Orange text reads "Derry Halloween" in a rough font, with a skull replacing the letter "O" in "Halloween" on a white background.

FAQ’s

Got questions about Derry Halloween? We’ve got the answers! Whether you’re wondering about event times, tickets, travel, or what to wear, our FAQ section covers everything you need to know to make your festival experience spooktacular.
When is Derry Halloween taking place?
Derry Halloween will take place from Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st October 2025.
  • The Awakening the Walled City Trail will take place from 6pm – 9pm, 28th – 30th October
  • The Carnival Parade will take place at 7pm and the Fireworks will take place at 8.15pm on 31st October.
Please note that these are approximate times.
If the Walls could speak, what would they say? 

For three nights the spirits arise to join you on the Awakening the Walled City Trail, a magical journey through the City of Bones where you will encounter the weird and wonderful characters who bring Halloween to life!

The story of Halloween is brought to life through illumination, performances, pyrotechnics and music, as the spirits cross over to join the festivities, bringing magic and mischief to the streets.

The Trail is located from Guildhall Square, along Shipquay Street, the Diamond, Bishop Street, the Cathedral Quarter and streets within the Walls.
The parade will return on Friday 31st October at 7pm!
The fireworks take place after the Carnival Parade, at approximately 8.15pm.  Please note that this is weather dependent, and there could be delays if there is rain.
Yes, the Awakening the Walled City Trail, the parade and fireworks  are all completely free for the public to attend!

There may be other events taking place which will have a fee or tickets required which will be highlighted in the listings when the programme is released.

The Awakening the Walled City Trail, parade and fireworks are all free and tickets are not needed.

However, tickets may be required for other parts of the programme.  All ticketed events will be highlighted in the programme, and online tickets can be found on the website when the programme is released.

Keep an eye on the website and our social media channels for updates.

Yes! There are lots of great value break offers available in our hotels and accommodation providers for the weekend. Remember, the Festival is extremely popular, and books up fast, so make sure to book early! For more info visit www.visitderry.com
Yes, yes, YES! We encourage everyone to dress up. When you visit you will see that almost everyone dresses up over the nights of Halloween / Samhain and this year will be no different.

You don’t have to buy expensive outfits either – DIY it!

We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Make sure to tag @derryhalloween when you share your photos. Keep in mind it is October, weather in Northern Ireland tends to be changeable – this is an outdoor experience so please dress appropriately.
If you would like to take part or volunteer with North West Carnival Initiative, email Jim at [email protected]
We design our events to welcome all ages. There will be some installations that appeal to younger individuals, some to older but the events overall are designed with everyone in mind.

Derry Halloween under Derry City & Strabane District Council is committed to ensuring that events are as accessible and inclusive as possible.

If you are interested in any sponsorship opportunities, simply email [email protected] and a member of the team will get back to you.

Derry is located in the stunning North West of Ireland, the charming city of Derry~Londonderry is very accessible by air, sea, rail, bus and road. For full details on how to get here, click here.

Derry Halloween will unfold across the city and also stretching to Strabane and Donegal.  The myths and mischief of Samhain will be interwoven throughout, connecting our city to the Worlds beyond the Walls.

You can download the programme here.

Derry Halloween offers plenty of car parking and accessible parking. For more information, this is available on our website by clicking here.

Motor home parking will be available this year on all four nights of the Festival.  Keep an eye on our website and socials to book.
Yes there will be lots to do at Derry Halloween for that age group! There is a Little Horrors programme, which includes kids shows in the Guildhall, arts & crafts, music, markets, story telling, a Creepy Critters kids farm and lots more!
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