5th October 2026
Belfast One’s Halloween Takeover has been unmasked for 2026
Belfast One has announced the return of their Halloween Takeover, from monsters invading the city to 1,000 pumpkins at City Hall and a chilling Horror Trail, there's something for everyone in the city centre this Halloween season.
Belfast One are welcoming back nine mysterious monsters that will be unleashed on 26th October to watch over the city for Halloween including last year’s new additions, Nosey Parker, Groaner and the Bezerker, who will be joined by firm favourites, including Mr Snappy, Slime Monster and the well-loved Goofy Eyes and Grim Fingers. Visitors can use the downloadable map to help track down all nine.
From the Fountain Bar to Castle Court, the creatures will bring a vibrant, fun feel to the area, boosting footfall for retailers, hospitality and leisure outlets.
Monster Takeover is only part of the activity that will take over the city during the Halloween holidays this year, as the popular Belfast One Pumpkin Patch Madness is set to return to City Hall on the 30th and 31st October. The grounds will turn into a magical field with over 1,000 pumpkins popping up for the picking, with friendly witches and scarecrows there to help families pick the perfect pumpkin.
Visitors will be welcomed to take their pumpkin to 2 Royal Avenue to give it a haunting makeover at the pumpkin decorating workshops. 2 Royal Avenue will also host a series of family-friendly activities over the Halloween weekend including immersive storytelling, face painting and a spooky disco, as well as a special visit from Almost Home Dog Rescue and some recognisable Halloween characters.
On Saturday 31st October, brave visitors can embark on the brand-new Horror Trail, a paranormal trail for adults, taking them on a journey round the city centre hearing spooky stories and keeping an eye out for unexpected guests along the way.
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID, said they have invested in an action-packed calendar for another spooktacular Halloween across Belfast, “It’s fantastic to welcome back our Monster Takeover of the city centre this year, and we’re inviting everyone to download our map and go monster hunting to find all nine, without getting too spooked!
“Belfast One Pumpkin Patch Madness also returns to Belfast City Hall, with more than 1,000 pumpkins transforming the grounds, while families can enjoy a host of activities at 2 Royal Avenue throughout the Halloween weekend.
“New for this year is our Horror Trail, giving students and adults a fun and thrilling way to enjoy a night in the city. There’s plenty more to discover across Belfast too, from Joys Entry to Margot, with beautiful autumn and Halloween decorations helping to transform the city centre.
“Thanks to funding from Belfast City Council, this is our biggest year of Halloween activities yet. We want to encourage everyone to come and experience Belfast this Halloween, with something for all ages to enjoy, whether you’re visiting with the family, meeting friends or making a night of it.
“Halloween is a brilliant opportunity to showcase everything Belfast has to offer and give people even more reasons to spend time in the city. It’s also an important week for our retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, and we hope to see the city centre buzzing throughout the half-term break.”
Pumpkin Patch tickets available online from Thursday 8th October 10am. To book or for a full itinerary of spooky shenanigans from Belfast One this Halloween, visit https://belfastone.co.uk/whats-on/event/belfast-one-halloween-takeover-2/
