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From puppet shows and spooky walks to family crafts and Halloween parades, here are ten free activities in and around Belfast this half-term.
Puppets, playful encounters and hands-on creativity in Newtownards. Drop in to make your own sea-life puppet, explore free festival activities and catch memorable moments for younger visitors.
Good to know: The puppet-making workshop is free; some festival performances are ticketed. A few free shows have limited capacity.
See free activitiesDiscover an eerier side of nature on a guided walk with the National Trust. Listen to folklore about ravens, fairy trees, mysterious creatures and the landscape around Divis.
Good to know: Free but booking is essential. Moderate walking, uneven terrain and some steep sections: sturdy footwear advised.
Book the free walkAn easy-going Halloween treat for younger children, with face painting, arts and crafts, sensory buses and friendly walkabout characters.
Good to know: Free to attend and no booking required, according to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
Read the council listing
A city-centre Halloween takeover with pumpkin decorating, monster-mask crafts, spooky storytelling, face painting, characters and a Halloween disco.
Good to know: Advertised as free. Check the organiser’s listing nearer the date for activity times and any capacity restrictions.
Check event updatesTake the controls of a Sphero BOLT robot, put it through its paces and dream up a Halloween costume for your mechanical monster.
Good to know: Free drop-in, no pre-booking. This is at W5 LIFE inside The O2 Belfast, opposite W5; standard W5 admission is separate.
See W5 LIFE sessions
Climb aboard with author Mel Carroll as his Belfast fairy tale comes to life. Spot familiar landmarks from the story and follow along with a specially created map.
Good to know: Advance booking essential through Holywood Arches Library: 028 9050 9216. Places are likely to be limited.
See the library listingStep into old Belfast through local stories, curious objects and Victorian folklore. Two storytellers bring the city’s strange and fascinating past to life around a miniature story house.
Good to know: Free-ticket listing by ArtsEkta. Some tales have a spooky theme; check suitability for very young children.
Find free tickets
Enjoy a relaxed Sunday of free children’s arts and crafts, live music and a record-club soundtrack. There’s plenty for the whole family, with refreshments available to buy.
Good to know: Free for everyone. The venue recommends arriving early.
See Super Sunday detailsBring your lanterns and costumes for a colourful community parade with music and performers, followed by a fireworks display at Falls Park.
Good to know: Gather at Spórtlann na hÉireann on the Falls Road from 6pm. The parade departs at 7pm, with fireworks after it reaches Falls Park.
Check the registered parade route ↗Join the regular community ride around Belfast on the last Friday of the month. Bring your bicycle and, if the Halloween theme is confirmed, your favourite costume.
Good to know: The regular monthly ride and meeting area are established. The October fancy-dress theme and exact meeting time still need confirmation from organisers. Families should consider traffic and visibility.
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