Fire Performers
- Amusement Rides,
- Jump Jiggle and Jive Dance sessions
- Face painting
- Balloon Modelling
From 7pm at St Patrick's College Playing Fields:
- Fire Performers from 7.00pm to 7.25pm
- Fireworks Display at 7.30pm
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
Spooktacular Halloween multi-sports camps
Don’t let the kids be bone idle, be a zombie in front of the screen or drive you batty at home this Halloween! Book them into one of our Halloween multi-sport camps across the borough.
Multi-sports camps are taking place at the below centres:
Orchard Leisure Centre | Dromore Community Centre | Rathfriland Community Centre | Banbridge Leisure Centre | Tandragree Recreation Centre | Gilford Community Centre
Fangtastic Halloween at Craigavon Golf & Ski
The scarily entertaining Golf & Ski centre in Craigavon has lined up a fiendish programme for all your little devils this Halloween!
Blow away the cobwebs and fly down the slopes like a witch on a broomstick with our ‘Snowtubing & Skiing Halloween Special’
Sun 30 Oct, 10.00am-12.00pm or 1.00pm-3.00pm and Tues 1 Nov , 10.00am-12.00pm.
Beastly Bowling & Ghoulish Games Room
Dromore Community Centre’s games room is the perfect place to be this Halloween to catch up with family & friends, fill with laughter and spark your competitiveness.
Includes two-lane mini bowling, air-hockey table, football table and pool table.
Halloween Family Carnival Parade & Fireworks At The Lakes
The magical Halloween Carnival Parade from ‘Rushfear’ Shopping Centre returns on 27 Oct, giving all those creative kids, mums, and dads an opportunity to dress up with a sparkler of a costume.
Cross the beastly bridge to Spooky South Lake for the breath-taking fireworks at 8pm. Why not trick or treat them to a place on our Halloween multi-sports camps, with ghostly games, spooky sports, and spellbinding races.
READ NEXT:
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Derry rail line disruption over Halloween weekend scaled back by Translink
Belfast hosts spooktacular Irish horror festival this Halloween
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