Like it or not, the ghouls are coming. From Kingscliff to Port Macquarie, the North Coast is gearing up for a big Halloween weekend, with a zoo after dark, a trapeze murder mystery, a street party, and even a costumed paddle under a bridge.
Some of the fun starts tonight. So whether you’re all in on the fake cobwebs or planning to hide from trick-or-treaters with the lights off, here’s what you need to know.
Tweed Coast
Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club is throwing a free Halloween at the Bowlo tomorrow, Saturday, 31 October, from 1pm. There’s face painting from 1pm to 3pm, a magician from 2pm to 3pm, best-dressed prizes, and Halloween-themed drinks. No tickets needed. Just rock up to 131 Marine Parade, Kingscliff.
Byron Bay
Someone is going to get murdered at Circus Arts Byron Bay, and you’re invited to watch. Its Halloween Showcase – A Murder Mystery brings aerials, acrobatics, trampoline skills, and a cast of Halloween characters to 17 Centennial Circuit.
Shows are tonight at 6pm and Saturday at 2pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for children, free for under threes, and $75 for a family pass. Dress up, and stay on for optional flying trapeze swings after the show.
Down the road, Brunswick Picture House has Halloween-themed entertainment listed, and Mullumbimby has a Rocky Horror Picture Show event. Time to do the Time Warp again.
Ballina and Wollongbar
The Australian Hotel at 103 River Street, Ballina, is already deep into its four-day Day of the Dead Festival, which runs until Sunday, 1 November. Inspired by Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, it features live bands, DJs, Cantina-style food, and plenty of colour. Saturday is the night for costumes and face paint, while Sunday has a family-friendly feel with activities for children.
Over in East Ballina, Drop It Like It’s Halloween takes over The Courtyard at 3 Brighton Street from 5pm to 10pm on Saturday. Think 90s and 00s R&B and hip hop, with Missy Elliott and Destiny’s Child on high rotation. Costumes encouraged.
For the little ones, Wollongbar is hosting a Halloween Messy Kids Club on Saturday. Parents, maybe pack a change of clothes.
Nimbin and Lismore
Skaters, this one’s for you. The Halloween Jam Double Banger starts with a lunchtime skate jam at Nimbin Skatepark on Saturday, with cash prizes up for grabs. The crew then rolls into Lismore for dinner and a Halloween party in Uralba Street from 6pm to 10pm. Bring your board and your costume.
Kyogle
The Village Hall Players are giving their annual variety show a spooky makeover. DIVARAMA Variety Spooktacular hits Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall in Stratheden Street on Saturday, with doors at 6pm and the show from 7pm to 10pm.
Expect cabaret-style music, comedy, dance, and more. Brave audience members can also battle it out in a lip-sync contest for the golden microphone. It’s BYO drinks and nibbles.
Coffs Coast
Sawtell is going all out. A free Halloween Street Party takes over First Avenue from 5pm to 11.30pm on Saturday, with live music, DJs, and plenty of spooky fun.
On Saturday, C-Change Adventures wants you to swap trick-or-treating for a paddle. Locals are invited to dress up and bring a SUP, kayak, or other flotation device for a Halloween paddle under the bridge at Boambee Creek Reserve, Sawtell Road, Toormina. Kayak and paddleboard hire may be available, but check ahead.
Got kids aged up to 13? The Boambee East Community Centre on Bruce King Drive is hosting a Children’s Halloween Party from 5pm to 7pm on Saturday. There will be games, competitions, and dancing. Entry is $5 per child, which includes a sausage sizzle, a drink, and a lolly bag. No bookings needed. Just dress up and turn up.
For the grown-ups, Halloween with PASH runs from 7pm to 11pm at Valla Public Hall, 451 Valla Road. Tickets are $45 and include music by PASH, a shared platter of Halloween nibbles, and a welcome drink of either Witches’ Brew or Dracula’s Blood. There are prizes for best dressed, with more food and drinks for sale on the night.
Kempsey and the Macleay Valley
Families in the Macleay should get moving tonight. The Kinchela Halloween Disco and Family Fun Night runs from 4pm to 7.30pm today, Friday, 30 October, at Kinchela Public School, 5 Right Bank Road. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome, not just school families.
There’s a kids’ Halloween disco, a haunted house, a petting zoo, a slime run, face painting, games, costume competitions, raffles, a barbecue, and plenty of treats.
On Saturday at 4.30pm, Trunk or Treat rolls into Kempsey Golf Club, 330 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey. Classic cars from the Four Aces Rod and Custom Club will line up so children can collect treats from their boots. It’s hosted by Birdie & Basil on the Green, with support from the car club and Kempsey Golf Club.
Port Macquarie
Billabong Zoo is turning spooky for Boo at the Zoo on Saturday from 5.30pm. Its Haunted Halloween Zoo Trail promises trick-or-treating, spooky animals, and a deadly disco. A free sausage sizzle is included, and tickets are advertised from $39.50.
Can’t wait until Saturday? Sovereign Place Town Centre at 15 Chancellors Drive is hosting a free Halloween Spooky Night tonight from 4pm to 7pm. There’s face painting, spider-web fairy floss, a haunted disco, spooky entertainers, and best-dressed prizes.
Setts at 101 Hastings River Drive is going country on Saturday from 7pm, with Rob Williams’ Dirt Road Tribute playing country favourites with a spooky twist. Dress country, spooky, or somewhere in between. A courtesy bus is available.
Meanwhile, Halloween in The TAPP at Panthers Port Macquarie is free and 18+ from 7pm Saturday. Misty Optic plays from 8pm, with themed food and drinks and prizes for best dressed.
Not a fan?
If the thought of another fun-size chocolate bar makes you want to scream, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival runs from Friday, 30 October, to Sunday, 8 November. It’s not a Halloween event, which may be the best thing about it.
Gone quiet
Just because your town isn’t listed here doesn’t mean nothing is happening. A lot of local fun lives on Facebook and never makes the official calendars.
Got something spooky planned in your town? Let us know. Trick, treat, or hide under the doona – happy Halloween, North Coast.
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