Off the back of last year’s sold-out spine-tingling spookfest, Return to Rio is back! But this year, for the first time in history, they’re bringing the magic of the festival to Sydney, with an out-of-this-world Day of the Dead Fiesta. Yes — this November 2 the Return to Rio freakshow is rolling into town. So, dust the cobwebs off those dancing shoes and start preparing your creepiest costume.
Get ready to scream. Return to Rio is transforming the Roundhouse (Kensington) into a haunted house of horrors, and they dare you to step inside. But first, a word of warning: beware! Creepy surprises lurk round every corner. Dodge spider webs, steer clear of open coffins, and stay well away from professor Jerkoff and his experimental lab.
Once inside, expect to unveil a creepy world of horror and chills. But you can rest in peace that the troupe of stilt-walking skeletons, burlesque blood bath, peep shows, and immersive horror show will leave you feeling amazed and get your pulse racing. For anyone searching for some clarity, swing by the free gypsy fortune teller for supernatural advice and a little glimpse into your future.
As always, the costumes will be out in full force to hit the standard Rio dress code: the more outrageous the better! Prizes will be dished out for best dressed, and for those wanting to add a little extra freak to their Halloween get-up, there’ll also be face and body painting on offer.
While the chills are flowing, your ears will be rejoicing to the spell-binding beats and monstrous bone-shaking sound on the 360-degree stage. But it wouldn’t be a proper Rio party without an all-star cast of heavy weights from around the globe. And an eclectic mix of enchanting beats is exactly what attendees should expect. Throwing it down inside you’ll find Cross Town Rebels queen, Francesco Lombardo, joining formidable duos, Double Touch (All Day I Dream) and legends Frankey & Sandrino, before D-Nox & Beckers close out the night with their special 20th anniversary hybrid set.
It’s not just the music that will be hitting a high note. If you’ve been lucky enough to witness the wizardry of EyeByte’s mind-blowing visual art projections, you’ll know Rio Revelers are in for a real treat. Lightening will be striking while spiders climb the walls and witches wiz overhead.
Follow your nose outside to the courtyard where mouthwatering smells escape from the Mexican street food on offer. The frozen margaritas will be flowing, while Soul Clap gets the party going with their fusion of funk, soul, house, techno and everything in-between before Afro House legends, Monkey Safari step up to the decks.
Return to Rio big boss Ricky Cooper comments: “While we were absolutely gutted to have to cancel this year’s camping festival, we’re making up for it by going ALL OUT with this Day of the Dead party. We know our community won’t be disappointed with this line-up of eclectic underground legends and we’re so excited to get our crew back together.”
For Return to Rio veterans, Day of the Dead Fiesta is a chance to get your Rio fix and reunite with your Family. And for any newcomers, this is your opportunity to step inside the absurdity of the wonderful world of Rio without making the trek to Wisemans Ferry.
Return to Rio
Day of the Dead
Roundhouse, International Rd, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
Saturday 2 November, 2024
Artists: D-Nox & Beckers // Double Touch // Francesca Lombardo // Frankey & Sandrino // Monkey Safari // Soul Clap // Samantha Loveridge // Alex Dowsing // Veda
Tickets: $90 – $130 | Buy Online
