29—31 October 2021

Long gone are the days of consternation over the Americanisation of Australian culture through the subtle soft-power influence of the States’ Spooky Season.

As a populace, Adelaideans appear to have decided that we’re not only cool with this piece of imported culture, but perhaps it is actually the best and most fun non-holiday holiday on our social calendar.

It’s hard to disagree, particularly given the number of Halloween events happening across the city and surrounds.

Below is just a short list of spooky goings on, so get out your favourite costume – get out five of your favourite costumes – and have yourself a very scary weekend.

Friday

Downstairs at Jack & Jill’s basement, Young Offenders are throwing a Halloween Special, featuring a set from the band, as well as Chelsea Manor, CHAMP and The Vains.

The night before their party, My Lover Cindi is hosting a Halloween trivia night. Best dressed animal costume will win a prize.

So Far Gone is holding Friday Fright Night at Mr Kim’s new spot on Hindley Street. The event has been approved to be maskless and with dancing. Costumes are, of course, encouraged.

The Lab claims that its Friday night Lab Rats show, titled Not a Halloween Show, is not a Halloween show, but we beg to differ, given the Rats will be creating a house of horror in the ground-level venue within Light ADL. There will be a performance from Neon Tetra, and visuals produced by the Lab Rats.

Saturday

The Adelaide UniBar is hosting a Halloween Ball, featuring sets from Blink 182 tribute band Enema of the Southern State, Oscar the Wild, Ethanol Blend, Madura Green and Thunder Speaks.

Fat Controller is putting on Spookapalooza, featuring a bunch of resident DJs and drinks specials. Best costume wins $100 on the bar.

My Lover Cindi is hosting their first Halloween party, titled I’m a mouse, duh. There will be dancing, themed cocktails, and prizes for best costume. Come dressed as an animal to be eligible to win.

A little way up the hill, the Uraidla Hotel is hosting a Halloween Mask-erade Party, during which they promise “wanting spirits”, “wicked brews” and a “spooktacular” time.

There will be yet another Spookapalooza (Volume II, no less), this time held at The Lab and hosted by Isaac Thomas. It is the launch event for the musician’s single, ‘No Way, Jose!’. My Cherie, Cheese Dreams and Zac Eichner will play sets in support.

Out in the nearby suburb of Bowden, the locale’s own Bowden Brewing will host A Hoppy Halloween. There are two limited edition beers being released for the event, and anyone in costume will get pints at schooner prices.

Anything can be an excuse to each a bunch of wings – such is the thought behind Gilbert Street Hotel’s Hallowings. The pub will launch a special edition pumpkin ale, there’s one free beer for those in costume, and there will be prizes for best dressed.

Sunday

For the hospo heads, there’s a Sunday night party at back-alley den Cry Baby, featuring a curated drinks menu and prizes for best costumes. Someone please go as a Redback.