Derry is preparing to celebrate four decades of Halloween magic, with an expanded programme of events set to transform the city into a spectacular showcase of horror both inside and outside the historic city walls.

Returning for the 40th anniversary celebrations is the ‘Awakening The Walled City Trail,’ which will transform the city within and in the areas surrounding the historic walls, with a host of immersive attractions from 6pm to 9pm, Wednesday to Friday. The trail includes the Witchy Wonderland, presented by In Your Space Circus, bringing a spellbinding spectacle to the city walls each evening.

In Your Space Circus will also perform a spectacular aerial dance display at the Diamond.

The Flying Time Travellers will make their way through Pump Street from Wednesday to Friday, with 30-minute performances at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

Mayor Ruairí leads the ‘City of the Bones’ Halloween carnival parade back in 2025. Photo: George Sweeney

placeholder image — Mayor Ruairí leads the ‘City of the Bones’ Halloween carnival parade back in 2025. Photo: George Sweeney

The hugely popular drumming troupe SPARK! returns, performing at the top of Waterloo Street, Castle Gate and Shipquay Street at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

A Halloween Flash Dance will take place on Magazine Street at 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm and 8.30pm from Wednesday to Friday.

New Gate Arts and Culture Centre will become the city’s supernatural response station as 40 years of Derry Halloween spirits begin to break free in its new show, The City Awakens… Who You Gonna Call? Performances will take place at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm from Wednesday to Friday.

FUSE arts meanwhile will deliver an original outdoor performance experience, the haunting Blue Guardian, at Mute Meadows in Ebrington as part of the Awakening the Walled City Trail.

Zombie Circus performers in Derry’s city centre on Wednesday evening. Photo: George Sweeney

The Heart of Samhain events will run from Wednesday to Saturday, from noon to 9pm, across Guildhall Square and Harbour Square.

A stage in Guildhall Square will host performances from local artists throughout the festival, running from noon to 9pm each day. Also in Guildhall Square will be Legendscary Bites, featuring food from local and visiting vendors.

Harbour Square will host Wakey Wakey, presented by the Kitsch Sisters, where a cast of characters attend a traditional Irish wake. The attraction will be open from 6pm to 9pm, Wednesday to Friday, and from noon to 5pm on Saturday.

As part of the Freak Family Fun programme outside the city walls, Derry will host The Experience, a haunted house attraction in St Columb’s Hall. Running from Monday to Saturday between 6pm and 10pm, tickets cost £10 plus booking fees and the experience is suitable for those aged 10 and over.

Derry Halloween celebrations will reach their climax on Halloween night with the Carnival Parade, which begins at 7pm from Boating Club Lane. The parade will travel around the city, along Strand Road and onto the Embankment, before returning to its finishing point at Queen’s Quay.

Bringing the celebrations to a close will be the fireworks finale at 8.15pm.

The council has advised the public to be aware of closed roads during Halloween and limited parking to facilitate the events. Additional temporary parking will be available at Ulster University’s Magee car park on Halloween night.

For more information on parking and access visit: https://derryhalloween.com/carparkingandroadclosures/