Derry Halloween celebrates 40 years of magic, spooky sights & thrilling entertainment
Last updated 9 hours ago
The legendary Derry Halloween Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, as the Walled City prepares to come alive with a spectacular celebration of all things spooky.
From 28th October to 1st November, the Walled City of Derry will transform into a realm of spirits, folklore and fire.
Derry Halloween welcomes over 120,000 visitors to Europe’s largest Halloween festival and is rooted in 2000 years of Samhain tradition,
From its humble beginnings in a local pub, to Europe’s largest street celebration of Halloween today, the journey of four decades is a story of community, creativity and carnival spirit that continues to capture imaginations the world over.
This year's theme is “It’s In Our Bones” - it suggests that Derry’s spirit isn’t just in its streets or buildings, but in the very bones of its people, its land, and its history.
Derry Halloween 2026 Highlights
👻 Awakening the Walled City Trail - 28th to 31st October, 6-9pm
Embark on a journey along the Awakening the Walled City Trail, where rich folklore, history, and heritage come to life in a truly unique experience. As Samhain approaches, and the veil separating the living and dead grows ever thinner, get ready for an otherworldly takeover of EPIC proportions.
Brace yourself for three nights of enchantment, mischief and spine tingling thrills as a multitude of immortal creatures invade our ancient walls, cobbled streets and darkened alleyways.
🧙♀️ Carnival Parade - Halloween Night, 31st October, 7pm
700+ community performers take to the streets with floats, music and spectacle, weaving its magic through the City Centre.
🎆 Fireworks Finale - Halloween Night, 31st October, 8:15pm
A dazzling blaze of colour lights up the River Foyle
Other highlights include...
🪩 Little Horrors
Interactive kids shows, storytelling, arts & crafts, Trick or Treat Trail, Halloween discos and creative workshops.
🎃 Heart of Samhain
The Heart of Samhain is brought to life with ghostly festivities under the glowing Samhain Moon. Join the supernatural celebration with live music on our Samhain stage, browse the mystical Haunted Harvest Market, and watch as spirits and ghouls feast on the sights, sounds and tastes of Halloween. This is where the magic of Samhain comes alive in the heart of our ancient walled city.
🍕Food & Markets
The festival Haunted Harvest Market in the Cathedral Quarter and the brand new LegenDerry Bites of Terror food spooktacle at Waterloo Place.
🎪 Freaky Family Fun
Ghost storytelling and tours, Halloween bread baking, potion making, retro film screenings, circus shows and creative arts activities.