[category]
[title]
British author C.S. Lewis once said, “When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.”
When we were little, things that went bump in the night scared the shizz out of us. The boogeyman was real. So were ghouls and wicked witches who would steal us from our beds if we were naughty. Our imaginations created nightmares that terrified us into a state of paralysis.
Then we grew up, and those childish things became forgotten archives of memories stored away in the deepest recesses of our minds. But once a year, Halloween (October 31) permits us to act a fool. We join bands of misfits and go hunting for ghosts and goblins. It’s for the kids, we say. We know it’s an excuse to entertain our delusions.
South Africa might not go all in like the US, but the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain has become quite the attraction for Cape Town locals. Event organisers are only too happy to feed our thirst for all things Halloween-related. So, if you’re into trick-or-treating, you should pencil in the following events in Cape Town on Saturday, 31 October.
Mystery Ghost Tour
- Time: Friday, 30 October, 7pm - 11pm
- Venue: Prestwich Memorial, Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD
- Cost: From R449, bookings via Quicket
“Twas the night before Halloween, and all through out the house, all the creatures were stirring, including the mouse.”
Except, this is an interactive evening exploring haunted spots, historic buildings, alleys, or cemeteries, featuring dowsing rods and electronic voice phenomena (EVP) gear.
Hosted by paranormal investigator Mark Rose-Christie, the Mystery Ghost Tour, Halloween edition, meets at Waterkant St. near the intersection of Rose St.
Walk from your car to that intersection to meet your host. Bring extra pub-and-grub cash, a torch, a camera, and flat walking shoes.
Zombie Walk Cape Town
- Time: 5pm - 6pm
- Venue: Starts at 109 Government Ave, Company's Garden, Cape Town CBD
- Cost: Free to join, from R100 per person (after-party), bookings via Quicket
Run, don’t walk! The annual Zombie Walk takes over the CBD for an hour of funny scares. Dress up in your most gory outfit or character. Take to the streets and walk like a zombie. The child-friendly walk welcomes all ages. After that, the adults get to party.
This year’s event supports the Lucky Lucy Foundation animal rescue. Also, register early to ensure your spot. The Zombie Walk is a favourite with families, so tickets move fast.
The Manor of Mischief
View this post on Instagram
- Time: 10am, 1pm and 4pm
- Venue: Glenhof Manor, 12 Glenhof Rd. Newlands
- Cost: R100 - R350, bookings via Howler
A haunted house tour, but make it kid-friendly. Step through the gates of the Manor of Mischief and into a world of mayhem, magic, and spooky fun.
10 rooms. Two floors. Half the fun is discovering what’s around every corner. The day slots are designed for kids up to 12 years old. Expect things that move. Things that talk. Things that squish. Eek! And perhaps a few things you wish you’d never seen.
And then there’s the Super Scary Wing. The more intense experience is for those who really want to be scared. Teens and adults slots are reserved for later in the day.
Complete the challenge, and you’ll be rewarded with a sweet treat.
Halloween in the Hof
- Time: 6pm - 9pm
- Venue: Ghost Tunnel, 24 Oranje Rd, Kirstenhof
- Cost: From R25, bookings via Quicket
Halloween in the Hof is a neighbourhood initiative that goes big on fun. Bring the kids, dress up in costumes.
The evening starts with a trick-or-treat walk. A map will be provided to guide you along the route. And then the best part of the activity is the ghost tunnel. Creepy corners, ghosts, and mystery lights will keep you on your feet and on your guard.
The night ends with an epic fire dancing performance.
Spooktacular
- Time: 6:30pm - 8pm
- Venue: Red Herring Centre, Beach Rd, Chapman’s Peak
- Cost: From R65, bookings via Quicket
If you thought haunted houses are scary, imagine a haunted farm? Do you dare to enter the Haunted Farmyard Forest? Spooky surprises, creepy creatures, and scary magic await around every haystack.
Your ticket gets you entry to the Haunted Farmyard Forest and special Halloween treats for the kiddies. All proceeds will go towards an Ocean View Feeding Scheme, helping provide much-needed support to children and families in the community.
Time Out tip: Join the Interactive Woodland Walk: A decorated forest path filled with interactive magic, creepy characters, and lighthearted spooky surprises.
FAUST (100th anniversary) - Makabra Ensemble Live Soundtrack Performance
View this post on Instagram
- Time: 8:45pm - 10:15pm
- Venue: Labia Theatre, 68 Orange St, Gardens
- Cost: From R125, no under-13s, bookings via Quicket
Movie buffs, you’re up! For one night only, HORRORFEST presents F.W. Murnau’s 1926 adaptation of Goethe’s FAUST.
The Makabra Ensemble will perform a new soundtrack to this silent classic, live on Halloween night. The ensemble last performed a score for FAUST once in 2012, but this special performance features special guest musicians Sara Eksteen, Grimehouse, and Maxim Starcke.
Everyone is encouraged to dress to a Halloween theme. There’ll be prizes for the best looks.
Halloween Kids Party
- Time: 1:30pm - 5pm
- Venue: Luxe & Little, 3 Noreen Ave, Claremont
- Cost: From R350, bookings via Quicket
A kids’ party with Halloween flair, this bash requires all your energy. There’ll be face painting and tote bag crafting, a sensory play session, and a mini treasure hunt.
The kids get to go home with a bag full of sugary treats (sorry, mom and dad), and the best-dressed can snag great prizes. To ensure the adults are sufficiently prepared for the sugar high and crash, Glühwein is readily available.
And because it’s spooky season, expect a few jump scares.
Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!