Halloween in Groningen, or… from the Celts?

Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated on October 31. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to return to Earth. To ward off these spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes. Over time, the festival evolved, especially with the influence of Christianity, which designated November 1 as All Saints' Day. The night before became known as All Hallows' Eve, eventually shortening to Halloween.

In the 19th century, Irish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to America, where it transformed into a community-centered holiday. Today, it features activities like trick-or-treating, costume parties, and haunted attractions, blending ancient customs with modern fun.

Halloween Events in Groningen 2024

If you think there is nothing organized around Halloween in Groningen, then you are terribly wrong. We have a list of exciting events and Halloween parties in the city of Groningen. You can wear your best scary costumes to some of them! You can also collect a pumpkin from the land and decorate it for Halloween at several locations. Read more about pumpkin picking in Groningen here (add Harkstede).

Family Activities for Halloween in Groningen 2024

We have a small list of enjoyable activities for families around the theme of Halloween in Groningen.

Pumpkin Market | Hofje van Harkstede | October 18, 19 & 20

Would you really like to visit a small and cozy pumpkin market? Then visit the Pumpkin Market at Hofje van Harkstede on October 18, 19, and 20, the upcoming weekend! You can also buy a carving set to make your own Halloween decorations or just pick some to create delicious pumpkin dishes at home. All pumpkins found at this market are edible! 

Pumpkin Carving in Groningen (DIY)

After visiting the market, you can decorate your own Halloween pumpkin at home!

Samhain in Bourtange | October 26 & 27

Bourtange (already a unique place to be) will transform into a world filled with ghosts, time travelers, pirates, and other extraordinary beings during Magical Samhain on October 26 & 27, 2024. Enjoy spectacular performances, fire shows, stilt walkers, and a host of magical figures.

Workshop Scary Movie Makeup (8+) | October 31

On October 31, at Forum Groningen, kids will learn how to transform themselves into scary creatures. In this workshop, you’ll get hands-on experience as a special makeup artist. Since it’s Halloween, you’re going to have some spooky fun! You’ll work with vampire fangs, prosthetic noses, fake blood, and plenty of face paint. Curious about the best tips and tricks to scare your parents with a bloody fake wound? You’ll learn all that in this workshop! Learn how to create scary makeup here! Workshop Film Makeup (8+) | Stay In Groningen

Halloween Movies Marathon in Groningen 2024

At Forum Groningen, you can join the scariest movie marathon in Groningen during Halloween! There will be a selection of two scary movies, so be prepared for four hours of terror! 

1. ‘Oddity’ Forum Groningen, October 31 at 21:30 - 23:18 in Camera 1 (16+)

One of the most talked-about horror films of the year, this atmospheric and creepy film primarily plays cleverly with the viewer's expectations, featuring incredibly effective jump scares as its main attraction. After the murder of her sister, the blind Darcy tries to uncover the identity of the killer. Her secret weapon: a mysterious wooden doll that helps her communicate with the spirit world. Oddity cleverly misleads the audience several times, but the standout feature is the incredibly effective jump scares. Note that this film has Dutch subtitles.

2. ‘Revenge’ Forum Groningen, October 31 at 19:00 - 20:58 in Camera 1 (16+)

Revenge is about three wealthy, married friends who go on their traditional annual men’s trip to the Grand Canyon. This time, Richard brings his young mistress Jen, who quickly captures the interest of the other two men. As the object of desire and completely isolated from the outside world, things soon spiral out of control for Jen. When she is abused and left for dead in the desert by the men, all she can think about is revenge. Cineville described it as "the hardest #metoo middle finger you’re going to see this year," and according to Imagine, "female revenge hasn’t been this satisfying since Kill Bill."

Note: This film is in French and English with English subtitles.

Halloween Parties in Groningen 2024

Crater x Skamele 180.3: Halloween with Prolix, Disphonia, Kaira & More at Graanfabriek Groningen | October 25 (almost sold out)

Crater is back, teaming up with friends from Amsterdam, the Skamele 180.3 crew, to deliver an unforgettable night of the hardest Drum & Bass that Groningen has ever experienced!

Join us for a thrilling Halloween edition themed: Space Apocalypse. Dress up in your spacesuit and prepare for a night filled with the most intense Drum & Bass beats at the electrifying Graanfabriek. Get ready for an incredible international lineup, featuring exciting debuts alongside local legends:

• Prolix (UK) (Trendkill/Blackout)
• Disphonia (GR) (Blackout)
• Kaira (CZ) (Darkshire)
• Mind Theory (NL) (Skamele Recordings)
• First Person vs Flakes (NL) (Skamele Recordings)
• Fusion Mode (NL) (Crater)
• Orion (NL) (Kabelbreuk)                                                                                                                                 

Rapalje Celtic Folk Festival at EM2 | October 26

During the Rapalje Celtic Folk Festival, you can expect surprises ranging from fire bagpipes to a T-shirt cannon! Alongside beloved sing-alongs like “Wat Zullen We Drinken,” “Whiskey in the Jar,” “Skye Boat Song,” and “The Drunken Sailor,” you can also look forward to original and new material this evening! Join them for a unique evening filled with music, dance, and culture where lovers of great music and good vibes come together for an unforgettable Halloween celebration. Secure your ticket here.

Dorothy's World Famous Halloween Party | October 26

Dorothy's World Famous Halloween Party is here to spook you once again! This year's theme is a little different from the norm—it’s based around the cult TV series American Horror Story.

🕷🎃 Dorothy’s Dragbar Annual Halloween Scream Night! 🎃🕷 Get ready for a spine-chilling evening of fright and fabulousness! Join us for our American Horror Story themed night, where the creepiest, most creative costumes can snag a €100 prize! Hosted by the one and only Curvalicious Diamond, and featuring performances by the fierce Dorothy’s Dragqueens, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

Gopher Halloween Party: Nightmare on Thesis Street - De Drie Gezusters | November 1

Join us for a scary evening at the "Gopher Nightmare on Thesis Street" Halloween party! Experience a night filled with exhilarating music, delectable drinks, and endless fun. Show off your creative Halloween costume for a chance to win an amazing prize in our costume contest, and dance to electrifying beats from our talented DJ. Enjoy your favorite beverages with three tokens provided during the event. The party starts on November 1 from 20:00 and goes until 2:00 AM at De Drie Gezusters. Admission is just €10, and registration is mandatory due to limited seating. Don’t miss out on this spooktacular event! Tickets here.

Mystic Moon Halloween Party - Gelkinge 9 | November 1

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 1, 2024. On this night, the gates open to a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur—but remember, the magic stays with us.

Here’s a mystical tip: Tickets will disappear faster than moonbeams at dawn, so claim yours before they vanish into the night. As the Dutch say, OP = OP. 💸

Join the Mystic Moon Halloween Party in Groningen and embrace the unknown, magic, and create memories under the Mystic Moon. It starts at 22:30. Personal tickets are €18, and group tickets for 4 persons are €65.

Fright Night Halloween Party - Metal Café de Witte Wolf | November 1

Horror is always a common theme at this unique and only real metal café in Groningen. Join them for the Fright Night Halloween Party. Beware, you must be dressed in Halloween-themed attire! It starts around 8/9 PM.

Halloween Party at The Happy Traveler | November 2

At The Happy Traveler, there is a Halloween Fright Night to remember! Mark November 2 in your calendar! Tickets include free drinks all night, even some selected cocktails. The price is €50 per person. Keep an eye on the socials for more information and don't forget your outfit! 

Halloween Events in Groningen

So, prepare yourself for a spooktacular Halloween in Groningen: Celebrate the Hauntings! We hope our list has inspired you to scare the socks off everyone!