Roll up, roll up! Firmly established as one of Dublin’s most-loved family events, Stokerland returns to St. Patrick’s Park with another gloriously Gothic weekend for children and the eternally young. Against the dramatic backdrop of St Patrick’s Cathedral, the park is transformed with strange, spooky and playful dressing creating a world of curious characters, eerie encounters and family-friendly fun.
Stokerland brings together high-quality performances and activities for children across music, theatre, storytelling, street arts, games and creative play. Expect a packed programme in the performance tent, devilishly fun street theatre, free face-painting, macabre thrills, curious games, mysterious characters and plenty of silly surprises for little monsters and their keepers.
The ever-popular Victorian-style carousel is completely free to ride, while food stalls and picnic-friendly spaces make it easy to spend the day in the heart of the city.
For children under 12 and their families, it’s a chance to dress up, play, discover and enjoy the Hallowe’en season together in one of Dublin’s most atmospheric settings.
Whether you arrive in full vampire regalia or as your best bat-self, fancy dress is strongly encouraged. Bring your imagination: weirdness is very welcome.
A number of food traders will join us at Stokerland but BYOPicnics are also permitted.
Step aboard a Victorian ‘ghost ship’ crewed by a trio of undead pirates – a swashbuckling zombie crew shipwrecked somewhere between this world and the next. Cursed to sail forever, they’ve traded ale for blood and gold for eyeballs and other grim trophies. Expect gravity-defying acrobatics, daring stunts, and a wickedly entertaining performance that pulls the audience into the pirates’ ghostly underworld.
Get on the dance floor for a spooky, groovy family dance party with dancer Holly Lloyd-Peate. Expect spooky choreography, Halloween hits, monster moves and lots of energetic fun! Make sure to wear your scariest costume to get in the mood for this fun-filled family dance experience.
A charming and whimsical piece of street theatre from Company Gee Gee. S(h)tick is a conceptual diabolo show exploring hierarchy, competition, teamwork, and camaraderie, where the performers find joy in each other’s success, and even more so in their failures! Every stumble becomes fuel for invention, as mishaps spark bold experiments that push against the conventions of their craft. Sharp, funny, endlessly inventive and with a Hallowe’en twist, this is diabolo like you’ve never seen it.
Logy brings a rock ‘n’ roll twist to classic circus and vaudeville, delivering a high-energy street show packed with comedy, juggling, and playful chaos. With a mix of clowning, fire tricks, and razor-sharp object manipulation, he keeps audiences laughing while daringly teetering on the edge of control. A Guinness World Record holder for rolla bolla!
Classical music isn’t just for concert halls! Join Bits and Bobs Orchestra for a fun introduction to the world of classical music. Interact with the musicians and the instruments of the orchestra, bop along to familiar songs and classical hits and try your hand at conducting!
We have programmed a relaxed session of Stokerland which will take place from 11.00am – 1pm on Monday 26 October.
At the relaxed session, you can expect a tailored experience designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people who identify as neurodiverse, people on the autistic spectrum, people with sensory and communication disorders, ADHD, ADD, tourettes or with learning disabilities.
Joining the Stokerland line up in St. Patrick’s Park is the portfolio of vendors who trade there each Sunday. You will find a broad collection of handmade crafts, retro must-haves, collectibles, books, jewellery and eclectic vintage. Check out spillaneworldmarkets.com
Paddy’s Pizza Pies
Crepes in The City Ltd
Cranky Yankee Corn Dogs
Sweet Churro Limited
BAH 33
Seoul Kitchen
Shaka Poké
| Age Suitability | Families and Under 12s. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. |
|---|---|
| Warnings | This is an outdoor event. Please dress appropriately. |
| Accessibility | A relaxed session of Stokerland which is open to all will take place from 11am- 1pm on Monday 26 October. Stokerland is wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair accessible portaloo is also available. More info |
| Relaxed Session | A Social Story will be available to download on Wednesday 7 October. |
St. Patrick's Park, Bull Alley Street, Dublin 8
The nearest Luas stop is St. Stephen’s Green.
Closest Dublin Bus stops:
Nearest parking is at Q-Park Christchurch.
Drop-off/pick-up is available along Bull Alley Street and Cathedral Lane.
Accessibility Information
Accessibility
On Monday 26th October from 11am until 1pm, relaxed performances for neurodivergent people will be scheduled. All music at the performance areas and other trading areas will be played at a quieter, more comfortable level. There will be no loud or sudden noises, or surprises during the relaxed performances. All workshops will be gently paced, giving everybody enough time to learn, play and have fun at their own speed. All performers and staff will ensure a relaxed and sensory-friendly experience for all. If guests need a break at any point, there will be a designated sensory unit available.
Ticketing
Free public event; unticketed. The sensory-relaxed session on Monday morning is completely free and requires no prior booking.
Arrival
Pathways surrounding the park are smooth flagstones, with downhill gradients approaching from Christchurch.
The nearest Luas stop is St. Stephen’s Green (850m).
Closest Dublin Bus stops:
Nearest accessible parking is at Q-Park Christchurch; designated street bays are on Golden Lane.
Drop-off/pick-up is available along Bull Alley Street and Cathedral Lane.
Entry
Step-free street-level entrance on Patrick Street. Bull Alley Street entry has approx. 7 stone steps (no railing); Bride Street/Bull Alley corner has approx. 20 stone steps (with rail). A dedicated accessible ramp is located at the Bride Street entrance alongside 13 steps.
Space
Centred around flat, open public lawns and paved perimeter avenues. The central ornamental fountain is set down two steps.
Accessible Bathroom/WC
Accessible facilities are available inside The Tram Cafe (passcode provided on site). Dedicated accessible portable toilets will also be situated on park grounds during festival hours.
Food & Drink
Hot food and cold drinks available via The Tram Café and external artisan food vendors. Personal picnics and own snacks are welcomed.
Performance Space
Paved walkways and twin-canopied circus/workshop marquees. Audience members are free to move around and verbalise freely. Open-air event subject to weather conditions.
Seating
Standard park benches with armrests are located along paths. Movable benches and ground picnic mat space are provided inside performance marquees.
Sound
Family park atmosphere with acoustic, amplified street theatre and performance stages. A designated sensory-relaxed session takes place Monday 26 October (11am – 1pm) with muted volumes, softened background noise, and no sudden pyrotechnic or acoustic cues.
Lighting
Outdoor daytime event utilising natural daylight; park and street lighting illuminate pathways at dusk.
Quieter Room
As this is a public space, there will be no designated quiet room but a Relaxed Session for neurodivergent people will take place on Monday 26 October from 11am-1pm.
A mobile sensory quiet unit is stationed in the park away from main thoroughfares, staffed by festival stewards in hi-vis. Open to one family/individual bubble at a time (with companion/guardian).