Sure, it might be an imported American tradition, but Halloween in Sydney has turned into a party like no other. Plenty of venues are getting into the spooky spirit this year so you can do likewise. We’ve picked out a few highlights – all you need to do now is choose a costume…
1. JURASSIC LOUNGE DAY OF THE DEAD
Venue Name: Australian Museum
What to see and do: Long on the forefront of Sydney’s after-hours culture scene, Jurassic Lounge went extinct with a bang a year ago. Or so we thought. The award-winning party returns for one night only to celebrate Day of the Dead. More than an alternative to Halloween, it’s a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions behind this colourful Mexican celebration.
Taking over the entire Museum, the event will feature a crowd-sourced traditionalOfrendaby Mexican artistSergio Plata, body painting, mariachi tunes by Hector Patricio & Fiesta Viva and a Day of the Dead photo exhibition by Mexican photographer Roberto Duran.
Experience chocolate skulls at the arts and craft market, crafts workshops includingpapel picadoandpiЦatas, traditional Mexican dance lessons, body paintingas well as Jurassic Loungefavourites such asSilent DiscoandDate Roulette. Tickets also include free entry to Aztecs, a new exhibition telling the rich and brutal story of the birth of modern Mexico.
For our ears:Taking over the decks in the Silent Disco is Wildflower, getting you down to some funky classics and uplifting party grooves… in total silence. Known for her soulful deep disco and tech house, Kate Woolley will broadcast her eclectic tastes and infectious enthusiasm for good music through our wireless headsets and straight into your brain!
The fuel: Mexican cantina by Guzman Y Gomez and a well-stocked bar with brews from Manly’s 4 Pines.
The crowd: Strictly 18+
What’s the highlight: Lady of the Deadperformances by Pickled Tinkand 2014 Miss Burlesque NSW winnerMemphis Mae.
Cost: $16
Where: Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney
When: Saturday November 1, 6:30-9:30pm
Website: jurassiclounge.com
2. FRANKENSTEIN’S PIZZA BY THE SLICE
Venue Name: Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice
What to see and do: Frankie’s will be closing for one day only, reopening as Frankenstein’s Pizza By The Slice. Frankenstein’s will offer the same unbeatable vibe y’all know and love but will refuse entry to anyone hoping to enter with any prerogative other than to have an ungodly good time.
For our ears:Sumeru – electrifying doom metal, these guys are engaging, all powerful and cool as fuck. Dave Eastgate’s Boner Contention – splicing live comedy and high voltage rock’n’roll. Frankenstein’s World Famous House Band – virtuosic musicianship and blindingly upbeat renditions of hard rock classics. DJ Goggles – the vinyl wizard.
The fuel: Brand-new horror-themed menu available this one day only. Indulge in appetizing pies such as the Hammer Smashed Hawaiian, Sea Beast or the delicious Kill Fuck Repeat. Our renowned selection of outer-worldly craft beer and spirits will of course be flowing freely also.
The crowd: Frankie’s ain’t no family affair. We’re a demographic-defying venue; every night’s swarming with suits, strippers, metalheads, nerds. The fucking works. Testament to the unifying power of pizza and rock’n’roll. Last year almost every single person in our 400-cap venue was in costume, this year the worst dressed wins.
What’s the highlight: The countdown to midnight. By the stroke of midnight, the gateway to Hell will open and Frankenstein’s World Famous House Band will emerge to party like it’s 666.
Cost: Free entry. Pizza $5 by the slice and full pies from $16. Tap, bottle and can beer from $5 to $120.
Where: 50 Hunter Street, Sydney
When: Thursday October 30, 6pm-3am
Website: frankiespizzabytheslice.com
3. HIJINKS HALLOWEEN
Venue Name: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
What to see and do: Sydney’s only underwater Halloween party takes over Sydney Aquarium for one wild evening. Against a backdrop of sharks, stingrays and dugongs, revellers will journey from one pop-up bar to the next, interacting along the way with magicians, performers and improv artists. The evening will feature a Frankenstein makeover crafts workshop, Thriller dance-offs, insta-wound face painting, a zombie lurch tutorial, underwater bingo, a haunted photo booth and spooky surprises aplenty. No word yet on what the resident penguins will be wearing (our money’s on mini tuxedos), but dressing up is definitely encouraged.
For our ears:DJs Dem Jeannes, AKA sisters Ziggy and Leesh, who promise to be a little bit gangster, playing some classic ’90s tunes, some super-catchy new stuff and something a little Halloween-inspired. In other words, lots to love and get jiggywith.
The fuel: Complimentary SKYY Vodka cocktail or Little Creatures beer on arrival, then a variety of drinks and delicious hot food at one of our four pop-up bars.
The crowd: Strictly 18+. Hijinks is a chance for locals to reclaim the Aquarium from tourists and families for one night only.
What’s the highlight: Drinking a vodka cocktail with grey nurse sharks!
Cost: $25, includes complimentary drink.
Where: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour
When: Thursday October 30, 6:30-9:30pm
Website: hijinkssydney.com
4. NEWTOWN HOTEL’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BIRTHDAY PARTY
Venue Name: Newtown Hotel
What to see and do: We have Melbourne indie rockers Kingswood playing live, supported by local legend singer-songwriter Andy Golledge. Kingswood played Splendour this year and are just winding up their national tour. Dress is Halloween so don your best get-up and get in early as drinks are on us from 6pm.
For our ears: Kingswood and Andy Golledge.
The fuel: Free drinks from 6pm. We have just installed a beer tank that will house the freshest Carlton Draught available. A big truck drives up the Princess Highway from the brewery in Melbourne and delivers the freshest beer available straight into our tank with a big fire hose. Drinks are for free so get on down and taste our tank.
The crowd: Locals, regulars, lovers of Kingswood and ghouls.
What’s the highlight: Hopefully Kingswood and of course the tank.
Cost: Free, free and absolutely free.
Where: 174 King Street, Newtown
When: Thursday October 30
Website: newtownhotel.com.au
Venue Name: Beach Road Hotel Bondi
What to see and do: Ego is doing his Halloween special AV show, supported by Sydney electro sensation Jawz. Lots of venue surprises – think face painting, dress up, props and free popcorn.
For our ears: Ego live visual show – Halloween themed. Spooky tunes and visuals beautifully meshed together to make one freaky audio-visual experience. Jawz’s dance/electro vibes for support as well.
The fuel: $5 tinnies, $5 slushies, $10 burgers – amirite?
The crowd: Everyone (18+) is welcome. Dress ups encouraged!
What’s the highlight: Best dressed wins a substantial bar tab!
Cost: Free, as always.
Where: 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach
When: Doors open 8pm, Wednesday October 29
Website: beachroadbondi.com.au
Venue Name: Pacific Penthouse
What to see and do: Halloween High Tea with competition and prizes. Featuring a three-tiered platter of panna cotta brains, spider cupcakes, bloody fingers and more spine-tingling items.
The fuel: Eyeballs mini burger, Morticia’s fingers (chicken and almond); Hannibal’s infamous ribs, panna cotta brains with blood, warm scones (rose butter cream, cream), warm pumpkin scones (rose butter cream, cream), worms in soil (jelly, chocolate cake dust), witches’ broomstick and cauldron, RIP coffin sandwiches, dark spider cupcakes, T2 tea/coffee/cocktails.
The crowd: Dress up to be eligible to win prizes at each session.
What’s the highlight: Spooky Halloween High Tea will be hosted in the haunted Pacific Penthouse, home of the world’s only 11-metre fish tank bar. The whole floor is dedicated to the dark side and silly scary stuff will make you smile and cry…
Cost: From $55 per person
Where: Level 1, cnr Bridge Road and Glebe Point Road, Glebe
When: Saturday October 25, Saturday November 1 and Sunday November 2
Website: pacificpenthouse.com.au
More: Check out the Halloween Weekend Spooktacular party on Saturday November 1
