It's time to get a little spooky – there's all kinds of haunted things coming up this Halloween weekend. 

Next to Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Botanic Gardens, Day of the Dead celebrations, block parties and immersive horror walk-throughs, there's markets, comedy, and as always, lots of live music. 

The forecast is clear and sunny, with the chance of showers increasing over the weekend.

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Friday 29 October

Lady Valiant and the Joker Pokers are playing at the Tanks tonight, bringing a music genre-mashup and stacks of rocking riffs. 7.30pm start, tickets $20pp.

Join the world in demanding safety for women in the annual Reclaim the Night march this Friday. Meet at the corner of Shields and Lake Streets at 7pm. Dress code: purple!

Halloween’s here early with Nightmares at the Nomad in Westcourt. Bring along the kids dressed in their best scary costume for immersive games, spooks and prizes. Book a 20-minute session on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Guilt Free Comedy has Greg ‘Sully’ Sullivan on the line-up this weekend, who’s been kicking around the comedy scene since 1995. He’s playing at Bar 94 tonight followed by Macalister’s on Saturday. Tickets from $27pp, 7pm start.

Saturday 30 October

Pacifico Tiki Bar is hosting a huge Halloween Reggaeton Block Party this weekend, with margaritas, tacos, and DJs set-up on an outdoor licensed dancefloor. $5 entry after 7pm.

Free live music is returning to The Court House, with Eli Birchall, Amber Farnan and Elko Fields lined-up to play Out on the Lawn this Saturday evening. 6pm to 9pm.

Edge Hill Tavern is hosting Akmal this Saturday for his Unhinged, Unfiltered & Unleashed show ­– an hour of comedy gold with no topic left untouched. 7.30pm start, tickets from $50.

Rocky Horror Picture Show is screening in Cairns Botanic Gardens this Saturday night, and those coming are encouraged to don fishnets and pack water pistols for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. 8pm start, tickets range from $10 to $20pp.

The German Club is hosting its final hurrah of Oktoberfest antics this weekend. Kicking off at 4pm, the party continues well into the night. $10pp at the gate of $5 pre-purchase online.

Sunday 31 October

The Tanks Markets are on this weekend – and for the last time this year! Head to Collins Avenue to find anything from vintage collectables to plants, handcrafts to second-hand books, with plenty of food trucks to boot. 9am to 2pm.

Guerrilla is throwing Day of the Dead this Sunday, an afternoon soiree where the line between the real and the spiritual blurs. 2 to 6pm, bookings encouraged.