Brief
Costumed actors flood Melbourne streets for Halloween bookings
Agency Xlent Events has booked 30 Halloween gigs statewide, while rival firms report similar demand spikes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Melbourne’s Halloween season is seeing a rapid increase in bookings for costumed performers, with agencies reporting dozens of gigs across the city in the week leading up to October 31, 2026.
What happened
Costumed actors have been hired for a range of events, from grey‑hound races to private parties. Xlent Events, founded eight years ago, moved from three jobs in its first Halloween to 30 gigs this week, including 20 on Saturday alone. One performer is scheduled for five separate gigs on the day. Entertainment Emporium, another agency, has secured about 25 Halloween‑related events, including a potion‑making workshop for 700 children and zombie roving acts at parties. Demand for face‑painting services is also described as “massive.”
What the reports add
The article notes that the number of Halloween‑related bookings has doubled over the past decade, according to Emma Kenyon of Entertainment Emporium. Xlent’s head, Aaron Smith, described the season as “the biggest” in the agency’s history. The piece also highlights that actors are appearing on a four‑kilometre stretch of Preston’s High Street for the second consecutive year, as confirmed by marketing manager Stavros Zikou of the Preston Central Business Association.
What was said
Margaret Caddy, a performer dressed as Wednesday Addams, told the outlet that the two‑hour gig “requires a lot of energy” but improves her confidence. She added, “It makes my heart full to be able to give experiences like that to people.” Aaron Smith said, “Halloween has gotten bigger every single year, and this year it’s the biggest; it’s a whole season.” Emma Kenyon said the first week of December remains her busiest period, but Halloween ranks second in demand for performers.
How it came about
Earlier this month, Felo News reported on Spirit Halloween’s 2026 costume trends, underscoring the growing popularity of themed attire. The surge in performer bookings reflects that broader cultural enthusiasm for elaborate Halloween experiences across Melbourne.
Key facts
- Xlent Events has booked 30 Halloween gigs statewide, including 20 on October 31, 2026. (smh.com.au)
- Emma Kenyon’s Entertainment Emporium has about 25 Halloween‑related events, including a workshop for 700 children. (smh.com.au)
- The number of Halloween‑related bookings has doubled in the past ten years, according to Entertainment Emporium. (smh.com.au)
- Actors are appearing on a four‑kilometre stretch of Preston’s High Street for the second year. (smh.com.au)
- Margaret Caddy, performing as Wednesday Addams, said the two‑hour gig requires a lot of energy. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Halloween events in Melbourne: Shopping centres and parties are driving a surge in bookings for costumed performers”
