Spooktacular fun promised as 5-day Halloween festival returns to Tipperary

Spleodar 2026 is set to bring a host of spooky surprises, creative activities and spectacular entertainment to Nenagh this Halloween, with a packed five-day programme celebrating folklore, culture, music and community.

Spleodar 2026 is set to bring a host of spooky surprises, creative activities and spectacular entertainment to Nenagh this Halloween, with a packed five-day programme celebrating folklore, culture, music and community.

Running from Tuesday, October 27, to Saturday, October 31, the festival will once again invite people of all ages to explore the magic of Halloween, with events taking place at Nenagh Arts Centre and other locations where indicated.

Marking 27 years of Spleodar, this year's theme, ‘Samhain ar Fud an Domhain’, or Halloween Around the World, will explore the fascinating traditions and folklore associated with different communities around the globe.

From hands-on arts workshops and storytelling to circus performances, music and the much-anticipated Halloween parade, there will be plenty to keep families, young people and festivalgoers entertained.

The five-day festival programme promises a wide variety of workshops designed to encourage imagination, creativity and participation.

Nature lovers can explore the outdoors through a Land Art Workshop, while those looking for a more relaxed creative experience can enjoy a Sensory-Friendly / Relaxed Art Workshop in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Young people will have the opportunity to develop their storytelling skills through Stop-Motion Animation, Storytelling and Creative Writing, alongside Shadow Puppet and Craft Workshop activities.

There will also be opportunities to get hands-on with Halloween-inspired creations, including a Lantern Hat Making Workshop, as well as Face Painting and a lively Dance Workshop.

Music will also feature prominently, with the Journey Through Music and Song workshop and the Rock Camp showcase highlighting musical talent from around the county.

One of the highlights of the festival promises to be the Wobbly Circus Show, with audiences invited to prepare for an entertaining performance from Bugsy.

The celebrations will culminate in the annual spectacular Halloween Parade, followed by colourful fireworks, bringing the festival to a memorable close on Saturday, October 31.

With a mixture of performances, workshops and family-friendly activities, Spleodar aims to offer something for everyone, whether visitors want to try something new, enjoy live entertainment or simply soak up the Halloween atmosphere.

Spleodar's organisers have acknowledged the support of the festival's funders, including the Arts Council, Tipperary County Council and Fáilte Ireland, as well as funding provided as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

Welcoming visitors to this year's festival, Fiona Ní Chonaill, Artistic Director at Nenagh Arts Centre, said the event would offer a week filled with creativity, culture, community and a little bit of Halloween magic.

The festival continues to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, celebrate local talent and discover the traditions and stories that make Halloween such a distinctive part of Irish culture.

Tickets for Spleodar 2026, running from Tuesday, October 27, to Saturday, October 31, are available through Nenagh Arts Centre (NAC), Banba Square, Nenagh, E45 CD52.

Tickets can be booked online at www.spleodar.ie or by contacting 067 34400.

Organisers advise that places are limited for some activities, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all events. Parents and guardians are also advised to inform the organisers of any special requirements when booking.

Wheelchair spaces are available in the theatre and must be allocated at the time of booking. Visitors with additional access needs are encouraged to contact the organisers in advance so that arrangements can be made.

Unless otherwise advised, all events will take place at Nenagh Arts Centre.

With a mix of creativity, music, performance and Halloween spectacle, Spleodar 2026 promises to be a spooktacular celebration for the whole community.