Popular Mayo Halloween event promises spooky surprises and much more
Following the success of the inaugural event last year, Ballina Pumpkin Patch returns this October Bank Holiday weekend with exciting new additions, plenty of Halloween fun, and a continued focus on supporting the local community.
Taking place from October 24 to 26 (Saturday to Monday), the event invites families to enjoy an autumn day out filled with pumpkins, spooky surprises and activities for all ages, right in the heart of Ballina.
Building on last year’s success, visitors can look forward to new attractions for 2026, including Wild West-themed games, target challenges and plenty of interactive fun. Families can wander through the pumpkin patch, capture those all-important autumn photographs and soak up the Halloween atmosphere, with every child guaranteed their own pumpkin to take home.
But the Ballina Pumpkin Patch is about more than Halloween fun. The event also plays a valuable role in supporting the community, helping to raise funds for Ballina’s annual Christmas lights and contributing to the volunteer-led initiative that brings the town to life during the festive season.
This year, the event is also supporting Sunflower Children’s Hospice, which will provide vital care and support for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses and their families across eight counties along the western seaboard. Visitors will have the opportunity to make an optional donation when purchasing tickets, helping to support the hospice’s important work.
Recognising the importance of making family events accessible, dedicated autism-friendly sessions will take place from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. on Saturday (October 24) and Sunday (October 25). These sessions offer a quieter, calmer experience thanks to reduced crowds and sensory stimulation, with limited numbers to help families enjoy their visit in a more relaxed setting.
The organising committee is looking forward to welcoming families back for another memorable weekend, with new activities to discover and the community spirit that helped make the first event such a success.
With Halloween excitement for the children, a pumpkin to take home and the opportunity to support both a local community initiative and a worthwhile charity, Ballina Pumpkin Patch promises a lovely family outing over the October Bank Holiday weekend.
The event takes place from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday and from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. on the Monday. The cost is €12 for a single ticket, including admission and one pumpkin, or €30 for a family ticket for up to four people, with every child receiving a pumpkin. Autism-friendly child tickets cost €12 and include one accompanying adult free of charge, while additional children attending these sessions cost €6 each. Tickets are available exclusively through Eventbrite. The event will go ahead in all weather, so visitors are advised to dress accordingly.
For updates and behind-the-scenes previews, follow Ballina Pumpkin Patch on Facebook.