The Final Halloween Haunt at Dundonald International Ice Bowl

Friends and families are invited to make memories to last a lifetime as Dundonald International Ice Bowl prepares to host its last-ever Halloween celebrations in its current building, ahead of its exciting move to a brand-new facility in 2027.

It’s the end of an era at Dundonald International Ice Bowl this October. With this year’s Halloween programme carrying extra significance, visitors are being encouraged to join in on one final, frightfully fun Halloween celebration in the much-loved building that has welcomed generations of visitors since 1986.

From Halloween discos and iconic characters to face painting, balloon modelling and sensory-friendly events, there will be plenty of reasons to dress up, join the fun and mark this special milestone in the Ice Bowl’s history.

The celebrations get underway on Thursday 29th October with the last-ever Howling Halloween Disco in Indiana Land, from 5.45pm to 7pm.  Little monsters can dance, have fun and show off their spooktacular moves to DJ entertainment and top tunes.

Freaky Friday, 30th October, promises a day of fang-tastic fun with a visit from the Sanderson Sisters from 10am to 2pm, followed by face painting and balloon modelling from 2pm to 6pm.

Families can also take advantage of a Daring Double Activity promotion, with two activities for just £12, the perfect excuse to make a day of it! Simply pre-book the 11.30am ice skating session on Friday 30th October, and enjoy an additional early morning activity, with a choice of tenpin bowling, Indiana Land or Clip n’ Climb. Pre-booking is essential. 

Visitors will also be treated to an exciting exhibition skate, featuring local talent coached at the Ice Bowl, before the 11.30am skating session.

A new sensory-friendly ice skating session will take place from 3.30pm to 5pm, offering a more accommodating environment for individuals who are autistic, neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivities.

Later that evening, a Sensory-Friendly Silent Halloween Disco will take place in Indiana Land from 5.30pm to 6.45pm, for children aged 14 and under, who are autistic, neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivities.

On Saturday 31st October, the Halloween magic continues with Spooky Saturday, a day packed full of entertainment. The Sanderson Sisters return from 12pm to 4pm, while customers with a booking can enjoy face painting and balloon modelling from 11am to 4pm for free! With peak sessions and DJ entertainment adding to the atmosphere, Spooky Saturday promises plenty of Halloween excitement making it the perfect way to round off the half-term celebrations.

Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry commented: “This is a particularly special Halloween Programme for Dundonald International Ice Bowl, as we prepare to celebrate the last Halloween season in our current building.

“There is a real sense of nostalgia as we reflect on the many thousands of visitors who have travelled near and far to enjoy the Ice Bowl over the past 40 years. Since opening in 1986, it has become a much-loved destination for families, friends and generations of visitors in Northern Ireland, Ireland and a far, and we want to celebrate the legacy by making this Halloween one to remember.

From spooky meet-and-greets to sensory-friendly sessions, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

While it is certainly the end of an era, it is also the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with a brand-new facility opening in 2027.   We look forward to welcoming visitors to the new Ice Bowl and creating lots more memories for generations to come.”

For further information on activities, session times and bookings, click here. 

Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry, prepares to celebrate the last Halloween season in the current Ice Bowl building, ahead of a brand-new facility opening in 2027.