Ghost in The Rocks

Overview

From October 31–November 3, The Rocks — an area infamous for its ghostly history — will be transformed into an otherworldly realm of fear-inducing fun featuring a zombie dance party, a horror-filled food market, a Halloween parade and much more.

First Fleet Park will transform into the Haunted Woods, where 22 food stalls styled as eerie cabins will create a New Orleans-inspired food and drink market where you can indulge in bone-rattling bites and channel your inner Dracula with cocktails served in blood bags. While navigating through the creepy complex, enjoy chilling music, ghastly performances and perhaps a ghostly encounter or two as you learn Sydney's most disturbing urban legends. This event is free to enter and all ages are welcome.

By day, Playfair Street in The Rocks is filled with local vendors selling seasonal treats while visitors wander the historical streets. However, as dusk settles, a more ominous side will peek through the gloom as Ghost in the Rocks' Two-Faced Halloween Market conjures the perfect balance of delight and fright. As you explore this daunting space, look out for theatre troupe Deadhouse, who will be sharing chilling stories of the area's haunted past.

The open-air Ghost Cinema will host screenings of horror films sure to scare even the most seasoned scary movie connoisseur while the Zombie Silent Disco dishes up bangers from beyond the grave. This outdoor party hosted by Poliakov Vodka on the Tallowoladah Lawn in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art will spin sickening tunes on an undead dance floor, complete with a five-metre zombie head DJ booth. Revellers can also test their mettle at Poliakov's Reborn from Ice experience, which invites guests to take a plunge into an ice bath before warming up with a vodka tasting.

The Ghost in the Rocks Halloween Parade will summon a spooky spectacle inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The monstrous procession will take place on November 2, with a horrifying hoard of marchers taking to the streets between The Rocks and Circular Quay. Visitors can also get a ghoulish glow-up courtesy of the Crossing Lane makeover experience, where Sydney's best makeup and body paint artists will transform festivalgoers into nightmarish creatures to truly embrace Halloween spirit.

Other highlights include The Murder Bar, an interactive experience where a total of 25 guests will sip on intriguing cocktails while investigating a choice of three different murder mysteries where anyone could be the culprit. The House of Horrors party will also fascinate thrill seekers. Set in a real haunted heritage house — the Union Bond Store where eerie sightings have been reported since 1841 — this hell-raising shindig will feature the most wicked DJs, formidable dancers and horrifying actors for one night of heinous hedonism. Meanwhile, younger scare seekers can also enjoy festivities as The Rocks hosts a trick and treat trail filled with both tricks and treats.