15 things to do this Halloween across Northern Ireland
Things are getting a little spooky around here 👻
Last updated 6th Oct 2022
The countdown to Halloween has officially begun!
No matter who you are, there are plenty of things to do across Northern Ireland at Halloween, from adults-only events to family-friendly activities.
Check out our spooky list of just some of the events you can experience this October...
W5 Late Halloween
At W5 on Thursday 27th October 2022 between 7pm - 11pm, there are no kids allowed and adults are given the run of the place.
Don your scariest costume and discover what lurks in the Reimagined W5. With 8 new zones and over 250 exhibits, it really is the perfect playground for a little trick or treating.
There's also a handy fully-licensed bar will also be open to help settle the nerves.
https://w5online.co.uk/whats-on/w5-late-halloween
Hallowe’en at the Ulster Folk Museum
Step back in time at Ulster Folk Museum and experience a traditional 'Samhain' or Hallowe'en as we know it today in Cultra.
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 Hallowe'en crafts.
There'll be music in the streets from the Armagh Rhymers, and traditional Hallowe'en fayre to try.
www.nationalmuseumsni.org/
Boo at the Zoo
Dust the cobwebs off your favourite costume and jump on your broomstick to Belfast Zoo for a FANG-tastic day of spooktacular schemes.
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 slime-making, touch tables, pumpkin-decorating and animal meet and greets.
Normal admission applies, opening at 10am and closing at 4pm. Last admission is at 2.30pm. Our animal houses close at 3.30pm.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/news-and-events/events/boo-at-the-zoo
Crumlin Road Gaol Halloween Extravaganza
One of the BEST Halloween destinations in Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol know how to shock, scare and thrill visitors. What better setting than in a spooky haunted prison!
This year they've gone even bigger, including the Spooktacular Gaol Tour, the Pumpkin Puffer Train Ride, Halloween petting farm and the main attraction – The Pumpkin Patch.
To avoid disappointment, be sure to visit their website for ticket info and dates.
www.crumlinroadgaol.com/haunting-extavaganza/
Fright Night at Jungle NI
With a brand new Woodland Trail and a total of six terrifying scare attractions with a freaky cast of Street Theatre characters, your heart rate will be through the roof the second you arrive at Fright Night with Jungle NI.
The Circus, The Ward, Haunted Hay Cart and Cornfield return this year, but for those who have been before, the team have some new twists and surprises in store. Running for a total of 9 nights, visit their website for more details on how to book.
www.thejungleni.com/event/fright-night-2022/
Colin “Spooky” Glen
Brave a spooky mountain walk through their 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!
It's a frightfully good adventure for all the family this Halloween!
Book now at https://www.colinglen.org/product/spooky-glen-event/
let's go hydro halloween
Nothing screams Halloween more than scary movies, and we can't wait to see the return of Let's Go Hydro's famous horror week. Their drive-in movie services offer families and friends an alternative movie experience. Take in real horrors like The Conjuring, Nightmare on Elm Street and even Ghostbusters.
On Halloween night there will also be a spectacular firework display across the city landscape.
For dates and details see letsgohydro.com
Prison Island presents Fright Night
You'll have to keep your wits about you as you enter the Prison at your OWN RISK! Take on 25 challenge cells that require a combination of intellectual, technical & physical skills.
With Halloween specials on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th, keep your eyes peeled in this sinister prison.
Tickets are on sale via prisonislandbelfast.com
Todd's Leap Horror Nights
Another immersive night of thrills awaits at Todd's Leap Horror Nights, with their Hellish Scare Maze and Haunted House.
This Halloween event is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if you're into adrenaline scares you don't want to miss this.
They've got everything from narrow alleyways, nightmarish walkways and hellish scare zones!
You can book tickets via toddsleap.com
Ulster Orchestra’s Halloween Howler
Celebrate all things Halloween as the Ulster Orchestra perform your favourite scary films and more! Conductor Paul Campbell, with presenter Ryan Hand, will bring you on a spooky journey through some of the creepiest classics including Ghostbusters, Harry Potter and Hotel Transylvania.
Whether its witches, wizards or ghouls, this concert will certainly send shivers down your spine! Don't miss out on a chance to bring the whole family along with our great value family ticket, priced at £52 for 2 adults and 2 children.
There's also spot prizes on the night for the best fancy dress! You can book tickets from www.waterfront.co.uk
Scarecrow Parade at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Watch as Kings, Queens and Rulers are scattered across the dazzling Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle during October and November.
The team at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens have also collaborated with Cahoots NI Children's Theatre company and Lumiere Events to create a magical and spooky illuminated walk through our historic gardens for all the family to enjoy.
Tuck into a range of autumnal hot food and drinks on site, and maybe even win a prize or two for Best Costume.
Tickets can be purchased online from www.hrp.org.uk
Halloween at Montalto
The Carriage Rooms at Montalto is opening its doors for an enchanted Family Witch's Wander this Halloween.
With access to the Trails & Gardens, families can enjoy everything from pumpkin carving to a kids disco and petting farm.
Time slots must be pre-booked via their website, montaltoestate.com
Spooky Sunday Lunch & Pumpkin Patch at Corick House Hotel & Spa
Corick House Hotel & Spa in Co Tyrone is serving up a 'Spooky Sunday 4 course lunch' and lots of Halloween festivities this year.
On Saturday 22nd October a pop-up pumpkin patch will be open from 11am-5pm, with spot prizes and lots of games.
The next day a special spooky lunch is also available, spaces are filling up, so visit their website for more details on how to book www.corickcountryhouse.com
Clubland Halloween
Saturday 29th October sees old school dance fans take over The SSE Arena, Belfast for a Halloween special - 'Dia De Los Muertos'.
Doors will open at 6:30PM, with the show beginning at 7PM and ending at midnight.
Limited tickets are available from ticketmaster.ie
Derry's famed Halloween parade returns
From 28 - 31 October, the Walled City comes alive with ancient spirits welcoming you to join our Awakening. Fill yourself with folklore, feasting, and festivity, as Derry~Londonderry reopens the pathways of the Halloween travellers of the past.
There will be a parade and fireworks on Monday 31 October. Suitable for all ages, this is a great family event.
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