Halloween is just around the corner (October 31st to be exact), and while it might not be the biggest event on Australia’s calendar, there are always plenty of ways to enjoy a great night out.
If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up and get your heart racing, here are some of the coolest Halloween events in 2024 happening around the country to celebrate the spooky season.
Sydney
The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic buildings tucked in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – so naturally, it comes to life (or death) for the haunted weekend of Halloween. It will play host to Ghost in the Rocks, a three day and three night street festival that includes food stalls, a pop-up bar, plus DJ sets in a haunted house and a ticketed zombie silent part.
Hallowscream at Luna Park will also return in 2024 from Friday 25 to Thursday 31 October. The iconic Big Top will transform into an immersive haunted house, get lost in the haunted maze inside Crystal Palace, and enjoy spooky-themed food and drinks.
Melbourne
Similarly across the border, From 25 October to 2 November, Luna Park Melbourne morphs into a Halloween haven. Named ‘Luna Dark’, dive into exhilarating rides, a ghostly train, a hidden maze, live music and more terrifying experiences to get your fright on.
If you’re looking for Halloween parties in Australia, Halloweenfest Melbourne will take place for one night only on Friday 25 October at Billboard, a multi-level venue in the CBD. Expect a huge haunted house, live DJs, drinks and a costume contest with that chance to win $500+ in prizes.
Adelaide
Get down to boogie at StudyAdelaide’s Halloween Dance Party on Tuesday 31 October at the Lions Arts Factory. For a $5 entry fee, all international students are welcomed to join in on a night of music, entertainment, drinks and food. Plus there’s a costume contest for the chance to win some prizes!
Adelaide will also play host to the first ever Festival of Halloween on Saturday 5 October. The Waterside Workers Hall will open up to a Halloween-themed market, a trick or treat trail, a mini haunt experience, a costume competition and more.
Hobart
Australia’s top goth/alternative nightclub Altar Bar in Hobart will once again be hosting an adults-only Halloween-themed night. On Friday 25 October, dress in your spookiest outfit as the decks will be spinning with all your favourite emo and pop punk songs at Taking Back Saturday.
For something a little more family-friendly, Halloween Fun Day will take place on Saturday 26 October. Come down to Cris Fitzpatrick Community Park from 11am for music, food, activities and of course, a costume parade.
Brisbane
For one night only until the early hours of the morning, The Warehouse in Fortitude Valley transforms into an asylum on Friday 25 October for Brisbane’s biggest Halloween event, Halloween Hall. As part of Brisbane’s inaugural MELT FESTIVAL, the line up of Aussie acts and DJs will have you dance the night away.
Just north of Brisbane, the iconic produce market Redcliffe Markets will be hosting a Festival of Frights on Saturday 26 October. From 4pm, find street eats, live entertainment, a fireworks display, scavenger hunt, a costume contest and trick or treating for the little ones.
Perth
Celebrate Halloween in Australia in style at the Twilight Halloween Market, nestled in Perth’s Supreme Court Gardens. On 25 October, browse through 80 of Western Australia’s finest artisan stalls, indulge in delectable food choices, and groove to live tunes.
When the sun begins to set, ring in the Halloween season under the stars at Rooftop Movies, located on the top of a carpark in Northbridge. The open-air cinema will be putting on a selection of spooky films as part of Fright Fortnite. Starting 19 October to 3 November, expect classics like Edward Scissorhands, Hocus Pocus, Scream, The Shining and more all on the big screen.
Darwin
Summon your scariest costume for the biggest Halloween dress-up party in the Southern Hemisphere. Electric Storm is back to haunt the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre on Saturday 2 November. Expect dancers, street artists, DJs and plenty more.
If dance music isn’t your scene, the Territory Wildlife Park is hosting an evening of family fun on 31 October. From 5pm to 9pm, your little ones can enjoy a spooky disco with DJ Kev, haunted night walks through the wildlife park (torches are encouraged!), a ride on the ghost train and prizes for the best dressed.
Canberra
Discover a world of spine-chilling attractions and eerie delights at Canberra’s Halloween Fest. Don your spookiest outfit and make your way down to Patrick White Lawns on Saturday 26 October for an unforgettable night of ghoulish fun and festivities like trick or treating, a horror magic show, a ghost parade and more.
Canberra’s spookiest film festival, Horror Tropefest will also be taking place that same week. On Thursday 31 October Smith’s Alternative will be screening frightening and sinister short films from local film makers that play on classic horror movie tropes.
Read more: 10 of Australia’s Spookiest Ghost Stories.
