Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October 2026, which makes this year a good one for a family night out. Whether your kids are planning their first trick-or-treat or you just want to decorate the front porch, this guide covers Halloween in Moonee Ponds: local events, where to buy costumes and lollies, easy decorating ideas, and how to trick-or-treat safely and politely.
Halloween events in and around Moonee Ponds
Spooky storytime at Moonee Valley Libraries
Moonee Valley Libraries is running free Spooky storytime sessions for children aged 3 to 5 in the week before Halloween. Each session runs from 10:30am to 11:30am, and you don’t need to book.
- Monday 26 October: Sam Merrifield Library, Moonee Ponds
- Thursday 29 October: Ascot Vale Library
- Friday 30 October: Flemington Library
Check the Moonee Valley Libraries events page before you go in case times change.
Moonee Ponds Central
Moonee Ponds Central often runs Halloween activities for kids. Last year it held a trick-or-treat hunt through the centre, and this year Direct Chemist Outlet has a Halloween colouring competition. Keep an eye on the Moonee Ponds Central events page for this year’s details. You can also check our What’s On page for local events.
Where to buy Halloween costumes and decorations
For costumes, face paint and decorations, Kmart at Moonee Ponds Central is the easiest one-stop shop. Its Halloween range sells out quickly, so it’s worth going early in the week.
For something more creative (and cheaper), try the op shops. Vinnies and the Lifeline Shop are great for old dresses, hats, capes and accessories that can be turned into a costume with a bit of imagination.
Lollies and Halloween treats
You’ll find bulk lolly bags at Woolworths, Coles and Aldi, all in Moonee Ponds. Buy a little more than you think you’ll need, because it’s a Saturday this year and more children are likely to be out.
For a treat for the grown-ups, pick up something sweet from Mio Dolce, Walkers Doughnuts or Brunetti Classico at Penny Lane.
Easy Halloween decorating ideas
You don’t need to spend much to make your home look festive. A few simple ideas:
- Carve or paint a pumpkin and put it by the front door. In Australia, a pumpkin out the front is the usual sign that you’re happy for trick-or-treaters to knock.
- Make cardboard bats or ghosts with the kids and stick them in the front window.
- Use battery tea lights in jars along the path instead of candles. They’re safer around costumes.
- Add a sign such as “Trick-or-treaters welcome”, so neighbours know you’re taking part.
Trick-or-treat etiquette: how to do it politely
Halloween is still fairly new for many Australian households, so a little courtesy goes a long way:
- Only knock at decorated houses, or homes with a pumpkin or sign out the front. If a house is dark or has a “no trick-or-treaters” sign, skip it.
- Keep to sensible hours. Around 5pm to 8pm is the usual window. Avoid knocking late in the evening.
- Take one or two lollies and say thank you.
- Stay on footpaths and don’t walk through gardens.
- If you’re not taking part, leave the porch light off. A small “sorry, no lollies” note on the door also helps.
Halloween safety checklist
- An adult goes with younger children, and older kids go in a group.
- Bring a torch, or add reflective tape to dark costumes.
- Use pedestrian crossings and take extra care on busy roads like Mt Alexander Road and Pascoe Vale Road.
- Choose face paint over masks so children can see clearly.
- Check lollies before eating, especially for children with allergies. Some families put out a non-food treat, such as stickers, for kids with allergies.
- Agree on a meeting point and keep a phone charged.
Make a night of it
After trick-or-treating, many families head out for dinner. Our guide to where to eat in Moonee Ponds has plenty of family-friendly options. For an older crowd, a Halloween-season film at Palace Penny Lane is another way to round off the night.
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween in 2026?
Halloween is on Saturday 31 October 2026.
What time do kids trick-or-treat in Moonee Ponds?
Most families go out between about 5pm and 8pm.
How do I show I’m happy for trick-or-treaters to visit?
Put a pumpkin, decorations or a “trick-or-treaters welcome” sign out the front. If you’d rather not take part, leave the porch light off.
Are there free Halloween activities for kids in Moonee Ponds?
Yes. Moonee Valley Libraries runs free Spooky storytime sessions for 3 to 5 year olds, including one at Sam Merrifield Library in Moonee Ponds on Monday 26 October.
Where can I buy a Halloween costume in Moonee Ponds?
Kmart at Moonee Ponds Central has a seasonal Halloween range, and op shops like Vinnies and the Lifeline Shop are good for budget costume pieces.