Derry Halloween Parade Celebration 40th Year of Halloween 31/10/2026

Derry Halloween 2026 marked the 40th anniversary of Europe's largest Halloween festival, running from October 28 to November 1, 2026, in the historic Walled City of Derry~Londonderry. The milestone celebration attracted an estimated 120,000 visitors over the four-day peak. Festival Highlights & Core Events • Awakening the Walled City Trail (Oct 28–30): An enchanted, multi-zone illuminated trail featuring light shows, aerial performances, circus acts, and folklore along the 400-year-old city walls and Guildhall Square. Entry to the City Walls section required free advance timed tickets. • Heart of Samhain & Cultural Programme: Traditional music, street theatre, food markets, and family-friendly activities like the Little Horrors Disco and film screenings at the Nerve Centre. • Carnival Parade & Fireworks Finale (Oct 31): The grand climax on Halloween night featured a massive grassroots carnival parade led by Mayor Grace Uí Niallais winding through Strand Road and the Embankment, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the River Foyle at 8:15 PM.