The Dead Don't Rest—And Neither Should You

This Halloween, Sydney’s most iconic cobblestone quarter comes back to life—literally—as Ghost in The Rocks returns, bigger, bolder, and more spine-tingling than ever. Across four fright-filled nights from October 30 to November 2, the historic laneways of The Rocks will once again be possessed by ghosts, ghouls, and good times.

From hair-raising immersive experiences to street parties where the undead dance ‘til 1AM, Ghost Festival promises unforgettable thrills and chills—all set against the gothic charm of Sydney’s oldest streets. And the best part? Entry is free.

 

Poliakov’s Haunted Woods: Devilishly Good Food & Beats

Nestled among haunted cabins and twisted tree silhouettes, the Haunted Woods is where Halloween hunger meets hedonism. Signature vendors like Messina and Gong Cha are back, offering eerie eats crafted to terrify your taste buds—and dominate your socials.

At the heart of it all, the Poliakov Vodka Main Stage pulses with electric DJ sets while monstrous cocktails flow from the lab-themed vodka bar. Whether you’re thirsting for tunes, food, or some spirited company, the Haunted Woods is where you’ll want to make your midnight pact.

 

Sydney’s Halloween Market: Where Magic and Mischief Collide

By day, the Halloween Market on Playfair Street is an enchanting affair filled with pumpkin-spiced treats, handcrafted trinkets, and artisan wonders. But once dusk creeps in, this market morphs into something far more bewitching.

Fog slithers between stalls. Candles flicker. Witches chant softly from the corners. It’s a mystical maze of curious oddities and handcrafted spells, offering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for the brave and the bewitched alike.

 

Ghost Cinema: Classic Horror, Open Air, and Totally Immersive

Back for another blood-curdling season, Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage brings cult classics to life in the most chilling way imaginable. With horror films like The Exorcist, The Conjuring, and The Corpse Bride, every screening is intensified by live actors, 3D soundscapes, and surprise scares.

This isn’t your average movie night. It’s an experience that’ll leave you looking over your shoulder—long after the credits roll.

 

The Rocks After Dark: Where Ghosts Throw the Best Parties

The dead throw one hell of a party—and they’ve taken over Sydney’s most haunted venues to prove it.

Step inside the House of Horrors Party, a multi-level haunted house turned rave haven. With three DJs spinning terrifyingly good tracks and four horror-themed rooms, this sell-out event promises an unforgettable night of music and mayhem.

For something darker still, the Murder Cocktail Bar returns for four nights only. Hidden in one of The Rocks’ oldest laneways, this 1930s-style speakeasy offers vintage cocktails, ghostly tunes, and the Murder Mystery Experience, a true crime-inspired story played out in real time. Think Cluedo, but with cocktails and actual chills.

 

Costumes, SFX and 360° Fright Fame

Want to look dead and drop-dead gorgeous? Stop by The Crossing Lane for a full SFX transformation by professional makeup artists. From zombified to glamorously ghoulish, your look will be haunt-worthy.

Then head over to Reese’s Ghouls Gate, a 360° video booth where your costume gets the spotlight it deserves. Strike your best undead pose and be in the running for Sydney’s Best Halloween Costume of 2025.

 

Why Ghost in The Rocks is the Ultimate Halloween Experience

As Australia’s first and only Halloween street festival, Ghost in The Rocks is more than an event—it’s a full-scale haunting of Sydney’s heritage precinct. With over 115,000 attendees in its debut year, the 2025 edition is expected to be even bigger, more theatrical, and packed with surprises.

Beyond the performances and parties, the event taps into the real haunted history of The Rocks. From restless sailors to heartbroken spirits, this area has been a hub of eerie folklore for centuries. Don’t be surprised if you encounter more than just actors lurking in the shadows.

 

Plan Your Visit

Event Dates:
Thursday October 30 – Sunday November 2, 2025

Location:
The Rocks, Sydney

Entry:
Free street festival

Special Events:

• Ghost Cinema: from $39

• House of Horrors Party: early bird from $55

• Murder Mystery Experience: from $149

Official Website:
https://ghostfestival.com.au

Follow on Social Media:
Instagram: @ghostfestivalsyd
Facebook: facebook.com/ghostfestivalsyd

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