Halloween Melbourne 2026 — Best Events, Parties, Trick-or-Treating & Spooky Fun

Halloween Melbourne 2026 — Best Events, Parties, Trick-or-Treating & Spooky Fun

Your ultimate guide to everything Halloween in Melbourne this year. Spoiler: it falls on a Saturday. 🎃

Halloween in Melbourne has gone from a niche American import to one of the city's most anticipated nights out — and 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. Why? Because Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, October 31st. No school the next day. No awkward midweek trick-or-treating. No calling in "sick" after a costume party. Just a full, glorious Saturday of spooky mayhem from dawn until the witching hour and well beyond.

Whether you're planning a night out in a Melbourne laneway bar dressed as a zombie, taking the kids trick-or-treating through the leafy streets of Malvern, or braving a haunted house that'll have you questioning every life decision — this guide covers absolutely everything you need to know about Halloween in Melbourne 2026.

Let's get spooky.

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Table of Contents

1. Why 2026 Is the Year for Halloween in Melbourne
2. Best Halloween Parties & Events
3. Haunted Houses & Spooky Experiences
4. Trick-or-Treating Guide: Best Suburbs in Melbourne
5. Halloween for Kids — Family-Friendly Events & Activities
6. Halloween Dining — Themed Dinners & Spooky Cocktails
7. DIY Halloween — Pumpkin Patches, Decorating & Costume Making
8. Where to Buy Costumes & Decorations in Melbourne
9. Halloween at Theme Parks — Luna Park, Funfields & More
10. The History of Halloween in Australia
11. Frequently Asked Questions

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Why 2026 Is the Year for Halloween in Melbourne {#why-2026-is-the-year}

Let's talk about why 2026 is genuinely special for Halloween fans in Melbourne.

Halloween falls on a Saturday. That alone changes everything. The last time October 31st landed on a Saturday was 2020 — and we all remember what was happening in Melbourne then (hint: lockdown number six, or was it seven?). Before that, it was 2015. So for most Melburnians, 2026 will be the first real Saturday Halloween in over a decade.

Here's what a Saturday Halloween means in practice:

• Trick-or-treating starts earlier and goes longer. No rushing home for a school night. Kids can roam the neighbourhood until they've filled a pillowcase with fun-size Freddo Frogs.
• Parties go all night. Venues can program full Saturday-night events without worrying about empty dancefloors on a Tuesday.
• The whole weekend becomes Halloween. Friday night pre-parties, Saturday main events, Sunday recovery brunches. Three days of costumes.
• Better weather odds. Late October in Melbourne sits right in that sweet spot of spring — expect temperatures around 18–22°C, enough daylight for afternoon events, and (fingers crossed) one of those gorgeous Melbourne spring evenings.

The timing also lines up beautifully with the school calendar. Victorian Term 3 holidays typically wrap up in mid-October, meaning kids are back at school but not yet drowning in exam prep. It's the perfect window for family Halloween fun.

Bottom line: If you've ever wanted to go all-out for Halloween in Melbourne, 2026 is your year. Mark it. Plan it. Commit to the costume.

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Best Halloween Parties & Events {#best-halloween-parties-and-events}

Melbourne's nightlife scene goes absolutely feral for Halloween, and a Saturday date means every venue worth its salt will be programming something. Here's what's already been announced — plus the recurring favourites you can count on.

Already Announced for 2026

Emo Never Sleeps | Halloween 2026

📍 Royal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne CBD 📅 Saturday, October 31 | 9:00 PM 🎟️ Tickets on Eventbrite

If you grew up on My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Fall Out Boy, this is your night. Emo Never Sleeps has become one of Melbourne's most popular themed club nights, and their Halloween edition is always a sell-out. Expect eyeliner, emotional singalongs, and costumes that lean heavily into the "undead emo kid" aesthetic. The Royal Melbourne Hotel is a cracking venue for it — multiple levels, solid sound, and enough dark corners to brood in.

EMOWEEN + SCREAMOWEEN Saturday Melbourne 2026

📍 Deluxe Bar & Rooftop, Moonee Ponds 📅 Saturday, October 31 | 8:00 PM 🎟️ Tickets on Eventbrite

For those who like their emo with a side of screamo (and a rooftop), Deluxe Bar in Moonee Ponds is hosting this double-header. Emoween meets Screamoween — think Bring Me The Horizon meets Hawthorne Heights, with costumes and chaos. The rooftop setting adds a nice touch for those spring evenings.

Recurring Favourites (Expect Announcements Mid-2026)

Spookville at Various Venues

Melbourne's largest roaming Halloween party series typically takes over multiple CBD venues with themed rooms, live DJs, costume contests, and immersive horror installations. Watch for announcements from around August.

Haunted W Melbourne

The W Melbourne hotel on Flinders Lane has established itself as Halloween central for the cocktail-and-costume crowd. Their annual Halloween bash transforms the lobby bar and rooftop into an immersive horror playground. Think premium cocktails served by "haunted" bartenders, dramatic lighting, and a dress code that rewards creativity.

Revolver Upstairs Halloween

Chapel Street's most legendary venue always goes hard for Halloween. The marathon sessions at Revolver are already the stuff of Melbourne myth — add Halloween costumes and you've got something truly unhinged. Usually runs from Saturday night well into Sunday.

Glamoween at Various Nightclubs

Melbourne's LGBTQ+ scene throws some of the most spectacular Halloween parties in the city. Glamoween events typically pop up at venues like The Peel, Sircuit, and Collingwood bars, featuring drag performances, elaborate costumes, and production values that put most horror movies to shame.

Melbourne Ghost Tours — Halloween Special

Melbourne Ghost Tours runs special extended walks through the city's most haunted laneways, buildings, and historic sites. Their Halloween editions often sell out weeks in advance, so book early.

Halloween at the Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Vic Night Market wraps up its summer season well before October, but the QVM has historically hosted special Halloween markets and events. Keep an eye on qvm.com.au for 2026 announcements.

What to Expect From Melbourne's Club Scene

Beyond the headline events, virtually every bar and nightclub in the CBD, Fitzroy, Collingwood, St Kilda, and Chapel Street will be running Halloween-themed nights. Some tips:

• Book early. Saturday Halloween means record demand. Popular venues will require pre-purchased tickets.
• Costume contests are serious. Melbourne doesn't do half-arsed costumes. The prize pools at major events can reach $1,000+.
• Public transport is your friend. Saturday night trains run later, and you won't have to explain your severed-limb prosthetic to an Uber driver.
• Pre-drinks are essential. Most events don't kick off until 9–10 PM. Host a Halloween pre-party or hit a bar for themed cocktails first.

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Haunted Houses & Spooky Experiences {#haunted-houses-and-spooky-experiences}

Melbourne's haunted attraction scene has matured dramatically in recent years. What used to be a handful of amateur scare houses has evolved into a proper industry, with professional set design, actors, and experiences that rival anything you'd find in the US or UK.

Professional Haunted Attractions

Funfields Fright Nights

📍 Funfields, 2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea 🌐 funfields.com.au

Funfields theme park in Whittlesea transforms for their annual Fright Nights event, typically running across weekends in October. The park's rides operate after dark (a completely different experience when you can't see what's coming), and multiple scare zones are set up throughout the grounds with roaming actors. It's become one of Melbourne's premier haunted attractions and sells out fast. Expect announcements around July–August 2026.

Haunted Horizons Ghost Tours

📍 Various locations across Melbourne 🌐 hauntedhorizons.com.au

Running for over two decades, Haunted Horizons offers ghost tours of some of Melbourne's most historically significant (and allegedly haunted) locations. Their Halloween specials are particularly popular, with extended tours of locations like the Old Melbourne Gaol, Williamstown, and Pentridge Prison. The tours blend genuine history with paranormal investigation — torches, EMF readers, and all.

Old Melbourne Gaol Night Tours

📍 377 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD 🌐 oldmelbournegaol.com.au

One of Melbourne's most legitimately creepy locations, the Old Melbourne Gaol runs special after-dark experiences around Halloween. Walking through the same cells that held Ned Kelly, in near-darkness, with only a lantern for company — it doesn't get much more atmospheric than that. Their "Hangman's Night Tour" is a Melbourne institution.

Escape Rooms — Halloween Editions

Melbourne's booming escape room scene gets a Halloween makeover every October. Look out for themed rooms at:

• Trapt (CBD) — known for elaborate horror-themed rooms
• Escape Hunt Melbourne (CBD) — family-friendly to terrifying, depending on the room
• Strike Bowling — some locations run Halloween-themed "escape and bowl" packages
• Exitus (Collingwood) — consistently rated among Melbourne's scariest escape rooms

Community Haunted Houses

Every year, dozens of Melbourne households transform their front yards (and sometimes entire houses) into walk-through haunted attractions. These are run by passionate locals, often for charity, and some have become genuine must-visit destinations. The best ones pop up in suburbs like:

• Hoppers Crossing — several streets coordinate elaborate displays
• Berwick and Narre Warren — the southeast has a strong haunted house community
• Werribee — some truly impressive home haunts in the newer estates
• Point Cook — growing reputation for neighbourhood Halloween events

Follow local Facebook groups and community pages from September for addresses and opening times.

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Trick-or-Treating Guide: Best Suburbs in Melbourne {#trick-or-treating-guide}

Trick-or-treating in Melbourne has grown exponentially over the past decade. What was once a controversial "Americanism" is now embraced by communities across the city — but some suburbs do it significantly better than others. Here's your insider guide.

The Golden Rule

Look for the pumpkin. In Melbourne, the unwritten rule is: if a house has a pumpkin, decorations, or a lit porch light on Halloween night, they're welcoming trick-or-treaters. No decorations = no knock. This system works beautifully and keeps everyone happy.

Best Suburbs for Trick-or-Treating

🏆 Malvern & Malvern East

The undisputed champion. Malvern's tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and community spirit make it Melbourne's trick-or-treating capital. Streets like Tooronga Road, Stanhope Street, and the roads around Central Park go absolutely all-out — we're talking coordinated street decorations, themed houses, and residents who've been preparing their candy supplies since September. The neighbourhood is walkable, well-lit, and safe. Some houses set up full haunted displays in their front gardens.

Pro tip: Park near Malvern Central or Malvern Station and walk. Don't try to drive through the residential streets — they're packed on Halloween night.

🎃 Toorak

Toorak's grand homes and manicured gardens provide the perfect backdrop for trick-or-treating. The large properties mean elaborate decorations, and the generous residents tend to hand out full-size chocolate bars (not the fun-size stuff). Streets around Toorak Village and St Georges Road are particularly popular.

Pro tip: Combine Toorak trick-or-treating with a walk through Toorak Park for a less frantic experience.

🌊 Brighton & Brighton East

Brighton brings a relaxed, beachy vibe to Halloween. The wide streets, beautiful homes, and strong community participation make it excellent for younger trick-or-treaters. The area around Dendy Park and the streets between Church Street and Were Street are particularly well-decorated.

Pro tip: Start early (from around 4:30 PM when the light's still good) and head down to the beach for a Halloween sunset.

🍂 Carlton North & Princes Hill

For a more inner-city trick-or-treating experience, Carlton North delivers. The terrace houses of Drummond, Canning, and Rathdowne Streets get beautifully decorated, and the tight-knit community vibe means lots of friendly faces. It's walkable, close to public transport (trams on Nicholson Street), and the nearby Princes Park is perfect for a pre-trick-or-treat run-around.

Pro tip: Combine with dinner at one of Lygon Street's restaurants for the full evening out.

Other Excellent Suburbs

• Camberwell & Canterbury — Similar energy to Malvern, with beautiful homes and strong community participation
• Hawthorn — The streets around Glenferrie Road are increasingly popular
• Ivanhoe — Growing trick-or-treating community with well-organised street events
• Williamstown — Historic village feel, great for young kids, plus genuinely spooky old buildings
• Yarraville — Community-driven, with local businesses getting involved in decorations
• Moonee Ponds — Queens Park area is particularly popular

Trick-or-Treating Tips for Melbourne

1. Start between 4:00–5:00 PM for young kids, and wrap up by 8:00 PM. Older kids and teens can go later, but respect the cut-off.
2. Bring a torch. Melbourne's leafy suburbs get dark fast once the sun sets around 7:30 PM in late October.
3. Wear reflective elements if your costume is dark. High-vis skeletons are both safe and hilarious.
4. Travel in groups. It's more fun and safer. Plus, coordinated group costumes are peak Halloween.
5. Say thank you. Residents who participate spend real money on lollies and decorations. A "thank you" goes a long way.
6. Check for allergies. Teal pumpkins (a growing trend in Melbourne) indicate a house offering non-food treats for kids with allergies.
7. Bring a bag, not a bucket. Pillowcases are the veteran move — bigger capacity, easier to carry, and they collapse when empty.

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Halloween for Kids — Family-Friendly Events & Activities {#halloween-for-kids}

Not all Halloween fun needs to be terrifying. Melbourne offers stacks of family-friendly Halloween activities that let kids enjoy the spooky season without the nightmares.

Annual Favourites

Halloween at Melbourne Zoo

📍 Elliott Avenue, Parkville 🌐 zoo.org.au

Melbourne Zoo typically runs a "Boo at the Zoo" style event in the lead-up to Halloween, with animal-themed crafts, pumpkin decorating, and special keeper talks about the spookier residents (bats, snakes, nocturnal creatures). It's perfect for kids aged 3–10 and usually runs across the last weekend of October. With Halloween on a Saturday, expect a bumper program in 2026.

Halloween at the Royal Botanic Gardens

📍 Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra

The gardens sometimes host family-friendly Halloween activities including nature-themed craft stations, "spooky plant" walks (carnivorous plants, anyone?), and storytelling sessions. The grounds themselves are gorgeous in spring, making for a beautiful afternoon outing.

Library Halloween Events

Melbourne's public library network is a hidden gem for Halloween activities. Libraries across the City of Melbourne, Stonnington, Boroondara, and other municipalities run:

• Halloween story time sessions
• Costume parades for kids
• Craft workshops (mask-making, pumpkin painting)
• Spooky movie screenings

These are almost always free and perfect for younger children. Check your local council's library website from September.

Halloween at Scienceworks

📍 2 Booker Street, Spotswood 🌐 museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

Scienceworks occasionally runs "Science of Scary" themed events around Halloween, exploring the physics of fear, the chemistry of fake blood, and the biology of spiders and bats. It's educational and spooky — the perfect combination for curious kids.

Shopping Centre Halloween Events

Major shopping centres across Melbourne have jumped on the Halloween bandwagon in recent years:

• Chadstone Shopping Centre — typically hosts trick-or-treating trails through the centre, costume contests, and decorations
• Highpoint Shopping Centre — runs family Halloween events and activities
• Eastland — Halloween crafts and activities in their community spaces
• The Glen — Halloween-themed kids' activities
• Westfield Doncaster — costume parades and treat trails

These events are usually free and run on the Saturday closest to Halloween (which in 2026 is Halloween).

Costume Parades and Community Events

Many Melbourne councils organise community Halloween events including:

• Costume parades through local shopping strips
• Halloween festivals in parks and community centres
• Pumpkin carving competitions
• Outdoor movie screenings of kid-friendly Halloween films

Check your local council's events page from September. Popular councils for Halloween events include City of Stonnington, City of Boroondara, City of Port Phillip, and Hobsons Bay City Council.

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Halloween Dining — Themed Dinners & Spooky Cocktails {#halloween-dining}

Melbourne's food and drink scene is world-class on any night — but on Halloween, it goes supernatural. From themed cocktails to full-blown horror dining experiences, here's where to eat, drink, and be scary.

Spooky Cocktail Bars

Eau De Vie

📍 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne CBD 🌐 eaudevie.com.au

Melbourne's premier speakeasy always creates a special Halloween cocktail menu, and their dimly-lit, theatrical setting is perfect for the occasion. Expect elaborate drinks served with dry ice, edible blood, and garnishes that look like they came from a witch's cupboard. Bookings essential.

Bar Americano

📍 20 Presgrave Place, Melbourne CBD

One of Melbourne's tiniest and most atmospheric bars — standing room only in a laneway barely wide enough for two people. On Halloween, the intimate setting becomes genuinely eerie. They typically offer a special Halloween drink or two, served with their signature craftsmanship.

Hains & Co

📍 2 Wharf Street, Melbourne CBD

This nautical-themed bar already has a dark, moody atmosphere that lends itself perfectly to Halloween. Expect themed cocktails and the kind of ambience that makes you feel like you're drinking in a ghost ship.

Jungle Boy

📍 Rear of 16 Chapel Street, Windsor

The hidden entrance (through a fridge door in a sandwich shop) gives Jungle Boy an automatic Halloween advantage. Their tropical cocktails get a dark twist for October 31st, and the concealed bar setting adds to the mystique.

Halloween Dining Experiences

Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant

📍 100 Victoria Street, Carlton 🌐 draculasmelbourne.com.au

The OG of Halloween dining in Melbourne. Dracula's has been serving up horror-themed cabaret and dining since 1980 — it's literally built for this. Their Halloween night show is always their biggest of the year, combining a multi-course dinner with live horror cabaret, comedy, and enough fake blood to fill the Yarra. Book months in advance for Halloween night.

Themed Pop-Up Dining

Melbourne's pop-up dining scene increasingly features Halloween-themed events. In previous years, these have included:

• Murder mystery dinners in historic venues
• "Last Supper" themed multi-course experiences
• Horror movie-inspired tasting menus
• Candlelit dinners in unusual locations (cemeteries, abandoned buildings, underground cellars)

Watch for announcements on Broadsheet Melbourne, The Urban List, and Concrete Playground from September.

Spooky Brunches and Daytime Eats

For those who prefer their Halloween with a side of avocado toast:

• Higher Ground (CBD) — has been known to do Halloween-themed specials
• Lune Croissanterie (Fitzroy) — watch for limited-edition Halloween pastries
• Pidapipó (various locations) — their gelato flavours get a Halloween twist (black sesame, blood orange, activated charcoal)

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DIY Halloween — Pumpkin Patches, Decorating & Costume Making {#diy-halloween}

Pumpkin Patches Near Melbourne

Growing your own jack-o'-lantern pumpkins takes planning (plant seeds in early summer), but buying ready-to-carve pumpkins is easy in Melbourne:

Farm-Direct Pumpkin Patches

• Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area — several farms in the region sell carving pumpkins in October
• Mornington Peninsula farms — check Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and local farm gates
• Yarra Valley farms — some farms offer pick-your-own pumpkin experiences
• Gippsland farms — look for roadside stalls selling large carving pumpkins

Melbourne Markets

• Queen Victoria Market — the best selection of pumpkins in the city, including large carving varieties available from mid-October
• South Melbourne Market — good pumpkin selection from produce vendors
• Prahran Market — premium pumpkin varieties
• Preston Market — great value, wide selection

Supermarkets

Coles and Woolworths now stock carving pumpkins (usually Kent or Jap varieties) from early October. For the classic American-style orange carving pumpkins, you'll have better luck at specialty grocers or farmers' markets.

Pumpkin Carving Tips for Australian Pumpkins

Australian pumpkins are different from the American jack-o'-lantern varieties — they tend to be denser and harder to carve. Here's how to manage:

1. Choose Kent or Jap pumpkins for the best carving experience — they're the softest Australian varieties.
2. Use a serrated knife (a bread knife works brilliantly) and cut slowly.
3. Scoop with an ice cream scoop rather than a spoon — it handles the dense flesh better.
4. Keep designs simple. Australian pumpkin flesh doesn't hold fine detail as well as American varieties.
5. Display indoors or in shade — Australian October sun will cook your pumpkin in a day.
6. Rub petroleum jelly on cut edges to prevent premature drying and extend the life of your creation.

Home Decorating Ideas

Melbourne homes are going bigger on Halloween decorations every year. Here's how to make your house the talk of the street:

• Front garden graveyard — foam tombstones from Kmart/Target, skeleton hands poking out of garden beds, fake cobwebs on shrubs
• Window silhouettes — cut spooky shapes from black cardboard and tape them inside windows for a dramatic effect when backlit
• Fog machines — available from around $30 at party shops. A fog-filled front garden is instant atmosphere
• Path lighting — LED candles in paper bags lining the path to your front door
• Sound effects — a Bluetooth speaker hidden in the bushes playing spooky ambient sounds
• Interactive elements — a "candy chute" (popularised during COVID) or a motion-activated jumping spider

Costume Making Resources

For the crafty types who'd rather DIY than buy:

• Spotlight — fabric, sewing patterns, craft supplies, and a surprisingly good selection of theatrical makeup
• Lincraft — similar range to Spotlight, often with different stock
• IKEA — cheap fabric by the metre (their white curtain fabric makes excellent ghost material)
• Savers — thrift store gold for costume bases. The Footscray and South Melbourne locations have the biggest selections
• Brotherhood of St Laurence op shops — another great source for costume base clothing
• YouTube — honestly, the best costume-making tutorials are free online. Search for "[character name] costume DIY" and you'll find step-by-step guides

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Where to Buy Costumes & Decorations in Melbourne {#where-to-buy-costumes-and-decorations}

Dedicated Costume & Party Shops

Costumes Melbourne (formerly Pennywise Costumes)

📍 Shop 8, 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

One of Melbourne's oldest and best costume shops, carrying thousands of costumes for hire and purchase. They do a roaring trade in October, so visit early or pre-order. Their range includes everything from classic horror to pop-culture, with accessories and professional-grade makeup.

Disguises Costumes

📍 Shop 2, 384 Burke Road, Camberwell 🌐 disguises.com.au

A massive range of costumes for hire and sale, with a particularly strong kids' section. Disguises is well-regarded for the quality of their hire costumes — useful if you want something elaborate without the permanent investment.

The Costume Shop

📍 1st Floor, 133 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD

Central location makes this a convenient option for CBD workers. Good range of ready-to-wear costumes, wigs, and accessories. Open extended hours in October.

Party City / Lombard

📍 Various locations across Melbourne

For a one-stop shop of costumes, decorations, tableware, and party supplies, Lombard (and Party City locations) are hard to beat. Their seasonal Halloween range is extensive and reasonably priced.

Big Retailers

Kmart

The undisputed champion of affordable Halloween in Australia. Kmart's Halloween range drops in early October and includes costumes (adults and kids), decorations, makeup kits, trick-or-treat buckets, and serving ware. The prices are unbeatable — expect costumes from $10 and decoration packs from $5. Stock sells out fast, so shop early October.

Target

Similar to Kmart but with slightly more premium options. Their Halloween home décor range is surprisingly stylish — think gothic-chic rather than tacky plastic.

Big W

Another strong option for affordable costumes and decorations. Their kids' costume range is particularly good.

Cotton On / Typo

Typo (Cotton On's stationery/lifestyle brand) goes hard on Halloween with themed mugs, candles, stationery, and home décor. Cotton On Body sometimes stocks Halloween pyjamas and loungewear.

Online Options

• Amazon Australia — the widest range of Halloween costumes and decorations in Australia, with Prime delivery getting it to you in 1–2 days
• eBay Australia — great for specific costume pieces and accessories
• Etsy — handmade and unique costumes, often from Australian sellers
• SHEIN — budget costumes (order by early October to allow for shipping)
• Spirit Halloween (US-based) — ships to Australia for those willing to pay international shipping for premium US-style costumes and animatronics

Makeup & Special Effects

• Mecca Cosmetica / Mecca Maxima — premium makeup brands that work beautifully for costume looks
• Priceline — budget-friendly Halloween makeup options, plus their NYX range includes great special-effects products
• Chemist Warehouse — cheap makeup removers (you'll need them) and basic costume makeup
• Ben Nye products — available from theatrical supply stores and some Spotlight locations. The gold standard for stage and costume makeup.

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Halloween at Theme Parks — Luna Park, Funfields & More {#halloween-at-theme-parks}

Luna Park Melbourne

📍 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda 🌐 lunapark.com.au

Luna Park's heritage-listed Mr Moon face entrance is already iconic — and slightly unnerving. The park has hosted Halloween events in previous years, with after-dark ride sessions, scare zones, and themed entertainment. With Halloween falling on a Saturday in 2026, expect Luna Park to go big. The combination of heritage amusement park rides, St Kilda Beach setting, and Halloween theming is uniquely Melbourne.

What to expect: Extended evening operating hours, costumed characters roaming the park, themed food and drinks, and the surreal experience of riding the Scenic Railway (one of the world's oldest roller coasters) in the dark.

Funfields Fright Nights

📍 2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea 🌐 funfields.com.au

Funfields' Fright Nights event has established itself as one of the best Halloween-specific theme park experiences near Melbourne. The park transforms after dark, with scare zones, special effects, roaming actors, and the thrill of riding waterslides and roller coasters in the darkness. It's aimed at older teens and adults (not suitable for young children) and typically runs across October weekends.

Pro tip: Buy tickets early — Fright Nights sells out every year, and a Saturday Halloween will likely see record demand.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

📍 55 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula 🌐 enchantedadventuregarden.com.au

The Enchanted Adventure Garden runs seasonal events including Halloween-themed activities. Their hedge maze, tube slides, and garden settings take on a different character when decorated for Halloween. It's a great family-friendly option, particularly for younger children who might find Fright Nights too intense.

Adventure Park Geelong

📍 1249 Bellarine Highway, Wallington 🌐 adventurepark.com.au

A short drive from Melbourne, Adventure Park has run Halloween-themed events in previous years. Worth checking their 2026 program, especially if you're looking for a day trip combining waterslides and spooky fun.

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The History of Halloween in Australia {#history-of-halloween-in-australia}

From "American Rubbish" to National Pastime

If you'd told an Australian in 1990 that Halloween would become a major cultural event Down Under, they'd have looked at you like you'd suggested putting tomato sauce on a meat pie (actually, we do that — bad example). Halloween in Australia has had a fascinating journey from cultural import to beloved tradition.

The Early Days (1990s–2000s)

Halloween existed in Australia primarily through American TV shows and movies. Kids watched Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and the Treehouse of Horror Simpsons specials and wondered why they couldn't have trick-or-treating too. Some families tried, but the response was often a confused homeowner saying "Sorry, we don't do that here."

The typical Australian response to Halloween was scepticism: "It's just American commercialism." Costume options were limited to whatever you could bodge together from the dress-up box, and finding a pumpkin to carve was genuinely difficult.

The Tipping Point (2010s)

Several factors combined to shift Australia's attitude:

1. Retailers got involved. When Kmart, Target, and Big W started stocking Halloween merchandise, it suddenly became accessible. You didn't need to be crafty or import costumes — you could grab a witch hat and a bag of lollies for $20.

2. Social media. Instagram and Pinterest made Halloween aspirational. Australians saw elaborate American Halloween decorations and costumes and thought, "We can do that." (And we can — we've always been good at a party.)

3. Community organising. Facebook groups and community pages allowed neighbourhoods to coordinate. The "look for the pumpkin" rule emerged organically, solving the "do they participate or not?" problem.

4. Cultural diversity. Melbourne's multicultural population includes significant American, Canadian, and British communities who brought their Halloween traditions with them, normalising the celebration.

5. Events industry. Bars, restaurants, and venues realised Halloween was a massive commercial opportunity. The last Saturday in October became a guaranteed sell-out night.

The Present Day (2020s)

Halloween in Australia is now a multi-hundred-million-dollar industry. According to the Australian Retailers Association, Australians spent approximately $680 million on Halloween-related purchases in 2024, up from $310 million in 2019. Melbourne, as Australia's cultural capital, leads the charge.

The celebration has also been "Australianised." You'll see:

• Native animal costumes alongside the vampires and witches — wombats, possums, and drop bears (the mythical kind)
• BBQ-and-bonfire Halloween parties instead of (or alongside) traditional indoor events
• Spring-themed decorations that acknowledge we're heading into summer, not winter
• Uniquely Australian humour in costumes — from Bluey characters to "bin chicken" (ibis) outfits

The Cultural Conversation

There's still a vocal minority who consider Halloween "un-Australian," but the argument has largely been settled by the sheer enthusiasm with which communities have embraced it. The reality is that Australians have always loved a celebration (Melbourne Cup, anyone?), and Halloween — with its emphasis on costumes, creativity, community, and controlled chaos — fits the Australian character perfectly.

What makes Melbourne's Halloween unique is that it's evolved organically. It's not a carbon copy of the American version — it's something distinctly Melburnian, blending our love of food, nightlife, creativity, and community with the universal appeal of a night where everyone gets to be someone (or something) else.

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Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

What date is Halloween 2026?

Saturday, October 31, 2026. Yes, a Saturday. It's going to be huge.

What time does trick-or-treating start in Melbourne?

Most neighbourhoods see trick-or-treaters from around 4:00–5:00 PM. Peak trick-or-treating is between 5:30–7:30 PM. By 8:00–8:30 PM, most families have wrapped up, though some areas continue later. Since 2026 is a Saturday, expect activity to run slightly later than usual.

Is trick-or-treating safe in Melbourne?

Yes. Melbourne is generally a very safe city for trick-or-treating. Stick to well-lit streets, travel in groups, and follow the "pumpkin rule" (only approach decorated houses). The biggest genuine risk is traffic — be visible and supervise young children near roads.

How do I know which houses are participating in trick-or-treating?

Look for the pumpkin. In Melbourne, houses that display a pumpkin, Halloween decorations, or have their porch light on are signalling they welcome trick-or-treaters. No decorations = no knock. This is widely understood and respected.

What's the weather like in Melbourne on Halloween?

Late October in Melbourne is spring. Expect average temperatures of 12–22°C, with sunset around 7:30 PM AEDT. The weather can be variable (it's Melbourne, after all), so layer your costume. Rain is possible — have a backup plan for outdoor events.

Are there any free Halloween events in Melbourne?

Yes, plenty. Library events, many community festivals, shopping centre activities, and neighbourhood trick-or-treating are all free. Some bars and clubs offer free entry before a certain time, and many community Halloween events run at no cost. Check your local council's website.

What's the best Halloween costume for Melbourne weather?

Something that works in spring weather — not too hot, not too cold. Avoid full-body furry costumes (you'll overheat) and very skimpy costumes (you'll freeze after sunset). Layerable costumes work best. Popular Melbourne-friendly options include:

• Zombie versions of any outfit (just add fake blood to regular clothes)
• Classic witches/wizards (comfortable temperature-wise)
• Pop-culture characters from the year's biggest shows and movies
• Group costumes (Scooby-Doo gang, Addams Family, etc.)

Can I take my dog trick-or-treating?

While many dogs love a costume, trick-or-treating crowds can be stressful for pets. If your dog is calm and sociable, a short outing is fine — but be mindful of chocolate (toxic to dogs) and keep them leashed. Many Melbourne parks host "Halloween dog parades" which are a better option for furry friends.

Where can I buy Halloween lollies in bulk for trick-or-treaters?

• Costco (Docklands or Moorabbin) — bulk packs of fun-size chocolates and lollies
• The Reject Shop — bags of individually wrapped sweets at great prices
• Kmart/Big W/Target — Halloween-specific treat packs
• Woolworths/Coles — multi-packs of fun-size favourites (Freddo Frogs, Kit Kats, Snickers)
• Sweet shops (like Candy Kitchen or Sweets on the Go) — for more unique options

Budget tip: Buy bulk fun-size chocolate bars from Costco. A box of 60+ bars costs around $25–30 and is more than enough for most streets.

Do Melbourne restaurants do Halloween dinners?

Yes. Many restaurants, particularly in the CBD, Fitzroy, Collingwood, and St Kilda, offer special Halloween menus. Dracula's Cabaret in Carlton is the most famous (and longest-running), but keep an eye on Broadsheet Melbourne and Time Out Melbourne for pop-up dining experiences announced from September.

Is there a major Halloween parade in Melbourne?

There's no single official city-wide parade (like New York's Village Halloween Parade), but several communities organise local costume parades. Chapel Street, Fitzroy's Brunswick Street, and various suburban shopping strips have hosted Halloween parades in recent years. With a Saturday Halloween in 2026, there's speculation that a larger CBD-based event may be organised — watch for announcements.

What are the best Halloween movies to watch in Melbourne?

For the full Melbourne Halloween experience, host a movie marathon:

• Family-friendly: Hocus Pocus, Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, Hotel Transylvania, Coco, Paranorman
• Teens: Scream, The Craft, A Quiet Place, Happy Death Day
• Adults: Hereditary, Get Out, The Babadook (Australian!), Midsommar, Halloween (obviously)

Bonus: Melbourne's Cinema Nova (Carlton), The Astor Theatre (St Kilda), and Lido Cinemas (Hawthorn) often run Halloween horror film festivals in October.

When should I start planning for Halloween 2026?

• August: Secure tickets for major events, book Dracula's and other dining experiences
• September: Buy costumes (before the good ones sell out), start decorating, coordinate with neighbours for trick-or-treating
• Early October: Buy lollies for trick-or-treaters, finalise costumes, check local council websites for community events
• Mid October: Carve pumpkins (no earlier — they decompose fast in spring heat), test fog machines and lighting
• October 31: Enjoy it. You've earned it.

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Final Thoughts

Halloween 2026 in Melbourne is going to be special. A Saturday date, a city that loves dressing up, a food and drink scene that lives for themed events, and a community that's fully embraced the spooky season — it's the perfect storm (a ghost storm, if you will).

Whether you're a Halloween veteran who starts planning in July or someone who throws together a last-minute costume from whatever's in the wardrobe, Melbourne has something for you. From the elaborate haunted houses of the outer suburbs to the cocktail bars of the CBD, from the trick-or-treating streets of Malvern to the rooftop parties of Collingwood — this city does Halloween like nowhere else in Australia.

Start planning. Book early. Commit to the costume.

And remember: if you see a pumpkin on the porch, knock on the door. 🎃

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This article will be updated throughout 2026 as events are announced. Bookmark this page and check back from August for the latest Halloween events in Melbourne.

Last updated: February 2026