W5 Late - Halloween

This Halloween, W5 comes alive after dark for an adults-only night of thrills, chills, and twisted science. Step inside if you dare, where experiments take a chilling turn and shadows stir in unexpected corners.

Enjoy devilish drinks from our licensed bars, let our face-painting artists give you a haunting new look, and test your nerve (and your knowledge) with speed quizzing before surrendering to the beats of our live DJ. And with more eerie surprises yet to be revealed, nothing is ever quite what it seems.

So round up your bravest friends, don your best cape, wings, or wickedly good costume, and get ready for a night where fun and frights go hand in hand.

After dark, W5 is not what you remember. Do you dare to discover what awaits within?

Fancy Dress Competition

It wouldn’t be Halloween without killer costumes! Bring your most frightfully creative look, whether it’s spine-chilling, spellbinding, or just plain weird, and you could walk away with a wicked prizes. Strut your stuff, strike a pose, and show us your eerie elegance or monstrous mayhem.

First Place - 2x tickets to see Picture This at The SSE Arena on 28 December 2025.

Second Place - 2x tickets to see the Belfast Giants at a game of your choice.

Third Place - 2x tickets to a future W5 late of your choice.

Pumpkins and Potions: Live Science Show

Step into the world of weird and wonderful science with our Pumpkins & Potions live show, a spectacular blend of explosive experiments, bubbling brews, and spellbinding surprises. Expect plenty of “oohs,” “aahs,” as our Potion Masters bring science to life before your eyes.

Character Meet and Greets

Snap a picture with the mischievous Cruella de Vil, team up with the fearless Ghostbusters, or pose alongside other Halloween favourites. Whether you’re a fan of classic villains or modern icons, there’s a character ready to make your Halloween extra special.

Speed Quizzing

Think you’ve got a brain sharp enough to survive the night? Join our fast-paced Speed Quizzing sessions and test your knowledge across a mix of spooky trivia, pop culture, and wild-card questions. Bragging rights await the sharpest minds in the room. No paper, no pens, just pure adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Frighteningly Good Face Painting

Add a finishing touch to your Halloween look with face painting, available throughout the night. From subtle skulls to full-on fiends, our professional artists will make sure your face matches your fright-night vibe.

Special Effects Makeup Demonstrations

Ever wondered what it takes to bring your favourite characters to life? Join the talented Belfast Met students for live demonstrations of special effects makeup and discover the artistry, creativity, and skill that go into working behind the scenes in the creative industries. Watch the magic happen up close, from theatrical transformations to film-ready effects.

Licensed Bars

What’s a Halloween night out without a few potions of your own? Enjoy a range of chilling concoctions and classic favourites all night long at our licensed bars.

Say Cheese… Or Strike a Spooky Pose!

Get ready to make this a night to remember! Our photographer and videographer will be out and about, capturing all the thrills, chills, and Halloween magic as it unfolds.

You might even see yourself featured in future W5 posts, promos, or event highlights. Prefer to stay behind the curtain? Just let a member of our team know on the night.

So dust off your scariest smile, unleash your creepiest moves, and channel your inner horror icon — the spotlight could be on you!

Costume Competition Guidelines

The following items are not allowed as part of your costume:

- Real or functional weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives, or replicas that could be mistaken for real weapons)

- Sharp objects or projectiles (e.g. arrows, darts etc)

- Open flames, fireworks, or pyrotechnics

- Liquids, messy substances, or anything that could leak, stain, or damage property or others' costumes

- Hate symbols, offensive language, or costumes that promote violence, discrimination, or harassment

- Live animals

- Drug-related props or paraphernalia (real or fake)

- Excessively large props or costume parts that may obstruct pathways, entrances, or cause safety hazards

We encourage bold, spooky, and fun costumes; however, we reserve the right to deny entry or disqualify anyone whose outfit crosses the line into unsafe or is inappropriate.