Halloween scene

Halloween has become huge in Australia over the past decade or so, virtually on par with how it is celebrated in the US and UK. As it’s a Christian based festival and we celebrate all the other big Christian festivals like Easter and Christmas, it’s surprising that Halloween didn’t take hold sooner.

The word “Halloween” is a contraction of All Hallow’s Eve or All Hallowed’s Eve. It is celebrated on October 31, the day before All Saint’s Day – saints being hallowed entities. In the folklore of some cultures it is said that the cursed dead, damned and evil creatures rise up and have a party the night before the saints come out and put a damper on things. That’s more or less how the traditions of today began.

There’s lots going on for Halloween in Sydney this weekend. Here’s a quick sampler:

Oxford Art Factory begins its haunting from Friday 28 October with Golden Years Halloween Bash, which is a fundraiser for local charities, and Harryween: Harry Styles Halloween Party for those who think Harry is frightfully cute. On 29 October go full goth with Taking Back Saturday Halloween: Emo & Pop Punk Party and Cabin Fever @ OAF: Halloween Special up in the gallery. 

For full details and bookings visit: https://oxfordartfactory.com/events/

Metro Theatre is hosting Halloween Wh*res, a huge costume party with shows, great DJs, prizes and surprises. 

https://www.metrotheatre.com.au/event/halloween-whres/

The regular Friday WAO Superclub at Ivy will be a special one on 28 October with fancy dress Halloween theme and ghastly sounds across two levels – Nightmare on George St!

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fri-28-oct-wao-halloween-ivy-tickets-422489676997