10 best Halloween events in Sydney to attend in 2024
Whether you like it or not, Halloween has crept into the Australian way of life, and it's here to stay. So much so that there's an entire industry of Halloween events in Sydney.
While many of us grew up only watching Halloween on the telly, my children look forward to it every year as a major calendar event alongside birthdays and Christmas.
I mean, who wouldn’t?! All the lollies you can handle, while you get dressed up in costumes that are borderline terrifying! And Sydney has really stepped up its Halloween game.
Whether you’re a fan of spooky stories, pumpkin carving, or just enjoy a good costume competition, Sydney has a range of Halloween events that cater to all ages.
This year, the city is filled with family-friendly activities, themed parties, and unforgettable Halloween fun. So, grab your most spooktacular costume, and let’s dive into the best Sydney Halloween events for 2024!
Halloween events in Sydney for kids
In Sydney, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly events where they can dress up, enjoy themed activities, and of course, indulge in some trick-or-treating. Here are some of the best events tailored for children:
Halloween High Tea Buffet at Sir Stamford
If you’re after a more relaxed celebration with your kids, the Halloween High Tea Buffet at Sir Stamford Circular Quay is a great option. Imagine a tempting array of spooky treats like ghost-shaped cupcakes, blood-red velvet cakes, and themed sandwiches. This is a perfect Halloween option for families with younger children who want to celebrate in a less scary atmosphere, or if you’re looking for something fun with a touch of class.
Location: Sir Stamford, Circular Quay
Date/Time: Saturday 26 October, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Price*: $99 per adult, $69 per child (6yr – 12yr), free entry for children from 1yr – 5yr
*There will be a booking fee added to the ticket price
Spooky Kids Festival at Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo is embracing Halloween in a fun, approachable way for kids. The Spooky Kids Festival includes everything from animal encounters to a dedicated trick-or-treat trail. Children can enjoy dressing up and exploring the zoo’s spooky zones while taking part in interactive activities like pumpkin painting and craft workshops. It’s perfect for families with children of all ages.
Location: Sydney Zoo, Eastern Creek
Date/Time: Sunday 27 October to Tuesday 29 October
Price*: Free with your Sydney Zoo day ticket, membership or unlimited pass (rides are not included in entry ticket)
*Add a Pumpkin Pass to your zoo ticket for an extra special experience
Ghost in the Rocks Halloween Festival
The Rocks has long been known as one of the oldest and creepiest parts of Sydney. This Halloween, they’re transforming the area into a creepy ghost town for Ghost in the Rocks. Get into the Halloween spirit, dress up in your best costumes and take the kids to one of the kid-friendly Halloween movie screenings at The Ghost Cinema. Choose from classics like Coco, The Witches, Hocus Pocus and the Adams Family.
Watching these movies in an immersive big-screen experience is sure to impress even the smallest Halloween critics. Plus, the kids will love the giant octopus tentacles taking over The Rocks.
Location: The Rocks, Sydney
Date/Time: Thursday 31 October to Sunday 3rd November
Price: Free!
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Family-friendly Halloween events in Sydney
Halloween is a lovely excuse to spend time as a family and make some special memories for everything.
Sydney has a number of events that cater to the whole family, packed with exciting options that combine fun, food, and just the right amount of scary – but nothing too intense for the kids! Here are some of the best family-friendly Halloween events this year:
Fear Island at Cockatoo Island
FEAR ISLAND is an immersive Halloween experience set on Cockatoo Island, offering a terrifying adventure through the Haunted Tunnels and Asylum Tunnels. The event has something for everyone, with family-friendly time slots so that younger kids can enjoy a slightly less scary version of the experience. Meanwhile, the later sessions ramp up the fear factor.
Family-friendly sessions are held between 4-5 pm on Saturdays and 2-3 pm on Sundays while 18+ sessions take place in the evening for those who want a more intense experience.
Beyond the tunnels, the island will be filled with Halloween-themed food, blood-bag cocktails, and live scare actors who’ll ensure that you’re always looking over your shoulder. There’s even the chance to learn Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance or participate in special effects makeup demos.
Location: Cockatoo Island, Sydney
Date/Time: October 25-27 & November 1-3
Price: From $40 per ticket
Access: Ferries from Circular Quay every 20 minutes
Family Rave Day at Bungalow 8
Don’t miss the spookiest Halloween family festival in Sydney at Bungalow 8, where you can dance the day away. The Halloween-themed venue will take you into a spooky world for the whole family. Tons of games, activities, nostalgic dance music and unique light shows await.
Location: THE ARGYLE, Sydney
Date/Time: Sunday 27 October, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Price: Adults $42, children (15yr & under) $31, family pass (2 adults & 2 children) $134
Ghost Tours at The Rocks
Take a step back in time and explore the eerie past of Sydney with a family-friendly Ghost Tour at The Rocks. This is a great option for families with older kids who are up for some spooky storytelling. The tour takes you through Sydney’s historic sites, uncovering terrifying tales of hauntings, mysteries, and strange occurrences. It’s both educational and chilling – a great way to celebrate Halloween in the heart of the city.
Location: The Rocks, Circular Quay
Date/Time: Tours available daily throughout October
Price: Adults $49, children (12yr – 17yr) $45
Adult Halloween events in Sydney
Why should kids have all the fun? For grown-ups who love to get into the Halloween vibe, Sydney offers plenty of horrifying experiences for adults (and I’m not just talking about the weekly grocery bill.)
Whether you’re after a terrifying adventure or simply want to enjoy a night of dancing in costume, these events are the perfect excuse to leave the kids at home and enjoy a scary Halloween night out.
Luna Park Halloscream
While iconic Luna Park Sydney is a kid-friendly favourite, Halloscream at night is a whole different beast.
This is where the park turns truly terrifying, with scary themes, horrifying mazes, and terrifying attractions. This year, Halloscream includes mazes, scare attractions, and themed food, with a general admission of $100. Do you dare to leave your house and enter a world full of horror?
The age recommendation on site is for 14+ so best for adults and teens looking for a spine-chilling experience. Luna Park’s Halloscream is the place to be for hard-core Halloween enthusiasts.
Location: Luna Park, Milsons Point
Date/Time: Friday 25 October to Thursday 31 October, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: General admission $100, $149 VIP tickets
Note: If you’re pregnant, this is one to miss.
Screamfest Halloween Festival at University of Sydney
If you’re looking for a high-energy Halloween event, Screamfest at USyd has plenty of creepy options.
There’s the Bacardi Graveyard Stage, the Creepy Circus, The Quiet Place silent disco, and The Lab (for futuristic Halloween cocktails), and the chance to get “married” by a zombie priest in ‘Til Death do us Part’ .
Set in Manning Bar and surrounds, with spine-chilling decor, this party offers a truly immersive horror experience. Dance the night away to the best DJ sets, enjoy scary-themed cocktails, and don’t forget the costume contests – prizes will be awarded for the best (and scariest) dressed.
Location: Manning House and Surrounds, University of Sydney
Date/Time: Saturday 26th October, 7:00 PM
Price: From $56 per person (only 18+)
The Ultimate Halloween Boat Party on Sydney Harbour
Looking for a Halloween event with a unique twist? The Ultimate Halloween Boat Party is sailing through Sydney Harbour for a night of creepy fun on the water. Expect an eerie immersive horror experience as you glide past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Plus, the sunset cruise promises some beautiful insta-worthy photo ops. Finish this spooky night with a free Halloween after-party in the nightlife of Sydney.
Location: King Street Wharf 6, Darling Harbour
Date/Time: Thursday 31 October, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, pre-party from 4:00 PM @ Scary Canary + free after party @ Cargo Bar
Price: From $89 per person (only 18+)
Wrapping Up
Halloween in Sydney can be as big or as small as you want, whether you’re trick-or-treating with the kids, partying with friends, or indulging in some themed spooky food.
From family-friendly events like the Spooky Kids Festival at Sydney Zoo to adult adventures like Luna Park Halloscream, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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