No tricks, just treats: The bumper guide to family-friendly Halloween fun across Canberra
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As the Canberra spring sunshine begins to warm up and suburbs start trading their blossoming trees for webs and witch hats, it can only mean one thing: spooky season is officially upon us!
Whether your little monsters are after high-energy dance parties, crafty workshops, community markets, or just a heavy haul of chocolate and lollies, our city has put together an incredible lineup of family-friendly Halloween events for 2026.
Round up your favourite little ghouls, dust off the costume box, and explore what is happening across the capital this October and November.
Shopping Centres & Retail Trails
If you are looking for easy weekend wandering or a reliable spot to score some sweets, Canberra’s shopping hubs are putting on a magical show.
IKEA Canberra (Pialligo)
Young detectives can take part in the Halloween Candy Capers running from now until Sunday 1 November (10 am – 6 pm). Follow the clues through the spooky Living Room to crack the case and find the candy thief. Best suited for ages three to 12, this free drop-in activity is a breeze for families.
Until Sunday 1 November | 1030 Majura Road, Pialligo | Find out more here.
Majura Park Shopping Centre (Majura)
Quizzic Alley is bringing the magic on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October with Cauldron Bath Bomb Classes sessions at 11.30 am and 1 pm, where kids can mix and mould their very own cauldron bath bomb to take home (free, bookings required).
Then, return on Saturday 31 October (11 am – 2 pm) to collect your Halloween bag and trail map! Follow the trail from store to store, meet participating retailers, and fill your bag with goodies. Make sure to stop by the face painting station to transform into your favourite character (free, drop-in).
Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Saturday 31 October | 18-26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park (near Cafe Cherry Beans) | Find out more here.
Cooleman Court (Weston)
Head down on Saturday 31 October (2 pm – 5 pm) for the Halloween Hunt. Grab a free map, follow the clues for a self-guided candy quest around the centre, and enjoy face painting along the way.
Saturday 31 October | Brierly Street, Weston | Find out more here.
Bunnings Warehouse (Various locations)
On Thursday 29 October, local Bunnings stores are hosting their Halloween Family Events packed with kids’ activities, entertainment, and costume parades (5 pm – 7 pm at Belconnen, Majura Park, and Tuggeranong; 6 pm – 8 pm at Fyshwick and Gungahlin). It’s free to attend, but bookings are essential via the Bunnings Bookings Portal.
Thursday 29 October | Various locations | Find out more here.
Creative Workshops & Immersive Experiences
For kids who love to get hands-on, make things, or experience something a little extraordinary, these creative sessions offer plenty of inspiration.
Canberra Glassworks (Kingston)
Witness art in action during the Halloween Glass Demonstration on Friday 30 October at 10 am and 12 pm, where artist Jacqueline Knight crafts her iconic blown pumpkins in the Hotshop. An MC will be on hand from 12 pm to 1 pm to explain techniques and answer questions.
For aspiring artists aged 10 and up, the Ghostly Glass Workshop on Saturday 31 October at 10.30 am and 1.30 pm lets kids design and assemble their own cackling witches, mummies, or ghouls. Priced at $85, it promises to be a haunted, hands-on workshop!
Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October | Canberra Glassworks, Kingston | Book via Humanitix.
National Zoo & Aquarium (Weston Creek)
On Friday 30 October, the Spooktackular returns to support wildlife conservation. Enjoy games, a scavenger hunt, crafts, a dance floor, treat bags, and a special Bent’Spook’ Bar featuring BentSpoke Brewing Co brews for the grown-ups! Tickets range from $2 to $285.
Friday 30 October | 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek | Book via the National Zoo website.
Canberra Miniature Railway (Symonston)
All aboard for the Halloween Spooky Train Rides on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October (5.30 pm – 9.30 pm). It is a thrilling way to experience the tracks after dark ($18 online, $20 at the gate, under three free). But beware – it may give you a fright!
Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October | 501 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston | Book via TryBooking.
Discos, Parties & Play Centres
If your household prefers high-energy dancing, unlimited indoor play, and drop-and-go options so parents can grab a moment of peace, look no further.
Sprouts Corner (Kambah)
The Spooktackular Night Out on Friday 30 October (4 pm – 6 pm) turns Sprouts Corner into a not-too-scary playground complete with face painting, crafts, and free play. Dinner is included as well for $45 (family pass) or $17 per child and $6 per adult).
Friday 30 October | 8/46 Jenke Circuit, Kambah | Find out more here.
The Learning Nest Co. (South.Point Tuggeranong)
Enjoy a parent’s night out while qualified educators host the Halloween Date Night Disco on Friday 30 October, with sessions running between 4 pm and 9 pm. Drop the kids off in costume to dance the night away while you grab dinner or a movie at South.Point. Sessions start from $25.
Friday 30 October | South.Point Tuggeranong, Lower Level (laneway between Rebel & Williams) | Book via The Learning Nest Co.
Lollipop’s Playland & Café (Majura Park)
The Halloween Party on Friday 30 October (5 pm – 8 pm) features endless indoor play, dancing, a best-dressed costume competition, and a free gift for every ticketed child! There will also be face painting for $8 and the option to pay an extra $6 ($18 total) for entry and a meal. Adults are free to attend.
Friday 30 October | Majura Park Shopping Centre, near Aldi, Majura | Book here.
ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability (Dickson)
The All Abilities Halloween Disco takes over Majura Community Hall on Friday 30 October (6 pm – 8 pm) for a welcoming, non-spooky night of music! There will also be prizes for Best Costume and Best Group Costume. Entry is $25, plus a booking fee.
Friday 30 October | Majura Community Hall, Rosevear Place, Dickson | Book via Humanitix.
Flip Out Majura (Majura)
Join the House Party Halloween Edition on Saturday 31 October (5 pm – 8 pm) by dressing up as your favourite spooky character for a frightfully fun storybook house party! There will also be a live DJ and karaoke.
Saturday 31 October | Unit 1, 5/17 Mustang Avenue, Majura | Book via Flip Out Majura.
PCYC Queanbeyan (Queanbeyan)
The Kids Night In Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday 31 October (5 pm – 10 pm) features a Trunk Trick or Treat in the car park, alongside a haunted house maze, disco, costume competition, face painting, and spooky crafts. Go hungry, because there will also be food available! Entry is $30 for children five to 15. Adults are free.
Saturday 31 October | 1A Yass Road, Queanbeyan | Find out more here.
Canberra Southern Cross Club (Woden)
Henry’s Spook-tacular Halloween Party is taking over the Canberra Southern Cross Club on Saturday 31 October. Led by Professor Charm, kids will enjoy bubbling potion experiments, squishy slime making, and Halloween games. Tickets are $35 per child including a kid’s meal. Adults free.
Saturday 31 October | 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip | Find out more here.
Canberra Southern Cross Club (Tuggeranong and Jamison)
The scary fun doesn’t stop there for the Southern Cross Club. Tuggeranong and Jamison have fang-tastic events including glitter tattoos, Halloween colouring, spooky activities, and more Halloween fun!
Saturday 31 October | Corner Pitman and Holwell Streets, Greenway and Corner Catchpole and Bowman Streets, Macquarie | Find out more here.
Good Pathways Church (Fadden)
The Halloween Night Light Party Disco on Saturday 31 October offers bright costumes, glow sticks, dancing, and giveaways as a light-filled alternative for ages five to 12. Running from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm, it’s free to attend.
Saturday 31 October | The Dome, 56 Coyne Street, Fadden | Register via Eventbrite.
Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre (Phillip)
Hit the ice for a trilogy of spooky skating events! Check out Halloween at Phillip Rink on Wednesday 28 October (8.15 pm – 9.45 pm), slide into the Wizard & Warlocks Disco on Friday 30 October (8.30 pm – 10 pm) or catch the Fright Night Spooky Disco on Saturday 31 October (8 pm – 9.30 pm). Plus, anyone who comes in costume will be in for the draw to win three free skate vouchers for best dressed. Go dressed up in your spookiest outfits for your chance to win.
Wednesday 28, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October | 1 Irving St, Phillip | Check details via the Facebook Event Link.
Community Fairs, Parks & Outdoor Trails
Take advantage of the warmer spring evenings with these fantastic local outdoor festivals, community fairs, and active street celebrations.
Asia Australia Youth Association (City Walk & Petrie Plaza)
Ghosts in the City transforms the city centre on Saturday 31 October into a massive free community festival featuring a haunted house, a Halloween-themed carousel, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, roaming costumed characters, and a monster parade. Make sure to reserve a spot!
Saturday 31 October | City Walk & Petrie Plaza, Canberra City | Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
Telopea Park School (Barton)
La Grande Fête will combine the charm of a French village fair with a spooky twist, offering rides, delicious food, market stalls, live entertainment, and games. With free entry, it’s perfect for all ages.
Saturday 31 October | 25 New South Wales Crescent, Barton | Find out more here.
Suburban Land Agency (Whitlam Mingle Community Space)
Head to Whitlam for the Whitlam Spooktacular, featuring craft stations, pumpkin weight-guessing challenges, and a Community Halloween Costume Swap at the Heartbeat Café where you can drop off a clean costume or browse for a new one for free.
Saturday 31 October | Mingle Community Space, SLA Display Village, 3 Klaus Moje Street, Whitlam | Find out more here.
Santa’s Secret Bungendore
Experience Halloween in Bungendore on Saturday 31 October by trick-or-treating through the local business district, meeting a delightfully dreadful family beside a vintage 1934 Packard Limousine, and exploring Santa’s Secret Halloween Cabinet. It’s a free community event filled with costumes, photos, prizes, and spooky fun for all ages.
Saturday 31 October | 24B Malbon Street, Bungendore | Find out more here.
O’Connor Community Pantry (Finn Street Park)
This free community party is happening on Saturday 31 October (4 pm – 7 pm) with a Bricks4Kidz LEGO play area, scavenger hunt, bake sale, BBQ, and kids’ activities.
Saturday 31 October | Finn Street Park, between Miller & MacPherson Streets, O’Connor | Find out more here.
Ginninderry Residents Association Inc (Ginninderry)
The Halloween Spooktacular kicks off on Saturday 31 October from 5 pm with live entertainment, costume competitions, market stalls, and food trucks. It’s free to attend!
Saturday 31 October | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Find out more here.
Ministry of Events (Murrumbateman)
Check out A Fairley Sweet Trail of Treats on Saturday 31 October where decorated houses hand out lollies in a friendly community street layout. There are two sessions (5 pm – 6 pm for younger children, 6 pm – 7 pm for older children) and free to attend!
Saturday 31 October | Fairley Estate, Murrumbateman | Find out more here.
Woden Town Parkrun (Yarralumla)
Kick off Saturday 31 October bright and early from 8 am at Yarralumla Creek for Halloween at Woden Town, where you can come dressed in your favourite costume or just as you are.
Saturday 31 October | Yarralumla Creek | Find out more here
Wagi Bridge Parkrun (Moncrieff)
Celebrate the Fangtastic 7th Birthday and Halloween on Saturday 31 October from 8 am by running, walking, or zombie-marching two laps around the course in your best costume. It’s free to attend.
Saturday 31 October | 5 Fretwell Street, Moncrieff | Find out more here.
Canberra by Bike (Gungahlin)
Roll into the evening with the Gungahlin Halloween Bike Party on Saturday 31 October , starting from Yerrabi Pond District Park Pavilion. Enjoy a family-friendly, guided night ride with music and flashing lights, finishing with pizzas from Bronx Pizzeria.
Saturday 31 October | Yerrabi Pond District Park Pavillion, Wunderlich Street, Gungahlin | Register via Humanitix.
Comhaltas Canberra (Weston Creek)
This is an Irish community event or children aged under 14 years to celebrate Halloween. Featuring entertainment, activities, costume prizes, and a party bag, entry for children is $5 and adults are free.
Saturday 31 October | Canberra Irish Club Cotter Room, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston Creek | Find out more here.
ACT Rescue and Foster (Belconnen)
Put the ‘fun’ in fundraising with the Howl-oween Trivia Night on Saturday 31 October at the Canberra Labour Club. All proceeds raised will go towards dogs in need. Costumes are encouraged!
Saturday 31 October | Canberra Labor Club, 51 Chandler Street, Belconnen | Book here.
Canberra Labor Club Group (Charnwood & Belconnen)
Test your knowledge at the Halloween Trivia nights on Saturday 31 October and dress to impress your smartest or spookiest crew. The kids will be sure to love it!
Saturday 31 October | 40 Lhotsky Street, Charnwood and 51 Chandler Street, Belconnen | Find out more here.
Limelight Cinemas (Tuggeranong)
Attend the first morning session on Saturday 31 October for Trick or Treat Screenings of Stitch Head (9.45 am), Wildwood (10 am), or Tad and The Magic Lamp (10.10 am) to receive a special trick-or-treat gift with each child’s ticket!
Saturday 31 October | South.Point Tuggeranong, Upper level, Corner Anketell & Reed Streets, Tuggeranong | Find out more here.
Mini Golf Federation Square & Simply Magick (Nicholls)
Visit Gold Creek over Halloween weekend where wearing a creative costume at the mini golf course scores sweet treats! Make sure to stop by the Simply Magick Grand Opening on Sunday 1 November for giveaways, a kids’ scavenger hunt, and free witch hats.
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November | Nicholls | Visit the websites for more details.
Day of the Dead Fiesta (Dickson)
Celebrate Día de los Muertos across the weekend of Saturday 31 October (and Sunday 1 November with colourful Mexican culture, live music, dance, art, food, and family community days. With free entry, it’s a great chance to enjoy some beautiful, cultural traditions.
Saturday 31 October | Poppyfield Commons, Poppyfield Street, Dickson | Find out more here.
