1. Screamvale - Streamvale Open Farm
A Halloween favourite, Screamvale transforms Streamvale Open Farm into an immersive night-time attraction. Expect scare mazes, themed zones and a Pumpkin Patch experience earlier in the day for families. Tickets usually sell quickly, and it’s a local tradition for many who enjoy the mix of countryside charm and seasonal theatrics just outside the city.
2. Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People - Across the City
One of Belfast’s most celebrated cultural events, Cinemagic brings workshops, screenings and film experiences to multiple venues across the city. With a focus on creativity and young talent, it’s a festival that adds a burst of energy to Belfast’s cultural calendar and underlines the city’s commitment to nurturing the arts.3. Oktoberfest - Custom House Square
Custom House Square becomes a hub of live music, steins and Bavarian-style celebration throughout October. With communal tables and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an annual event that brings people together in one of Belfast’s most recognisable public spaces.
4. Pumpkin Patch at Belfast City Hall - Belfast City Hall
The grounds of City Hall turn autumnal with a seasonal Pumpkin Patch, offering families a chance to take part in light-hearted Halloween fun in one of the city’s most iconic settings. It’s a gentle reminder of how central spaces in Belfast are enjoyed not just by tourists but by the people who live here.
5. Belfast International Arts Festival - Across the City
Spanning theatre, performance, visual art and spoken word, the Belfast International Arts Festival stretches across venues citywide. It brings an international flavour to local culture and showcases just how varied and ambitious the arts scene here in Northern Ireland has become.6. Yoga For All - Forward South Partnership
For something more reflective, Forward South Partnership hosts weekly inclusive yoga sessions throughout October. It’s a quieter addition to the season’s calendar but a strong example of the community-focused initiatives that make Belfast’s neighbourhoods feel connected.
7. The Monsters Return - Across the City
A playful favourite, The Monsters Return sees giant inflatable creatures appear across the city centre. It’s a free roaming installation that brings a sense of humour and spectacle to the streets and is particularly popular with families out exploring over half-term.
8. Flight of the Souls - Writers Square
This atmospheric performance event at Writers Square features aerial displays, light, dance and storytelling. Taking place on 31 October, it offers something a little more dramatic than the usual ghost stories, making full use of one of the city’s most striking architectural backdrops.9. Halloween at W5 - W5 Belfast
W5’s family-friendly Halloween programme runs well into November, adding seasonal twists to exhibitions and interactive experiences. For parents looking for indoor half-term plans, it’s a reliable favourite with a creative spin on traditional Halloween activities.10. Late Night Art - Across the City
Concluding the season, Late Night Art invites residents to explore galleries and exhibitions after hours. It’s an invitation to wander, discover and take in Belfast’s creative scene at a slower pace, often with live music and pop-up events enhancing the evening atmosphere.A City Made for Autumn
What stands out year after year is the sense that Belfast doesn’t simply host events, it lives them. From scare nights on farmland to quiet moments in community spaces, from pop-up monsters to late-night gallery strolls, the season brings out the best of the city’s character.For residents and those considering a move, these events reflect a lifestyle rooted in connection, creativity and a genuine pride in place - qualities that continue to make Belfast one of the most appealing areas to live within Northern Ireland.
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