Film screenings

Enjoy the novelty of a drive-in cinema experience at Let’s Go Hydro, with film screenings running from 21 October – 3 November. Horror film buffs can enjoy both modern traditional and modern classics such as Halloween, The Conjuring, The Exorcist and Paranormal Activity; while the fainter of heart can choose from lighter options like Hocus Pocus, Goosebumps and Ghostbusters.

Speaking of Ghostbusters, fans of the supernatural comedy film can celebrate its fortieth anniversary at Odeon Belfast on 30 October, as part of Cinemagic Film Festival’s Halloween programme. The screening includes a Q&A with Peter Bernstein, composer and son of Ghostbusters score composer Elmer Bernstein! 

For those interested in more local features, Belfast Film Festival will kick-off its 2024 programme with a Halloween night screening of Irish language horror Fréwaka.

Enjoy scary film classics from the comfort of your car!

Adrenaline seekers and outdoor fun

Looking to lift your heart rate a little? Fear Forest at Colin Glen Forest Park is currently running until 31 October, promising a night of adrenaline-filled fun and scares. Choose to ride through darkness on the park’s popular Alpine Coaster; or take a 250-meter zip line through the forest and witness views of demonic clowns and other terrifying characters lurking below. Tickets range from £10-25; and you can travel easily to the park via the Glider bus service.

Belfast is also playing host to a variety of spooky tours throughout the Halloween season, from the Halloween Paranormal Tour and Jail of Horror at Crumlin Road Gaol, to Paranormal and Ghost Tours of Belfast City Centre. Interested in a history lesson as well as a good scare? Popular NI instagrammer @documentbelfast is holding a special Ghost/History Tour on 29 and 31 October, which will include a cocktail at Whites Tavern and a spot prize for best-dressed.

Get your adrenaline pumping at ghostly tours and spooky forest hikes

Music and Performance

For those searching for Halloween events in Belfast with a musical twist, we have you covered:

• Enjoy a Halloween themed night of live Disco, Funk & Soul at The Errigle Inn on Saturday 26
• The ever-popular Candlelight concert is offering a night of eerie classical compositions by candlelight on Halloween night, promising an atmospheric and chilling evening.
• Immerse yourself in nostalgic rock anthems and emo classics at This is Halloween: Emo Nite at Voodoo Belfast on Thursday 31 – and pop over to The Empire Belfast for even more iconic emo hits at the Black Parade Party!

Elsewhere, enjoy spooky performances across the city, from story-telling to drag excellence!

Join Queen’s Creative Writing graduate Dara McWade for an evening of ghost stories by candlelight at The Reporter Bar every Thursday in October from 8pm - DM via Instagram to reserve a spot.

Enjoy classical compositions in an atmospheric setting

Take a trip to Belfast’s LGBTQ+ quarter for ‘karaoke, cocktails and cackles’ at Union Street Bar on Halloween night, or check out The Maverick’s full programme of freaky fun in the lead up to Halloween.

For some interactive fun, W5 Late Fright Night promises an evening of spooky campfire tales of terror, mask making and speed quizzes – plus, join the NI Bats Preservation Society for a meet and greet! 

Events on campus

Don’t forget to check out our on-campus events! Visit Mandela Hall on Monday 21 for a magical night of Harry Potter quizzing – robes and pointed hat are optional, but book soon as ticket numbers are low! Mandela Hall is also playing host to a Halloween Treble Tribute Rock Night on Saturday 26 for fans of Kiss and rock n’ roll; and the annual Headbangerz rock and metal club night on 1st November.

Test your Potter knowledge at the upcoming quiz in Mandela Hall

Make sure to check out events hosted by Queen’s clubs and societies – Queen’s Pride Society is hosting a Roller Disco and exclusive after party at The Jeggy Nettle; while the English Society is running a Poetry and Pints night in The Parlour, with a free pint for the best dressed! Visit club and society social pages for further upcoming Halloween fun and festivities.

Student blogs

Finally, get inspired by how our students have previously celebrated Halloween:

• VIDEO: Spend Halloween with me in Derry
• A Very Derry Halloween
• VIDEO: Halloween Happenings at Queen's Accommodation
• Five Spooktacular Hallowe’en Activities in Belfast and Beyond

Halloween happenings at Queen's Accommodation!

Stay safe and have a Happy Halloween!

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Student life in Belfast

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Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I’m Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen’s Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen’s website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog.  I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen’s and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen’s Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!