Samhain Festival 26 at VISUAL: Family Fun Day

1.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm | Stories from the Shadows – Free*

Journey into the shadows this Samhain for spooky stories, strange sounds and eerie tales, perfect for the young and young-at-heart. The Moth & Butterfly Storytellers welcome you for a Samhain session of spooky storytelling and sounds. Expect a lot of delight and a sprinkling of fright! Journey past creaky corridors, trembling trees, and perhaps a mumbling monster or two. Be sure to bring your imaginations! *Children must be accompanied by an adult.

2pm – 4pm | 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...

2pm - 5pm | Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Free

The Spooky Scavenger Hunt is bubbling over with mysterious clues, hidden codes and spooky surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner. Families can call into VISUAL’s reception to pick up a treasure map before heading out to explore the grounds of VISUAL and Carlow College. Follow the clues, keep your eyes peeled and see if you can uncover all the secrets along the way! And there’s even more to hunt for – clever scavengers could take home some fantastic art prizes!

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 | Magnetic Aesthetic Art Workshop @ The Learn and Play Gallery – Free

Get creative with shapes, structures and spooky compositions in this free drop-in art workshop. Inspired by VISUAL’s exhibitions, experiment with magnets, layering and building-inspired pieces to create mysterious, otherworldly arrangements. Draw, build, move and rearrange your ideas on easels in the art studio! Free, drop-in anytime!

2pm – 5pm | Drop-in Art Workshops @ Carlow College – Free

Free, drop-in anytime!

2pm – 3pm | Strawcraft Workshop (Adults) @ Carlow College - €15 

Discover the traditional Irish technique of strawcraft and learn to make a Mummers costume and accessories for your Samhain look! Create spooky headpieces and other wearable strawcraft.

3.30pm – 5pm | Strawcraft Workshop (All Ages) @ Carlow College – Free

Get creative with straw in this free drop-in workshop for all ages! Experiment with the traditional Irish technique of straw craft and transform humble straw into costumes, dolls and other spooky constructions.

*Free - booking is essential!

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Explore Samhain Festival 26 across Carlow:

Samhain Festival 26 at VISUAL
Samhain Festival 26 at Delta Sensory Gardens
Samhain Festival 26 at The Library
Samhain Festival 26 at The Exchange
Samhain Festival 26 at Duckett's Grove
Samhain Festival 26 at Fringe Venues