Strabane Halloween: Bigger, bolder and more bewitching than ever!

GET ready for a Halloween celebration like no other as Strabane prepares to transform into a spooktacular hotspot of Samhain magic this October!

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, councillor Ruairí McHugh, officially launched what promises to be the town’s biggest and most exciting Halloween programme yet, with an action-packed schedule designed to thrill ghosts and ghouls of all ages.

Strabane town centre will be jam-packed with street theatre, live entertainment, creepy characters and eerie installations, while Strabane Library will become a hive of Halloween activity, bursting with shows, workshops and seasonal fun in the lead-up to the big day.

“This year’s programme really raises the bar," the Mayor said. "The team have reimagined how we celebrate Halloween in Strabane, bringing the festivities right into the heart of the town and making full use of our fantastic local spaces like Strabane Library and the town centre.

"The result is a festival that feels fresh and exciting, but still deeply rooted in the community spirit and creativity people have come to love.

"We’ve got something for everyone - from spooky storytelling and street theatre to thrilling live shows and spectacular fireworks.

"It’s going to be a magical celebration, and I’d encourage everyone to come out and be part of it."

Throughout October and into early November, Strabane Library will host a spellbinding series of family-friendly events.

Audiences can enjoy performances from the Barking Dog Theatre Company, including the delightful 'Frank n Stein’s Teddy', the mysterious 'Ghost Hunter' and Ray Bubbles will performing some bubble magic with the Ultimate Bubble Show - perfect for young Halloween lovers.

In addition, the library will run a range of Halloween-themed arts, crafts and music workshops, offering children plenty of opportunities to get creative and immerse themselves in the spooky season.

There will also be family fun across the district.

The Halloween Hay Trail kicks off the eerie adventure from October 16, inviting families to take a scenic drive through the district’s villages.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for witches, scarecrows and other spooky surprises that may be lurking in the shadows.

Pumpkin picking also returns in full force from October 11 with Pumpkin Patches around the district to delight the little ones.

The festive fun continues with the Castlederg Apple Fair taking place on October 25, bringing seasonal produce, entertainment and a vibrant autumnal atmosphere to the town.

On October 24, the ever-popular Hoolie on the Hill makes its return, promising a lively celebration for all ages.

Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the Haunted Maze at Lisnafin Ardnalee Trust Community Centre, running from October 25 to 27.

Meanwhile, The Den at Melmount Centre will host its Haunted House from October 27 TO 30, packed with ghostly goings-on and eerie encounters.

On Halloween Day itself - October 31 - Strabane town centre will come alive with creepy characters, colourful costumes, and plenty of frights and delights for the whole family.

From 12 noon, visitors can enjoy a full afternoon of live street entertainment and shows featuring performances from W5: Now Thats What I Call Science and Fizz Wizz Pop.

Wacky Witch Winifred, Funny Bones and the mischievous Grumpy Dracula will all be lurking about so you had better watch out!

If you are brave enough why not face The Wall of Terror and get up close to crawling jungle beasts.

A highlight of the programme is the ever popular Trick or Treat Trails.

Leaving from Strabane Library wickedly wonderful witches will lead you through the streets of Strabane picking up treats along the way, finishing with storytelling in the pagoda. Tickets for Trick or Treat Trails must be pre-booked.

Rumour has it that the Trick Roar Treat dinosaurs will be back, causing prehistoric mayhem as they stomp their way through town.

Over at Strabane Library, Parky the Magician will be performing jaw-dropping magic shows throughout the afternoon, alongside special Halloween arts and crafts workshops for children plus boogie the afternoon away with Halloween disco and facepainting.

Other highlights of the day will include Grass Roots 'Scarecrow Lane', a fun day at Melvin Sports Complex and Halloween fitness and fun at Riversdale Leisure Centre.

The day will end in spectacular fashion with a dazzling fireworks finale at 7pm.

The best viewing location is the Melvin Running Track, where families can gather and watch the night sky light up with colour and magic.

As the sun sets and the fireworks fade, the Halloween vibes will continue into the weekend with Strabane Halloween After Dark.

Local pubs will be buzzing with spooky tunes, live music, themed entertainmen, and late-night festivities - perfect for those looking to celebrate into the witching hour.

Don't miss spooky vibes, live music & late-night fun in pubs such as Christy's, Charlies, XOX, The Harp and Fiddle, The Farmers Home and Diceys for a hauntingly good weekend.

A council spokesperson said: "Whether you're searching for family-friendly daytime fun or a night of ghostly thrills, Strabane promises a Halloween experience like no other.

"This year’s festival is packed with eerie entertainment, costumed performers, glowing light installations, supernatural spectacles and more.

"Dare to join us - if you’re brave enough - and discover Halloween 2025 like never before!"

All ticketed events at Strabane Library must be pre-booked.

Book online at www.alley-theatre.com or call the Box Office on 028 71384444.

Full programme and updates, visit:

www.strabanehalloween.com

Strabane Halloween is proudly supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Strabane BID.