When it comes to the spookiest time of year, Aussies have really ramped up their adoption of Halloween traditions, with costumes and trick-or-treating baskets at the ready. So it’s no wonder Sydney’s Ghost Festival is such a hit – this year, the annual fest is taking over The Rocks from Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 1.
Bringing a huge Halloween playground for Sydneysiders to make the most of, it’s cemented itself as the go-to fright-filled celebration for one (unofficial) long weekend. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure set-up for all kinds of Halloween heads, from thrillseekers to not-so-brave partygoers.
No matter what ghoulish activity tickles your fancy, you’ll have the chance to check out a bunch of cool things at this free-entry fest…
Hit up the outdoor Audible Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage to catch some goosebump-raising movie screenings. With the likes of Smile, The Shining, Hocus Pocus and Monsters Inc. on the line-up, you’re in for a real scare – but make sure to keep an eye out on your surroundings, because the real terror might just creep up on you.
For those keen on the treats, you can sip your way through themed cocktails at CASA Murder Bar, a hidden vintage speakeasy tucked away in one of the city’s most haunted laneways in Foundation Park. There’ll be 12 exclusive creations brewing at the 1930’s-inspired spot, paired with live retro music.
Ready to boogie? The Poliakov Vodka Main Stage and its accompanying Poliakov Vodka Haunted Woods at First Fleet Park is calling your name – and it's free entry. Complete with cocktails served in syringes and blood bags by mad scientists, plus potions and eats from Messina and Gong Cha in the Haunted Woods, you can do some major Monster Mash-ing ’til late on the Main Stage dancefloor, soundtracked by DJs like Pretty Dragon, Elle Cooper and Lara Luv.
Sydneysiders love a good bar or pub crawl so, naturally, Ghost Festival is dishing up a good ol’ serving. If you’re up for the challenge, CASA Trick or Drink at The Rocks is where you can embark on a four-village cocktail crawl either solo or with your mates. It’s survival of the fittest as you venture through a zombie apocalypse, abandoned asylum, a slaughter bar and a ouija bar.
Plus there’s even an option for a scare-free evening. There will also be a Halloween Market at Playfair Street, where you can even uncover some wicked finds for your spooky season haul; just keep a watchful eye out for the giant zombie and tentacles keeping watch over the whole haunted affair.
To find out more info, head to the official event website here.