Banks of The Foyle Halloween Carnival, Londonderry, October 25 – November 2. This year, there are lots of new spooky events to enjoy including Halloween at Ebrington with Chateau Le Fear and Fun Fair, to the Tower Grill, and Jackula. The annual extravaganza is packed with ghostly frolics and thrilling events for all the family. Highlight of this world-famous Halloween celebration – the largest in Europe – is the spooktacular carnival parade and spine-chilling fireworks display on October 31.
- Metro Monster Mash, Titanic Slipways, Belfast, October 31, 5.30pm. A spooktacular Halloween evening of haunting street theatre, fire jugglers, and a performance by local band Peach. The event will close with one of the biggest fireworks displays in Northern Ireland.
- Annual Portballintrae Halloween Festival, Village Hall, Portballintrae, Co Antrim, October 31, from 10am. Starting with a Craft Fair in the morning, the fun-packed day continues with a Children’s Fancy Dress Party, Samba Band and Lantern Parade, followed by a fireworks display at 7.45pm and live entertainment in the Bayview Hotel from 10pm.
- Wise Women, Witches and Cunning Folk, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co Londonderry, October 29, 7pm. Heritage talk by author Dr Bob Curran exploring the idea of the Irish witch and tracing the links between witchcraft, rural healers and ‘scandalous women’ as well as examining the concept of the male sorcerer or ‘fairy doctor’.
- Nightmare on Kinturk Street, Kinturk Centre, Moortown, Co Tyrone, October 31, 6pm. Dust off your broomsticks and dress up the kids as the centre is transformed into a ghoulishly, blood curdling, spine tingling horror set. Upstairs tiny tots can enter a ‘Scare-Free Kids Zone’ and enjoy lots of fun and games. The weird and wonderful goings on will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.
- Haunted Hezlett, Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co Londonderry, October 25 – 28. The infamous Haunted Hezlett House returns with an all new live action interactive performance inside and outside guaranteed to keep you on your toes. Young children’s sessions in daytime. Evening sessions are not suitable for young children.
- Neil Cowley Trio, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, October 28, 8pm. The contemporary jazz pianist and former keyboard player for groups including The Brand New Heavies and Gabrielle, performs with long-time compatriots Evan Jenkins on drums and Rex Horan on bass. The Trio are masters of intoxicating and powerfully moving shows which have at their core Cowley’s distinct wit and remarkable rapport with his audience.
- Halloween Ghosts Themed Walking Tour, Newtownards, Co Down, October 28 – 29, 7.30pm. Learn about ghostly goings-on in Newtownards, including the man who was hanged in Conway Square and who can still be heard protesting his innocence in the old cell of the Town Hall. Booking essential via Ards Visitor Information Centre.
- Brian McGilloway and Sinead Crowley in Conversation, No Alibis bookshop, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, October 27, 7.30pm. Two of Ireland’s finest crime writers – one a new voice, the other an established star of the genre – convene for a conversation at Belfast’s home of crime fiction.
- Halloween Concert headlined by Kian Egan, English Street, Armagh, October 27. Open air concert and fireworks display at The Shambles Yard. Support acts include: The Whistling Donkeys and Hair O’ The Dog.
Please note some of the events require pre-booking.