Halloween 2026: What’s happening in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus
Friday 25 September 2026
Families across Mid and East Antrim can look forward to three days of Halloween entertainment this October, with fireworks, spooky trails, live performances, fancy dress, discos and town centre activities planned across Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus.
Events will run from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council publishing an evolving programme of family-focused activities taking place throughout the borough.
Three big park events
The main celebrations begin at Larne Town Park on Thursday 29 October with the Halloween Hooley, followed by Hallowena at People’s Park in Ballymena on Friday 30 October and CarrickFEARgus at Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus, on Saturday 31 October.
Hallowena and CarrickFEARgus are ticketed, while the Larne Halloween Hooley does not require a ticket. Each of the three park events will also include a relaxed session designed to offer a more comfortable experience for people who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Across the three evenings, families can expect live performances, spooky walkabouts, themed trails, music, messy play, discos, children’s activities and food, with fireworks planned to round off the Ballymena and Larne celebrations, weather permitting.
Tickets for Hallowena and CarrickFEARgus are free for children under 12, although a ticket must still be booked for each child. Tickets for those aged 12 and over cost £2.35, plus £0.50 booking fee.
Halloween fun in Larne
The celebrations are not limited to the evening events, with town centres across the borough hosting their own Halloween activities.
Larne’s Spooky Carnival returns on Thursday 29 October from 1pm to 3pm in the town centre, featuring carnival games, spooky walkabout performers, face painting, music and other family entertainment.
Carrickfergus events
Carrickfergus Town Hall will host a free spooky silent disco on Friday 30 October from 12 noon to 4pm. A relaxed session will run from 12 noon to 1pm for those who would prefer a calmer experience.
The Mystery of the Missing Pumpkin treasure trail will also take place in Carrickfergus that day, running from 12 noon until 4pm, with the final start at 3pm.
Ballymena gets into the Halloween spirit
Ballymena town centre will come alive with Halloween activities on Friday 30 October ahead of the evening Hallowena celebrations at People’s Park.
Play buses will be stationed at Wellington Street from 12 noon to 4pm, while the Haunted Harvest Treat Trail will start from Tower Centre between 12 noon and 2pm. Face painting and other activities will also take place throughout the day.
Fairhill will host a Fancy-Dress Competition between 2pm and 4pm, giving children and families another opportunity to get into costume before the evening celebrations begin.
How to find out more and book
The Council says its Halloween programme is continuing to evolve, meaning further activities and details may be added in the run-up to the celebrations.
With daytime activities followed by the borough’s major park celebrations, families can choose from events across all three towns over the Halloween period.
Halloween 2026 at a glance
Here’s the rundown of the main Halloween events announced across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne, making it easier for families to decide where to go and what needs booked.
• Thursday 29 October – Larne
Larne Fun & Fright Carnival – Broadway, Larne Town Centre, 1pm–3pm. Free family event featuring carnival games, spooky walkabout performers, face painting, music and seasonal entertainment.
Halloween Hooley – Larne Town Park. Free entry with no ticket required. Families can expect Halloween entertainment including carnival games, messy play, fire performers and spooky walkabout characters.
• Friday 30 October – Ballymena
Ballymena Town Centre Halloween – 12 noon–4pm. Free activities will take place around the town throughout the afternoon.
Haunted Harvest Treat Trail – collect a free trail map from Tower Centre and begin anytime between 12 noon and 2pm before visiting participating businesses around Ballymena to collect Halloween treats.
Free Halloween Face Painting – Tower Centre, 12 noon–4pm.
Fancy-Dress Competition – Fairhill, 2pm–4pm. Entrants can have their photograph taken before the pictures are published on the Ballymena Means Facebook page for a public vote. Five winners will each receive a Ballymena Gift Card.
Hallowena – People’s Park, Ballymena. A ticketed quiet hour runs from 5pm–6pm, followed by the main event from 6pm–8.30pm. Attractions include a fire juggling display, fancy dress competition, spooky characters, children’s funfair, live music and an extended illuminated trail through the park. Fireworks are scheduled for 8.20pm, weather permitting.
Hallowena tickets cost £2.35 plus booking fee for everyone aged 12 and over. Children aged 11 and under are free, but every adult and child attending must have their own advance ticket. A maximum of eight tickets can be booked together.
People’s Park will be closed to the public during Friday 30 October while the event site is prepared, reopening for the ticketed quiet hour at 5pm. Dogs, alcohol and personal fireworks are not permitted, while under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Friday 30 October – Carrickfergus
Spooky Silent Disco – Carrickfergus Town Hall, 12 noon–4pm. The free event begins with a relaxed session from 12 noon–1pm for those who would prefer a quieter experience, followed by the main silent disco. Booking is required.
The Mystery of the Missing Pumpkin – a free treasure trail running in Carrickfergus from 12 noon–4pm, with the final opportunity to start the trail at 3pm.
• Saturday 31 October – Carrickfergus
CarrickFEARgus – Shaftesbury Park. A ticketed relaxed session runs from 5.15pm–6pm, with entry time slots for the main event running from 6pm–7.45pm.
Activities include the School of Wizardry interactive show, The Spooky Spectacular, a UV Broomstick Jiggle, Bubble Zone, slime workshops, sensory messy play, Halloween carnival games, roaming characters, fire performers and stilt walkers. Food and treats will also be available to buy.
Tickets cost £2.35 plus booking fee for everyone aged 12 and over. Children aged 11 and under are free, but all adults and children require a ticket. A maximum of eight tickets can be booked together.
Booking and latest information
As the programme is continuing to evolve, families should check the council’s Halloween page for the latest information and any additional events before travelling.
Full details and booking information are available at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Halloween-2026.
