Spooky season is upon us, and there’s so much to look forward to. And if you love your Halloween with a side of history, there’s one town in Victoria that has the ultimate bragging points, because they were the first place in Australia to celebrate Halloween. Set your sights on the trendsetters in Castlemaine, which held a ball for Halloween all the way back in 1858. And while there aren’t any balls this year, there are a few fun shindigs for you to check out, including a party at Old Castlemaine Gaol and a spooky circus performance.
Halloween in Castlemaine
Gold was discovered in the area in 1851, attracting tens of thousands of migrants, and transforming Castlemaine into a prosperous town. Among the hopeful arrivals were Scottish migrants, who brought along their traditions and festivals. Scottish or Caledonian Societies emerged as a way to build community, and it was from one of these societies that we see Halloween referenced for the first time in Australia.
The event was described as a “great success”, with about 50 couples present and dancing until the late hours of the morning.
Unfortunately, the site of the ball, Red Hill Hotel, is currently closed and up for sale.
Things to do this Halloween
If you’d like to visit Castlemaine for Halloween, there’s a few cool things for you to try.
Castlemaine Fringe is hosting Glitz & Glam at the Gaol. Get dressed up and head to Old Castlemaine Gaol, where ten cells will be transformed into a Trick-or-Treat Alley, filled with creepy characters, games and unexpected moments. In the atrium, you’ll find a live band and an after-dark DJ. Sip on cocktails while you’re there and dance into the night.
The party kicks off at 7:30pm, and the funds raised will go towards supporting Castlemaine Fringe Festival next year. The party itself is 18+, but kids are welcome in the Old Gaol Cafe courtyard from 6pm to 8pm for food and a DJ.
Elsewhere, Castlemaine Circus is celebrating the season with Spooked & Spectacular, filled with creepy characters, games, live music and surprises. Explore the Haunted House Circus, then enjoy a Trick or Treat Cabaret, filled with aerials, acrobatics and more. It’s all happening this weekend on October 24 and 25.
Love Shack Brewing is also joining in on the fun with a Halloween Shack Bash. On Halloween, the kids can have fun with trick or treating from 4pm to 6pm, followed by live music, DJs and a secret band. There’s prizes for best dressed, as well as drink specials.
Pop over to the neighbouring town of Maldon for Halloween cupcake decorating workshops at the Maldon Rose tearoom.
What else can you do?
With Halloween taking place just before the Melbourne Cup, you might as well make a long weekend out of it! Enjoy the spring sunshine and check out the Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens, which is from Saturday, October 24 to Tuesday, November 3.
On November 1, the Castlemaine Farmers’ Market will take place in Western Reserve from 9am to 1pm.
Soak in the history of the town by wandering along the streetscapes, seeing heritage buildings find finding vintage treasures at the shops. Swing by The Mill, an 1870s woollen mill filled with fresh produce, a coffee house, an ice cream store, a tap room, a bakery, vintage stalls and more.
Pop indoors to the Castlemaine Art Museum, or take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens.
Castlemaine is about a 90 minute drive away from Melbourne, and is also accessible by public transport.
