This spooky season is filled with frightfully fun events you won’t want to miss

Northern Ireland comes alive at Halloween with traditions, celebrations, and an irresistible atmosphere of mischief and merriment.

Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, for over 2,000 years, stories and rituals have marked this turning of the seasons, and today those echoes are felt in celebrations that are both timeless and thrillingly alive.

Nowhere is this spirit more vibrant than at Europe’s largest Halloween festival in Derry~Londonderry, where parades, performances and creativity fill the streets.

But the celebrations don’t stop there. Across Northern Ireland, you’ll find family-friendly workshops, festive foodie-experiences, lively gatherings and seasonal fun to spark the imagination.

Whether you’re joining the magic in Derry~Londonderry or uncovering folklore where history lingers in the shadows, Halloween is all about fun and unforgettable moments.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of more than 30 exciting events to haunt your calendar this October.

• Hallowe’en Torchlight Tours, 24^th and 25^th October and Hallowe’en at Ulster American Folk Park, 29^th-31^st October, Omagh, County Tyrone. Delve into the history of our spookiest season and discover how the people of rural Ulster celebrated Halloween traditions centuries ago.
• Halloween Dungannon, 24^th October, Halloween Coalisland, 31^st October and Halloween Cookstown, 25^th October, various locations in County Tyrone. Join for some frightful fun and excitement this Halloween across County Tyrone. From rides to face painters and fire jugglers, treats, crafts and not-too-scary thrills – Halloween fun for the whole family.
• Harvest Fair at National Trust’s Florence Court, 25^th and 26^th October, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Florence Court’s fabulous Harvest Fair returns this autumn with even more on offer. Savour the flavours of the season at their artisan food and craft market in collaboration with Tully Mill. With over 40 vendors bursting with farm fresh produce, homemade treats, and local delicacies there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• The Vanishing – Family Halloween Event at Marble Arch Caves, 25^th, 26^th, 30^th and 31^st October, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh. Prepare for a world of enchantment, mystery, and Halloween fun this autumn as the woodland trail at Cladagh Glen transforms into a magical, interactive adventure for all the family.
• Pumpkin Patch on Castle Island, 25^th–29^th October, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Experience the magic of Halloween with a visit to the Pumpkin Patch and hear spooky stories for families. Take a quick boat trip over, spend a couple of hours enjoying the spooky island and be as scared as you like. Activities include storytelling, games from the past, pumpkin creations and a Halloween-themed photo area.
• Halloween Fireworks in Enniskillen, 31^st October, County Fermanagh. Get ready for a spook-tacular evening in Enniskillen. Organised by Enniskillen BID and proudly sponsored by Encirc, this much-loved annual event promises fun, food, and fireworks for all the family.
• Beyond The Wall: First Light and Beyond The Wall: After Dark – Halloween at Game of Thrones Studio Tour, 31^st October –1^st November, Banbridge, County Down. This Halloween, families can embark on a thrilling adventure at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour with Beyond The Wall: First Light. Or for Beyond The Wall: After Dark, as night falls across Westeros, the Studio Tour becomes a darker, more dangerous realm where ancient stories stir and shadows stretch across the frozen North.
• Samhain – Halloween at Ulster Folk Museum, 29^th-31^st October, Cultra, County Down. Long before fireworks and trick-or-treating, there was Samhain, where Halloween truly began. This October, experience Halloween for real at the Ulster Folk Museum. Discover the origins and traditions of Samhain, meet suspicious characters and encounter their uncanny tales.
• Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, 25^th October – 2^nd November, Royal Hillsborough, County Down. This October break enjoy a spellbinding day out for all the family packed with spooky surprises and autumnal adventures. Explore 100 acres of enchanting gardens, navigate their Halloween maze and unleash your creativity at a pumpkin carving workshop.
• Halloween at Montalto Estate, 25^th-30^th October, (ASD/ Inclusion Sessions 26^th-27^th October) Ballynahinch, County Down. Something strange is happening at Montalto Estate … the moon has vanished from the night sky. Set off on a magical quest through mysterious realms and whispering woods, where you’ll encounter spooky scenes and ghoulish games. Brave young explorers must collect the missing words of an ancient spell to reverse the curse and bring back the moon.
• Pumpkin Patch and Halloween Spook Event at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, 25^th – 31^st October, Ballynahinch, County Down. Join a spooktacular adventure filled with frightful fun, pumpkin picking, and unforgettable memories.
• Halloween Half Term at National Trust’s Mount Stewart, 25^th October – 2^nd November, Newtownards, County Down. As the fog rolls in and the trees cast long, twisted shadows, venture deep into the heart of Mount Stewart for spooky fun. Halloween at Mount Stewart is suitable for all ages. Dress up is encouraged but also you may need wellies depending on the weather.
• Halloween Trail at National Trust’s Rowallane Garden, 20^th October – 2^nd November, Saintfield, County Down. Strange creatures have taken over Rowallane Garden—dare you walk the haunted trails this Halloween and face the nightmares that await?
• Hallowe’en Trail at National Trust’s Castle Ward, 25^th October – 2^nd November, Downpatrick, County Down. There’s been a few spooky goings on around Castle Ward – visit to walk the Halloween trail and test your bravery along the way. The trail runs along Laurel Walk and has some indoor spaces and places to get creative and take home a few Halloween themed crafts.
• Super Natural October WWT Castle Espie, 27^th-31^st October and The Mystery of Ollie the Otter, 30^th-31^st October, Comber, County Down. Get ready for a fun-filled Halloween, bubbling over with magical activities for the whole family to enjoy. Or enjoy the thrill of this animal nature based ‘whodunnit’ for Halloween.
• Footsteps in the Forest at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 20^th – 26^th October, Killeavy, County Armagh. As the crisp autumn air settles in, the Footsteps in the Forest festival at Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers a perfect Halloween adventure. This extended festival celebrates the ancient festival of Samhain with eerie entertainment, tantalising treats, and immersive storytelling.
• Halloween Science: Doom it Yourself Live Science Workshop at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 28^th-31st October, Armagh, County Armagh. The Armagh ‘Planetscarium’ has been taken over by Madam Mayhem, the supervillain to the stars and using Armagh as a base, join her as she tries to create a Doomsday Device that will help her to take over the world. Check the website for more Halloween activities.
• Little Spooks at Navan Centre and Fort, 25^th-31^st October, Armagh, County Armagh. The Navan Centre & Fort transforms into the spookiest spot in town—calling all ghosts, goblins, witches, and wizards to join the frightfully fun festivities
• Hallowe’en Ghost Tour of Armagh, 31^st October – 2^nd November, County Armagh. An evening of Ghosts and Ghouls – be sure to book a place on the Hallowe’en Walking tours of Armagh.
• Jail of Horror at Crumlin Road Gaol, 17^th-30^th October, Belfast. Step inside the Victorian Jail and face your darkest fears on an intense scare-after-scare journey with only one way out.
• Halloween at W5, 11^th October – 2^nd November, Belfast. W5 transforms into a world of magic, mystery, and spine-tingling fun. From ancient forests and ghostly encounters in the immersive Enchanted Hollow, to thrilling science experiments led by wizards and witches in Pumpkins and Potions, there’s something to captivate every curious mind.
• Let’s Go Hydro’s Drive-In Cinema, 16th – 19th October, 23rd October – 2nd November and Pumpkin Patch & Spookfest, 17th – 19th, 24th – 31st October, Belfast. Get ready for a spine-tingling Halloween at Let’s Go Hydro, Northern Ireland’s premier outdoor adventure destination. The Drive In Cinema brings classic horror, spooky family films, and Halloween favourites straight to your car. Or join them for a pumpkin patch and cosy autumn vibes at their lakeside venue.
• Death, Tragedy & Betrayal: The Darker Side of Clifton Street Cemetery (Tour), 24^th, 25^th and 31^st October, 1^st November, Belfast. Opened in 1797 as the ‘New Burying Ground’ there are many tales to be told here, with Death, Tragedy & Betrayal focussing on the ‘darker side’ of the cemetery’s history.
• Fear Forest at Colin Glen, 17^th October – 1^st November and the Pumpkin Forest & Gruffalo Walk at Colin Glen Forest Park, 12^th – 31^st October, Belfast. The forest will transform into a terrifying landscape filled with spine-chilling Halloween characters lurking in the shadows, ready to haunt your every step, or enjoy an autumn family adventure where you can explore a world of magic, story, and pumpkins.
• Hallowena @ The People’s Park in Ballymena, 30^th October and Halloween Hooley @ Larne Town Park, 31^st October, various locations across County Antrim. Join for some frightful fun and excitement this Halloween across County Antrim.
• Wings & Whistles at Whitehead Railway, 31^st October, Whitehead, County Antrim. A fun-filled Halloween day out with steam trains and birds of prey.
• Derry Halloween 2025, 28^th-31^st October, Derry~Londonderry. Be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival as the Walled City welcomes the spirit of Samhain through its historic gates for a festival like no other.
• Halloween Maghera, 31st October, Maghera, County Londonderry. Mini ghouls and goblins welcome. A safe and spooky event for all ages. Halloween Hooley returns to Maghera Leisure Centre with family friendly activities including funfair rides, toy set/carousel, trampolines, bumper cars, music/DJ, jump jiggle and jive dance, face painting, magic show, soft play, bouncy castle and games.
• Fright Night at The Jungle NI, 16^th-31st October and Hallowee’uns at Jungle NI, 18^th-31^st October, Moneymore, County Londonderry. Whether you’re a veteran victim or a first-time runner, this year’s Fright Night will test your nerve and twist your mind. Or the Jungle NI also comes alive with spooky magic and autumn mischief for Northern Ireland’s ultimate family Halloween day out.
• Kids Halloween Chocolate Making Experience at The Chocolate Manor, 31^st October, Castlerock, County Londonderry. In this one-hour kids only experience, children will be guided by their resident ‘shockolatier’ to make three spooktacular Halloween themed chocolate creations.

Get ready for more thrills and chills at www.discovernorthernireland.com and plan a spooktacular short break this Halloween. Activities and events are subject to availability.

By the pricking of my thumbs, something spooky this way comes… the Downpatrick and County Down Railway has had its fair share of ghosts and ghouls over the years, but nothing quite like its latest arrival – Dr Frankenstein himself.

Strange lights and noises have been reported around the heritage railway’s museum yard in recent weeks, and it seems the chaos of Halloween night has left the good Doctor with a problem. Several of his creations appear to have escaped into the County Down countryside, and he is now calling on the public to help him round them up.

“I had to flee my castle in Transylvania and was looking for somewhere I could conduct my experiments in peace,” the Doctor explained when we caught up with him this week. “Somewhere with lots of space and a ready supply of fresh parts.”

Asked if he meant the locomotives and machinery at the museum, he paused. “No, I don’t mean… well, maybe a little. Yes, there are some very useful bodies around the place. I could do with a strong man for my next project. I’ve had my eye on a volunteer or two.”

Pressed on what sort of doctor he actually is, Frankenstein was quick to defend his reputation. “There are some who call me mad, but I’m not. I suppose I’m part biologist, part surgeon. I’m always trying to push the boundaries of what we can do with life. Death does not need to be the end.”

The Doctor admits that some of his experiments may have wandered off during the Halloween night activities, and he needs help to track them down. He’s now summoning brave members of the public to join his recovery effort on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November, when The Curse of the Phantom Flyer takes over the Downpatrick and County Down Railway.

“Whatever you do, don’t get too close to them,” he warned. “They look a lot like you and me, only I think I might have left them a bit long before we dug them up. I made the perfect couple – if only they’d do what they’re told. Darn things got sentient and I think they’re trying to set up home near the river.”

“I need a crowd of people,” he said. “Wear your best and most frightening costume and let’s scare them into submission.”

This year’s show marks Avalard Productions’ third Halloween event at the railway, featuring a new storyline and characters inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The kid-friendly immersive performance, suitable for all ages, blends classic horror with comedy and audience participation, taking visitors through the historic railway site and on board a heritage train into the dark County Down countryside.

Avalard’s director Robert JE Simpson leads the cast as Dr Frankenstein, joined by Geoff Hatt, Marcus Keeley, and Debbie McCormack. “Every year we build something new,” Simpson said. “By staging this after Halloween, families get one last chance to enjoy the season. It’s a Halloween encore before winter truly sets in.”

Performances run at 3.00 pm, 4.15 pm, 5.30 pm on both days. Tickets are £17 per person or £60 for a family. Infants under 12 months travel free. Children’s tickets include face-painting by Kaz-a-Doodle.

Tickets and full details are available at www.downrail.co.uk

The 6th Annual Northern Ireland Country Music Awards Voted by the Public.

Monday 2nd February 2026

Exciting Racing Action on East Strand Portrush – 25th & 26th October 2025

The Knock Motorcycle Club Beach Race is set to make an exciting return to Portrush in 2025, bringing two action-packed days of motorsport competition to the sands of the North Coast.

This much-anticipated annual event will be held on Saturday, 25th October and Sunday, 26th October 2025, with racing scheduled from 11:00 to 15:00 each day.

Spectators are invited to enjoy the event free of charge, with a complimentary programme available to guide you through the weekend’s schedule.

Whether you’re a seasoned motorsport enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day out by the sea, the Knock Club Beach Race promises an electrifying atmosphere for all ages.

As the engines roar and the competitors battle it out on the sand, take advantage of the vibrant local hospitality and soak up the thrilling action from prime vantage points.

With the stunning backdrop of Portrush East Strand, this is an event not to be missed—mark your calendar, invite your friends, and be part of an iconic weekend celebrating speed, community spirit, and the beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastline.

Location

Portrush East Strand, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Easily accessible and renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, Portrush offers the perfect setting for high-adrenaline beach racing.

Schedule

·  Both Days Practice runs & 4 races per day per class

Please note that race timings and additional activities will be published closer to the event date.

Spectators entrance is free along with a complementary programme everyone welcome and encouraged to join the excitement on Portrush Beach.

This November, a unique pilates event ‘Movement and Stillness’, will grace Drawing Office Two at Titanic Hotel Belfast for the first time.

Curated by pilates instructor Nicola Morrison of Eclectic in Bangor, this immersive health and wellbeing experience aims to combine energising pilates with nourishing refreshments and a deeply restorative sound bath, all set against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic and historic hotel.

Designed to encourage both physical vitality and mindful reflection by engaging the body and mind, this event promises to leave guests feeling refreshed, centred, and balanced. Guests will begin their experience with an energising pilates session led by Nicola, whose holistic and thoughtful approach has earned her a loyal following in Bangor and across Northern Ireland. The session focuses on building strength, flexibility, and posture awareness, while also encouraging participants to connect deeply with their bodies and breath.

Nicola, who has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful and holistic pilates sessions at her Bangor health and wellness business, said: “This ‘Movement and Stillness’ event is about creating space for both energy and calm – the dynamic flow of pilates followed by the grounding and restorative experience of sound.

“To bring this concept to life out on the road from Eclectic for the first time to such a landmark venue as Titanic Hotel Belfast is incredibly exciting, and I’m thrilled to share this concept with those seeking a unique and uplifting health and wellbeing experience.”

Following movement in the pilates session, guests will participate in a sound bath with Aideen Carmichael to promote deep relaxation and inner stillness. Using resonant tones and gentle vibrations, the sound bath encourages a meditative state that can help reduce stress, restore balance, and leave participants feeling rejuvenated.

The event is open to all levels, whether you are a seasoned pilates practitioner or simply curious about exploring new ways to support your wellbeing. Whether seeking to enhance fitness, relieve stress, or simply experience something new in an inspiring setting, ‘Movement and Stillness’, a soulful morning dedicated to wellbeing, balance, and self-care.

‘Movement and Stillness’ at 10.00am on Sunday 23 November is priced at £40 per person and places are limited. To reserve your place, book now at
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=563547&stype=-7&sTG=74&sVT=1459&sView=day&sLoc=0&date=11/23/25

The Belfast International Horror Festival previously known as the Dark Hedges Film Festival returns for a fifth year with a new name and its biggest ever programme to date!

This year’s programme runs from 22-31 October, with 12 screenings across six different venues in the city.

 Live Here/ The Descent with Special guest Shauna Macdonald

This year’s highlights include the Irish premiere of Julie Pacino’s (Daughter of Hollywood legend Al) feature debut I Live Here Now, along with a special guest Shauna Macdonald, who will introduce a special screening of Neil Marshal’s The Descent, to mark the film’s 20th anniversary (Both Saturday 25 October).

The theme of “Female Rage” runs throughout this year’s programme and will be explored through a number of events, including a pop up ‘prom-themed’ screening of Brian De Palma’s Carrie (1976) at Ashfield Girls high school (22 October) along with screenings of Jennifer’s Body (29th October) and Bride of Frankenstein (26 October). The screening of Jame Whale’s feature will be followed by a discussion, hosted by local author Victoria Brown to examine how the horror/Sc-Fi genre represents the theme of female rage onscreen.

The Comedy of Horror

This year’s festival also features a new strand within the programme entitled “The Comedy of Horror,” which will look at some of the programmers’ favourite examples of movies that successfully manage to straddle these two very different genres.

There will be screenings of Peter Jackson’s Braindead (known as Dead Alive for American Audiences) and the cult classic Tammy and the T-Rex, starring Denise Richards and the late Paul Walker.

Both films will be introduced by a member of the festival’s team and will be accompanied by screenings of new films, including Irish filmmaker Zoe Kavanagh’s Demon Hunter: Time 2 Kill and Sander Maran’s absolutely bonkers Estonian horror-musical, Chainsaws Were Singing.

Tony Todd Double Bill

The festival will also pay tribute to the late Tony Todd, who passed away in November 2024 by screening two of the actor’s most iconic features, Candyman (1992) and Night of the Living Dead (1990) at Accidental Theatre (28 October).

Short Film Competition

The festival remains committed to its Short Film competition (27 October) with finalists in the International and Irish categories screening at the Accidental Theatre. Shorts within the festival’s ‘Official Selection’ category will also be available to watch online throughout the duration of the programme (22 – 31 October 2025) on the festival’s digital player (https://bihf.vhx.tv/).

Horror Movie Quiz

On Thursday 30th October (7pm) the festival’s annual horror movie quiz returns once again (Accidental Theatre) and as always there’ll be a range of prizes and goodies up for grabs.

The Craft onboard Belfast Barge

This year’s lineup concludes on Halloween night with a screening of The Craft onboard The Belfast Barge.

Website – www.bihf.co.uk

Socials

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