Experience Halloween with an American twist at this one-night-only celebration at Ulster University, Coleraine. Part of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's USA250 programme, the event celebrates local connections to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence through a unique evening of themed entertainment and Halloween fun.

The event begins with a dedicated Quiet Time from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, offering a more relaxed experience featuring circus skills, friendly characters, gentler amusements and a quieter version of the popular Spooky Trail. A low-noise fireworks display will take place at 8.15pm.

From 6.30pm, the Main Event gets underway as the site comes alive with creepy characters, thrilling amusements, live music and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy American-themed characters, sports demonstrations and food, alongside a Johnny Cash tribute performance and the return of the ever-popular Spooky Trail. 

The celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9.00pm, bringing an unforgettable night of Halloween entertainment to a close.

FAQs

🎃 When and where is the event?

The Council’s Halloween event will take place at Ulster University grounds on Tuesday 27th October. Join us for a Halloween everyone can enjoy. From 5.30-6.30pm as part of Quiet time, enjoy a softer spooky trail, calm amusements and friendly characters, then at 8.15pm the low noise fireworks display for guests with sensory needs. Expect the big bangs and thrills at 9pm when the full fireworks display lights up the sky.

👻 What time is the event?

From 5.30pm there will be American themed festivities, as well as bespoke entertainment, arts & crafts and historical and interactive displays that will help to bring some of the strong shared traditions from the past that are continued today. We will celebrate the cultural connections, and American heritage through music, food, storytelling and more. Amusements will be from 5.30pm to 9.30pm and quiet time for individuals with additional needs will be from 5.30pm to 6.30pm

👻 What activities will be happening as part of the event?

 Enjoy a full on fright night including some spooktacular activities including:

American themed:

arts and crafts

live music including ‘Johnny Cash Tribute’

sports team display

historical storytelling & interactive displays

USA Carnvial Games

Amusements – 5.30pm – 9.30pm

Quiet Time for children with additional needs – 5.30pm to 6.30pm including Eureekaseekers crafts & Circus Skills

Spooky trail with creepy characters

Fire Poi display

DJ playing spooky tracks

Stilt Walkers

Fancy dress competition from 7pm at the main stage

Low noise fireworks display – due to commence 8.15pm

Main fireworks display – due to commence 9pm

Event close – 9.30pm

Will there be a Fancy Dress competition?

Fancy dress judging will take place at the stage from 7pm for age groups of 0-5years, 6-11 years, 12-17 & 18+

🎃 Where can I Park?

Parking restrictions will be in place on the Cromore Road. Free public parking is available at the Ulster University, and a free park and ride will be in service from The Mall car park from 6.00pm to 10.00pm.

👻 Is there any disabled parking?

There is disabled parking available which is pre-bookable by contacting Bushmills Visitor Information Centre –02820730390.

🎃 Will there be a parade?

There is no parade in Coleraine.

👻 Are there any admission charges?

The events are all free admission; however, amusement rides will have a charge per ride.

🎃 Will there be disabled toilets?

There will be Portaloo’s and a disabled Portaloo on site at the University. There will also be a Mobile Accessible Unit available.

👻 Can I bring sparklers?

❌ No — personal fireworks and sparklers are strictly prohibited.

🎃 Is there a quiet time for individuals with additional needs?

There will be a Quiet Time for individuals with additional needs from 5.30pm – 6.30pm featuring amusements & circus skills. From 6.30pm there will be entertainment with plenty of thrills and chills to enjoy.

👻 Are there amusements?

The Amusements will have a quiet time session from 5.30pm – 6.30pm and wil remain open to 9.30pm.

🎃 Will there be Fireworks?

Yes. 🎆 Low noise fireworks – due to commence 8.15pm

Main fireworks – due to commence 9pm

🎃 What should I wear?
Fancy dress is encouraged for all ages - you might even win a prize. Please dress appropriately for the weather and with appropriate footwear.

👻 Can I bring my dog?
For everyone’s safety, dogs are not permitted in the event site during the event, except for registered assistance dogs.

🎃 Will there be food and drink available?
Yes! A selection of food and drink stalls will be available, offering tasty Halloween treats and hot drinks.

👻 Is the event suitable for young children?
Yes - this is a family-friendly event, although some performances and characters may be a little spooky!

Parental discretion is advised, especially within the Spooky Trail.

🎃 What safety measures are in place?
Stewards, first aiders, and emergency services will be on site throughout the event to ensure everyone’s safety.