A run-down of the top Halloween events coming to Northern Ireland in 2024
Halloween is coming but what spooky events will you be taking part in this year? From pumpkin patches to spine-tingling trails, games, craft activities, and more, here is a list of the top Halloween experiences taking place across the region.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Enjoy classic Halloween fun at Hillsborough Royal Castle and Gardens with a packed programme of events to celebrate the scary season. As Halloween approaches, the scarecrows will rise, taking their watch of the Walled Garden from October 5 – November 17. Myths and legends will be unearthed and celebrated through the designs of this year’s Scarecrow Parade, with local artists engaging with schools and community groups throughout Northern Ireland to design, create and decorate a gathering of 27 scarecrows for Halloween.
No spooky festivity is complete without pumpkin carving, and Hillsborough Castle will hold workshops on October 27, 29 and 30, to ensure everyone has a jack-o-lantern to light on Halloween night.
For more information visit here
Derry Halloween
The countdown is on to Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival! Over the course of four nights, the City of Derry comes alive with the spirit of Samhain to bring you a celebration of all things spooky. With events taking place across the city for a variety of ages and interests, highlights include the Awakening the Walled City Tour Trail which will take you on a magical journey through the City of Bones and the Parade and Fireworks which close the festival in style on Halloween night.
For more information visit here
WWT Castle Espie, Comber
From October 26 – 31, WWT Castle Espie is the place to be for all things super natural. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can attend a mini-beast workshop and hunt for creepy crawlies before discovering the cauldron of curiosities brimming with mysterious objects. Drop in on Tuesday for a spot of spider crafting or attend Mrs Maker’s Spooky Masquerade on Wednesday and make your very own mask inspired by your favourite animal. On Halloween proper there are drop in sessions where kids can make a star wand using natural materials, as well as storytelling sessions involving magical tales and toasted marshmallows.
For a full programme of events visit here
Cinemagic Fancy Dress Screenings, Belfast
As part of the 35th Cinemagic Film Festival, there will be fancy dress screenings across Belfast of popular Halloween movies. On October 31, head to The Black Box to see Hocus Pocus or The Addams Family in all their glory on the big screen. If vampires are more your thing, The Little Vampire is showing at Northern Ireland’s only floating arts centre, The Belfast Barge. Also showing there is pixar favourite COCO and there will be a face painting station set up 30 minutes before the screening to transform kids into their favourite spooky Halloween character.
For details on all screenings please visit here
National Trust , Various
Prepare to be scared this Halloween at Northern Ireland’s National Trust properties. Over the course of Octoer 30 and 31, Springhill will be inviting visitors to take part in storytelling, creative activities, brommstick making, and spooky house tours. Hunt for creepie crawlies during the Argory’s Bug Hunt and get your hands dirty during Halloween Messy Play on Oct 31. Rowallane Garden also has a packed programme of events from the Monster Market (Oct 19) to Pop Baby Pumpkin Sessions (Oct 27), and Toddler Sense Spooky Wooky Party (Oct 28), as well as The Demon Head Gardener’s Ghoulish Gathering: Halloween trail running from Oct 19-31.
For more information visit here
Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra
Running from October 29 – 31, discover the origins, traditions and customs of the spookiest time of year at the Ulster Folk Museum. Throughout the week encounter suspicious characters, watch traditional turnip carving demonstrations, and take part in Halloween-themed crafts. The celebrations culminate on October 31 where you can meet a real witch, learn about traditional folk cures and medicines, and discover who the killer is in the museum’s own murder mystery.
For more information visit here
Marble Arch Caves, Fermanagh
Experience the Marble Arch Caves like never before as you embark on a journey filled with monsters and magic. This outdoor Halloween adventure features a 60 minute guided Halloween tour during which you’ll meet magical creatures and uncover hidden treasures. Little witches and wizards can take part in activities, learn to make their very own magical object, and even become the hero in a Halloween story. There are also sensory sessions each day at 11am which can be booked online.
For more information visit here
Jungle NI, Magherafelt
See the Jungle NI come alive with spooky surprises and Halloween fun for all the family. Pick your own pumpkin from a real pumpkin patch, take a ride on the haunted haycart while listening to some hair-raising tales, and bust a move at the Halloween Disco. Also included in your ticket is marshmallow toasting, and one adventure activity token to be used on an activity of your choice from archery to bungee trampolines, paintball target shooting, and much more.
For more information visit here
Ark Open Farm, Newtownards
It’s pumpkin season once again at the Ark Open Farm as visitors are invited to head to pumpkin patch and pick their favourite winter squash before having it carved by one of the farm’s expert pumpkin cutters. While you’re waiting for your pumpkin, take a trip around the Halloween Trail and find the answers to the farm’s Halloween Scavenger Hunt to win a chocolate treat. Don’t forget to craft your own tub of spooky slime to take home.
For more information visit here
Ballyburren, Ballynahinch
Ballyburren’s Halloween Family Adventure promises chills, thrills, and lots of fun for little ones. Pick your very own pumpkin, get your face painted, and take part in spooky crafts before making your way to the Scare Trail, weaving your way through the haunted woods illuminated by ghostly aspirations.
For more information visit here
Core Kids Halloween Camps, Various
Running from October 30 – November 1, Core Kids Halloween Camps are a safe and fun way to spend the Halloween half term. Designed for 4-11 year olds, the camps are a way to make new friends, keep active, and most importantly have fun! During the three day course, kids will explore movement and develop new skills whilst taking part in dance, gymnastics, arts and crafts activities, Halloween trails and much more.
For more information visit here
Spooky Sunday at Corick House, Tyrone
Taking place on October 27, Spooky Sunday at Corick House features fun for all the family. Included in the ticket is a 4-course lunch and a visit to the pumpkin patch with activities such as pumpkin carving, face painting, and arts and crafts.
For more information visit here
Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh
Join Navan Centre & Fort for a production of The Ghost Who Lost His Boo! The stage show follows Little Spook and his nemesis, the powerful witch Isadora Nightshade with plenty of surprises along the way. There is also a spine-tingling trail, as well games and activities to get everyone into the Halloween spirit.
For more information visit here
Laganvale Farm, Lisburn
Pumpkin picking days are back at Laganvale Farm. Pick your pumpkin from one of the many different varieties grown on the farm and get your hands dirty scooping out the slimey insides. Visitors can draw on their own designs with assistance from Laganvale’s expert carvers. After pumpkin picking, avail of the farm’s facilities including the creepy maize mase and spooky storytelling especially for Halloween.
For more information visit here
RSPB’s Spooky Pumpkin Patch, Belfast
Join NI Window on Wildlife this spooky season for their Big Wild Halloween celebrations. With a host of activities for all the family, you can pick your own pumpkin and get advice on how to carve, cook, or plant it. Listen to creepy stories, visit arts and craft stations, and toast marshmallows for the perfect spooky day out.
For more information visit here
For more details on all kid-friendly activities taking place across Northern Ireland, head to NI4kids’ Events Page to find out What’s On Where (WOW GUIDE)
