Halloween events in Northern Ireland 2026

Blog

By Angela, Front Desk Manager

**Published:** 02 September 2026

**Read Time:** 5 minutes

Halloween falls on Saturday 31st October in 2026, making it the perfect excuse for an autumn day out or a weekend away. We've rounded up some of the best Halloween events across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, County Down and further afield.

Halloween events in Belfast

Samhain at Friar's Bush

Step into one of Belfast's oldest burial grounds for an atmospheric Halloween experience at Friar's Bush. The evening tours explore Samhain traditions through folklore, storytelling, music and history.

When: Sunday 25 October 2026
Where: Friar's Bush Graveyard, Belfast
Price: £20
Best for: Adults and older children interested in folklore and history
Little Monsters at the MAC

For something a little less frightening, the MAC is hosting a Little Monsters Halloween Workshop combining storytelling, music and creative activities for children.

When: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Where: The MAC, Belfast
Price: £7
Best for: Families with younger children
W5 Late Halloween

For a Halloween night out with a difference, W5 is opening after dark for an adults-only evening of science with a spooky twist. Expect unusual experiments, speed quizzing, face painting and a live DJ, with licensed bars serving drinks throughout the evening.

When: Friday 30th October
Where: W5, Belfast
Price: £17
Best for: Adults, groups of friends

Halloween events in County Down

Halloween at Ulster Folk Museum

Step back in time and discover the Irish origins of Halloween at Ulster Folk Museum, with three days of traditional celebrations inspired by Samhain and All Hallows’ Eve. Expect mask-making, mumming, spooky storytelling, turnip carving, crafts, seasonal food and even a murder mystery.

When: 29–31 October 2026, 10am–4pm
Where: Cultra, County Down
Price: Adult £15, Child £9.35
Best for: Families, folklore and traditional Halloween celebrations
Spirits of the East Coast

Take a spooky Halloween walk through Donaghadee, hearing ghoulish tales and stories from the old harbour town with local guide Nicky Jones. Afterwards, settle your nerves at Grace Neill’s with a Copeland Gin cocktail or soft drink.

When: Saturday 31st October 2026
Where: Donaghadee, County Down
Best for: Adults, ghost stories and local folklore
Autumn Wreath Workshop in the Walled Garden

Get creative this autumn at The Walled Garden in Helen’s Bay, where florist Kathryn Millar will guide you in creating a seasonal wreath using flowers, foliage, berries and seed heads gathered from the garden.

When: 1st October 2026
Where: Helen’s Bay, County Down
Price: £75 per person
Best for: A creative autumn evening

Pumpkin patches in Northern Ireland

Looking for pumpkin picking in Northern Ireland? There are plenty of patches to choose from this October, including several within easy reach of Belfast and Clandeboye Lodge.

Pickie Funpark - Bangor
Streamvale Open Farm - Dundonald
Ark Open Farm - Newtownards
Mountpanther Farm Park - Downpatrick

Derry Halloween 2026

One of Northern Ireland's biggest Halloween celebrations returns for a particularly special year in 2026.

Derry Halloween takes place from 28–31 October, marking the festival's 40th anniversary. Across four nights, Derry~Londonderry will be transformed with folklore, fire, performances and celebrations inspired by the ancient traditions of Samhain.

The Awakening the Walled City trail runs from 28–30 October, before celebrations culminate on Halloween night with the city's Carnival Parade at 7pm and fireworks.

More things to do this autumn

Take an autumn walk

Halloween doesn't have to mean scares. Crisp autumn days are made for getting outdoors, and Clandeboye Lodge is within easy reach of woodland and coastal walks around Bangor and County Down. Discover more walks and outdoor experiences near Clandeboye Lodge through our Out & About guide.
Make a weekend of it

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, why not make a weekend of it? Tucked away in tranquil woodlands near Bangor, Clandeboye Lodge is perfectly placed for exploring Halloween events across Belfast and County Down, before heading back for dinner at Coq & Bull and a relaxing night away.

Halloween in Northern Ireland FAQs

Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026. Many Halloween events across Northern Ireland take place during the week leading up to Halloween and over the October half-term break.
Derry Halloween is one of Northern Ireland's biggest Halloween celebrations and marks its 40th anniversary in 2026. You'll also find pumpkin patches, ghost tours, family events and Halloween experiences across Belfast, County Down and beyond.
Clandeboye Lodge is tucked away in tranquil woodlands near Bangor, around 15–20 minutes from Belfast. It's well placed for exploring Belfast, Bangor, County Down and the surrounding coast during an autumn break.
Pumpkin patches can be found across Northern Ireland throughout October, including options in Bangor, Dundonald, Newcastle and Magherafelt. Advance booking is recommended for many of the most popular pumpkin-picking experiences.