Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday 31 October, so the question isn’t “are we going out?” but “what are we going as?”. Good news: you don’t need a blockbuster budget, you need a costume that suits your party. A full latex cosplay in a techno cellar at 2 am is a sauna, guaranteed. Here are our Halloween 2026 costume ideas, (almost) dancefloor-tested.
🎃 Every Halloween 2026 party in Geneva and Lausanne · free or under-CHF 15 Halloween parties
Rave and techno: neon, UV and comfort
Under black lights, anything white, neon or reflective glows: a skeleton painted on a black T-shirt, UV make-up, reflective tape for a “cyber zombie”. Golden rule: you’ll dance for hours, so trainers, light fabrics, nothing dragging on the floor and no mask that stops you breathing. A costume that fits in a bum bag and comes off in two seconds is the jackpot.
Punk and rock: DIY is the point
The more homemade the better: a denim jacket covered in safety pins, fake blood, running eyeliner, laddered tights. Punk zombie, glam vampire or a rock star who died in 1977: in a mosh pit, skip horns and pointy props, think of your neighbours.
Hip-hop: flow first
Vintage tracksuit + a cult horror-movie mask, an all-over skeleton look with a plastic chain, or a nod to a legendary album cover: a costume people get in one second that still looks fresh. Keep your sneakers clean, that’s the rule.
Groups and couples
Group costumes are often the funniest: a squad of bedsheet ghosts (sunglasses mandatory), the cast of a cult series, or a “vampire and victim” duo. Tip: pick a theme that still reads when you lose each other in the crowd.
Last minute: DIY with what you’ve got
It’s 9 pm and you’ve got nothing? A white sheet + two holes = ghost. A black bin bag + tape = vampire cape. Eyeliner, lipstick and a little flour for a zombie complexion. Anything missing is usually a few minutes away at Migros, Coop or the corner kiosk: tights, make-up, tape, cardboard. Tiny budget, maximum effect.
Where to rent or buy a costume in Geneva and Lausanne
Real shops, checked on their official websites in October 2026. Opening hours and stock change fast around Halloween: call or check their site before you go.
- La Mascarade, Geneva (Rue des Rois 2): costume rental since 1985, over 25,000 pieces according to the shop. Its website lists 5-day rentals from CHF 80 for a full costume with accessories, cleaning included.
- 100%FÊTE Genève, Geneva (Rue de Carouge 32, Plainpalais): costumes, masks, accessories and decorations to buy.
- Ateapic Location, Lausanne (Rue de l’Industrie 10, Vallon): around 25,000 costumes and accessories to rent. Note: according to its website it is open Tuesday to Friday only, so not on Saturday the 31st.
- Boutique Le Pied, Lausanne (Rue de la Louve 12): over 200 costumes and wigs, masks and make-up according to the shop.
Practical tips for the night
- Cloakroom: on the 31st, cloakroom queues are long. Bring a coat that folds, or make the costume your jacket.
- Heat: a packed room gets hot fast. Thin layers, make-up that stays put (setting spray), water between dances.
- Masks and props: many venues want to see your face at the door and refuse realistic fake weapons. Check the rules on the event listing.
- Weather: late-October nights are chilly by the lake. Waiting for the bus at 3 am in a skimpy costume is a no: bring a layer.
- Getting home: in Geneva, the Noctambus night lines (tpg); in Lausanne, the Pyjama lines (tl); by train, your last departure on sbb.ch.
Where to show off your costume
In Geneva
- · 19:00 · Forró Halloween · Mr Pickwick Pub, Genève
In Lausanne
- · 14:30 · Disco Kids « Halloween » · D! Club, Lausanne
The full list is on our Halloween 2026 page, and the week’s round-up in our Halloween article.
FAQ
What costume for a techno party?
Light, neon or reflective for the UV, trainers and nothing that gets in the way of breathing: you’ll be dancing for a long time.
Where can I rent a Halloween costume in Geneva?
For example at La Mascarade (Rue des Rois 2), whose website lists rentals from CHF 80. To buy, 100%FÊTE in Plainpalais.
And in Lausanne?
Ateapic Location (Rue de l’Industrie 10, open Tuesday to Friday according to its website) to rent, and Boutique Le Pied (Rue de la Louve 12).
Are masks allowed in clubs?
It depends on the venue: many want to see your face at the door. Check the event listing.