Seven thrilling events you shouldn’t miss at Australia’s first Halloween festival

Posted on 8 October, 2024

Sydney is hosting Australia’s first Halloween festival called Ghost Festival and it’s a killer opportunity you shouldn’t dare miss out on.

The ghosts, ghouls, and spirits are calling for you to take a trip to the haunted Rocks of Sydney this Halloween season. It’s time to get your friends and family together to enjoy the flavourful food and energising entertainment, including (but not limited to) a zombie silent disco, a haunted house, and a cinema.

People of all ages are welcome, so you can bring the kids for some spooky, family-friendly fun or enjoy the true spine-chilling thrills that define Halloween. Celebrations last for four days and nights, beginning on Thursday 31 October, and ending on Sunday 3 November. It’s a festival full of tricks and treats to die for.

Road trip anyone?

Experience the switching sides of The Rocks’ Halloween Market

If you wander through this market by day, you’ll witness the compelling facade of stalls filled with goods and food for you to enjoy. Feel yourself be charmed by its splendour and then watch it transform into something more sinister as the sun slips below the horizon. Listen to tales of the supernatural as you behold the theatre group, “Deadhouse”, who will reveal The Rocks’ hidden history.

Poliakov presents a Silent Zombie Disco Party

Let your party persona rise with the undead on the Tallowoladah Lawn in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Witness how the dead party and join them by plugging in some headphones as the darkness sets in. If you’re really intrigued by a chilling experience, volunteer to submerge inside an ice bath or have your face painted while tasting vodka. There are no limits when it comes to partying with the undead, but only 600 tickets are available ranging from $49 to$69, so don’t miss out.

Dress up for this ghostly parade

Edinburgh, UK – October 31, 2016: Members of the Beltane Fire Society perform along the Royal Mile in the city centre on a rainy night. Samhuinn, or Halloween, is the Celtic New Year and celebrated with a procession and performance through the city streets.

You can watch or take part in Ghost Festivals’ Halloween Parade which will be walking through The Rocks and Circular Quay. Get the chance to carry the Ghost flag by dressing up as any creature your spooky soul calls for, and don’t forget the makeup! Anyone can join, (so long as you have a costume), at this free event, but be prepared to walk for 1.5 km in whatever shoes you choose. Dress up with your friends and family and marvel at this haunting parade.

Fleet Park’s haunted woods serve the treat in “Trick or Treat”

A Halloween festival is nothing without its treats. Wander through the labyrinth of Fleet Park’s Haunted Woods, sipping drinks served in blood bags or tasting devilishly delectable treats. The Haunted Woods are a tribute to New Orleans and free to attend for all ages.

Beware; the food and drinks aren’t all that you’re going to find – you may be in for a surprise from the props and music performers, who will be transforming the Woods into a chilling atmosphere. Expect hair-raising scares from ghosts and supernatural spirits as they tell you urban legends and the haunting history of New Orleans and The Rocks.

Channel the spirits at Crossing Lane

If you’re a fan of face paint and truly wish to become one with the Halloween celebrations, head over to Crossing Lane and transform into one of The Rocks’ spirits or creatures of legend. Get your face painted by Sydney’s top makeup artists, find the perfect accessories for your costume, and head into the changing rooms to immerse yourself in the true frights of Ghost Festival by becoming the creatures feared in history or the modern world.

A Halloween cinema for all horror movie lovers

There is nothing better than watching a good, bone-chilling horror movie. Located at the Alfresco Terraces on George Street, Thursday 31 October kick-starts the cinematic horrors at 9 pm for mature audiences. Feel the cinema come to life through its chilling atmosphere that will leave you constantly sitting on the edge of your seat. Popcorn, chips, and other treats and drinks are available to order while you enjoy the movie.

If you want to bring your kids or if you prefer something more light-hearted, there are family-friendly sessions available on Friday 1 November at 7 pm, Saturday 2 November at 2:30 pm, and Sunday 3 November at 2 pm. Be sure to check the rating and movies that are set to screen before heading over, and enjoy the spine-tingling atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in ghost festivals’ House of Horrors DJ Party

Starring the Old Merchant House, this haunted house transforms for three nights (Thursday 31 October, Friday 1 November, and Saturday 2 November at 7 pm to 1 am), into an eerie setting, perfect for a Halloween party.

This four-storey building contains four themed rooms (the Ghost Room, the Vampire Den, the Abandoned Hospital, and The Slaughterhouse) with music pulsing everywhere you go. Be prepared for the music to seep into your bones as you dance, and join the DJs specifically on Saturday 2 November to witness the house turn into an enchanting labyrinth with music around every corner. Be on the lookout for the Fortune Teller located in the Ghost Room who will offer mysterious readings, and get the chance to use a Ouija board to contact spirits beyond the mortal realm.

The Old Merchant House isn’t just like any other haunted house. People have experienced chills running down their spine on the top floor, caught supernatural figures on camera, and seen flickering lights. Maybe you might experience something as well. Exclusive VIP events are available to purchase if you wish to experience the House of Horrors at its fullest, and ticket prices start from $69. You don’t want to miss out on this thrilling event.

Ghost Festival is a treat for everyone to enjoy and if your heart is set on celebrating Halloween to its fullest potential, this festival is for you. Take a road trip down to The Rocks in Sydney and experience all of the scares and horrors that define Halloween with friends, family or by yourself. No frightening celebration is too small or too big and you are bound to find what your heart desires, so don’t miss out!

Images supplied.