As Halloween approaches, many of us are itching to do something spooky. Luckily, there’s plenty of uncanny arts events running this month to keep your Halloween spirit alive. (Image: Artsmile)
By Alana Pahor | @Alana_Pahor
It’s time to carve a pumpkin, watch horror movies, and play “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell on repeat.
That’s right, it’s October, and “spooky season” has officially begun.
While Halloween is often labelled an American holiday, it’s quickly gaining popularity here, with one in four Australians having celebrated the day last year.
So, to get you in a spooky mood this October, On The Record has compiled a list of Halloween-themed arts events happening around Adelaide.
Festivals/markets
The Adelaide Film Festival is running from October 18 to 28, and it has plenty of spooky films on offer.
Satirical horror film Late Night with the Devil is showing at Piccadilly Cinema on October 26 and Palace Nova Cinema on October 28.
The Australian film takes viewers back to the seventies, where a late night talk show host puts on a Halloween special with a paranormal investigator and cult survivor.
The three of them soon open a portal directly to hell — and “to the inferno of mass entertainment”.
Horror mystery film You’ll Never Find Me, is screening at Piccadilly Cinema on October 21 and Palace Nova Cinema on October 27.
Adelaide filmmakers Josiah Allen and Indianna Bell present an eerie, claustrophobic film set in an isolated caravan park.
One fateful night, a young woman appears at the caravan park hermit’s door and is compelled to stay, while the hermit begins to lose his grip on reality.
Horror film The Getaway is also showing at the First Nations First Films launch at Mercury Cinema on October 21.
Protagonist Kyle Williams returns to his mother’s Country and accidentally disturbs a grave, “unleashing a spiritual protector that will stop at nothing for revenge”.
OzAsia Festival is also back this month from October 19 to November 5.
They’re teaming up with the Adelaide Film Festival to present Contemporary Asian Cinema from October 18 to 29.
Various films are on offer, including mystery thriller Monster by Hirokazu Kore-eda and teenage drama Galang by Adriyanto Dewo.
The Lucky Dumpling Market returns to Elder Park from October 19 to November 5 as part of OzAsia Festival.
The open-air food market features a variety of Asian cuisine, along with free live music by Lucky Beats, performances and workshops.
After visiting the market, you might like to take a walk down the Moon Lantern Trail.
The trail, which runs along the Torrens riverbank, features a Hong Kong Dragon lantern, water lantern and other fan-favourites.
Talks/plays/workshops
Adelaide has no shortage of spooky shows on offer this month.
Gabbin In The Woods – Live Podcast and Halloween Party is on at the Rhino Room on October 27.
Hosts Liz Allen and Jon Brooks will entertain viewers with a spooky yet comedic horror story, before the venue transforms into a Halloween party.
A few blocks over at The Lost Dice, the Adelaide Magic Theatre Halloween Show is running on October 28.
Magician Sam King “promises a night of wonder you won’t want to miss” — plus, your ticket comes with a complimentary drink.
And, if you’re willing to fork out a little extra, you can also enjoy a pre-show dinner at The Lost Dice while you wait for the magic to begin.
In the theatre world, Cyprus Avenue is showing at Holden Street Theatres from October 19 to 29.
Protagonist Eric notices something strange about his newborn granddaughter, Mary-May. It seems that she is actually politician Gerry Adams, but without a beard.
Baffled by this discovery, Eric turns to his psychiatrist for help in a “funny and shocking black comedy” that won Best New Play in 2017.
If all this talk of scary stories has gotten you inspired to write your own, you can workshop your ideas at Writers SA’s Writing Literary Thrillers workshop on October 24.
Music/concerts
Fans of Bring Me The Horizon and Pierce the Veil might enjoy seeing Australian pop-punk band Alt. at Lion Arts Factory on October 7. The band is playing as part of their ABEYANCE Album Tour.
Dance of the Dead Halloween is also at the Lion Arts Factory on October 28.
This Halloween party features electronic music duo Teddy Cream, “grisly” drink specials, best costume prizes and many more Halloween attractions.
It seems there’s competition this year for the best Halloween party; The Gov and Hindley Street Music Hall are also hosting spooky events.
Dia De Los Muertos – Halloween Fiesta is happening at The Gov on October 21, featuring Latin band SOCIALBEAT, dance shows, DJ Hugo Salcedo and more.
At Hindley Street Music Hall, Taking Back Saturday – Emo & Pop Punk Halloween is on from 9pm on October 28.
The party features emo and pop punk hits, Halloween decorations and prizes for best costume. Plus, the first 100 through the door get a Halloween gift.
We hope you have a spooky October with these Halloween arts events. Stay tuned for our November edition!
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