Mid and East Antrim stirs up a cauldron of excitement as Halloween creeps closer

Friday 17 October 2025

Whether you're a thrill-seeker chasing haunted houses and ghost tours, or a family looking for pumpkin patches, costume parades, and spooky storytelling, Mid and East Antrim is your one-stop-shop for all things Halloween.

From Ballymena to Carrickfergus and Larne, local communities are pulling out all the stops to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Expect spine-tingling surprises, themed markets, fireworks displays, and plenty of treats (and maybe a few tricks).

Many events are free or low-cost, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

At the haunted Andrew Jackson Cottage, crafting activities run throughout the week from Saturday 25 to Thursday 30 October and are suitable for children.

On Halloween night, the cottage will host ‘Ghosts by the Fire’, an evening of eerie folklore, ghost stories and chilling local legends, providing a spine-tingling opportunity to uncover the haunted history of Carrickfergus.

Out at The Gobbins, the Visitor Centre is hosting the Re-Imagining the Islandmagee Witches exhibition each day until Sunday 2 November before it moves to Salem in the USA, the scene of the most famous witch trials of them all.

The exhibition was designed to enable a deeper understanding of the events that took place, here, over 300 years ago.

This was the last witch trial on the island of Ireland, at the end of a period when fear of witches had spread across Europe like wildfire.

The trial took place at Carrickfergus courthouse in 1711 when eight Presbyterian women and a man were found guilty of performing witchcraft against a young woman.

As part of the ghostly activities, special storytelling sessions for children – The Last Witches of Islandmagee - are running on Sunday 26 and Thursday 30 October at 12noon and 2pm.

For those that missed out on tickets for the CarrickFEARgus event at Shaftesbury Park, why not dust off your dancing shoes for a frightfully fun spooky disco at Carrickfergus Town Hall on Thursday 30 October between 12noon and 3pm.

This free event will hold a ‘relaxed’ session from 12noon to 1pm with calmer lighting and lower volume, perfect for anyone who prefers a gentler atmosphere.

On Thursday 30 October, Ballymena’s local Ghostbusters can get their photo taking with the famous Ecto-1, which will be on display at the Harmony Hub from 2pm to 3pm ahead of the main evening Hallowena event.

This is a ticketed event, and while some tickets are still available for the 6.30pm entry, you need to be quick as they are almost gone.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council wishes to remind the public that for everyone’s safety, no dogs, alcohol or fireworks are permitted in the park and under-16yrs must have a responsible adult with them.

There will be no access granted to the Hallowena event without an advance ticket.

Also on Thursday 30 October, Larne town centre will play host to a Fun and Fright Carnival from 1pm to 3pm.

Costumes are encouraged, laughter is guaranteed, and whether you are looking for threatening thrills or just some fearfully festive fun, Broadway in Larne town centre will be a hub of Halloween magic.

On Halloween day, Friday 31 October, why not come along to Ballymena BID’s ‘Ghostie’s Spooktacular Halloween Trail & Storytime’.

With a Trick or Treat Trail starting at Fairhill from 12noon, and entertainment for all the family through until 4pm throughout the town including: facepainting, a fancy dress competition, Monstrous Map, Spooky Storytime and a chance to meet Ghostie.

Visit the Ballymena BID’s Facebook page for more details!

Then on the big night itself, Larne Town Park comes alive for the ultimate Halloween Hooley. 

This free, ticketless event will begin with a ‘relaxed’ session from 5.15pm to 6pm for those who prefer quieter ghouls and goblins.

With carnival games, messy play, fire performers lighting up the night, and mischievous walkabout characters – it is sure to be an event for all the family, so gather your little pumpkins, dress for the occasion, and step into a Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss.

To round off the autumnal celebrations, The Gobbins Visitor Centre will also host a special Autum Craft Fair on Saturday 8 November from 10am to 3pm with a range of local talent and creativity!

This one-day event features an array of handmade treasures from skilled crafters in the area, offering everything from unique jewellery and hand-knitted accessories to beautiful woodwork and artwork.

There will also have a mix of beauty, essential oils and some wellbeing stalls – making it the perfect opportunity to support small businesses and discover items that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you're planning a night of fright or a day of delight, there's something here for every ghoul and goblin.

So, grab your broomstick, dust off your costume, and prepare for a hauntingly good time in Mid & East Antrim.

For a comprehensive list of Halloween activities taking place across Mid and East Antrim, visit our dedicated Tourism website at Shaped by Sea and Stone.