In Austria, All Hallows’ Day has historically been for people to remember their dead with candles and wreaths. The Halloween (Hallow’s Even) tradition of mischief, creepy costumes and asking for sweets originated with the Celts and took on its current form in the 20th century USA – and is a controversial recent import. That said, there are plenty of spooky Halloween events in Vienna for adults to enjoy. As colorful leaves and foggy nights descend, even grown-ups can rejoice in the one night when FFP2 masks can be exchanged for an equally grim Halloween disguise.
For ghouls and ghosts hunting for moonlit fun, we have prepared a spooktacular list of the best Halloween events in Vienna for adults taking place despite the pandemic. From dinner parties to dance clubs, movies, and a marvelous visit to the cemetery at night, it’s time for stranger things to stalk our city streets.
Beware! On October 31st, it’s as much fun to scare as to be scared.
Ghost Run in der Wiener Praterallee
The Ghost Run takes place in Vienna every October 31 to raise money for research that supports children with pulmonary hypertension. Creepy costumes are not compulsory on the 1,5km fun run, but very welcome. And if you don’t have a Halloween outfit at home, you can get scary make-up on-site in exchange for a donation.
Where? Liliputbahn Hauptbahnhof in the Prater, Prater 97, 1020.
When? October 31st at 10:00 am
More information at ghostrun.at
Der Zentralfriedhof Bei Nacht – Halloween
During the day, the gates of the Vienna Central Cemetery are open to everyone, but not everyone is allowed in at night. The exclusive night tours at the Vienna Central Cemetery, hosted by GabiTours, allow visitors to see a particularly dark side of the graveyard. Experience a unique thrill on a night walk and learn more about the history and the origins of the central cemetery, discover gruesome things about how people were buried, hear stories about the famous dead and learn about skulls that should be buried there… but aren’t. The demand for the tours is sensational, so register fast.
Where? Zentralfriedhof 2, 1110.
When? October 31st at 17:30 – 19:30
More information at gabitours.at/events/der-zentralfriedhof-bei-nacht-halloween-10
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Haydn
For those who prefer to be thrilled in a seated position, an evening at the movies might be just the thing! Grab your popcorn and pick a seat: On October 31, the 1975 Halloween classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be shown in English at the Haydn English Cinema. Featuring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick, this classic camp musical centers on a young couple whose car breaks down in the rain near an eerie castle..with legendary results.
Where? English Cinema Haydn, Mariahilfer Str. 57, 1060.
When? October 31st at 19:30 and 21:45
Tickets and info at haydnkino.at/Cinema/Specials/Events
Halloween Dinner show at Das Vindobona
Hungry for more? The Halloween dinner show at Das Vindobona will be serving thrillers, classics from musicals, and a touch of rock and roll. In addition, Kimberly Van Leperen, the chef at Vindobona, has created a regular and a vegetarian three-course Halloween menu. Mahlzeit!
Where? Das Vindobona, Wallensteinpl. 6, 1200.
When? October 29th, the admission and starters at 18:30, and the show starts at 19:30
Menu, reservations, and more info at vindobona.wien/events/halloween-dinner
Mord und Folter – Das HalloWien Spezial by Secret Vienna
Inexplicable and gruesome murders, poison deaths, love crimes, sophisticated criminal cases, executions, and torture. If that sounds like a good time, Secret Vienna has a morbid Halloween walk just for you. Discover dark corners of Vienna’s medieval history. The walk ends with a guided tour of the Vienna Crime Museum. Note: This activity is in German!
Where? Meeting point at Morzinplatz, 1010 (monument “Never Forget“)
When? October 31st, at 10:00 – 12:00
Tours must be booked in advance. For tickets and more info go to secretvienna.org/de/klassische-touren/mord-und-folter-das-hallowien-spezial
Due to the coronavirus crisis, several of the larger Halloween parties have been canceled. If all you want is to throw yourself into a creepy outfit and dance like you rose from the dead, the Halloween – Fright Club at WUK might be just for you. Other clubs, including A-Danceclub, EVIL DISCO, and THE HIVE Halloween Party also promise loud and unforgettable nights.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Halloween in Vienna this year, channel your inner monster, pick your outfit carefully and remember: Clothes make a statement, but costumes tell a story.
