Derry Halloween - Family Programme

What to Expect

Derry Halloween is one of the largest Halloween festivals in Europe, and its main public events are free and built around families rather than ticketed adult nightlife. The Awakening the Walled City Trail runs from 6pm to 9pm on 28, 29 and 30 October, a walking trail through Guildhall Square, Shipquay Street, the Diamond, Bishop Street, the Cathedral Quarter and the streets inside the Walls, mixing illuminations, pyrotechnics, music and costumed characters along the route. Running alongside it, the Little Horrors programme brings arts and crafts, costumed character meet-and-greets, kids’ shows and storytelling sessions aimed specifically at younger children across the four days.

The festival closes on 31 October with the Carnival Parade at 7pm, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026 with hundreds of performers, floats and fire-breathing dragons winding through the city streets, followed by a fireworks finale over the River Foyle at around 8:15pm, weather permitting. Heart of Samhain brings four nights of music and food stalls at Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place across the same period. All of the above are free to attend, though the trail and parade both draw large crowds, so arriving early for a good spot is worth it with young children in tow.

Good to Know

• Awakening the Walled City Trail: 6pm-9pm, 28-30 October, free, city walls and Walled City streets
• Little Horrors kids’ activities: crafts, costume characters and storytelling, integrated throughout the festival
• Carnival Parade: 7pm, 31 October, 40th anniversary edition
• Fireworks: around 8:15pm, 31 October, over the River Foyle
• All main events are free and outdoors; dress for the weather

Getting There

Events are centred on Guildhall Square and the Walled City in Derry city centre, walkable from the main bus and rail links; expect road closures and heavy foot traffic on parade night.