Good morning, Inner Westies. From Halloween street parties and mind-bending art installations to Día de los Muertos fiestas and pub Shakespeare. Here's everything you need for an epic weekend.

Note: Please check to confirm details are accurate with venues, event providers, restaurants and pubs by clicking through to their site. Events are occasionally cancelled at the last minute.

Grab your morning coffee and join us as we explore the Inner West together.

— Jess Thorning

A new immersive art space opens in Chippendale on 22 November. Mind Games: Art Alive spans two levels with 60+ installations including holographic moon rooms, upside-down train illusions, mirrored mazes and perception puzzles. Founder Baeu Medina grew up locally and wanted to create something playful and within the budget for families, students and art lovers. More than 15 artists are featured, including Australian film sculptor Hayley Egan and Ngarabal/Gomeroi artist Jeremy Worrall. Designed for ages four and up, allow 60-150 minutes to see everything. Book your tickets now

📍 Levels 1 & 2, 154-160 Broadway, Chippendale / Opens 22 November 2025 / Daily 10am – 9pm ♿️
👉 Find out more and book tickets

This multi-award winning Forest Lodge residence was featured on Grand Designs Australia and officially opened by Lord Mayor Clover Moore. The standout? A rooftop garden on this two-storey contemporary home backing onto Orphan Creek Bushland Reserve in a quiet cul-de-sac. Inside you'll find streamlined minimalism with 2.9-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows, a sleek gas kitchen with integrated appliances, and three bedrooms including a master with balcony. Outside, an 8-metre vertical garden wall dominates the rear courtyard alongside a suspended glass table with water feature and gas BBQ. Full home automation throughout. With 185sqm of internal and external living, it's moments from the light rail and walking distance to Annandale, Glebe, Newtown and the CBD.

📍 3 bed / 2 bath
👉 Listed with Laura Holst & Michael Montano - Montano Real Estate

NSW housing reforms are driving the new trend of homeowners near stations and town centres selling together to developers. In Drummoyne, four homes on Wrights Road and Victoria Road are being sold in one line under R3 zoning allowing six-storey apartments. Is this neighbours banding together? It's happening elsewhere - CoreLogic reports neighbours are forming "super lots" to sell to developers, including a $75 million Mosman deal. In Lilyfield, a disused aged-care facility at 17 Chapel Street won development approval in just eight weeks for seven luxury homes and is now up for sale with approved DA.

👉 See Drummoyne Listing
👉 See Lilyfield Listing

We’ve rounded up the best places to trick-or-treat, family-friendly events, and a few grown-up haunts too. There’s heaps on across the Inner West.

👉 Explore the Halloween Guide

🎃 Halloween on Renwick Street
Drummoyne's spookiest street party with Halloween DJ, sausage sizzle, face painting, jumping castle and trick-or-treating. Fundraiser for Touched by Olivia's: The Living Room Project.
📍Renwick Street, Drummoyne / Friday 31 October 2025 / 4pm – 8pm

👻 Halloween Festival @ Majors Bay Road
Enjoy a night of spooky fun with a trick-or-treat trail, live music, face painting, roving performers and street games as Concord transforms for Halloween. Costumes encouraged for all ages.
📍 Majors Bay Road, Concord / Friday 31 October 2025 / 5pm – 9pm

🍬 Trick‑or‑Treat @ Marrickville Metro
Little monsters, ghouls and witches can join a spooky treasure hunt, following clues around Marrickville Metro to collect treats from participating stores. Best dressed costumes win prizes.
📍 Marrickville Metro / Friday 31 October 2025 / 3pm – 7pm

🧙‍♀️ Halloween at The Henson
Enjoy complimentary face painting for children along with 2-for-1 deals on kids’ meals, adult snacks, and sharing platters.
📍The Henson, Marrickville / Friday 31 October 2025 / 3pm – 6pm

🎃 Community Halloween Party @ Garry Owen Hotel
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with lollies, colouring-in competitions, and a sausage sizzle for kids, plus plenty of spooky fun and local spirit.
📍Garry Owen Hotel, Rozelle / Friday 31 October 2025 / 4pm – 8pm

👻 Halloween at The Tap Room @ Chuck and Sons Brewing
A family-friendly Halloween night with trick or treating, music, movies for the kids, and drink and food specials for adults.
📍Chuck and Sons Brewing Co, St Peters / Friday 31 October 2025 / from 4pm

🕺 Kids Halloween Disco @ Petersham Bowlo
Dress up in your spookiest outfit and hit the dance floor at this kids’ Halloween disco packed with fun, music and frightfully good vibes.
📍 Petersham Bowling Club / Friday 31 October 2025 / 4pm – 6pm

🎨 Paddy’s Spookfest: Face Painting @ Paddy’s Haymarket
Little ghouls can get creative with complimentary Halloween face painting while exploring the market festivities.
📍 Paddy’s Markets Haymarket / Friday 31 October & Saturday 1 November 2025

🕸️ Halloween at the Flour Mill
Enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, craft activities, live music, and spooky treats for the whole family at this community Halloween celebration.
📍 Flour Mill Summer Hill / Friday 31 October 2025 / 3pm – 6pm

🎃 Halloween Fun @ Burwood Chinatown
Enjoy a night of Halloween fun with face painting, balloon twisting, magic tricks and the Witch Hat Ring Toss game zone, perfect for kids and families.
📍 Burwood Chinatown / Friday 31 October 2025 / 6pm – 8pm

🎪 Village Carnival and BBQ
Community BBQ with carnival games, creative activities and jumping castle. Enjoy a fun evening with the Annandale community.
📍Village Church, Annandale / Friday 31 October 2025 / 5pm – 7pm

🎃 Kids Halloween Party @ Public House Petersham
Enjoy a family afternoon with a jumping castle, trick-or-treat buckets, kids movies and prizes for best dressed. Doggy dress-ups are welcome too.
📍 Public House Petersham / Friday 31 October 2025 / from 4pm

👻 Halloween Street Party @ Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
Celebrate one of Newtown’s favourite nights with live music, a youth band competition, dog and costume contests, pumpkin carving, crafts and a BBQ (at no cost). Family-friendly and no alcohol.
📍 Newtown Neighbourhood Centre / Friday 31 October 2025 / 5:30pm – 8:30pm

🎉 After Dark Halloween Party with Glebe Youth Service
A community‑friendly Halloween bash featuring face painting, a live DJ, costume contest, popcorn, lollies and more.
📍 Peter Forsyth Auditorium, Glebe / Friday 31 October 2025 / 6:30pm – 10pm

🎃 Halloween Block Party @ Summer Hill
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with “Trunk or Treat,” games, food, and a costume contest for all ages. Everyone’s invited to join the spooky fun.
📍 Summer Hill Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 5pm – 8pm

🧒 Public House Petersham | Friday 31 October | From 5:30pm | Kids eat free with a choice of Spooky Spaghetti or Scary Schnitzel, plus a Ghostly Gummy Sundae and trick-or-treat bucket to keep – see venue for terms & conditions.

💀 Day of the Dead Fiesta (Family Session) @ The Factory Theatre
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with live Mariachi music, an Aztec Shaman cleansing, a traditional altar, face painting, tacos, and the spectacular Lucha Fantastica Mexican Wrestling show. Kids under 3 enter at no charge.
📍 The Factory Theatre, Marrickville / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 2pm ♿️

🎵 Rhythm N Bubs @ Darling Quarter (ages 1 to 5)
A weekly outdoor music session that nurtures little ones’ love for rhythm and play through fun, movement, and connection. No cost to join in.
📍 Playground Lawn, Darling Quarter / Wednesdays, from 5 November 2025 / 10:30am – 11:15am ♿️

🎓 HSC Study Nights @ Burwood Library (HSC students 16+)
End‑of‑week late‑night study session for Year 12s with quiet areas and group rooms; bookings close at 4 pm on the day.
📍 Burwood Library and Community Hub / Friday 31 October, Monday 3 & Wednesday 5 November 2025 / Times vary

🎓 HSC Study More @ Concord Library (Years 11‑12)
Weeknight session allowing Year 11 & 12 students exclusive access to the library for quiet study before exams.
📍 Concord Library / Thursday 6 November 2025/ 7:30pm – 9:30pm

📖 HSC Study More at Five Dock Library
Library closed to general public, allowing only Years 11 and 12 HSC students extended study hours in dedicated space.
📍Five Dock Library / Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 November 2025 / 7:30pm – 9:30pm

🎨 Lennox Street Open Studios Weekend @ Newtown
Celebrate 30 years of Lennox Street Studios with 40 artists opening their studio doors for exhibitions, live music, and art for sale. Opening night features AGNSW Director Maud Page and live music by Tansy McLean. Entry at no charge.
📍 Lennox Street Art Studios, Newtown / Opening Night: Friday 31 October 2025, 6pm – 9pm / Open Studios: Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 November 2025, 10am – 5pm ♿️

🎬 Short Film Workshop for People with Disability
Develop filmmaking skills and collaborate on a short film at this Inclusion Festival workshop tailored for people with disability. Participants will storyboard, shoot and edit their own film under expert guidance
📍Haberfield Library / Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 November 2025 / 10am – 4pm

👗 $20 Gowns @ Re Place Inner West
Got a formal or event coming up? Re Place at the Inner West Sustainability Hub has a rack of preloved gowns ready to shine again and they are $20. Skip the shopping centre chaos and give beautiful dresses a second life while keeping them out of landfill.
📍 Re Place, Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill / Wednesday 2pm – 6pm, Thursday & Friday 2pm – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm

🎙 Heaps Mad @ Marrickville Pavilion
A Mental Health Month open‑mic inviting locals to perform poetry, music, dance or other creative acts. Celebrate mental well‑being and share stories alongside neighbours and community members.
📍 Marrickville Pavilion / Friday 31 October 2025 / 12pm – 6pm

🎵 Fridays @ Ford Lane: Block Party Vibes
Experience live hip-hop, beatboxing, and Burwood’s best block party energy with sets from DJ Rydeen, Voltak, and more. No charge for entry, 18+.
📍 Ford Lane, Burwood / Friday 31 October 2025 / 6pm – 9pm

🧙‍♀️ Come As Your Favourite Witch Bar Crawl & Tarot Night
Dress as your favourite witch and join a fun Halloween bar crawl with light-hearted tarot readings and major coven energy. Hosted by Ripple Social.
📍 Ripple Social / Newtown (RSVP to find out location) / Friday 31 October 2025 / from 6pm

🕸️ Halloween Night Party @ Chuck and Sons Brewing
Get ready to dance, sip, and haunt the Tap Room with a live DJ, spooky punch, and prizes for the best costumes. Limited spots, so grab your ticket early.
📍Chuck and Sons Brewing Co, St Peters / Friday 31 October 2025 / from 6pm

🎠 South Evil‑eigh by The Grounds
The Grounds Coffee Factory transforms South Eveleigh into a playful Halloween pop‑up with a magical pumpkin carriage, hay bales and jack‑o’‑lanterns. Snap photos, enjoy limited‑edition pumpkin‑spice lattes and enter a social‑media competition.
📍 The Grounds Coffee Factory, South Eveleigh / Friday 31 October 2025 / 7am – 4pm

🍽️ Halloween at Butcher & the Farmer
Celebrate Halloween with live music by Jessica Kung and Steve Crain from 6 – 9pm, a special “Devil’s Potion” drink and spooky decorations.
📍 Butcher & The Farmer, Forest Lodge / Friday 31 October 2025 / 6pm – 9pm

👻 GOAT Halloween @ GOAT Newtown
One spooky night of creepy tunes, spiced pumpkin ale, and treats for both humans and pups, with a prize for the scariest dog.
📍GOAT, Newtown / Friday 31 October 2025 / 5:30pm – 9:30pm

🎸 Halloween @ Elliott’s Balmain
Celebrate Halloween with live music from Vinyl 45 and DJ Hot Flush, plus a spooky kids’ menu, trick-or-treat fun and happy hour specials for parents.
📍 Elliott’s, Balmain / Friday 31 October 2025 / from 4pm

🎃 Happy Halloween Party @ Man on Marrickville
Get your costumes ready for a night of spooky fun featuring DJ Clipz (Kev the Kiwi) and Halloween vibes all evening.
📍Man on Marrickville / Friday 31 October 2025 / From 7pm

🦇 Halloween Costume Contest @ The Abercrombie & Bar Freda’s
Show up in your best costume for a chance to win prizes, including a Bar Freda’s voucher. Judges will be roaming from 11pm to 1am, with winners announced on Instagram the next day. See venue for terms and conditions.
📍 The Abercrombie & Bar Freda’s, Chippendale / Friday 31 October 2025 / 11pm – 1am

💀 Disco de los Muertos @ Uncanny
Expect live vinyl DJs, tarot card readings, face painting, and fire and shibari performances, plus spooky cocktails and tap beer specials from Philter Brewing. Costumes are encouraged.
📍 Uncanny, Newtown / Friday 31 October / 4pm – 12am

🐾 Tricks for Treats @ The Erko
Bring your furry mate for a dog and human dress-up night with prizes, treats and a Halloween raffle. Kids eat free on Halloween Night.
📍 The Erko, Erskineville / Friday 31 October 2025 / from 6pm

🍺 Halloween at BrewDog @ South Eveleigh
Celebrate Halloween BrewDog-style with themed food specials, cold brews and spooky fun all night long. No tickets needed, just bring your best costume and good vibes.
📍 BrewDog South Eveleigh / Friday 31 October 2025 / All night

🎉 Sydney Streets on Macleay Street
Not quite the Inner West, but close enough! Head to Macleay Street for a family-friendly festival featuring local business pop-ups, Halloween themed roving performers, live entertainment, kids' activities and alfresco dining.
📍Macleay Street, Pott's Point / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 11am – 8pm ♿️

💀 Day of the Dead Fiesta (Adult Session) @ The Factory Theatre (adult session)
Experience a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration with Mariachi music, an Aztec Shaman cleansing, tacos, and the Lucha Fantastica Mexican Wrestling show.
📍The Factory Theatre, Marrickville / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 6pm ♿️

🌱How Soil Health Affect the Climate & Human Health
Join leading soil, water and health experts for an all‑day seminar on regenerative farming. Learn how healthy soils improve human well‑being and mitigate climate change, and discover practical steps you can take at home
📍 Guthrie Centre, Ultimo / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 9am – 5pm

🌸 Sydney in Purple
Celebrate Sydney’s jacaranda season at this one‑day pop‑up curated by Termeh Art Events featuring art exhibitions, independent fashion designers, live music and a community market.
📍 Tramsheds Community Hall, Forest Lodge / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 11am – 7pm

🏉 AFLW: GWS Giants v Port Adelaide
Catch the GWS Giants in action at Henson Park. Perfect weekend outing with family and friends.
📍Henson Park, Marrickville / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 1.05pm ♿️

🎨 Sketch Society
Join this relaxed Saturday sketch club on communal tables, bring your own project or explore illustration prompts, pick up tips and connect with fellow creatives in a come‑as‑you‑are space. All skill levels and drawing styles are welcome.
📍 Burwood Library & Community Hub / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 12pm – 3pm

📸 Digital Photography Club (ages 18+)
Improve your photography skills with guided sessions from the Australian Digital Photographic Associations and meet fellow enthusiasts. Bring your own camera for this hands-on monthly club.
📍 Burwood Park Community Centre / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 2pm – 4pm

🎵 Music Bingo: Halloween Edition @ The Erko
End your spooky week with Halloween-themed Music Bingo featuring creepy hits and classic anthems.
📍The Erko, Erskineville / Saturday 1 November 2025

📚 Menopause Is Not a Use-By Date
Join authors Dr Rachel Matthew, Trish Bolton and Gail Rice for an honest, uplifting talk about ageing and representation. Together they’ll challenge how older women are portrayed in stories, media and everyday life.
📍Royal Oak Hotel, Balmain / Saturday 1 November 2025 / 1:30pm – 3pm

🏊 Sunday Swim Club @ Dawn Fraser Baths
Join the Balmain Amateur Swimming Club for a relaxed morning swim and social catch-up by the harbour. All levels welcome, with bacon and egg rolls after your laps.
📍 Dawn Fraser Baths / Sundays from 2 November 2025 / from 8am

📖 Hallowzine: Make Your Own Spooky Spellbook Zine-making workshop where you'll create a handmade mini spellbook filled with reflection, gratitude and transformation. All materials provided. 📍 Not-So Secret Society HQ, Level 1, 245 Broadway, Glebe / Sunday 2 November 2025 / 1pm – 3:30pm

🐾 Pups in Pubs: Howl-o-ween Edition @ BrewDog
Bring your furry friends for a tail-wagging Halloween afternoon featuring doggy stalls, giveaways, rescue groups and a Best Dressed Pup competition at 2pm.
📍 BrewDog South Eveleigh / Sunday 2 November 2025 / 12pm – 3pm

🎭 Perfect Match Community Celebration – A Pattern of Activity
Celebrate the launch of A Pattern of Activity by artist James Gulliver Hancock with a community morning tea, artist talk and remarks from Council. The mural honours Marrickville’s local environment and creative spirit.
📍 137 Petersham Road, Marrickville / Sunday 2 November 2025 / 10:30am – 11:30am ♿️

🧵 Sydney Artisans Makers Market @ Marrickville
Support creative small businesses and find unique Christmas gifts across 50+ artisan stalls. Enjoy a great day out exploring handmade treasures and local designs. Complimentary entry.
📍 Sydney Portugal Community Club (Fraser Park), Marrickville / Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025 / 10am – 3pm

🇬🇷 Greek Street Fair Burwood 2025
Celebrate Greek culture with live music, dance performances, market stalls, food, amusement rides and family entertainment, hosted by Burwood Council and St Nectarios Parish.
📍 Railway Parade and Burleigh Street, Burwood / Sunday 9 November 2025 / 11am – 5pm ♿️

🧵 Queer Crafters Upcycle Night
A creative DIY night for LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse makers to connect, share skills and learn clothing mending and upcycling. Hosted by @ryderspankie in a supportive community space.
📍 Reverse Garbage, Marrickville / Wednesday 5 November 2025 / 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Our deadline is the close of business on Wednesday for each Friday edition.

🍶 DOKO Yakiniku & Bar Opens in Newtown 🔥
DOKO Yakiniku & Bar officially opens this Friday 31 October, bringing premium Japanese yakiniku, a wide range of sake and highballs, and refined Japanese tapas to King Street. Think smoke, sake and good energy all evening. To celebrate their opening week, enjoy 10% off until this Sunday (see venue for T&Cs).
📍229A King St, Newtown / Open Tuesday to Sunday 5pm – 10:30pm & Friday to Sunday 11:30am – 2:30pm

🔥 Kyiv Social Laneway BBQ Series
Kyiv Social kicks off its Laneway Summer Series with a BBQ party featuring food from Sydney hospo legends, drinks from $9, and live tunes curated by L-FRESH The LION. Expect hip-hop, R&B, and live art from noon till arvo.
📍Kyiv Social, Broadway / Sunday 2 November 2025 / 12pm – 5pm

🍽️ Tita Marrickville Enters New Era
Big change for a local favourite: Tita Marrickville is saying goodbye to their café era and transitioning into a full restaurant. The team will expand hours (lunch through dinner) with an all-day Filipino-inspired menu, while keeping much-loved breakfast classics like silogs, pandesal muffins and brekky burritos for weekend mornings. Expect the same fun, food and community spirit, just reimagined.
📍Tita, Marrickville

🍔 $10 Cheeseburger Tuesdays @ The Hive Bar
Tuesday nights are for burgers and beats at The Hive Bar. Grab a beef or vegan cheeseburger with chips for just $10 when you purchase any drink (dine in only). Perfect midweek feed before catching a show upstairs at Erskineville Comedy Club from 7pm. See venue for terms & conditions.
📍The Hive Bar, Erskineville / Every Tuesday / From 5pm – late

🍻 Kurrajong Hotel Reopens in Erskineville
The wait is over! Kurrajong Hotel reopens on Friday 31 October with fresh energy, good food, cold drinks, and the same local charm that’s made it a neighbourhood favourite. Celebrate the return of this Erskineville icon and be among the first to see its new look.
📍Kurrajong Hotel, Erskineville / From Friday 31 October 2025

🍸 Titus Jones, Marrickville

Ten years of tacos, tequila and Marrickville locals - Titus Jones is throwing a 10th birthday bash this Halloween (Friday 31 October)). This intimate small bar has been slinging Mexican-inspired cocktails on Illawarra Road since 2015.

The Black Magic (sazerac meets coffee liqueur) is a standout, but the real draw is the extensive tequila and mezcal range. Hip-hop on the speakers, local art on the walls, and a vibe that's more neighbourhood hang than fancy cocktail bar. Don't miss their $5 Taco Tuesdays.

📍337 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville / Tuesday 5pm – 10pm, Wednesday to Friday 5pm – 12am, Saturday 4pm – 12am
👉 See Website and Socials for more info

Inner West Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks film. Follow an unlikely ogre hero on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

This family-friendly production features short-tempered villains, a sassy cookie, and over a dozen fairy-tale misfits in a heartwarming adventure. Special Auslan-interpreted performances available on Saturday 1 November at 2pm and 7:30pm.

📍 Shrek The Musical runs Friday 31 October to Saturday 8 November at Petersham Town Hall
👉️ Book your tickets here
➡️ Learn more about the Inner West Theatre Company here

Thanks for reading. Please reply with any feedback.

Reminder: Please verify that details are accurate with venues, event providers, restaurants, and pubs by clicking through to their websites. Events are occasionally cancelled at the last minute, and specials can change.

Have a fun weekend!

Jess