GET SPOOKY Still not got your shit together for Halloween? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered

BY: Kartya Vucetic

Ahhh, Halloween. The one week of the year you can get away with wearing the most heinously disturbing, sluttiest or politically offensive outfit known to man. And despite our attempts to resist the temptation of influence from the US, it’s increasingly a big thing in Australia.
Like most celebrations, it also feels as if it’s crept up on us far too quickly. So if you’re realising that it’s Wednesday and you’ve definitely not got your sexy nurse outfit and party plans sorted yet, rest assured that you’re not alone. In fact, there’s plenty happening in the incoming days that you can still lock in with your mates.
From mammoth festivals, to haunted houses, and even drink exchanges, you’re really spoiled for choice this Halloween weekend. Check below for our pick of Sydney’s best Halloween parties happening.
Return to Rio
Image: Supplied
Australia’s biggest Halloween festival is finally making its debut in Sydney, so consider this your sign to nab some of the last remaining tickets. The event organisers are transforming the UNSW Roundhouse into a terrifying haunted house that will play host to immersive performance art, blood bath burlesque, psychics, and zombies, just to name a few. Across two stages, you’ll also be treated to an epic lineup which includes the likes of D-Nox & Beckers, Double Touch and Francesca Lombardo. Seriously, this party will be big.
- WHEN: Saturday 2 November, from 2pm
- WHERE: UNSW Roundhouse
- HOW MUCH: Final release tickets $136
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Medusa Halloween Special
Image: Medusa
Sydney’s newest boat party on the bloc is back once again for their very own Halloween special, and we think it’s worth the cop. Tickets are just $27, and you’re also guaranteed some of the best techno in town. On Friday, Black Dave will take headliner position, playing alongside support acts including Fashionably Late, Klein Rietje and Heaven on Earth. The open air boat rave is still in its early stages, so we recommend jumping on board (pardon the pun) before the word’s out.
- WHEN: Friday 1 November, from 8pm
- WHERE: Medusa Boat (departs King Street Wharf)
- HOW MUCH: $27
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
House of Horror
Image: Sydney.com
Any true Sydneysider knows that The Rocks is undeniably haunted. From its colonial history, to famed ghost stories, there’s just something about the precinct that gives off some creepy juju. So really, there should be no surprise that The Rocks is essentially the hub of Halloween this year. The notoriously haunted Merchant House will also be participating this year, for three epic nights of multi-level terror. There’ll be themed rooms, chilling performances and a whole lot of tech house. Props to the state gov for letting this one through.
- WHEN: Thursday 31 to Saturday 2 November
- WHERE: Merchant House, The Rocks
- HOW MUCH: Tickets $69
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Night of the Corporate Dead
Image: Abercrombie
Forget the ASX, we’re here for the Australian Drinks Exchange. This Thursday, our beloved Abercrombie in Chippendale is hosting a rather original Halloween do. Introducing the Night of the Corporate Dead, a party that combines Wall Street and zombies to produce a fluid drink price party that’ll have you betting on vodka cranberry shares like they’re going out of fashion. Entry’s free all night, and you’re bound to snag some great drink specials (if you’re savvy enough, that is).
- WHEN: Thursday 31 October, from 8pm
- WHERE: Abercrombie, Chippendale
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Goros Nightmare on Mary Street
Image: Goros
It’s no secret that when it comes to Halloween parties, Goros rarely misses. And while they’re hosting events from Wednesday onwards this spooky season, our pick has to be their Nightmare on Mary Street party happening on Saturday. The venue is yet to release DJ lineups or really that many details, but if history is anything to play by, it’s always big, and it’s always a winner.
- WHEN: Saturday 2 November, from 8pm
- WHERE: Goros, Surry Hills
- HOW MUCH: Free entry.
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Cargo Carnival
Image: Supplied
Love it or hate it (or a bit of both), but Cargo is back once again hosting a 2-day Halloween party that is worth the check out. The King Street Wharf stomping ground will play host to carnival treats, costume prizes, live performances and full venue transformation. You’ll also be able to expect headliners including A-Shuffle, DLE, and K-Time throughout the course of the weekend.
- WHEN: Friday 1 to Saturday 2 November
- WHERE: Cargo Bar, Barangaroo
- HOW MUCH: Cover charge – discounted for those in costume
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.