Derry Halloween all set to celebrate 40 years of magic
29 September 2026
Europe's largest Halloween festival is set to mark a major milestone this October as Derry Halloween celebrates its 40th anniversary with a spellbinding programme of spectacle and celebration, unveiled today.
Europe's largest Halloween festival is set to mark a major milestone this October as Derry Halloween celebrates its 40th anniversary with a spellbinding programme of spectacle and celebration, unveiled today.
From October 28th to November 1st, the city will mark the historic moment in style as hundreds of local performers, artists, musicians and community groups come together to deliver five days of unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Leading tourism chiefs north and south were in attendance at the launch, having gathered earlier to unveil the new Tourism Action Plan for Derry and Strabane at an event hosted in the city’s Guildhall.
The programme was launched with the official unveiling of a special mural created to celebrate four decades since the festival first began in 1986. The striking artwork commemorates Derry Halloween's remarkable journey from a small community celebration to Europe's largest Halloween festival and one of the island's premier tourism events. Created by local arts collective Peaball, the large-scale artwork has been designed as a lasting legacy piece for the city, and a year-round attraction for visitors.
The special anniversary programme builds on four decades of culture and creativity, and additional investment has been channelled into supporting local groups and artists taking part in the internationally renowned festival.
Central to the celebrations this year is the Awakening the Walled City Trail, which will return to a section of Derry's historic walls this year. The city centre will host a stunning street show, featuring aerial performance, music, animation, fire performances and large-scale visual spectacles. Inspired by the festival's 2026 theme, It's In Our Bones, the trail will explore the folklore, traditions and stories that have shaped Halloween's origins in the North West.
Among the headline attractions are the Witchy Wonderland, Samhain Sisters - a specially commissioned 40th anniversary spectacle from In Your Space Circus; Walter's Wake, a vibrant New Orleans-style jazz funeral celebrating the city's iconic skeletal figure Walter deBurgh; the breathtaking aerial production Through the Veil; and a host of new installations, street performances and animated experiences created by local creative organisations and artists.
The city's famous Carnival Parade, produced this year by the Inishowen Carnival Initiative, returns on Halloween night and is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators as hundreds of local performers take to the streets for a showstopping event. The celebrations will culminate in the festival's iconic fireworks finale over the River Foyle.
The programme also features a packed schedule of family events and activities. The Guildhall will host a dedicated programme of children's entertainment, sensory-friendly experiences and interactive performances beneath Luke Jerram's stunning Gaia installation, offering visitors a breathtaking view of Earth from space. Families can enjoy magical theatre, storytelling, discos, workshops and hands-on activities, while the popular Heart of Samhain area in Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place and Harbour Square will offer live music, street theatre, food experiences and cultural performances throughout the festival.
Music will remain at the heart of the celebrations, with local artists taking centre stage at the Samhain Sounds Stage, while a range of after-dark events will animate venues across the city centre. Visitors can also enjoy tours, trails, family attractions, markets and other spooky experiences throughout the city.
Reflecting Council's continued commitment to promoting the local creative sector, increased investment has been directed towards local artists, performers, cultural organisations and creative practitioners this year, ensuring that local talent remains at the heart of the festival's success and future development.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said she was thrilled to unveil the programme this week, with much excitement already building ahead of the anniversary.
"This year marks an extraordinary milestone as we celebrate 40 years of Derry Halloween. What began as a small scale local event in 1986 has now grown into Europe's largest Halloween festival and one of Ireland's most famous cultural events.
"For four decades, Derry Halloween has showcased the creativity and community spirit that make this city so special. The festival has evolved into a truly international attraction, welcoming visitors from across the globe while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions, stories and people of this place.
"This anniversary programme reflects that journey, and I would encourage people from near and far to join us this Halloween as we celebrate 40 remarkable years and create new memories together in the Home of Halloween."
The festival continues to play a vital role in supporting tourism and generating economic benefits for the North West, contributing around £7.4 million to the local economy while attracting around 120,000 visitors annually.
Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism NI is delighted to support this year’s Derry Halloween, one of 16 events that Tourism NI invested in through our International Tourism Events Fund.
“The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, generates significant economic impact and showcases the city’s cultural vibrancy and as Derry Halloween celebrates its 40th anniversary, this year is expected to be one of the biggest editions yet.
“With additional investment, new visitor experiences and a permanent legacy mural celebrating the festival's history, this year’s event will continue to build on this success of this globally distinctive tourism proposition.
“Derry Halloween demonstrates the power of events to extend the tourism season and create new opportunities for local businesses and communities. The festival provides a compelling reason to visit the city, and with its unique combination of culture, folklore and world-class entertainment, it remains a truly unmissable experience for visitors of all ages.”
Council's Head of Culture, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said the 2026 programme highlights both the cultural significance and economic impact of the festival.
"Derry Halloween has earned a global reputation for delivering world-class experiences rooted in authentic local culture and heritage. As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, we are proud to present a programme that honours the festival's origins while continuing to find new ways to entertain our audiences.
"We are delighted to be working with so many cultural partners this year, and the programme has seen increased investment in local artists, performers and organisations helping to create new work and showcase the exceptional creative talent that exists across our district.”
Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office. The full Derry Halloween 2026 programme is available now at www.derryhalloween.com
Visitors are advised to book accommodation and ticketed experiences early due to anticipated demand for this special 40th anniversary celebration.