It’s tough being a creepy kid in Australia. All the sunshine, beaches and 30 °C days aren’t exactly spooky (although the sunburn can be scary). Halloween’s finally starting to become a thing, which is brilliant if you’re a fan of all things ooky and kooky. But if you want a real Halloween experience, you’ve got to go to the States. Here are just seven of the incredible annual events that are waiting for you.
1. Village Halloween Parade
New York City, New York
NYC doesn’t do anything by halves – especially not Halloween. For 45 years, the city has been putting on an INSANE Halloween parade that claims to be “the nation’s most wildly creative public participatory event in the greatest city in the world” (#notsohumblebrag). And, yep, you read that right. It’s participatory… meaning you can participate. Make a costume, create your own puppet, or volunteer to help build and carry one of the giant ones that loom over the festivities. Sign up to join the fun here.
2. Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Chicago, Illinois
Monstrous teens, creepy families, super glam drag queens – Chicago’s Haunted Halsted Parade is a spooktastic event that welcomes everyone. It’s held in Boystown, which is home to one of the largest LGBTIQ communities in the USA, and it’s been running for over 20 years, so you know they’ve got ghoulish fun down to a freaky art. Dress to impress, ‘cause there are prizes for the best costumes (spoiler: you need to be extra amazing if you want to be in with a chance). The parade kicks off at 7.30pm with a massive Thriller flash mob that, yes, you can totally join.
3. The World’s Largest Halloween Party
Louisville, Kentucky
I’m not sure what criteria the World’s Largest Halloween Party is basing its claim off, but I love their confidence. It’s held at the Louisville Zoo and claims to be “delightful, not frightful,” so it’s perfect for families with kids (and/or scaredy cats). Spooky (but not too spooky) activities include trick-or-treating (but only for guests 11 and under – boo!), fun themed areas to explore (like the Astro Disco, the Land of Oz, and an underwater world), a hay maze, a train ride, a carousel, face painting, and literally hundreds of artistically carved jack-o’-lanterns. And did I mention it’s at a zoo?
4. Festival of the Dead
Salem, Massachusetts
You’ve heard of Salem right? No, not that weird cat-puppet from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I’m talking about Salem, Massachusetts – home of the infamous Salem witch trials. Today, the witch hunters are gone (phew!) and taking their place is the Festival of the Dead – a month-long celebration full of wholesome family activities like psychic readings, seances, ritual transformation ceremonies, and a ‘Dumb Supper’: a silent dinner that honours the dead by serving each course in the reverse order, starting with dessert. If that all sounds a bit *too* weird, don’t worry. There’s also a Witches’ Halloween Ball full of music, dancing, and performances. Aaand some more magic. ‘Cause witches.
5. 17th Street High Heels Race
Washington DC
If you prefer your Halloween more fab than frightening, Washington’s 17th Street High Heels Race is the place to be. For more than 30 years, amazing drag queens in even more amazing costumes and ridiculously high heels have come together for a running race through Dupont Circle (one of DC’s coolest neighbourhoods). While the race is still informal, it now attracts thousands of spectators every year. That means space is at a premium, so no deck chairs/stools or animals are allowed. Hey, fierce athletes like these need room to move.
6. Krewe of Boo Halloween parade
New Orleans, Louisiana
If any city in America knows how to party, it’s New Orleans. The Krewe of Boo Halloween parade combines the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras with the spooky skeletons, cool calaveras, and zany zombies of your Halloween dreams. There are massive parties all over town, so the fun doesn’t end when the parade does. If you want to earn your creepy cocktails, start the day with a zombie run (or lurch… or crawl… ). So healthy. So wholesome.
7. West Hollywood Carnaval
Los Angeles, California
Brace yourself, because this one is big. The West Hollywood Carnaval is a massive street party that attracts more than half a million people every year. It’s billed as one of the most outrageous Halloween events in the world, with a mile-long stretch of stages featuring live music, DJs, and performers, all surrounded by revellers in costumes that’d make your nanna blush (and we both know what a mad party girl she is). Because this is Hollywood, there’s a celeb element too. Every year, a new Carnaval Queen is crowned, with past monarchs including Queen Latifah and Rihanna. Best royal family EVER 👑