Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: Family Fun Day

Step through the veil into a world of spooky hunts, enchanted crafts, ghostly stories and seasonal feasting - a Samhain celebration for all ages!

Sunday 26 October 2025, 2pm - 5pm |

Admission: Free - booking is essential for 'Ghostly Tales and Spooky Shenanigans' and 'Strawcraft Workshops' ONLY

2pm – 5pm | Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Free

A spine-tingling adventure for all ages that will test your bravery to the core. The artists at VISUAL have stirred up a Spooky Scavenger Hunt that’s bubbling over with fun for all ages! Follow eerie clues, uncover hidden codes and discover spooky surprises around every corner.

Families can drop in to VISUAL’s reception to collect a treasure map and set off to explore the grounds of VISUAL and Carlow College. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you. There are fantastic art prizes to be won by the cleverest hunters!

2pm – 5pm | Costume Competition – Free

Costumes Essential!!! Judges will be roaming the venue and grounds awarding prizes throughout the day. These discerning judges are professional spooks and ghouls and they’ll be looking for the most creative and terrifying costumes. There are some fabulous prizes to be won for: BEST HOMEMADE COSTUME, MOST CREATIVE, MOST TERRIFYING TODDLER, BEST THEMED TEAM and THE PUNNIEST COSTUME!

2pm – 5pm | Spooky Face Painting

Step into the spirit of Samhain with a magical makeover! Become a woodland creature, ancient spirit, little monster or spooky fairy. Our face painter will help you transform for the turning of the seasons - just in time for the veil to grow thin...

2pm – 5pm | Deadly Disco @ The Digital Gallery – Free

Follow the music and find yourself in a glowing, otherworldly disco filled with dynamic beats and creatures that dance and sway. Upstairs in the Digital Gallery at VISUAL, show us your sweetest moves and be in with a chance to win prizes for THROWING THE WEIRDEST SHAPES, MOST TERRIFYING, THE SILLIEST MOVER, THE SASSIEST MOVER, THE MOST GHOULISH GROOVE.

2pm – 5pm | Little Creepy Crawlies VISUAL (0-6 years) – Free

The Early Years Play Area is for Little VISUAL visitors, aged 1 - 6 years, to play and explore with some “not-too-spooky” materials and for parents to relax. Free, drop-in anytime!

2pm – 5pm | Spooky Self Portraits Workshop @ The Learn and Play Gallery – Free

Make a spooky self-portrait for Samhain! A self-portrait is a picture you draw of yourself. Add monster faces, witch hats, fangs or anything you like - make it as creepy or silly as you want! Inspired by the exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, we’re thinking about how we grow and change! Grab a board, pick your materials and create your spooky self!

2pm – 5pm | Mysterious Moths Art Workshop @ Carlow College – Free

Discover the magic of moths in this creative art workshop! Explore mysterious patterns and create your own enchanting moth-inspired artwork. Free, drop-in anytime!

2pm – 5pm | Monsters, Ghouls and Goblins Art Workshop @ Carlow College – Free

Unleash your imagination and bring spooky creatures to life! Make your own monsters, ghouls and goblins in this fun, hands-on art workshop. Free, drop-in anytime!

2pm – 3.15pm + 3.45pm – 5pm | Strawcraft Workshops @ Carlow College – Free*

Celebrate the ancient traditions of Samhain through the age-old art of strawcraft! Discover the world of traditional Irish strawcraft - an ancient art of weaving and plaiting natural straw used to create hats, skirts, costumes and more. This hands-on workshop invites you to explore this fascinating folk tradition, discovering how simple materials can become intricate wearable art.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some crafting experience, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at making your own straw creations, inspired by customs from across Ireland. Perfect for all ages and skill levels. Materials provided. Join us and connect with the spirit of Samhain through creativity and tradition!

1.30pm + 2.30pm | Ghostly Tales and Spooky Storytelling – Free*

Step into a world of eerie adventures and mischievous mayhem as we bring you an afternoon of ghostly tales and interactive storytelling perfect for families. While we can't reveal exactly which stories you'll hear just yet, one thing is certain - you'll be in for spinetingling fun with a twist of laughter!

Expect mischievous characters, mysterious happenings and plenty of unexpected surprises. With a mix of spooky suspense and playful humour, these tales are designed to delight the young and the young-at-heart. Will you dare to keep your eyes open through the scary bits - or be brave enough to close them?

2pm – 5pm | Samhain Kitchen @ Carlow College Canteen

Warm up and feast like it's the Celtic New Year! Join us in the Carlow College Canteen for hearty, seasonal treats inspired by Samhain - a time to gather, share food and celebrate the end of harvest.

2pm – 5pm | Trad Music @ Carlow College – Free

Let the haunting strains of traditional Irish music carry you through tales of the old world - where every tune whispers of ancestors and autumn firelight. Trad music, ancient and alive, welcomes all souls - living and beyond...

*Free - booking is essential!