SPOOKY SEASON Sydney’s Halloween weekend is looking freaky as hell. Here’s what’s on…

Alright, Sydney: spooky season has officially clocked in, and the city’s going all out. From massive Halloween staples like Screamfest, and Cargo’s Carnival of Chaos, to queer fever dreams like Medusa’s Rocky Horror Party and Red Rave, this year’s lineup is as unhinged as it is undead.

And if you’d rather swap fake blood for actual booze, there’s plenty of that too. Untied’s Bottomless Halloween Night Brunch is bringing the glamour (and the limoncello), while Woollahra Hotel’s Festival of Frights is going full Casamigos-fuelled fiesta.

Whether you’re in it for the raves, the tacos, or the chance to finally wear fishnets in public without explanation, here’s your ultimate guide to what’s on in Sydney this Halloween.

So, what are you waiting for? Dress to thrill, expect chills, and maybe leave the light switch on at home.

Screamfest

Sydney’s biggest Halloween party is back, and it’s going bigger, louder and darker than ever. Screamfest returns on Saturday for one night of pure chaos, featuring over 50 DJs and performers across four stages. You’ll score everything from high-energy sets at South Ave Cemetery, to the Bunker’s dark underground beats, and even a silent disco. Expect carnival games with a creepy twist, cursed karaoke, food stalls and a “church for the weird and the wicked.”

• WHEN: Saturday 1 November, from 6pm
• WHERE: Manning House, Camperdown
• HOW MUCH: Tix from $59
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

House of Horrors Party

Step into Sydney’s real haunted house in The Rocks, where the old walls of 47 George Street become your playground. Over four nights, the House of Horror transforms into a multi-level DJ rave with themed rooms like The Abandoned Hospital, The Slaughterhouse, The Ghost Room and The Vampire Den. All will be pulsing with techno, tech-house and R&B, haunted visuals, ouija boards and cocktails served in syringes (yes, really).

• WHEN: Thursday 30 October to Sunday 2 November
• WHERE: 47 George Street, The Rocks
• HOW MUCH: Tix from $69
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Medusa’s Rocky Horror Party

Get ready for a night of glitter, leather and pure queer chaos, because Medusa is throwing a Rocky Horror Party to celebrate 50 years of the cult classic that defined Halloween. Expect sultry performances, high-energy sets from YVNGCWEED and DJ GK, and live acts including Candy Flip, Daddy Charles and Asuma Jender. Medusa’s promising a night of absolute pleasure: fishnets, corsets and camp very much required.

• WHEN: Friday 31 October, from 9pm
• WHERE: The Bank, Newtown
• HOW MUCH: Final release tix $30
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Poof Doof Red Grave

Sydney, prepare your souls (and everything else), because Poof Doof is summoning the undead for Red Rave. It’s a blood-soaked, sex-positive Halloween party happening at Kinselas this Saturday, headlined by none other than Rupaul’s Drag Race UK’s own, Bimini. Alaika, Brendan Campbell, Dutch Kiss, Dingo Disco, Kobra and Leow are all also featured in the unholy lineup. The dress code? Black and red, less is more, more is more.

• WHEN: Saturday 1 November, from 9:30pm
• WHERE: Kinselas, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: Third release tix from $76
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Cargo Bar Halloween Carnival

Cargo’s legendary Halloween Carnival is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and freakier than ever. Over two nights, the harbourside bar is transforming into a twisted carnival of DJs, dancers, creepy characters and chaos. Dress to distress for a shot at killer costume prizes. You’ll also save up to $10 on the night if you commit to the bit and actually wear a costume.

• WHEN: Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November
• WHERE: Cargo Bar, Barangaroo
• HOW MUCH: Entry from $25
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Bungalow 8 Haunted Barnyard Takeover

Bungalow 8 is going full country-meets-creepy this Halloween with a Haunted Barnyard takeover on the harbour. Across two nights, expect unhinged competitions, DJs, and yes, even a mechanical bull. Friday kicks off with Keys Gone Wild from 9:30pm, followed by a Speed Pie-Eating Contest (no forks, $500 bar tab prize, eternal glory). Saturday keeps the chaos alive with DJs from 6pm, an R&B room upstairs from 10pm, and $10 Fireball + Alizé until 10pm. Costumes encouraged, dignity optional.

• WHEN: Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November
• WHERE: Bungalow 8, Barangaroo
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Festival of Frights at the Woollahra Hotel

If you like your Halloween with a side of tequila, Woollahra Hotel’s Festival of Frights has you covered. In partnership with Casamigos, the three-day bash blends Halloween chaos with Día de los Muertos flair. In other words, think spooky décor, live music, giveaways and tacos worth selling your soul for. Things kick off on Friday with a live mariachi band and hibachi tacos, and you can be sure there’s going to be enough Casamigos to summon your ancestors.

• WHEN: Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November
• WHERE: Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Bottomless Brunch After Dark

Sure, Halloween’s mostly about the parties. But if you prefer your scares with skyline views and bottomless cocktails, Untied’s got you. The Barangaroo rooftop is hosting Sydney’s first Bottomless Halloween Night Brunch, serving two hours of endless spritzers, wine, brews and spirits alongside themed share plates like charcoal-bun sliders, ‘trick or heat’ wings and loaded ‘fright night’ fries.

• WHEN: Friday 31 October, 6-9pm
• WHERE: Untied, Barangaroo
• HOW MUCH: $99 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

‘Trick or Treat’ Cocktail Takeover at The Rocks

Two of The Rocks’ spookiest bars, The Doss House and Frank Mac’s, are joining forces this Halloween for a ‘Trick or Treat’ cocktail experience, serving six theatrically crafted cocktails for just $10 each. Expect three ‘Tricks’ and three ‘Treats’, from the smoky, Guinness-laced Old Haunt to the rich Blood Moon Sour topped with mulled wine. It’s dark, dramatic, and just refined enough to make you feel like you didn’t spend Halloween covered in fake blood.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 2 November
• WHERE: The Doss House and Frank Mac’s, The Rocks
• HOW MUCH: $10 cocktails
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.