We don’t know about you, but this Halloween, as our parents busy themselves bemoaning the fact that Australia is becoming more and more Americanised every day, we’re going to be partying it up at our favourite live music venue.
Yes, it’s an American holiday, traditionally speaking. But it’s also a lot of fun and involves dressing up in silly costumes and consuming vast amounts of lollies. So… yeah, we’re not about to start complaining about any of that.
If you’re still wondering about just how you’re going to say yes to fun and finally get in the Halloween spirit, we’ve put together a handy little guide of all the various Halloween parties happening around Australia.
Titty Twister Halloween Horror Wrestling Psychobilly Freakshow
Where: Brown Alley, Melbourne VIC
When: 9pm – 4am, Sunday Oct 30
Why: Taking over all four rooms of Brown Alley, this one packs pretty much everything you could ask for. Soundtracking the night will be psychobilly/speed rock outfit FIREBALLS, live-mashup maestros Bareback Titty Squad, the dirty blues rock of Werewolves of Melbourne, and grime/DnB outfit 50/50 crew.
Throw in horror-themed live wrestling bouts between the likes of Freddie Krueger and Jason Vorhees (not to mention the biggest grudge match of all – Hillary vs. Trump), an advance screening of the Mick Harvey-scored film Iron Spyder, and an array of circus performers and “vampire strippers”, and you’ve got one hell of a Halloween Eve.
Tickets & Info: $35, more info here.
Halloween Swerve Society
Where: Newtown Social Club, Sydney NSW
When: 7:30pm – 10:30pm, Monday Oct 31
Why: The NSC is putting on a tidy little gig on Monday, with local ambient/drone champs Moonmilk joined by Exotic Dog – the very interesting solo project of Nic Warnock (Phone, Ruined Fortune, Bed Wettin’ Bad Boys, RIP SOCIETY) – and guitar/synth duo LED. Kicks off early, and is free all night, so might make for good pre-drinks before a late night session.
Tickets & Info: Free, more info here.
Halloween Devil’s Night: New Guernica 7th Birthday
Where: New Guernica, Melbourne VIC
When: 10pm – 5am, Monday Oct 31
Why: Cup Eve at New Guernica will see a stacked lineup in celebration of the venue’s 7th birthday, Halloween, and the next day off. We’re talking Post Percy, Mu-Gen, friendships DJs, HABITS DJs, Brissy’s Sezzo Snot, and more. You’ll sorted for your entire night for only a tenner.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, more info here.
Incursion Halloween 2016
Where: Gilkison Dance Studio, Perth WA
When: 9pm – 3am, Saturday Oct 29
Why: “Yet again, Perth’s premier destination for your alternative Halloween party is Incursion.” Indeed it is! You’re encouraged to dress to impress as you attend a party of spooky delights, including DJ Sin Quirin, guitarist from industrial Metal heavyweights MINISTRY, who’ll be in Perth for his first ever Australian DJ tour. Meanwhile, Witchgrinder will be unleashing an onslaught in The Catacomb.
Tickets & Info: $30, more info here.
House Of Voodoo Halloween Block Party
Where: Proud Mary’s, Erina NSW
When: 12pm – 4am, Saturday Oct 29
Why: No, you’re not in even in New South Wales anymore. You’ve been transported to the murky swamps of New Orleans. Off in the swamp fog is the House of Voodoo, a spooky and supernatural house of entertainment set to feature genre-free delights running the gamut through House, Trap, Bass, Techno, Rock and Indie, including sets from Yahtzel, Remi, and more.
Tickets & Info: $20 + b/f, more info here.
Karova’ween’
Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC
When: 8:30pm – 4am, Saturday Oct 29
Why: Ballarat’s favourite live music spot will be taken over by a creepy collective of bands and DJs to celebrate the eve of Samhain. There’ll be sets from the great APES, who’ll be making their triumphant return to Karova, as well as Trillionayers, and Electric Mud, with a supporting cast featuring DJs Shanghai Savy and Daryl.
Tickets & Info: $10, more info here.
Deadlam
Where: The Brightside, Brisbane QLD
When: 7pm – 5am, Friday Nov 4
Why: This one comes the Friday after Halloween, but that just means you get a few days rest between parties. Bedlam Records are putting on a massive show, featuring The Drones, I Heart Hiroshima, Shining Bird, GL, Dorsal Fins, Twin Haus… the list just goes on and on. Take a breather during the week, and gather your strength again for a damn good night.
Tickets & Info: $45, more info here.
Momentum Halloween
Where: The Evelyn, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm – 1:30am, Monday October 31
Why: “Foreign Brothers are bringing you All the Freak, All the Funk, All Night.” So what can you expect from this incredible Halloween extravaganza? Electro-pop sensation Tetrahedra will be scaring you to the core before Nasty Mars gets the cauldron bubbling and The CoreTet unleash all sorts of horrors.
Tickets & Info: $15 on the door, more info here.
CLOSET Halloween
Where: Yah Yah’s, Melbourne VIC
When: 10pm – 5am, Friday Oct 28
Why: You’re already aware that the gang at CLOSET know how to throw an epic party. Well, in their own words: “It is time again for CLOSET’s biggest party of the year, our 4th annual Halloween party.” Dressing up is more than encouraged and once again, CLOSET will be awarding their famous ‘Best Dressed’ sashes on the night. Oh, and don’t forget a lineup featuring Yo! Mafia, Salvador Darling, and more.
Tickets & Info: $15 with a costume / $20 without, more info here.
Cable Kidz Halloween
Where: Fat Controller, Adelaide SA
When: 10pm – 5am, Thursday Oct 27
Why: Welcome to your Halloween wonderland. So we’ve got Cable Kids DJs, Noctural Affairs, Alex Spooker, Freddy vs Jason, and more yet to be announced, but we’ve also got $5 drinks, FREE face painting, FREE lollies and popcorn, and if you dress up you’ll get a discount entry and maybe even some prizes.
Tickets & Info: More info here.
Cherryween
Where: Cherry Bar, Melbourne VIC
When: 8pm – 3am, Monday Oct 31
Why: Melbourne’s beloved Cherry Bar, the home of Melbourne rock and roll, is putting on a Halloween feast for your eyes and ears that will spook and delight you. The Mercy Kills will be hitting the stage with the raucous stylings of Amyl and The Sniffers, and of course there’ll be ghoulish DJs, including James ‘Bloodhound’ Young and ‘Evil’ DJ Mermaid.
Tickets & Info: $12 or free before 11 with a costume, more info here.
