It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
And no, I’m not talking about Christmas – I’m talking about the Christmas for horror aficionados like me: Halloween.
Halloween has had a huge rise in Australian culture in recent years, and for a time that eats candy, dresses up in fun costumes, and celebrates the dead instead of mourning them, what isn’t there to embrace? There are heaps of places in Canberra who are embracing this horror culture with open arms, and I have the go to list for all the readers like me who love dressing up as voodoo dolls and dancing the night away with other ghouls, vampires, and witches.
Geektease Burton-esque
Love sexy burlesque dancing? What about cosplay, nerdy drinks and Tim Burton movies? If this sounds like all of your spooky loves wrapped up into one then you don’t want to miss Eyrie Entertainment’s Geektease “Burton-esque” burlesque show. With some amazing burlesque performers taking on the films and characters made famous by Tim Burton this unique show is a great way to kick off your Halloween celebrations.
Haunted Location: Reload Bar and Games, 38 Northbourne Ave
At the clock’s strike of: 7.00pm on Thursday 25th October and Friday 26th October
Book of the dead information: Check out the Facebook page for more information and to get tickets
Cube’s Halloween
Halloween can’t come soon enough with Cube nightclub’s Halloween celebration taking place on Friday 26th October and they’ve fully embraced the awesomeness that is the Rocky Horror Picture Show by utilising the movie as this year’s theme. With special Halloween shots, face painting and some awesome prizes on offer, Halloween is always a dance-tastic time at Cube!
Haunted Location: Cube Nightclub, 33 Petrie Place, Canberra City
At the clock’s strike of: 10.00pm on Friday 26th October
Book of the dead information: Check out the Facebook page for more information and to get tickets
Canberra Zombie Walk 2018
The Canberra Zombie Walk is back and this time they are inviting all creatures of the night to join in the shuffling amble from Glebe Park in the Canberra City. With all funds raised going to the Brain Foundation there will also be performances and music before and after the walk with an adults only official after party taking place at Reload Bar.
Haunted Location: Glebe Park, Canberra City
At the clock’s strike of: 2.30pm until 5.30pm on Saturday 27th October
Book of the dead information: Go to Humanitix for more information and to score tickets
Voodoo Bayou: A Halloween Special
Following on from the Canberra Zombie Walk as the official after party, Reload Bar and Games will be hosting Voodoo Bayou: A Halloween Special. The whole venue will be decked out into a harrowing haunted voodoo bar and special ghoulish drinks with be available all night. With the amazingly unique theme dedicated to Cajun Zombies, Reload marks THE place to go for Saturday 27th October.
Haunted Location: Reload Bar and Games, 38 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City
At the clock’s strike of: 7.00pm on Saturday 27th October
Book of the dead information: Go to the Reload Event Facebook page for more information
A Decade of Death
Say what you will, but Mooseheads Pub and Nightclub know how to throw one rocking party, and their 10th annual Halloween bash is going to be a “must see” on any Canberra Halloween celebration list. With a grim reaper style theme, killer party decorations and special effects and prizes, a Decade of Death will be so fun you will be spinning in your grave if you miss it!
Haunted Location: Mooseheads Pub and Nightclub, 105 London Cct, Canberra City
At the clock’s strike of: 9.00pm on Saturday 27th October
Book of the dead information: Go to the Mooseheads Facebook page for more information
Knighty Horror Picture Show
Canberra alum Knightsbridge Penthouse always do a rocking party and Halloween is no exception! This year the theme is the ever sexy Rocky Horror Picture Show with staff and DJ Mr Michael dressed to the Rocky Horror Nines and to get you in the right frame of mind Knightys will be featuring a brilliant drag show by River Styx. It will be sure to get you shivering in antica…pation!
Haunted Location: Knightsbridge Penthouse, 1/34 Mort Street Braddon
At the clock’s strike of: 8.00pm on Saturday 27th October
Book of the dead information: Go to the Knightsbridge Penthouse Facebook page for more information
A Nightmare on Bunda Street
Halloween is ALIVE and kicking at Shorty’s this year and you will have no excuse to fall asleep and miss their Halloween party A Nightmare on Bunda Street. With staff dressed up as Halloween scarers and four creepy cocktails to choose from including the Brain Haemorrhage shot, Witches Brew, Zombtini, and the Raspberry Reaper, Shortys is the place to go to celebrate Halloween after the fact!
Haunted Location: Shorty’s Canberra, 29 Garema Place, Canberra City
At the clock’s strike of: 9.00pm on Friday 2nd November
Book of the dead information: Go to the Shorty’s Canberra Facebook page for more information
Canberra Zombie Mile
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be chased by a horde of zombies through an apocalyptic scene, running up and over obstacles and escaping the infectious? Well now you can put your money where your mouth is with the Canberra Zombie Mile – a night time obstacle course at the Operation Blackhawk military style obstacle track – with a horde of zombies on your tail! Perfect for all of those spooky loving fitness buffs out there!
Haunted Location: Paintball Sports ACT, Pialligo Ave, Canberra
At the clock’s strike of: 7.00pm – 11.00pm on Saturday 3rd November
Book of the dead information: Go to www.operationblackhawk.com for more information
Courtney Hope | Author 