Monsters are on the loose as Subiaco transforms into Spookiaco for the spooky season.
Something scary is stirring in Subi, as streets, laneways and local venues prepare for the first Spookiaco celebration – three days of spooky fun, monstrous mischief and haunted happenings for all ages.
From 30 October to 1 November, Subi will get a seriously spooky makeover, with local businesses getting into the spirit with Halloween specials, best-dressed competitions, themed menus and pop-up activities – from spooky cocktails to trivia nights.
At the centre of the festivities will be Monsters Can’t Fly, a colourful new installation from acclaimed artist Matthew Aberline with The Beautiful and Useful Studio.
Following the success of Aberline’s hugely popular installation The Light Within for Subi Blooms x Gather 2026, the artist is returning to Subi with something decidedly more mischievous. His giant group of playful, larger-than-life inflatable monsters will take over Market Square Park from 30 October, causing mischief until 8 November.
Known for his exuberant use of colour and immersive large-scale works, Aberline said Monsters Can’t Fly would invite visitors of all ages to embrace their imaginations.
“It will be like stepping inside a giant picture book, populated by colourful, patterned monsters. By day, the work is a riot of colour and curious forms; after dark, the monsters glow from within, brought to life by programmed sequences of animated light.”
The Spookiaco program is packed with events and experiences inviting visitors to see Subiaco from a different perspective. The Subi Fright Market takes over Subi’s popular night market in Market Square Park on Halloween evening – Saturday 31 October – with ghostly games, wicked bites, outdoor cinema and more. Oh Hey WA will also return to Subi with haunted walking tours, whilst local laneways along Rokeby Road will be transformed with eerie surprises by multi-disciplinary artist Lynzie Bremner.
City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said to expect the unexpected when Spookiaco takes over.
“For a few days, we’re giving Subiaco permission to be a little bit spooky. Come along, get dressed up, explore the monsters, markets and laneways, and discover what our businesses are getting up to for Halloween.”
Meet us in Subi from 30 October…if you dare.
Click here for more info and to browse the full program.
