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

Whats On at derry halloween 2026

Europe’s largest Halloween festival is back for the 4oth Anniversary in 2026!

Step into a city transformed. Where the supernatural meets the spectacular, and ancient folklore collides with modern-day Halloween celebrations.

Where ghouls and fairies roam the streets, and zombie nuns party with disco-loving skeletons. Where thousands dress up for a huge parade, and haunted buildings creak open their doors to those who dare to peek inside.

Where young and old, from near and far, come together under the Samhain moon for four unforgettable days.

Events

As the Walled City comes alive with the spirit of Samhain, Derry transforms into a playground of myth, magic, and mischief.

For four days and four nights, we’ve got tricks (think gravity-defying acrobatics, circus craic, and cutting-edge immersive experiences), treats (Samhain baking demonstrations, kids’ storytelling sessions, and scrumptious street food), and loads more surprises.

All leading to the famous finale on October 31: our homegrown Halloween parade, and stunning fireworks display.

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Plan your Visit

For four unforgettable nights in October, our ancient Walled City is transformed into Halloween HQ – and you’re on the guest list.

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Awakening the Walled City Trail

Join us on a magical journey through the City of Bones – what weird and wonderful characters will you meet this year?
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Little Horrors

We’ve loads of treats and tricks in store for wee ones at Derry Halloween!
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Parade & Fireworks

Grab your costume and cheer on this spellbinding Samhain parade. Watch the skies come alive with colour as this annual highlight returns with a bang!

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AWAKENING The Walled City Trail

The Derry Walls are under siege again: from an army of spirits!
As Samhain approaches, and the veil separating 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 tingles as a multitude of immortal creatures invade our ancient walls, cobbled streets and darkened alleyways.
Group of people wearing skeleton costumes and face paint, posing energetically on a street. Buildings and a crowd are visible in the background.
Little Horrors

Little Horrors

Join us for Little Horrors at Derry Halloween, where family fun takes centre stage! Unleash your creativity with arts and crafts, transform into your favourite Halloween character, be mesmerised by our spooky kids’ shows, and gather around for enchanting storytelling that sparks the imagination and tickles your funny bone.

Heart Of Samhain

For four nights, Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place will come alive with musical performances, and delicious food stalls where revellers can refuel. Senses are stirred and taste buds tantalised as melodies hang in the cold night air.
A busy outdoor market takes place in front of a historic clock tower building, with stalls, crowds of people, and autumn trees under a cloudy sky.

Live Music

As night falls, the Derry air is filled with the rhythms of the undead. So, let’s make a song and dance of it! From haunting harmonies to out-of-this-world beats, you can enjoy a brilliant line-up of live performances in our music-loving city.

Samhain Stage

Let local artists bewitch you with live music in the very heart of the city. Unwind, dance, and embrace the Halloween spirit.

Cathedral Quarter Stage

Haunting harvest harmonies echo through the beautiful Cathedral Quarter. With its old churches and historic buildings nestled along the Derry Walls, settings don’t get more atmospheric than this.
Four musicians wearing wicker masks and costumes perform on a stage with guitars, drums, and a fiddle under colorful stage lights.
Carnival Parade

Carnival parade - 7pm

To feel the true spirit of the city, and the warmth of our people, join us at the beating heart of the festival: the Carnival Parade. This event is all about community, inclusivity, and coming together to celebrate our proud and resilient city.

While the parade is grassroots, it’s big, bold and very ambitious: imagine 40,000 people, all cheering along in fancy dress as a huge procession of innovative floats, talented performers and crazy costumes winds its way through our city. We’d love to see you there.

Fireworks Finale

See the River Foyle and the city’s landmarks lit up in technicolour at Derry Halloween’s epic fireworks finale. Feel the magic in the air as these beauties erupt – from sparkling showers to massive showstoppers! A spectacular end to an unforgettable four days.

Strabane halloween

Halloween magic isn’t just in Derry – the streets of nearby Strabane also come alive with brilliant performances, immersive storytelling, and festive frights designed to bring the spirit of Samhain to life.

We love a good party in this historic and friendly market town. Think ghoulishly good live music, spine-tingling street theatre, and costumed characters roaming the streets. Revellers of all ages can enjoy interactive activities, spooky stories and dazzling light displays that transform Strabane into a hauntingly vibrant Halloween hub.
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Strabane Halloween 2024 (23) (1)

Local Attractions

There’s so much to see in our beautiful city and surrounding area. From fascinating museums and historic landmarks, to award-winning walking tours and great value-for-money experiences. And, of course, one of our most-loved exports: the famous Derry Girls!
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Visit Derry Pass

Pick up this great-value sightseeing pass and explore ten handpicked attractions in the city, across one or two days.
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Peace Bridge

Take a walk over the winding River Foyle on this beautiful and symbolic feat of engineering.
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Derry Girls Experience

Follow Erin, Orla and friends around the filming spots and landmarks that helped make this show a huge hit.
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Museums

From the Tower Museum to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum, explore the city’s fascinating history and culture.
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Tours

The Walled City, the Maiden City, political, historical, music and cultural, walking or ‘hop on hop off’ bus tours; take your pick!
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Shopping

Discover lots of great independent stores, filled with handmade local and artisan crafts, gifts and treats.

Top 10 things to do near Derry

While you’re here, check out what’s near. You’re just a stone’s throw from some of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks

Giant's Causeway (1.5 hours from Derry)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity gives way to breathtaking coastal views.

The Dark Hedges (1 hour from Derry)

An iconic filming location for Game of Thrones, this stunning avenue of beech trees creates a magical atmosphere.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (1.5 hours from Derry)

Situated near Ballintoy, this rope bridge offers an adrenaline-filled crossing over a deep chasm to a small island, if you’re brave enough.

Dunluce Castle (1.5 hours from Derry)

Situated near Ballintoy, this rope bridge offers an adrenaline-filled crossing over a deep chasm to a small island, if you’re brave enough

Binevenagh Mountain (30 minutes from Derry)

Enjoy stunning views over Lough Foyle and the surrounding countryside at this unique filming location for Game of Thrones.

Malin Head (1 hour from Derry)

The northernmost point of Ireland and known for its dramatic scenery, cliffs, and beautiful coastal views. Take a walk or a picnic by the sea.

Mussenden Temple (1 hour from Derry)

A gorgeous Georgian mansion ruin and Mussenden Temple, high on a cliff with amazing views over the Atlantic.

Royal Portrush Golf Club (1 hour from Derry)

Get a round in on one of the world’s most famous golf courses. Play where all the greats have played.

Faq’S

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.
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