Spooky season! The Bulletin’s guide to Halloween thrills across Belgium

From spine-chilling activities for all ages to all-night raves and horror film sessions, get ready to feel the fear thanks to our round-up of seasonal activities.

Don’t forget to check out events in your local municipality. Yes, Halloween is slowly spreading its frightful feelers all around Belgium...

BRUSSELS

Every Halloween, the Museum of Fantastic and the Center of Fantastic Art is transformed into a scary house. This is a perfect opportunity to explore its unusual collection via puzzles to solve and a witchcraft certificate to earn. The museum’s Mini-Golf Halloween joins in the fun. Dscover this atypical mini-golf course and travel along an 18-hole course strewn with pitfalls. Golf: daily 18 October to 2 November; Halloween activities: 19 October to 3 November, 14.00-17.00 (last entry 16.00), special entrance times on 31 October & 1 November, Rue Américaine 7 (Saint-Gilles)

It’s all Latino Halloween vibes in the Marolles with Día de Muertos providing grinning skulls, colourful costumes, parades, themed workshops and talks and concerts. There’s plenty of kids and family activities to keep los niños entertained as well as older revellers. Don’t miss a Mexican music workshop on Friday evening, two performances of Feu les animaux for all ages (6+), pictured, on Saturday and the finale grand parade on Sunday evening that leaves from Place du Jeu de Balles at 19.00, followed by a surprise concert. 27 October to 1 November, across the Marolles

It’s scary movie time! Join fellow horror film fans at the Kinepolis Halloween Night in theatres across the country for screenings of four terrifying titles: Les Intrus: Chapitre 2, G.O.A.T, Good Boy and Black Phone 2. Snacks, drink and surprise goodie included in entrance ticket. Recommended for 16 years and up. 31 October 20.00-3.40

WALLONIA

Haunted houses, scary zones, special shows and themed culinary experiences are all part of the Walibi Halloween Activities this year. The theme park reopens the gates of Ibilaw, a terrifying parallel world, which includes a show recounting the story of Bill. Hidden in the shadows, he has been watching every visitor, every move, every shiver. Feeding of their fears, Bill is growing stronger with every scream. Now he steps out of the shadows, ready to challenge the bravest visitors… face to face. Will you dare to enter the park? Note: Some Halloween activities are included in the entrance price, others require additional tickets.  Until 2 November, Boulevard de l’Europe 100, Wavre (Walloon Brabant province)

For an alternative Halloween experience that’s supernatural and imaginary, discover the galaxy of stars in the night sky during the Euro Space Center’s Les Féeries Nocturnes. The Moon will reveal its secrets via poetic and artistic performances – from illuminated jugglers and dancers to contortionists and magicians – as well as interactive workshops and the immersive spectacle Show me to the Moon. Tickets: €30 per person. 28 October, 18.30-23.30, Devant les Hêtres 1, Transinne (Luxembourg province)

The Halloween Mystery Forest at Durbuy’s Adventure Valley comes alive as night falls. This sound and light show set along a 2km trail is dotted with five new scare zones where an army of strange and terrifying creatures will make an appearance. There’s also an additional horror house if you want to increase the scare factor. But fear not, each fright area can be detoured if you prefer a gentler experience. Until 1 November, Adventure Valley, Rue du Rome 1, Durbuy (Luxembourg province)

The third edition of Héléween at Château Helecine promises an immersive experience with a brand new show, spectacular decor and spooky atmosphere. Video mapping specialists, Drop the Spoon collective are the creatives behind the 90-minute show that tells the story of an orphan with a crystal voice who became the terrible banshee haunting the former Heylissen Abbey. There’s indoor and outdoor video shows, including a 90m wide projection of the castle’s facades, plus an illusion show, a thrilling tour of the prison and holoquatic concerts. Dress up in your most ghoulish outfit to keep the wandering souls at bay! Refreshments available. 17 October to 2 November. Rue Armand Dewolf 2, Hélécine (Walloon Brabant)

Les Grottes de Han is a perfect location for spooky activities with its labyrinth of underground caves and grottoes hiding scary trolls for a seasonal experience for all ages. The estate, which includes an animal park, is also home to a series of fantastical creatures. Meanwhile, face painters, circus performers and other artists all add to the atmosphere. The fear factor rises from 30 October to 1 November with the nocturnal event Hanlloween  (12+; recommended age 14+). Rue J Lamotte 2, Han-sur-Lesse, 25 October to 1 November, (Luxembourg province)

As darkness sets in, this Walloon château sparkles with illuminations and a fiery show that plunges audiences into the world of Greek mythology. Bioul on Fire offers a promenade tour of the estate’s grounds with fire-themed artistic displays and installations. The château, which is also a reputed wine domain, lays on drinks and refreshments in this enchanting nocturnal setting, close to the Meuse river. 29 October to 1 November, 17.30, 18.30, 19.30 & 20.30, Château de Bioul, Avenue de Vaxelaire 1, Bioul (Namur province)

FLANDERS

Usher in autumn among the thousands of pumpkins used to create fun figures in the grounds of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle on the outskirts of the capital. For its third edition, Pumpkimania (pîctured, main image) adopts the theme ‘Romans’. Discover stunning sculptures of gladiators, Julius Caesar, grand columns among other surprising creations. There’s also pumpkin soup, fries and other treats, and on weekends, you can try your hand at carving a pumpkin and ride in the pumpkin boat. Until 2 November, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden

Ward off the evil spirits by partying all night at the Hangar Halloween rave at Brussels Gate, just west of the capital. The two-night 16-hour electronic music fest in a former industrial warehouse boasts an underground vibe and a full line-up of international DJs, including French techno & dancefloor star Anetha (pictured), Chris Stussy, a pillar of modern house with an irresistible groove, and more supercharged sets. 31 October & 1 November,  Alfons Gossetlaan 9, Groot-Bijgaarden

Antwerp’s nightclub scene brims with themed events. Coco Loco Halloween Festival is an immersive music and art party on a mission to wake the dead. Staged at Waagnatie, this fusion of Halloween, carnival and retro circus ensures a mesmerising musical night. A full line-up of DJs and live artists includes aerial acrobats and flame breathers. Minimum age 18. 1 November 20.30-04.30, Rijnkaai 150, Antwerp

Plopsaland in De Panne is a Halloween dream for littler kids, who can dress up and interact with the park’s characters and visit the “not too scary” haunted house. For the amusement park’s 25th anniversary, a special 25 Celebration Parade is just one of the highlights. There are also loads of special shows featuring Studio 100 characters. The holiday is also celebrated in the smaller Plopsaland parks in Hasselt, Antwerp and Stavelot. Depannelaan 68 (West Flanders)

On the other side of the country, Bobbejaanland takes a far creepier approach with three haunted houses with names like Alice in Horrorland, Next of Kin and Wrecked. Four themed zones drop you in the midst of the Day of the Dead, say, or killer monkeys. Until 3 November, Olensteenweg 45, Lichtaart (Antwerp province)

No city does Halloween quite like Blankenberge. Its seaside location adds to the holiday feel of its weeks of spooky surprises like a haunted house, a creepy carnival, a spectacular light parade, fire performances on the beach, pumpkin carving and the big costume party at the Casino for the whole family. That includes a family parade in which all kids – who are dressed up – can take part. 17 October to 31 October, across Blankenberge

Photos: ©Pumpkinmania, Groot-Bijgaarden;