Jayme Zimmermann gives us the inside scoop on how to make this spooky season spectacular, as well as revealing the top costume trends predicted for 2020.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Halloween! I know this year has been positively terrifying (to say the least), but things are looking up – with more COVID restrictions lifting, local events are going ahead, and I for one am so excited for all the crazy, cooky festivities.

Events!

If you’re looking for some spooky fun or just an excuse to get dressed up, feel free to check out these fantastic local events:

• The Newy Hotel Halloween Party
• Halloween Night Mexican Fiesta
• Halloween Night at Maitland Gaol
• Big Screen Halloween: Cinema classics and new releases at Reading Cinema
• Time Warp! Rocky Horror Picture Show screening in Lake Macquarie
• A Nightmare on Tudor Street- Halloween week at the Greenroof
• FAD Fest Thursdays Halloween Special- Rallying call for Newcastle Artists

These events follow COVID regulations and offer a wide range of entertainment.

Currently, you’re allowed to have up to 20 people visit your household, so I believe house parties will be extremely popular this year, especially since public events are all strictly seated. If you’re thinking of holding your own event, please make sure you stick to the restriction guidelines. If you’re wanting a large-scale event – go virtual! Virtual events have risen majorly in popularity this year and you should not be afraid to hold one this year for Halloween. Apps such as Zoom, Facetime, and Facebook Messenger are great to use for such events. Activities you can do can include (and are not limited to):

• Costume contests
• Pumpkin decorating
• Netflix Party – watch your favourite horror/Halloween movies with people
• Spooky baking competitions

Just to name a few ideas!

It’s also important to note that if you’re planning on handing out lollies for Trick or Treaters this year that you should buy pre-wrapped treats, and I suggest handing them out with tongs or gloved hands. In other words, don’t be nasty, and do the right thing.

Costumes!

My favourite part of Halloween (you’d think it would be the treats but surprise – it’s not!). There have been a lot of predictions for popular costumes this year, so here’s the rundown. You’re probably going to see:

• The Joker (specifically Joaquin Phoenix’s version)
• Sexy Ghosts
• LOTS OF WITCHES. LOTS.
• Popular people from Tiger King (so be prepared for some Carol Baskin and Joe Exotic realness)
• Harley Quinn (but from Birds of Prey)

So, don’t forget to have fun this Halloween – you deserve it after the year we’ve all had. Just make sure you’re doing all the right things in regard to COVID safety, and make sure you dress up however you like. If this year has taught me anything, it’s don’t care what people think and do what you want as long as you’re being safe and not hurting anyone else.

Happy Spooky Season!

Feature Image: Alice Kjoller, Yak Media Designer.