Halloween: Scarily fun

Dig out your fake cobwebs, black lipstick, and broomsticks - it's that time of year again.

While it's true that spooky, scary stuff is not everyone's cup of witch's brew I cannot count myself in that group. I love of bit of dressing up and harmless horror. If you're a Halloween fan too, then here's what's on for Halloween that might tickle your fangy fancy.

Events at the library

  • Halloween book speed dating: Find your perfect YA horror or thriller fiction match at Tūranga, Friday 25 October, 3.45-5.45pm.
  • Halloween Mystery Movie: A free screening of a slightly spooky kids classic. While exploring her new home, a girl discovers a secret door, behind which lies an alternate world that mirrors her own... Tūranga, Friday 25 October, 5.30-7pm.
  • Trick or Treat and Tales: Come and listen to (slightly) scary stories, then decorate a loot bag before you head out Trick or Treating at Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre, Thursday 31 October, 3.45-5.30pm.

Festival of the (Un)Dead

Starting just before, and running over the long Labour Day weekend the Festival of the (Un)Dead provides opportunities for horror lovers to indulge their dark and morbid sides.

My picks from the activities and performances on offer are:

  • Nosferatu screening at The Arts Centre: This silent film classic will be accompanied by piano music. Lovers of vampire cinema won't want to miss this, the first vampire film ever made!
  • Thriller dance workshop (and performance): Learn the choreography for Michael Jackson's famous song at a free workshop at Tūranga on Wednesday 23 October, then perform it en masse at the...
  • Halloween Family Fun Day: At The Commons on Sunday 27 October. Dress up competition, entertainment and a range of activities for kids ($10 gets kids access to the full suite of fun stuff including scavenger hunt, bouncy castle, facepainting and biscuit decorating competition).
  • Spirited Cemetery Tours: Former librarian Richard Greenaway conducts tours amongst the tombstones of various cemeteries including Linwood, Barbadoes Street, and St Peter's Anglican Churchyard.

Horror recommendations

Music, movies, TV, fiction, and stuff for kids

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