Derry Halloween marks 40th anniversary with massive focus on sensory-friendly fun
40th-anniversary lineup features non-spooky soft play, arts workshops, and active fun runs
Derry Halloween is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of family-friendly and inclusive activities this October, with a range of events designed to ensure everyone can get involved in the festival’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Running throughout the Halloween season, the programme features everything from sensory-friendly performances and dedicated SEN sessions to creative workshops, storytelling, indoor play and outdoor family adventures.
A key highlight is SEN-Sational Derry Halloween, taking place at the Guildhall on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28, from 10.30am to 11.30am. Designed specifically for children and adults with special educational needs, the sessions will feature sensory play, music, storytelling, relaxation activities and interactive experiences with Walter the friendly skeleton. Tickets cost £5 per person, with carers admitted free.
The festival is also offering a number of performances designed to provide a more relaxed and accessible experience. Freddy’s Lost His Fangs…Again, a Halloween pantomime at St Columb’s Hall, will feature a sensory-friendly performance on Thursday 29th October, while Granny D’s Halloween House Party at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin will offer a relaxed performance on Wednesday 28th October with softer lighting, no sudden bangs or noises, restricted capacity and the freedom for audience members to move around.
Families looking for creative activities can enjoy the Little Horrors family fun zone at Waterloo Place from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November, featuring arts and crafts, storytelling and face painting. Workshops across the city will also give children the opportunity to make Halloween masks, trick-or-treat bags, colourful capes and decorative pennants.
Younger visitors can explore Bonkers Halloween Town at Richmond Centre, with Halloween-themed soft play and role-play areas, while children aged four to eight can put their detective skills to the test with Sherlock Bones and the Mayor’s Missing Chain, an interactive mystery at the Verbal Arts Centre.
Outdoor activities will also feature prominently, including the Tiny Glow Walk at St Columb’s Park on Friday 30 October and the Monsters and Munchkins Family Fun Run on Saturday 31 October. Families can also enjoy the Halloween Park Run and a range of street entertainment throughout the festival.
Andrea Campbell, Festival Co-ordinator at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said family-friendly entertainment and inclusivity remained at the heart of Derry Halloween.
“Ensuring Derry Halloween is a welcoming and inclusive festival for everyone is a key priority for us. We’re delighted to offer another fantastic programme of family-friendly events as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, with activities and experiences to suit all ages and interests. From creative workshops and fun-filled family activities to dedicated SEN sessions and sensory-friendly performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and we want all families to feel part of the celebrations.”
A dedicated quiet and sensory space will be available at the Guildhall from 28 to 31 October, alongside a quiet-space cabin at the Monster Halloween Funfair at Ebrington Square.
Accessibility provisions across the festival also include accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, accessible viewing areas for the Halloween Carnival Parade and safety wristbands for children and vulnerable visitors. Spaces on the accessible viewing platform for the parade will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office. The full Derry Halloween 2026 programme is available now at www.derryhalloween.com.
For dedicated accessibility information, please visit https://derryhalloween.com/accessibility/
Visitors are advised to book accommodation and ticketed experiences early due to anticipated demand for this special 40th anniversary celebration.