By day, this Halloween Market is a vibrant and charming destination, where vendors peddle local goods and foods, and visitors meander through historic alleys. But as night descends, this market reveals a darker side. Beneath its lively facade lurks a sinister underbelly, transforming the once-innocent Halloween market into a realm of eerie secrets. Each flickering shadow whispers tales of malevolent deeds and restless spirits, drawing you deeper into a world where reality blurs with the supernatural. The dark history of this cursed market seeps into every step you take, leading you on a nerve-wracking journey, with the theatre group “Deadhouse” taking over the streets of The Rocks to tell the tales of the ghosts and murders that haunt the precinct.

As night falls, the Tallowoladah Lawn in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art transforms into a supernatural dance floor with the Silent Zombie Disco Party. By day, the space resembles a chaotic Zombieland, complete with eerie soundscapes and undead-themed installations that bring the world of zombies “to life”. But as darkness sets in, the lawn erupts into a thrilling undead party, where zombie dancers take over the night under a haunting moonlit sky.

A giant 5-metre automated zombie head booth will host an impressive lineup of DJs at this iconic Sydney location.

For those seeking a truly spine-chilling experience, Poliakov’s “Reborn from Ice” offers an exclusive thrill like no other. A select few brave souls will be plunged into an icy abyss, taking an invigorating ice bath, savouring a vodka tasting, and receiving eerie Halloween makeup. This sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable night at the Zombie Silent Disco Party. If you crave even deeper immersion, grab a headset and dive into the Zombie Silent Disco, where spine-tingling tunes and electrifying beats fuel a dance-off among the walking dead.

Tickets go on sale on 6th September and are limited. Early bird tickets are $49 (150 tickets only), first-release tickets are $59 (350 tickets), and the last 100 tickets are $69. Don’t miss out!

What’s a Halloween Festival without a Parade?

Experience Ghost Festivals Halloween Parade, where the streets of The Rocks come alive with a New Orleans-inspired carnival of creatures, costumes, and haunting pageantry. Drawing inspiration from the elaborate and theatrical parades of New Orleans, this night transforms into a vivid spectacle. From the eerie elegance of New Orleans’ voodoo queens to the untamed wilderness of bayou werewolves, the Halloween Parade invites you to become a creature of the night as you walk down the street of the Rocks.

The parade can be viewed from the side of the road but only people with costumes and make-up will be allowed to carry the Ghost flag above their head. Free event. 1.5km walk through the Rocks and Circular Quay.

Wander into the Haunted Woods, a tribute to New Orleans at First Fleet Park, where 22 eerie super-propped wood cabins draw you into the Food and Drinks hub of the Festival. Feast on devilishly delicious bites and sip on wickedly inventive drinks—served in blood bags, of course—while navigating a labyrinth of ghostly sounds, flickering lights, and towering props designed to keep you on edge. Indulge in creepy culinary creations, from sinister sweets to spiced pumpkin brews, while eerie, music & performers echo through the night, creating an atmosphere of unsettling tension.

Every corner of the woods has a story, each more chilling than the last. Visitors can expect eerie encounters with ghostly figures and supernatural forces, as tales of urban legends and haunted history from both New Orleans and The Rocks come alive before their eyes.

The Haunted Wood is home to 22 curated food stalls, 4 rescue bars to get your favourite cocktail in a blood bag and 1 live stage with a program to give you the vibe of a New Orleans street party to Australia. This event is free to attend and open to all ages.

For those daring enough to fully immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit, Crossing Lane becomes a transformation zone. Here, Sydney’s top makeup artists and body painters will help you become one of The Rocks’ notorious spirits or a creature of New Orleans folklore. Whether you prefer to channel the ghost of a legendary criminal or embrace the dark mystique of a voodoo queen, this is the place to bring your Halloween vision to life. After your transformation, make a grand entrance at Hell’s Gate, the eerie portal leading into the Haunted Woods, surrounded by sinister stories and interactive horror trails.

Ready for a terrifying transformation? Make your way to Crossing Lane, where Sydney’s top makeup artists and body painters are ready to turn you into one of The Rocks’ infamous spirits or a creature straight out of your nightmares. Whether you wish to resemble one of the area’s historical ghosts or something more modern and monstrous, this zone has it all—from professional makeup stations to costume accessories and changing rooms. After your transformation, strike a pose at the infamous Hells Gate, marking your entry into the Haunted Woods while surrounded by spooky stories and interactive horror trails inspired by the true tales that haunt The Rocks.

Ghost Festival is the latest masterpiece from BBR Group, the creative force behind some of Australia’s most iconic events, including Bastille Festival, Mov’in Bed, Xmas in July Festival, and Raclette Igloo Experience. Known for their talent in crafting large-scale, immersive experiences, BBR Group, brings their signature flair to this inaugural Halloween festival. With a proven track record of transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, they are set to make Ghost Festival a standout event that will be eagerly anticipated each year. Positioned to become a central fixture in Sydney’s cultural landscape, this free festival promises a captivating blend of excitement and Halloween magic, ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and redefining Halloween celebrations in Australia.

Are you ready to confront the ghosts of Sydney’s past? Mark your calendars for Ghost Festival, happening from October 31 to November 3, 2024, at The Rocks, Sydney. Entry is free, with select ticketed experiences available.

For more information, visit ghostfestival.com.au or follow us on social media… if you dare.

ABOUT GHOST FESTIVAL

Ghost Festival is Sydney’s premier Halloween extravaganza, making history as Australia’s first Halloween festival. This spine-tingling event is set to redefine Halloween celebrations across Australia. Over four days and nights, Sydney’s historic Rocks district will transform into a haunted playground where the eerie history and legendary tales of The Rocks come alive across multiple iconic venues and landmarks. The festival will feature unique activation experiences, high-energy entertainment, family-friendly activities, delectable food, fine wines and cocktails, and thrilling nightlife for adults. Designed to captivate and thrill visitors of all ages, this free event promises an unforgettable Halloween experience.

Dates: 31 October – 3 November 2024

Location: The Rocks, Sydney

Cost: Free to attend – Ticketed experiences start from $29

Media Kit: https://linktr.ee/ghostpresskit

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

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ghost_in_the_rocks/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ghostintherocks

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For all media and press enquiries please contact:

Shiv Sweeney

Director of PR, Ghost Festival

E: shiv@bbr-agency.com

Interview Opportunities: Vincent Hernandez, Creative Director of Ghost Festival

Ghost Festival Media Kit: Download the official Ghost Festival Media Kit

Authorised Spokespersons for Ghost Festival:

Vincent Hernandez, Creative Director

Shiv Sweeney, Director of PR