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 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,” said Mayor McHugh.
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.
Family Fun Across the District
The Halloween Hay Trail kicks off the eerie adventure from 16th October, 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 11th October with Pumpkin Patches around the district to delight the little ones.
The festive fun continues with the Castlederg Apple Fair taking place on 25th October, bringing seasonal produce, entertainment, and a vibrant autumnal atmosphere to the town. On 24th October, 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 25th to 27th October. Meanwhile, The Den at The Melmount Centre will host its Haunted House from 27th to 30th October, packed with ghostly goings-on and eerie encounters.
Halloween Day: 31st October – A Town Transformed - mention Trick or Treat Tours
On Halloween Day itself, 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 & 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 our 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, Melvin Fun Day and Riversdale Halloween Fitness and Fun.
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.
Strabane Halloween After Dark
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 entertainment, 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.
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!
So grab your costumes, round up your ghouls, and get ready to experience Halloween 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 71 384444.
Full programme and updates: www.strabanehalloween.com
Strabane Halloween is proudly supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Strabane BID.
Photograph attached – credited to Gareth Wray photography
