Hallowena in Ballymena, and more: Mid & East Antrim’s spooktacular Halloween events for 2025

As the nights draw in and pumpkins begin to glow, Mid & East Antrim is gearing up for a thrilling Halloween season in 2025.

From the dazzling fireworks of Hallowena in Ballymena to the interactive ghost-zapping fun of CarrickFEARgus in Shaftesbury Park, and from haunted historical tours in Carrickfergus to family-friendly adventures at Whitehead Railway Museum, the borough offers a cauldron of eerie excitement for all ages.

Whether you’re crafting spooky decorations, dancing with ghouls, or uncovering Northern Ireland’s dark past, Mid & East Antrim has something to make your Halloween unforgettable.

Hallowena: Ballymena’s Spooky Spectacular

Kicking off the Halloween festivities, Hallowena at The People’s Park, Ballymena, is set to be a highlight of the season. On Thursday, 30 October 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, this ticketed event will transform the park into a magical, spine-chilling wonderland.

A special relaxed session from 5:00pm to 6:00pm ensures accessibility for those with additional needs, making it inclusive for all.

“Step into the shadows of People’s Park for one of the spookiest nights of the year!” promises organiser Mid and East Antrim Borough Council!

Families can look forward to a packed programme featuring a fire juggling display, a fancy dress competition, and spooky walkabout characters that add a playful fright to the evening.

An extended spooky illumination trail will guide visitors through the park, where they’ll encounter familiar Halloween figures and unexpected surprises.

A kiddies’ funfair, live music, and a variety of sweet treats and hot food will keep everyone entertained and well-fed. The night will conclude with a dazzling fireworks finale at 8:15pm, lighting up the Ballymena sky.

For safety, the park will be closed to the public until 5:00pm for set-up, and no dogs, alcohol, or personal fireworks are permitted.

Under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and all attendees require tickets, which go on sale at 7:00pm on 1 October via thebraid.ticketsolve.com.

Accessibility is prioritised, with designated parking, accessible toilets, and all areas designed for disabled visitors.

CarrickFEARgus: Ghostbusters and Ghoulish Fun in Shaftesbury Park

In Carrickfergus, CarrickFEARgus at Shaftesbury Park on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, promises a frightfully fun evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, with a relaxed session for children with additional needs from 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM.

This ticketed event, with tickets available also from 7pm on 1 October via thebraid.ticketsolve.com, is a must for families and Halloween enthusiasts.

“When the nights grow darker and the pumpkins start to glow, there’s only one question to ask: Who ya gonna call?” teases the event description, setting the stage for an interactive Ghostbusters show that brings the iconic ghost-zapping world to life.

Attendees can roll up their sleeves for gooey slime-making sessions and join Jump Jiggle and Jive for a high-energy UV Glow Party. Fire performers will illuminate the night, while mischievous walkabout characters and a “deadly disco” with Wednesday Addams invite visitors to show off their best dance moves.

Carnival games and messy play stations filled with splashes, squishes, and spooky surprises add to the festive atmosphere.

All attendees, including adults and children, require a ticket, and dressing up is highly encouraged to enhance the Halloween spirit.

“So gather your little ghouls, dress for the occasion, and step into a Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss,” the event urges. This family-friendly extravaganza is perfect for creating lasting Halloween memories.

Larne’s Halloween Hooley: Free Family Fun

In Larne, the Halloween Hooley at Larne Town Park on Friday, 31 October 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, offers a free, family-friendly celebration.

Featuring the same interactive Ghostbusters show, UV Glow Party with Jump Jiggle and Jive, and fire performers as CarrickFEARgus, the event includes slime-making, carnival games, and spooky walkabout characters.

A relaxed session from 5:15pm to 6:00pm ensures accessibility.

Families are invited to join the fun without needing tickets.

Creative Halloween Workshops in Mid Town Makers Ballymena

Ballymena’s Halloween spirit extends to creative workshops at Midtown Makers Gift Shop, offering hands-on activities for craft lovers. On Saturday, 4 October 2025, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, Amanda Jones from Cabinet of Curious Crafts will host a Crochet Pumpkin Workshop for £25.

Suitable for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, participants will craft their own Halloween pumpkin decoration.

“Learn to crochet your own Halloween pumpkin decoration with me at Midtown Makers gift shop, Ballymena on Saturday 4th October,” says Amanda Jones.

All materials are provided, though attendees may bring their own 6mm crochet hook, and tea, coffee, and biscuits are included.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

On Monday, 27 October 2025, from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, local artist Jordain Molloy Gillen leads the Create Your Own Spooktacular Ghostie Canvas workshop for £16.96.

This 90-minute session, aimed at those aged 18 and over, is inspired by viral social media ghost canvas trends.

“Come join local artist Jordain Molloy Gillen at Midtown Makers for a fun-filled, spooktacular workshop where you can let your creativity run wild!” the event promises.

Using acrylics, all-purpose filler, and embellishments, participants will create a unique piece to display at home. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Book via Eventbrite.

Haunted Tours in Carrickfergus: History and Horror

For those craving a darker Halloween experience, Haunted Tours N.I. in Carrickfergus offers a series of chilling tours.

The Carrickfergus Castle & Islandmagee Witches Walking Tour, running on dates including 11, 19, 25 October, and 1 November 2025, is a 2.5-hour journey through the town’s haunted history.

Priced at £20, the tour includes admission to Carrickfergus Castle, stops at eerie sites like the Old Gaol and the haunted Dobbins Inn, and a complimentary “Witches Brew” of tea or coffee with biscuits.

“Expect a lot of history, a dash of horror, and an attempt at humour… all set against the backdrop of one of Ireland’s most atmospheric towns,” says Haunted Tours N.I. Led by a theatrical guide in a cape and wielding a broomstick, the tour explores the infamous Islandmagee Witch Trial, drawing from Dr. Andrew Sneddon’s Possessed by the Devil.

Additional tours, including the Ghost Walk of Carrickfergus (9, 16, 18, 23, 28, 30 October) and The Witches & Ghosts of The North Coast Bus Tour (4, 10, 18, 23, 28, 30 October), offer further chances to delve into Northern Ireland’s spooky past.

Bookings are available at hauntedtoursni.co.uk.

Wings & Whistles at Whitehead Railway Museum

On Friday, 31 October 2025, Whitehead Railway Museum hosts Wings & Whistles, a unique Halloween event from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with steam train timeslots from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

“This Halloween, treat the whole family to an unforgettable day at Whitehead Railway Museum with Wings and Whistles — a spooky seasonal adventure packed with steam-powered fun and fantastic feathered friends!” the event enthuses.

Families can enjoy a short steam train ride, explore a Halloween-decorated museum, and meet birds of prey like owls, hawks, and falcons. Tickets, priced from £8 to £19, include a plush pumpkin for select bookings, family-friendly games, and photo opportunities.

Pre-booking is essential via steamtrainsireland.com.

Additional Halloween Highlights

•  Ballymena Chamber Orchestra and Community Choir presents A Night of Spooktacular Music on Friday, 17 October 2025, at The Braid Theatre. Starting at 8:00 PM, this two-hour concert features classics from Vivaldi’s Autumn to Ghostbusters, suitable for all ages. Book via thebraid.ticketsolve.com.

•  Arthur Cottage in Cullybackey offers autumnal workshops, including a Traditional Woollen Weaving Demonstration (4 October) and Heritage Spinning Day Workshop (25 October), each £10. Book via 028 9335 8262.

•  Andrew Jackson Cottage in Carrickfergus hosts workshops like Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Beginner Crochet Class (4 October, £10) and Ghosts by the Fire: Halloween Tales (31 October, £15), blending creativity and spooky storytelling. Book via 028 9335 8262.

A Halloween to Remember in Mid & East Antrim

From the fireworks and funfair of Hallowena in Ballymena to the Ghostbusters-themed thrills of CarrickFEARgus, and from haunted historical tours to creative workshops, Mid & East Antrim’s 2025 Halloween season is brimming with excitement.

Whether you’re crafting pumpkins, dancing at a deadly disco, or exploring eerie castles, there’s something for every ghoul and goblin. Secure your tickets early, don your best costume, and dive into a spooktacular October in Northern Ireland’s most festive borough.