Spooky Halloween events you don't want to miss this October across NI

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 14th Oct 2021
Last updated 14th Oct 2021

Celebrated on 31 October every year, Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated the world over. But a bit like Christmas, the build-up to the big day is almost just as fun.

After last year's covid restrictions and lack of social activities, there's so much more to see and do this spooky season. From visiting local pumpkin patches to live events and gigs across Northern Ireland.

We've pieced together some of the most fun ideas that everyone in the family can enjoy.

How brave are you feeling this Halloween? 👇

Crumlin Road Gaol Belfast

Are you brave enough to step foot inside one of Northern Ireland's most chilling and haunted venues? Offering both paranormal tours and a thrilling 'Jail of Horrors' experience, Crumlin Road Gaol isn't for the faint-hearted.

Halloween Festival at Let's Go Hydro

You know the team at Let's Go Hydro don't do things by halves! They've got so much on offer this season - a giant Inflatable walk through display, a pumpkin patch and a halloween inspired movie marathon. You can watch your favourite scary movies from the comfort of your own car - complete with snacks!

The Jungle, Moneymore

Jungle NI's Fright Night is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar every year. Their Trail of Terror is an interactive attraction, based in their haunted woodlands. Delivered to you by a nefarious cast of downright despicable characters, special effects and atmospheric sound effects, you're in for a fright or two indeed!

Derry Halloween

Halloween is celebrated on a whole other level in Derry/Londonderry. From the terrifying 'Awakening the Walled City' to the breathtaking firework show, this is definitely one to add to your bucket list.

Harry Potter's 'Platform 9 ¾ Trolly Tour

Celebrating both Halloween and the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone releasing in UK cinemas, the iconic Platform 9 ¾ Trolley will pop-up at Belfast's Lanyon Place Station from 29th-31st October. The installation allows fans to recreate the moment when Harry first made it on to Platform 9 ¾, by running through a magical brick wall in London's King's Cross station, before taking the 11 o'clock train to Hogwarts.

Colin Glenn's Halloween Spooktacular

From 23rd - 31st October, Colin Glen will offer two new Halloween-themed activities – a Halloween Gruffalo Guided Walk, including pumpkin carving, and SKYTrek by Starlight, a unique chance to brave the high ropes course at night. This is one both younger kids and teenagers will love!

The Wild Raven Walk at Hillsborough Castle

Enjoy an atmospheric and immersive sound and light adventure for the whole family this Halloween and encounter characters from the castle's past as you follow a darkly lit path through the historic gardens of Hillsborough Castle. Then finish your trip with a spectacular finale in the Stable Yard of a re-enactment of Hercat the Illusionist's famous illusions, recreated by Cahoots Theatre NI.

Zombie Combat Corps at Share Discovery Village

The Share Discovery Village in Lisnaskea have a range of activities suitable for all ages including a zombie combat corps, haunted forest walk, scavenger hunt and plenty of arts and crafts.

Hallowe'en Celebrations at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra

Journey back in time to see how Halloween was celebrated decades ago, with traditions such as apple bobbing, cabbage reading and carving turnips to keep evil spirits at bay. The Ulster Folk Museum offers frighteningly fun-filled days of creepy crafts and traditional games for the whole family.

Magheramorne Estate's Spooky Hallow Trail

Magheramorne Estate, just a short drive from Belfast, are hosting an exciting Halloween weekend. Dare to explore their enchanted wood, complete with mysterious characters and ghostly beings. Family friendly and highly entertaining, families of all ages can enjoy the weekends activities here.

Pooch Social at The Dirty Onion

This one is got the dog-lovers! The Dirty Onion is hosting a special 'Halloween wooftacular' Pooch Social on Sunday 31 October. An afternoon filled with live music, a fancy dress competition and even a doggy fair selling Scooby snacks and pup accessories.

The Grimm Hotel

The Grimm Hotel is a new show from award-winning children's theatre company, Cahoots NI and will feature magic, music, cutting edge technology and some of the most recognisable characters from fairytale folklore. Opening its doors on 12th October as part of Belfast International Arts Festival, the team have taken inspiration from the much loved 'Grimm's Fairy Tales' in a groundbreaking immersive theatre experience.

Read more:

11 hilarious Halloween traditions you’ll remember if you grew up in Northern Ireland

NI pumpkin patches perfect for a family day out

Northern Lights could be visible across parts of Northern Ireland tonight

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