23 FRIGHTFULLY FUN things to do this halloween across Northern Ireland
Things are getting a little spooky around here 👻
Last updated 7th Oct 2026
Halloween is creeping ever closer, and Northern Ireland is getting ready to celebrate in suitably spooky style.
From eerie castle grounds and haunted trails to family-friendly festivals, pumpkin patches, fright nights and spectacular fireworks, there’s no shortage of things to see and do across the country this October.
Whether you’re looking for a terrifying night out with friends, a fun-filled day with the kids or simply an excuse to get dressed up, there’s something for everyone.
Check out our spooky list of just some of the local Halloween events you can experience this October across Northern Ireland 👇
Derry Halloween
This year Derry Halloween is celebrating their 40th anniversary, with four unforgettable nights this October. Join ghosts, banshees and mystical Celtic creatures as they come out to play on Derry's 400-year-old walls. Marvel at stunning light shows, acrobats and circus performers. Feel the warmth of the Derry welcome and dance alongside thousands of costumed revellers, under a sky filled with fireworks.
Spooked Out at V36
Dust off your broomsticks on Saturday 24 October when the popular Spooked Out at V36 returns with something for all the family. Come along, dress up and enjoy the fun with the Cool FM crew. The event will culminate with a dazzling firework display, using low noise effects, reducing the impact on local communities, pets and wildlife. Tickets are FREE (just a £2.50 booking fee), and 50p from every ticket supports the Mayor's Charities
The Jail of Horror at Crumlin Road Gaol
Dare to enter the darkness of Crumlin Road Gaol this Halloween, if you're brave enough. Explore the dark and terrifying depths of Belfast's historic Victorian prison in an experience filled with scares, screams and surprises. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Fright Night at The Jungle
If you want to get your heart racing, then The Jungle's fright night is for you. 11 nights of blood-curdling horror and entertainment which includes a Woodland Trail and six unique scare attractions, as well surprise characters lurking around almost every corner. Booking is essential, with limited availability so be sure to get in quick.
Game of Thrones - Beyond the Wall
This Halloween, as night falls across Westeros, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour transforms into a darker, more dangerous realm. Step beyond the Wall after hours and experience the Studio Tour like never before. Shadows stretch long across the frozen North. Ancient stories come to life. And not everything you encounter can be explained. Expect immersive performances, spine-tingling atmosphere and access to a major new set reveal, never before seen by the public.
Halloween Drive In Cinema Let’s Go Hydro
The Drive In Cinema returns to Carryduff at Let's Go Hydro for another terrifying horror movie marathon experience. Playing everything from Hocus Pocus, Monsters Inc. and Ghostbusters for the family, to Scream, The Conjuring, Insidious and Halloween after dark. Spaces are limited – choose your movie and get your tickets now!
Emerald Park After Dark Returns
Emerald Park is getting ready to turn up the thrills this Halloween as its highly anticipated Emerald Park After Dark event returns for 2026. Taking place on 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 30th October, guests can take to the night skies and experience 13 attractions under the cover of darkness.
Halloween at Montalto Estate
Gather your little adventurers and take on the Trail of Tiny Terrors, journeying through mysterious woodland, spooky scenes and magical realms as you search for the missing words needed to break the curse. Complete your quest, enjoy some time in the play park and finish your adventure by picking the perfect pumpkin 🎃 Book early to secure your preferred time slot
W5 Late Halloween
This Halloween, W5 comes alive after dark for an adults-only night of thrills, chills, and twisted science. Enjoy devilish drinks, face-painting artists are on site to give you a haunting new look, and test your nerve/knowledge) with speed quizzing before dancing along to some Halloween hits.
Halloween at Ark Farm
The Ark Farm offers a magical Halloween experience packed with pumpkins, play and plenty of spooky surprises. New for 2026, there's a special Halloween Mini Show as witches gather around the cauldron for bubbling brews, spell-casting and a touch of Halloween magic. Tickets include picking and carving a perfect pumpkin, slime-crafting, toasting marshmallows, and access to their Halloween Trail and Fairytale Forest. Don't forget to stop by the new Animal Encounters Barn to meet some creepy creatures.
Rowallowe'en Monster Rave
Put on your spookiest costume, warm up your dancing feet and get ready to dance til you drop. In collaboration with professional party animals Jump Jiggle & Jive, this is the perfect afternoon's fun for children age 4 and up. For more details on tickets and times, click below
Jump Jiggle and Jive delivers fun, interactive dance and movement sessions for children. Their classes are designed to get little ones moving, smiling and learning through music, rhythm and play.
Halloween at Streamvale Farm
Streamvale Farm are celebrating 10 years of their spell-bounding pumpkin patch this year, with thousands of pumpkins for families to choose from. And if you've got older kids, or looking for something fun to do with your friends this Halloween, check out their Screamvale event - offering thrilling scare attractions like Hanwood House, The Hollow and The Maze Tractor Ride.
Spooky activities at the Share Discovery Villa
Make the most of your Halloween week at Share Discovery Village - they've got everything from the Witchy Kitchen, Ghostly Archery, Spooky Bushcraft and Eerie Arts. Back by popular demand this Halloween is the Creepy Combat Corps where you can take on a series of creepy challenges including 🧟 Zombie Horde, 💉 Find the Cure and 👻 Guard the Ghost.
Hallowe'en at Ulster American Folk Park
Delve into the history of our spookiest season, and discover how the people of rural Ulster celebrated Hallowe'en traditions centuries ago, when folklore, superstition and tales of the unknown were woven into everyday life. Have a go at dressing a scarecrow, listen to tales of lore and misfortune, grab your partner by the hand at the barn dance, admire the sights of harvest and taste delicious Hallowe'en fayre like apple tart. Look out for a few friendly witches and other characters inspired by Hallowe'en folklore as you enjoy fun family activities.
The Wicked Witch & The Cursed Forest at the Marble Arch Caves
Something spooky is stirring in the forest surrounding the Marble Arch Caves. The Wicked Witch has cast a powerful curse, putting the forest and all its magical creatures in danger. The only hope of breaking the spell is to find the clues, uncover the Wicked Witch's secrets and stop her before her magic takes hold. Dress warmly and don your most spellbinding Halloween costume, witches, wizards, ghosts, goblins, or even a mini detective – the forest loves a splash of magic! There will be photo opportunities, and a prize for every child who completes the trail.
Trek & Treat at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes
For families who would rather spend time outdoors, meet animals and enjoy the colours of autumn, Ballyburren's Trek & Treat offers something genuinely different. Trek & Treat Halloween Alpaca Trekking combines Ballyburren's full guided alpaca trekking experience with scary guides, a Day of the Dead island stop, themed treats available to purchase and bouncy castle fun for children.
Murder Mystery Night at Armagh Planetarium
Experience Diamond Eye, the James Bond style Murder Mystery evening from Play Dead at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Do you thrive on danger, and can you choose your team wisely? Booking online is essential.
Todds Leap Horror Nights
The GET OUT! Todds Leap Horror Nights Experience is back and scarier than ever. With six scare attractions to explore, this is not for the faint hearted - Mannequins Maze, Devil's Passenger, Wicked Woods, No. 13 Ripper Alley, The Haunted Asylum and the Clown Maze. All 6 horror attractions, plus food and the Halloween Spooktail are included in your ticket - be sure to book online to avoid disappointment.
Pumpkins, Paws & Claws at Whitehead Railway Museum
This October, Whitehead Railway museum will be transformed into a world of pumpkins, spooky surprises and incredible creatures. Climb aboard for a short steam train ride - hauled by our 105 year-old steam locomotive No.3BG "Guinness" - within our premises using our heritage carriages. You will be transported to a bygone era! The perfect way to add a little railway magic to your Halloween adventure. Selected tickets include your very own plush pumpkin, making the perfect Halloween souvenir to remember your day.
Halloween at the Giant's Causeway
From Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st October, join a GIANT Halloween quest and step into four days of myth, mystery and adventure! Follow mysterious clues, meet mythical creatures and become part of an unforgettable Halloween at the land of legends.
Discover Halloween at Hillsborough Castle
This October half term, gather your little witches, wizards and adventurers for a spellbinding day out at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Explore 100 acres of enchanting gardens and visit the pumpkin patch to choose your own, follow a whimsical Halloween trail to help a crash-landed witch find the perfect broomstick, while discovering charming scarecrows and spooktacular displays.
SUPER Natural Adventures at Castle Espie
Swap the spooky for a SUPER Natural family-friendly Halloween adventure. Perfect for younger children, this magical experience offers a scare-free day out in nature. Explore the magical superpowers and folklore of the wetlands. With charming wildlife, seasonal creativity and plenty of outdoor fun and surprises, it's an awesome experience that will leave nature lovers spellbound.
Pumpkin Forest & Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen Forest Park
Enjoy a guided woodland walk around Colin Glen Forest Park, before getting into the Halloween spirit with our BOOgie Disco, Pumpkin Forest and broomstick-making activities. It's the perfect family day out, packed with creativity, Halloween magic and spooky surprises! Let your creativity take over as you make and decorate your very own Halloween broomstick to take home.
Read more:
All of the films and TV shows to watch on Disney+ this Halloween🎃
The best TV shows to watch this Halloween
The best TV crime dramas to binge watch right now