The Rocks is set to turn into a hub of supernatural thrills in October as Sydney hosts Australia's first-ever Ghost Festival. From October 31 to November 3, this free event promises a unique blend of spooky fun, eerie attractions, and Sydney’s ghostly past, making it a must-attend for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages.
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By day, The Rocks will be a lively Halloween market, with local vendors selling goods and food in the area’s historic alleys. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms, and the market’s darker side emerges. Guests will be drawn into an immersive world of ghostly tales and spine-chilling experiences, with the ‘Deadhouse’ theatre group haunting the streets with stories of Sydney's most infamous ghosts and murders.
At the heart of the festival is the Silent Zombie Disco Party on the Tallowoladah Lawn, where eerie soundscapes and undead-themed installations by day make way for a high-energy, DJ-fueled zombie dance party by night. A giant, five-metre automated zombie head will serve as the DJ booth, providing a surreal backdrop as festivalgoers groove under the night sky.
For thrill-seekers, the Poliakov ‘Reborn from Ice’ experience offers an exhilarating twist. Brave participants will plunge into an icy bath, enjoy vodka tastings, and don chilling Halloween makeup, setting the stage for the evening’s Silent Zombie Disco. This one-of-a-kind experience merges fear with fun, ensuring a memorable night for those who dare.
In keeping with its promise of a truly immersive Halloween experience, Ghost Festival also features a New Orleans-inspired Halloween Parade, where a vibrant carnival of creatures will fill the streets of The Rocks. From voodoo queens to bayou werewolves, the parade invites everyone in costume to join in on the haunting pageantry, ensuring an unforgettable procession.
Not to be missed is The Haunted Woods at First Fleet Park. This eerie food and drinks hub boasts 22 specially designed wood cabins where festivalgoers can sample devilish treats and blood bag cocktails while navigating an unsettling labyrinth of ghostly sounds and flickering lights. The woods are filled with towering props, spooky stories, and live performances that will keep everyone on edge, bringing to life the haunted histories of both The Rocks and New Orleans.
Crossing Lane serves as the festival’s transformation zone for those who want to go all out. Here, Sydney’s top makeup artists and body painters will turn visitors into the very spirits that haunt The Rocks, from notorious criminals to mythical creatures. Once transformed, guests can make a dramatic entrance into Hell’s Gate, the eerie portal leading into The Haunted Woods, where spooky tales and interactive horror trails await.
Entry is free, with select ticketed experiences available.
- When: 31 October – 3 November 2024
- Where: The Rocks, Sydney
- Find out more about Ghost Festival here.