As the Southern Hemisphere’s spring evenings grow longer, a different kind of spirit soon begins to stir in Cape Town.
The modern tradition of Halloween, once a niche celebration, is beginning to take root in the city, offering a growing array of events that blend international customs with a uniquely South African twist.
For October 2025, venues across the metropolis are preparing to offer experiences that range from child-friendly pumpkin patches to chilling adult-only haunts.
Planning for Halloween requires early insight into the city’s evolving event landscape. Based on established annual offerings and confirmed venue patterns, Cape Town’s Halloween activities can be broadly categorised into five key experiences: historical ghost tours, family-focused festivals, unique outdoor adventures, classic horror film screenings, and lively costume parties.
This guide provides a foundational look at what residents and visitors can anticipate, with recommendations to verify details closer to the date.
The Castle
For those seeking a genuine thrill, the Castle of Good Hope stands as the city’s premier historical haunted location. Built in the 17th century, the castle is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa and has a long reputation for paranormal activity.
Their annual Halloween-themed events, which typically require advance booking, often include after-dark ghost tours that take visitors through its dimly lit bastions and dungeons, recounting tales of its often turbulent past.
Prospective attendees are advised to monitor the official Castle of Good Hope website for the 2025 programme announcement, usually made by mid-year.
The Atlantic Outlook Adventure
For an unconventional Halloween experience, Atlantic Outlook Adventures offers its seasonal Spooky Sunset Kayak trip. Departing from the Oceana Power Boat Club in Granger Bay, participants paddle into the Atlantic as the sun sets and the full moon rises, a classic Halloween backdrop.
The activity is less about horror and more about the eerie beauty of being on the ocean at dusk, surrounded by the city’s twinkling lights. The company emphasises that this is a weather-dependent activity and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Booking is essential due to limited space.
The Labia Theatre
Cinema lovers can typically find a curated selection of horror classics and cult favourites at independent theatres. The Labia Theatre, a historic art-rehouse cinema, has a established tradition of screening a lineup of scary movies in the lead-up to Halloween.
Their programme often features a mix of timeless horror films and more recent indie thrillers, providing a classic big-screen experience away from the multiplexes. Film enthusiasts should check the Labia’s online programme from September onwards to plan their cinematic fright night.
Zombie Walk
Cape Town Halloween season is complete without the iconic Cape Town Zombie Walk. A unique and beloved fixture on the city’s events calendar, this gathering sees thousands of participants in elaborate undead costumes ‘shambling’ through the city streets.
It is important to note that this event traditionally takes place on the 1st of November each year, serving as a grand finale to the Halloween week celebrations.
An event organiser highlighted its community-driven spirit: ‘Each year we host the Cape Town Zombie Walk and take over the streets of Cape Town. It is an all-ages event, making it fun for the entire family, and is the only pet-friendly event of its kind.’
The walk is also a force for good, helping to raise funds for local charities like the Lucky Lucy Foundation for abused and neglected animals.
Picture: Getty Images
The event’s popularity has skyrocketed since its humble beginnings. ‘Since our first Zombie Walk in 2009 with just 180 participants, the event has grown into a must-attend Halloween spectacle, attracting thousands of zombies, creatures of the night, and Halloween enthusiasts each year,’ the organiser added.
With safety as a top priority, the event boasts a 100% safety record, ensuring a fun and secure environment for all participants. Those interested in joining the horde should follow the official Cape Town Zombie Walk social media pages for the confirmed route and start time for November.
Finally, the city’s vibrant nightlife scene fully embraces Halloween. Numerous bars, pubs, and clubs host elaborate costume parties geared towards an adult crowd.
Establishments like The Devil’s Peak Taproom or The House of Machines are known for their high-energy parties, which often feature live music, DJs, costume contests with significant prizes, and themed cocktails.
These events are extremely popular and often sell out, so watching social media pages of favourite venues for early ticket announcements is recommended.
First published on cape {town} etc
Words compiled by: Lulama Klassen
Also see: 6 Mzansi celebs who slayed Halloween with stylish and spooky looks
