Autumn Adventures

That's it, Summer is now officially over. Pack away the suncream, t-shirts and shorts; it's time for hot chocolate, cold nights and woolly scarves.
To get you in the mood for the season, below we've compiled a list of some fun things to do this Autumn.

Return to Monster Manor at W5

There's something spooky going on at W5. All manner of ghouls and ghosts have moved into the Monster Manor this Halloween– and they don't look like they'll be leaving anytime soon.
For some family fun this October, bring your ghost-hunting troop to explore the haunted mansion, which features new rooms, new monsters and new scares.
With singing pumpkins, dancing skeletons, floating ghosts and scary witches, W5 asks: are you brave enough to discover what lurks within the Monster Manor?
Time: Saturdays and Sundays from 01 October - 06 November. Daily from Friday, 28 October – Sunday, 06 November: 10am – 5pm. Sunday: 12pm – 5pm.
www.w5online.co.uk

Giant's Causeway Mexican Day of the Dead

For an cultural twist on Autumn's festivities, the Giant's Causeway Mexican Day of the Dead event is a family friendly experience visitors can enjoy.
Originating centuries ago in Mexico, 'Dia de los Muertos' is a cultural event to celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Many countries around the world also take part in similar or hybrid versions of Day of the Dead, usually in the form of street parties, parades, and festivals.
The National Trust is now hosting a free two-day event inspired by the latin festivities. Taking place on 29 – 30 October, entertainment will include face-painting, tissue paper craft to make colourful flower corsages/head pieces, and a sugar skull trail down to the Causeway stones. In addition, visitors can get a taste of Latin music, food and games.
Time: 11am – 4pm Date: 29 – 30 October.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Family Friendly Halloween Howler

If you're looking for somewhere family-friendly to take the kids this Halloween, Share's 'Halloween Howler' is the perfect event to keep the young ones entertained over the holidays.
Taking place at Smith's Strand near Lisnaskea in Co Fermanagh, Share is putting on a spooky show with plenty of hair-raising activities to make this Halloween one to remember.
Entertainment will include face painting, fun games including a T-shirt design contest, a bouncy castle and a fancy dress parade followed by a kids Halloween Disco.
Of course, there'll also be a fireworks display, as well as a Halloween Hunt. If that isn't scary enough, visitors are invited to experience the Haunted Forest Walk for creepy surprises and ghostly going-ons.
Date: Monday, 31 October Time: 6pm - 10pm
www.sharevillage.org

Seapark Fireworks

Watch the skies light up with a range of colours at this years Seapark Fireworks display.
Taking place at Seapark Recreation Grounds on Saturday, 22 October, bring your family to enjoy good music, good food and spectacular displays of gunpowder in action.
Beginning at 4pm, local band 'The Jukes' will be keeping you entertained with live music from 6.15pm, before the fireworks get underway at 7.45pm.
Other fun activities include a children's funfair and tasty snacks at the food stalls.
P.S, remember to wrap up warm!
www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival

With artists and performers from all across the world, the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival is definitely not to be missed.
This years festival has three main themes: Nineteen Sixteen, Bending the Bard and World in Motion.
With over 103 events to see and experience, there's surely something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include the Northern Ireland premiere of vocally gifted New York performer Taylor Mac, as well as dance performances from Bessie award-winning Faye Driscoll and 'Butterflies and Bones' from Fearghus Ó Conchúir.
If theatre is more your style, check out Aeschylus' 'The Suppliant Women', a new version of the Greek tragedy by David Greig at the Grand Opera House. Local theatre artists and companies are also well represented, with Prime Cut showcasing a double bill of 'Scorch' by Stacey Grieg and 'A Sinkhole in Guatemala' by Sarah Gordon.
In addition, the free event 'In Dreams Begin Responsibilities' celebrates the reconciliation in Ireland over the last 100 years and on the 18th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Also celebrating the spoken word, 'The Fever' is an evening filled with drama, words and music hosted by Fintan O'Toole.
Musical entertainment will be provided by multi-award-winning folk legends, Martin Carthy and Martin Simpson, indie rockers Augustines, nu soul sensation, Michael Kiwanuka and Italian classical pianist Emanuele Arciuli, who is making his Irish festival debut.
So for 19 days of music, poetry, dance, theatre, acrobatics, comedy, talks and much more, this globally renowned festival is definitely one event to stick in your diary this Autumn.
belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

(Image credits: www.w5online.co.uk, www.nationaltrust.org.uk, www.sharevillage.org, www.visitardsandnorthdown.com, belfastinternationalartsfestival.com).