Down
This Friday enjoy a night at the museum, but not as you know it. For one strange night, Bagenal’s Castle will morph into a sideshow circus. Arrive at the castle to see the walls illuminated by fire dancers, while the circus ringmaster invites you to embrace your darker side and celebrate the rich performing arts history of Newry. Once inside, professional make-up artists and historical costume collection will make sure you look the part. Then, get ready to get weird with ‘dangerous harpist’ Ursula Burns Music, and comedians and magicians Paul Currie Comedian and George Firehorse. Stop by the mysterious fortune teller, or roll up to some Street Countdown and a Sideshow Ramone performance. The best of local food and drink will be served too – with sweet treats, coffee, and artisan street food outside, to craft gin, beer and cider tastings within the castle walls.
Armagh
Frankenstein, Friday 19th October, Market Place Theatre. ‘If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!’ On the 200th anniversary of the publication of the great Gothic novel, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’s Monster will be reanimated, piece-by-piece. Wireless Mystery Theatre – Ireland’s longest-running audio theatre company – will bring the creature to life with galvanisation, harnessed lightning, and their usual mix of live music, sound foley, and horror. You’ll get the shock of your life! This event takes place in the Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.
Fermanagh
This Wednesday 17th October, Music in Fermanagh is proud to present Enniskillen born Kristan Swain, the flautist who is making a huge name for himself across the water, including his appearances as guest principal flute for the Philharmonic Orchestra. Kristan is noted for playing ‘Danny Boy’ for HM the Queen during her historic Diamond Jubilee visit to Enniskillen. He will be accompanied by Máire Carroll, International concert pianist, who has performed throughout Europe, Asia and North America. They will give us music by Berkeley, Hindemith, Hamilton Harty, Philip Hammond, Mouquet, Gaubert, Demersseman, Debussy, Hüe and Fauré. Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen.
Tyrone
Uncover the ancient traditions of Halloween at the Ulster American Folk Park Omagh from 20th to 31st October. Learn about the jack-o-lantern, trick or treating and traditional treats. Sample seasonal foods like colcannon, barnbrack and pumpkin pie. Have your fortune told, listen to stories by the fireside and pose for a picture beside the pumpkin patch. Watch out for some spooky friends as you stroll through the autumn leaves and past the creaking cottages and cabins.
Derry/Londonderry
Carrowmena Field of Screams is back this Halloween with Haunting Nights in the Maize Maze from the 19th to 29th October. Do you dare to enter the Maze and battle your way through the Twists, Turns & Deadends? Opening Times: 7.30pm – 10pm. Ages: 14 years+. £9 per person. Field of Screams takes place at Carrowmena Activity Centre’s Maize Maze at 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady. Online booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Antrim
Explore the Galgorm Castle Estate at night at the Galgorm Castle Spooky Hallow Night on 19th and 20th October with Brilliant Trails. With your map and torch discover Halloween’s urban legends that lurk around the estate woods from Dracula to Funny bones and even the Corpse Bride. Each will tell a tale of how they came to be.. Feed the senses with an indulgent, freshly cooked BBQ cooked on the grill by Foodie Folk to tantalise your taste buds and plenty of toffee apples, marshmallows and coffee available to buy to keep you going to next year.
Belfast
W5 Late returns for Halloween on Saturday 20th October! W5 Late is a strictly adults-only, after-hours evening at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre! Don your scariest costume for chills and thrills and explore over 250 interactive exhibits in four incredible exhibition areas. Discover what lurks within the haunted mansion ‘Monster Manor’ but beware you might see some unexpected characters along the way! Get up close to some creepy crawlies and engage with the experts in our spooktacular series of lecture theatre talks as we explore the science of fear, plus SO much more! There will be a fully licensed bar where you can have a glass of wine or cold beer. Online booking essential.
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Jacqueline McGonigle