The Return Of Rio

In a sign of the merriment that lies ahead, one of Australia’s most beloved festivals, Return to Rio has just announced the full line-up for their Halloween festival which is taking place on 18th -20th of February 2022.  

Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, the event will bring together 4,000 people for a fun-fueled weekend of dancing, dress-ups and classic Rio-reveling. An all-star local line-up featuring the likes of Sneaky Sound System, Dirty South, Anthony Pappa, Simon Caldwell plus more than 40 other artists will entertain festivites over the two day event.

More than just a music festival, Return to Rio is like stepping inside a weird and wonderful world, punters will come face-to-face with flea circuses, alien stilt walkers, psychic drag queens and more devilish delights. Wellness and arts devotees are well looked after also with riverside deep house yoga classes, immersive indigenous clay workshops and drum and bass Pilates also featuring in the program. 

With a ‘Halloween’ theme for the weekend, its guaranteed that Return To Rio’s reputation as “Australia’s most vibrant fancy dress party” will be upheld, while the lush surrounds of Del Rio Riverside Resort will transformed with a weird and wonderful overhaul, creating an enchanted playground primed for devilish debauchery and spellbinding delights.

 Known for it’s top-notch festival amenities, at Return To Rio you can also expect a queue-free bar stocked with delicious drinks and yummy eats from Sydney’s best street food, plenty of shaded spaces and even riverside dining options. Accommodation is also available at the Del Rio Riverside Resort, which boasts riverside air-conditioned cabins and hassle-free camping and luxury glamping options courtesy of Wow Tents.

Return to Rio party starter Ricky Cooper comments: “With two years off thanks to COVID, we’re back in Feb for a Rio reunion like no other.  We’ve had plenty of time to put some serious love into this one, so it’s going to be extra spooktacular. After the years we’ve all had, it’s extra important to spread happiness around. We’re asking everyone to get involved in our Random Act of Kindness initiative and are encouraging spontaneous selfless acts to make people smile.”

Don’t miss our interview with '“Chief Mischief-Maker” - Ricky Cooper who is the promoter behind the event coming soon!