The Ramsey and Harkin families in costume for Halloween night at a previous parade in Derry. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2144GS – 012The Ramsey and Harkin families in costume for Halloween night at a previous parade in Derry. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2144GS – 012
The Ramsey and Harkin families in costume for Halloween night at a previous parade in Derry. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2144GS – 012

IN PICTURES: What's On Derry Halloween 2023 - 19 free outdoor highlights

The countdown is on as the Halloween capital of Europe, Derry & Strabane prepares to host its annual flagship festival over four days.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 3rd Oct 2023, 16:08 BST
Updated 24th Oct 2023, 09:05 BST

We’ve compiled a list of 19 free outdoor events being staged across the city during the festival from this Saturday, October 28 to Tuesday 31, 2023. For a fuller list of outdoor and indoor events taking place in the city and wider region be sure to check out www.derryhalloween.com

The annual Halloween carnival parade will this year be themed around the Walled City of Bones and takes place in the city centre on Tuesday, October 31 at 7pm. Organised by the North West Carnival Initiative, the Carnival Parade will bring together hundreds of performers of all ages from right across the city. The parade will once again set off from Queens Quay along Boating Club Lane, Strand Road up to Queens Quay roundabout and along Embankment before turning at the corner of Water Street and returning via Embankment and Queen's Quay. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2244GS – 081

1. The Halloween carnival parade

The annual Halloween carnival parade will this year be themed around the Walled City of Bones and takes place in the city centre on Tuesday, October 31 at 7pm. Organised by the North West Carnival Initiative, the Carnival Parade will bring together hundreds of performers of all ages from right across the city. The parade will once again set off from Queens Quay along Boating Club Lane, Strand Road up to Queens Quay roundabout and along Embankment before turning at the corner of Water Street and returning via Embankment and Queen's Quay. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2244GS – 081 Photo: George Sweeney

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The City of Drones is a new addition this year and will see the dark skies over Derry come alive. Taking place at around 8.15pm immediately after the parade on Tuesday, October 31, the event will be the first of its kind in the north. The drone show will light up the sky over St Columb’s Park/ River Foyle on Halloween night, with 100 drones projecting a variety of spooky Halloween themed images. Can be seen from Queens Quay too. The show is supported by BT. DER4419GS - 019

2. Local people attending a previous Hallowe'en carnival.

The City of Drones is a new addition this year and will see the dark skies over Derry come alive. Taking place at around 8.15pm immediately after the parade on Tuesday, October 31, the event will be the first of its kind in the north. The drone show will light up the sky over St Columb’s Park/ River Foyle on Halloween night, with 100 drones projecting a variety of spooky Halloween themed images. Can be seen from Queens Quay too. The show is supported by BT. DER4419GS - 019 Photo: George Sweeney

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The fireworks finale display over the River Foyle will once again take place on Tuesday, October 31 at 8.30pm. Make sure to arrive early to secure a spot along the river to view the spectacle. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 31.10.18

3. The fireworks display over the River Foyle

The fireworks finale display over the River Foyle will once again take place on Tuesday, October 31 at 8.30pm. Make sure to arrive early to secure a spot along the river to view the spectacle. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 31.10.18 Photo: Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.

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HEART OF SAMHAIN: Guildhall Square & Waterloo Place, Saturday 28 to Monday 31 12noon - 9pm daily. A feast for the senses as live music is staged daily while all sorts of Hallowe'en characters and teams roam among the crowds in the city centre. There will also be food stalls and markets here in the heart of Derry, while the Creepy Critters Kids Farm will also be setting up stall here. (File Photograph: George Sweeney)

4. Heart of Samhain

HEART OF SAMHAIN: Guildhall Square & Waterloo Place, Saturday 28 to Monday 31 12noon - 9pm daily. A feast for the senses as live music is staged daily while all sorts of Hallowe'en characters and teams roam among the crowds in the city centre. There will also be food stalls and markets here in the heart of Derry, while the Creepy Critters Kids Farm will also be setting up stall here. (File Photograph: George Sweeney) Photo: George Sweeney

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