Big Scream Festival comes to North East Inner City for Halloween

The Big Scream Festival is coming to the North East Inner City this Halloween

Dublin’s north east inner city communities, their children and even their dogs will get together over the coming days to celebrate one of Ireland’s greatest exports, the festival of Halloween!

The Big Scream Festival, brought to you by Dublin North East Inner City and Dublin City Council, features activities across Dublin 1 such as funfairs, a haunted house, a doggy dress-up parade, spooky history walks, and film screenings, all designed to celebrate Halloween with the community.

The big finish is the spooktacular Big Scream Carnival on October 31 where local families can enjoy free rides on the Ghost Train along the Canal.

Other events include a doggy dress-up parade in Diamond Park, synchronised swimming in Sean McDermott Street Pool and performances of the opera “Hansel & Gretel” with a special performance from the Ukrainian Soul Choir on October 30 at Sean McDermott St Church.

Schools in the area are visited by members of the Fire Service, Animal Welfare and An Garda Síochána to learn about fire prevention, harm reduction and animal safety. An Art Exhibition will adorn the entrance of Haunted Hall in St Agatha’s Hall on Dunne Street.

The festival is run, managed and delivered by a community-led steering group and our youth and childcare committees provide activities for over 1,000 children and young people in the run-up to Halloween.

All events are free, providing accessible entertainment and cultural activities for local residents from per-schoolers to senior citizens, culminating in the main Big Scream Festival on Halloween itself.

The Big Scream Festival is part of the NEIC Halloween Community Festival, running from October 22 to October 31 2024, with events across Dublin including Ballybough, North Strand, North Wall, Sean McDermott Street, Sheriff Street and Summerhill. Celebrate Halloween with your Community.

Ceiliúir Oíche Shamhna le do Phobal

All events are free but booking is essential for some events – check www.bigscream.ie for details.

Public events include:

Friday 25th October

Wichat and Walk spooky 90-minute walk starting in Mud Island, North Strand with Five Lamps Arts.

Saturday 26th October

Samhain comes to town, history with Bob the Apple and the fairies, ghoulies and ghosties of ancient Ireland, Belvedere Youth Club

Doggy dress up parade pre workshop, Belvedere Youth Club – learn how to make your dog costume for the parade on Bank Holiday Monday – people only!

Sunday 27th October

Film Screening at the Savoy – it’s a surprise, wear fancy dress.

Monday 28th October (Bank Holiday) 

Doggy dress up parade (with pre workshop) in Diamond Park

Bank Holiday Bingo lots of Halloween prizes with Witch Nicola online

Tuesday 29th October

Haunted Hall of Horrors in St Agatha’s Hall, Dunne Street

Ghoulish grave robbers talk at Charleville Mall Library, adults only if you dare.

Halloween Fun Food cookery demonstration at Crosscare’s The Portland Café, where participants will learn how to make traditional dishes like Colcannon and bake Barmbrack and Gingerbread.

Wednesday 30th October

Opera Hansel & Gretel matinee and evening performances at Sean McDermott St Church featuring the Ukrainian Soul Choir at the interval

Haunted Hall of Horrors in St Agatha’s Hall, Dunne Street

Halloween Fun Food cookery demonstration at Portland Cafe with Rachel Carberry.

Thursday 31st October (Halloween) 

Winnie the Witchathon with Rebecca Saunders in Charleville Mall Library (the witch is the new baddie in town).

Big finish: The Big Scream Festival Sean McDermott Street / Sherriff Street/ Royal Canal / Diamond Park

The Big Scream is brought to you by Dublin North East Inner City and Dublin City Council.