Boo!
Sure, maybe we Australians don’t celebrate All Hallow’s Eve to the same degree as our North American counterparts.
It’s not pumpkin season, for one, which makes carving jack-o-lanterns a little more difficult. Our springy October weather is a lot less ominous than the crisp, foggy falls of the other side of the equator.
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But if there’s one thing Australians may just be the best at, it’s having a good time. So in the spirit of the spookiest night of the year, let’s toss on some costumes, eat a whole bag of miniature chocolate bars and get up to some classic Halloween tomfoolery.
From murder mysteries to non-stop parties, these are the best places for a proper fright night this Halloween.
Halloweenfest 2023
- October 27
- 170 Russell
The biggest nightclub in Melbourne sure knows how to throw a Halloween bash. With two DJs, two rooms and over 800 tickets already sold, the Billboards Saturdays Halloweenfest is guaranteed to be a spook-tastic rager like no other. There will be free syringe shots and trick-or-treat goodie bags for early arrivers, plus a photo booth, live performers, makeup artists and contests and giveaways throughout the night.
Luna Dark: Behind the Screams
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- October 27 to 31
- Luna Park
Oh, there will be screams alright – and not just from the rides. For five nights (and two family-friendly days), Luna Park will be taken over by creepy clowns, haunted dolls and demons straight out of hell. This year, they’ve added a brand new maze of terror taking guests through the unseen corridors of the park, with God knows what lurking behind each corner. There will also be SFX makeup, unlimited rides, trick-or-treating from Wizz Fizz, carnevil games, live music by The Engagement and more.
Halloween Horror
- October 27 to 31
- Lido Cinema
Lido Cinema is playing horror classics all Hallo-week. Stop by to catch a screening of The Shining, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Exorcist, and of course Halloween itself, alongside many others.
Arriba! Mexican Festival
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- October 27 to 29
- Flagstaff Gardens
Not quite about Halloween, but still a celebration of the macabre. This free festival is dedicated to the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday that honours all those who have moved on into the spirit realm. There will be entertainment provided by folk bands, mariachi and DJs, as well as a margarita bar, face painting, crafts and more than 20 Mexican and Latin-American food trucks to try.
Melbourne Halloween Ghost Hunt
- October 27 to 31
- Flinders Street Station
Wander through some of the scariest sites in Melbourne this Halloween like a character in your own horror thriller. Allow your smartphone to guide you through some of the city’s most haunted locations as you solve clues and uncover mysteries, learning about Melbourne’s frightening history along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a ghost along the way.
Saints + Sinners Halloween Party
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- October 27
- Laundry Bar
Angels and devils will mingle at this hip-hop hullabaloo. The Melbourne Halloween event is hosted by Girls Club, a queer party for women and non-binary people looking to meet others from the community. Costumes are welcome, so grab some horns or some wings, depending on your mood.
House of Burton
- Oct 1 to 31
- The District Docklands
This Tim Burton themes pop up bar is running all October long. The entry price gets you a free spooktacular cocktail as well as games and activities provided by the Ghost Host. Make sure to dress to impress – the gloomy black-and-white stripes bar makes the perfect backdrop for photos.
Dance of the Dead
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- October 28
- Max Watts
Zombies, ghouls and evil clowns, this one is for you. This despicable evening is dedicated to the dark side of things, with blood-curdling visuals, haunting themes cocktails and spooky snacks (popcorn and fairy floss). Special guest Restricted will be bumping beats all through the night. The dress code is spooky chic.
Emoween
- October 28
- The Penny Black
Unleash your inner ghost, goblin or goth at The Penny Black’s Emoween event. They’ve got a strict schedule of emo classics set to play across two rooms (Black Veil Brides, Linkin Park, Bring Me The Horizon… all the good stuff) as well as a set by DJ Deez Nuts. They’ll also have curated cocktails, horror visuals, a blood makeover booth and free scary fairy floss. The dress code is Hallowscene, so sweep those bangs across your face and you might just win a prize.
Who’s Haunting Heide?
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- October 31
- Heide Museum of Modern Art
If you’re looking for a more dignified way to spend Halloween in Melbourne, this is it. The Heide Museum of Modern Art is offering a one-night-only experience where guests can explore the Heide gardens and cottage with Head Gardener David Murph, learning the history of the space and hearing tales of unexplained sightings and paranormal activity. The walk with finish off with a glass of fortified wine.
The Confessional
- October 31
- Hail Lilith
Hail Lilith is throwing the kinkiest Hallow’s Eve bash. The Footscray bourbon bar will be dedicating the night to sinners of all stripes – latex freaks, shibari riggers, burlesque dancers and more. They’ll have full vegan canape catering from Third Circle Vegan Bakery and their own kitchen as well as welcome cocktails on arrival.
For more Melbourne Halloween events, head here.
