The Spookiest 2024 Halloween Events in Sydney

Halloween celebrations are growing year on year in Sydney and if you haven't already, it's time to get onboard. A night of fun and escape, it's just another chance to get together with your pals and immerse yourself in fantasy. 

This year, Halloween in Sydney is bigger and better than ever with Sydney scoring its first-ever Halloween festival in The Rocks, the takeover of Cockatoo Island and plenty of activations across the city. Go all in this spooky season and enjoy our edit of the best Halloween events in Sydney this year.

Ghost Festival 

Australia's first Halloween festival is arriving in The Rocks this October and whether you're a big fan of spooky scenes or just a dabbler, it's gearing up to be a lot of fun. Highlights include a Halloween marketplace, a silent zombie disco on the lawns of the MCA, a New Orleans-inspired Halloween parade, plenty of themed food and drinks and a transformation zone with face painters and costumes. Head over here to plan your visit. 

Free events and ticketed experiences from $29 

Thursday 31st October to 3rd November 

The Rocks, Sydney 

Head to Funlab Alexandria for Frightful Delights 

This Halloween Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq are all getting a spooky makeover for the month of October. A swathe of Halloween-themed activations will be available to guests with Halloween Hijinx Hotel challenge rooms, creepy Holey Moley mini-golf holes, abandoned laser-tag at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and zombie VR games at Zero Latency. There will even be a Dragon's Lair bar takeover by Fireball. 

Better yet, if you pop in after dark (6pm to 10pm) you'll be treated to the Witching Hour where you'll encounter ghouls, zombies and demons roaming the halls. Still want more? Swing by on Halloween and there will be a DJ, tarot card readers, trick or treating, apple bobbing, VXF makeup and costume pop-ups. 

Friday 4th October to Sunday 3rd November 

75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria

Fear Island 

Not one for the faint of heart, this October an extra spooky experience is arriving in Cockatoo Island - Fear Island. Two immersive tunnel experiences, The Haunted and The Asylum, await the exploration of the brave. There will be live scare actors, special effects and more. After a hair-raising adventure, you can kick back and relax whilst exploring the rest of the island, sipping on blood bag cocktails, downing spooky treats and uncovering the island's haunting past. 

Note: The later time slots for Fear Island are reserved for 18+ but family slots are available earlier. 

From $40 per person 

Friday 25th October to Sunday 27th October & Friday 1st November to Sunday 3rd November 

Cockatoo Island, Sydney 

Book a Spooky Stay 

If a haunted event isn't quite enough for you, why not consider a spooky stay for maximum chills? Airbnb has a whole bunch to choose from with everything from luxury manor houses and castles to secluded spots and converted churches. 

Enjoy Haunted Tunes by Candlelight 

We adore a concert by candlelight so a Halloween-themed evening is tempting, to say the least. Settle in for 60 minutes as a string quartet serenades you with Halloween classics. The perfect way to ease into spooky season!

Tickets from $40, available here 

Friday 18th October, 6:30pm and 8:30pm and Saturday 26th October 6:30pm and 8:30pm 

St Stephens Uniting Church, Sydney

Hallowrum Fright Night with Brix Distillery 

What a combo! If you fancy doing something this spooky season but aren't sure where to start, book a ticket to Hallowrum Fright Night with Brix. You'll get to sip on some of Sydney's best tipples whilst Sydney Crime Historian Max Burns-McRuvie shares spine-chilling tales. Come dressed for the occasion and you might just win a drink on the house. 

$115 per person, bookings can be made here 

Thursday 31st October

350 Bourke Street, Surry Hills 

Get in the Spirit with a Limited-Edition Cocktail at Vinabar 

We love a theme and so do the folk at hidden Sydney bar Vinabar. This October they're whizzing up two limited-edition cocktails - the Hanoi Horror (expect a fruity candy jump scare!) and the Hanoi Hallows - perfect for those fond of something sweet. 

332 Kent Street, Sydney 

Loving this edit of the best Halloween events in Sydney? You might also like our editor's picks of weekend happenings and our iconic guide to Sydney.