Things To Do With The Family this Halloween

As half-term is fast approaching and the spooky spirit starts creeping in, eyes are starting to turn to all of the eerie events on over the break.

If you’re looking for some ghoulish goodness to trick or (more likely) treat your family to this Halloween, check out our lowdown of the highlights of what’s on.

Pumpkin Picking at Joe’s Farm Crisps

Joe’s Farm Crisps, Killeagh | Until 27 October

From the woods of Glenbower to the pumpkins at Joe’s, Killeagh is never short of a great offering it seems. Already up and running and continuing on selected dates until 27 October, the family farm welcomes in guests to the grounds where over 30,000 pumpkins have been carefully and lovingly nurtured and grown, ready to be picked and taken home.

Visitors can take in the scenery of the farm as they walk around and pick vegetables, learn about farming and select their very own pumpkin to head home with them. Those attending can also check out the live music performances on every day, different princesses will be on hand to offer their face-painting services and food and drink is available at the farm shop.

Remember, Joe’s Farm is a working farm and is located in Ireland after all, so dressing for the occasion is essential. Halloween costumes that incorporate wellies might be on the cards.

FIND PUMPKIN PICKING TICKETS HERE >>>

Sorchas na Samhna

Athboy Fairgreen, Athboy | 29 October – 1 November

Step right up and prepare yourself for a unique, diverse and entertaining Halloween show fit for the whole family. Traditional circus gets blended with ultra modern lighting, dancing, and special effects as Sorchas na Samhna puts the Irish into Halloween. Get ready to pick your jaw up from the floor and be dazzled, dizzied and delighted.

Available on Sunday 1 November, Púca Festival offers an Accessibility Circus for those with accessibility needs and/or sensory sensitivities, and their families, complete with relaxed lighting and sound and a supportive environment including a reduced capacity for comfort of guests.

FIND SORCHAS NA SAMHNA TICKETS HERE >>>

Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf

Ambassador Theatre, Dublin | 24 – 30 October

Who says a panto is just for Christmas? Oh no, it’s not. The Ambassador Theatre presents an all-new Halloween adventure to delight families and audiences of all ages. Travel along with Little Red as she heads through an enchanted forest to visit her grandmother and meets all sorts of characters along the way, not least one very surprising Big Bad Wolf. Think you know where the story is going? Prepare to be surprised as this riotous Halloween treat takes on a life of its own, with twists, turns and all the panto chaos you could want.

Still got your welly-themed costume from earlier? You’re in luck as audience members are encouraged to attend in costume to add to the festive fun, with prizes for the best dressed at selected performances.

FIND LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD WOLF TICKETS HERE >>>

Púca Procession, Pyro Collective and Lighting of the Samhain Fire

Trim & Athboy | 30 & 31 October

A triple whammy, as they say in the business, Púca Festival isn’t letting up on the fantastical happenings this Halloween. The iconic Púca Procession heads throughout Trim on Friday 30 October as the spirits gather in preparation for the festival ahead, spurred on by spectacular performances, music and costumes.

Following the Procession, the renowned Pyro Collective will amaze audiences of all ages with their dynamic fire choreography, aerial acrobatics, and atmospheric effects, all set against the backdrop of Trim Castle a performance that blends the world’s ancient myth with the modern.

On Saturday 31 October, Athboy hosts the Lighting of the Samhain Fire. As the sun sets and the veil between worlds grows ever thinner, the ancestral Samhain flame will be lit in a celebration of those who have passed before us.

All three of these amazing events are free to attend, so the whole family can head on down and witness the spectacle.

The Pumpkin Express at Oakfield Park

Oakfield Park, Raphoe | 24 – 26 October

If you’re reading this, you’re already on the right track when it comes to finding some family fun this Halloween, but if you’re still stuck for what to choo-choose then The Pumpkin Express has arrived right on schedule. Located in the scenic Oakfield Park, the train takes visitors on a trip they’ll never forget. Calling in at the Sinister Pumpkin Patch, the Creepy Craft Corner and some Hair-Raising Photo Spots, The Pumpkin Express will delight any passengers that dare to board.

Attendees with smaller children are recommended to book for the earlier time slots between 3pm and 5pm, where the atmosphere is a little less ghostly but no less fun.

FIND THE PUMPKIN EXPRESS TICKETS HERE >>>

Jerry Fish’s Electric Sideshow Cabaret at Púca Festival

Trim Castle Hotel, Trim | 31 October

The name Jerry Fish is now synonymous with festivals, carnival sideshows, circus and theatre, and now the enigmatic performer is bringing his legendary live show to Púca Festival. Redefine what “normal” means with this mischief-filled show, brimming with colour, music, and circus magic.

Part concert, part carnival and entirely unforgettable, audiences can expect larger-than-life characters, plenty of surprises and a one-of-a-kind performance from who Hot Press described as a “ringmaster of exceptional renown” and a “showman extraordinaire” all set on the spookiest night of the year.

FIND JERRY FISH TICKETS HERE >>>

Halloween Extravaganza at Balmoral Hotel

Balmoral Hotel, Belfast | 31 October

Halloween is back at Balmoral with a fresh new variety show bringing magic to the air with comedy, music and spooky surprises. Joining in on the fun are Beetlejuice, Wednesday Addams, The Sanderson Sisters and The K-Pop Slayers, with plenty of room for the little ones to join in on the fun.

Starting at 1pm, the show leaves plenty of time to get home in time for trick-or-treating. Guests can come in costume, so you can combine outfit prep with Halloween silliness and really get your money’s worth out of those wellies!

FIND HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA TICKETS HERE >>>

Still searching for the Halloween event for you? Looking for something scarier to spark the festive spirits? There are screams galore in our Halloween Guide.