Halloween has become one of the most anticipated nights on the Lane Cove calendar. From creatively decorated homes to costume-clad kids (and dogs), the spooky season now brings the community together like never before.

But it wasn’t always that way.

We asked In the Cove’s own Renee — who grew up in the U.S. before calling Lane Cove home to share her take on how Halloween has evolved locally, what she loves about it, and her tips for making the most of the night.

Take it away, Renee…

I’ve now been in Australia longer than I ever lived in America, and I feel pretty much fully Aussie (apart from my strangely inconsistent Aussie–American accent). But one thing I’ll never stop feeling deeply connected to is Halloween. It’s the one day of the year that brings back all the excitement, creativity, and community spirit I loved as a kid — and now, seeing it come alive here in Lane Cove makes me love it even more.

When I first moved here, there wasn’t much happening in Lane Cove around Halloween. In fact, there was a fair bit of resistance to it. I can understand why. As a parent now, I completely get the concern about the sheer amount of sugar kids can accumulate in one night. And yes, there’s something about the “knock on doors and expect things” aspect that can make you pause for a moment.

But what I’ve come to love about how Lane Cove celebrates Halloween today is that it’s become a genuine community night — full of laughter, neighbours out chatting on driveways, families walking together, and kids (and dogs!) dressed up in all sorts of creative costumes. It’s about connection, not just lollies… although, let’s be honest, for some it’s definitely about the lollies.

Trick or Treating in the Cove

If you’re new to the area, here’s the local etiquette:

• Decorations mean you can knock. If a house is decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs or spooky lights, it’s fair game.
• No decorations? Skip it. Not everyone celebrates, and that’s okay.
• Start early, finish early. Most families head out around 5.00 pm and finish by about 8.00 pm.
• Stay safe. Use footpaths, cross at lights and carry a torch (although you may not need).
• Be considerate. Only visit homes that are decorated or clearly participating.
• Keep it tidy. Dispose of lolly wrappers properly.
• Mind pets. Doorbells and costumes can cause stress.

So how do you tell people you’d like them to knock on your door? Usually, the signal is simple — put up a few decorations. But if you’re short on time or not into decorating, you can still join in!

We’ve made it easy with a free In the Cove printable sign:
🖨️ “We Didn’t Decorate (But We Didn’t Forget!)” — just pop it on your fence or letterbox to show trick-or-treaters you’re ready to hand out lollies.

👉 We Didn’t Decorate (But We Didn’t Forget!)

When you’re out of treats, simply take the sign down — that’s the universal Lane Cove cue that your lolly stash has officially run dry.

Every year in the Lane Cove Chat by ITC Facebook group, people ask where the best streets are for trick-or-treating — and fair enough! No one wants to wander for an hour and find only two decorated houses. That said, if you ask me, I’ll usually stay tight-lipped. From experience, once a “great street” is revealed, it can be overrun and end up running out of lollies by 6:00 pm!

We absolutely love when some locals go all out — if you’re planning something special this year with elaborate decorations or themed treats, feel free to message In the Cove and let us know. We’ll happily share a few standout spots so others can enjoy your effort – Or even better, put a post in one of our chat groups!

I also love how Lane Cove residents find ways to bring joy even when things get messy. Last year, as most locals will remember, parts of Bridge Street were left in disrepair after widespread cabling works (read Cabling Cowboys). Rather than wait for someone else to clean it up, creative locals turned the mess into a Halloween display. The image was first shared in Lane Cove Chat by ITC, with people applauding the “creative mind” who used the leftover mess as a Halloween scene.

A quick word on decorations: best to avoid the synthetic spider webs. BirdLife Australia has warned that birds can get trapped in them, and they’re not great for the environment either. Thankfully, they’re being seen less and less around Lane Cove, which is fantastic.

When the night winds down and you’re back home, always do a quick check of the loot. If any wrappers are torn or open, it’s safest to toss them out. And a little parent-to-parent advice: don’t count the haul in front of the kids. Pop everything into a container and ration it out over time. That way, they don’t realise a few have mysteriously disappeared later in the week — possibly into a parent’s secret stash, though of course I’d never do that myself…

Costumes – Reuse, Reinvent, and Get Creative

If you’ve followed In the Cove for a while, you’ll know we a big believer in reuse, reuse, reuse. Book Week costumes are a goldmine — let’s be honest, I spend far too many hours making those to have them worn only once. Halloween is the perfect excuse to bring them out again.

And if you don’t have anything ready to go, a trip to one of Lane Cove’s op shops can work wonders. You can find everything from tulle skirts to retro jackets that can easily be turned into something spooky.

Even better, get creative with what’s already in your house. Old cardboard boxes can become robots, vending machines, or even Minecraft characters. A bit of paint, tape, and imagination can go a long way.

Of course, if time’s tight and the Kmart costume-in-a-bag saves your sanity, there’s no judgement here. The goal is to have fun, not stress over perfection.

Local Halloween Events in 2025

Halloween Screen on the Green – Wicked

Saturday 1 November 2025 | 5.00 pm – 7.30 pm | The Canopy

Defy gravity under the stars at this special outdoor screening of the Wicked movie. Bring a picnic blanket or low chairs, relax on the green, and enjoy a magical night in the heart of Lane Cove.

It’s also the perfect excuse to finish off leftover Halloween treats or grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants. Weather permitting.
More info here

Spooky Science and Messy Play Magic at The W.O.W. Project

Friday 31 October & Saturday 1 November 2025 | 10.30 am | The W.O.W. Project | $35 per child | Different Age Sessions

Little witches, wizards and mad scientists are invited to two mornings of messy, hands-on learning at The W.O.W. Project.

Expect bubbling potions, fizzing experiments, slimy creations, and plenty of creative chaos. Children can come dressed for mess or in costume.

Each session runs for two hours and spaces are limited.
Book here

Spooky Fun at Cockatoo Comics

Thursday 31 October 2025 | From 3.00 pm | Cockatoo Comics

Cockatoo Comics is getting into the Halloween spirit with treats, activities and plenty of reading recommendations.

A comic or graphic novel makes the perfect sugar-free Halloween treat — no plastic and plenty of imagination.

Drop by the shop before heading out trick or treating to pick up a spooky story and join in the fun.

LCPS Gala – Celebrating the New School Hall – Adults only!

Saturday 1 November 2025 | 7.00 pm | Lane Cove Public School Hall

After years of anticipation, the brand-new Lane Cove Public School Hall is ready — and the LCPS P&C is hosting a Gala with a little touch of Halloween

This adults-only evening will feature DJs, canapés, refreshments and the debut of the stunning new hall. Come dressed in cocktail attire with a spooky twist and enjoy a night of music, dancing and community connection.

Tickets are $50 per person, with all proceeds supporting the LCPS P&C. Book before the end of October for early access to pre-purchase premium drinks.
Book tickets here

Halloween, Lane Cove Style

Whether you’re out trick or treating, watching Wicked under the stars, getting messy with science, or dancing the night away at LCPS, Halloween in Lane Cove is a true community affair.

It’s fun, friendly, and full of that unmistakable Lane Cove spirit — the kind that turns a simple night of costumes and candy into something everyone can enjoy.