  
On most days the walk to Lacul Morii is uneventful, but in October the same path reveals arches, lanterns, and two stages that turn the waterfront into a clear, walkable story.
West Side Hallo Fest is built for easy wayfinding, with marked zones, safe routes, and a published schedule so visitors can plan around their interests.
For 2026, the working assumption is continuity with the model proven in 2024 and refined in 2025, with the lake as the constant whether the core sits on the island or at the base of the dam.
what it is
The festival is billed as Romania’s largest Halloween event, a three‑day program at the end of October that combines concerts, children’s activities, parades, decor, and night features.
In 2024, the second edition projected about 100,000 visitors for the weekend, which justifies zoning, vendor distribution, and clear circulation plans.
By 2025, organizers confirmed two stages, free access on Friday, ticketing on Saturday and Sunday, and a temporary move to the dam base during island works.
The 2026 edition is expected to keep this backbone, with final confirmations announced on the official channels.
where it is
West Side Hallo Fest uses Lacul Morii’s island and promenade when available and shifts to the dam‑base area if works require it.
For 2025, ticketing and city posts identify “Baza Digului Lacului Morii,” which simplifies directions and transport planning.
Water reflection and long sightlines support safe staging and clear decor after dark, which helps both families and cosplayers avoid crowding while getting their shots.
who organizes it
Production runs under West Side Events with Sector 6 as the civic driver, a partnership that enables broad access while resourcing safety and operations.
Sector 6 channels publish the full program, rules, opening hours, and costume policies, reducing confusion at the gates.
The event presents as self‑sustained through tickets, partners, and vendor fees, funding attractions that are included once inside and supporting the evening stage and lighting packages.
when it happens
For 2025 the dates are October 24–26, continuing the three‑day arc established in 2024 with long daytime windows and late evening peaks.
Friday opens earlier with family‑friendly programming and free entry, while Saturday and Sunday are ticketed and include attractions inside the site.
As a reference, 2024 hours ran Friday 12:00–23:00 and weekend 10:00–23:00, a pacing template that remains useful while 2026 hours await publication.
history and growth
The 2024 edition signaled scale with roughly 100,000 expected visitors and about 70–80 exhibitors and food stands.
The 2025 plan confirmed two stages, a drone show, children’s shows, and a full parade structure, with a temporary dam‑base footprint during island rehabilitation.
If 2026 is the fourth edition, operating across both island and dam‑base layouts suggests a mature approach to traffic, sightlines, and night comfort.
attractions for children
Daytime focuses on hands‑on making, staged storytelling, and approachable performances for kids.
In 2024, city posts listed puppet theater and craft labs such as “Semne de carte monstruoase” and “Flying Bat,” outlining a strong educational‑play thread.
Local partners like DGASPC Sector 6 contributed age‑appropriate shows and activities, and a detailed 2026 grid will map sessions and zones a few weeks before gates.
cosplay, parade, and contests
The costume parade runs with posted registration rules, age guidelines, and capacity notes published by Sector 6 ahead of the weekend.
Saturday contests fill fastest, while Sunday often keeps a more open format for groups and individuals.
Decor is designed with cosplay in mind, from oversized figures to themed corridors and straw‑bale labyrinths, and night lighting integrates parade energy with the stages.
for music‑first visitors
Two stages run on staggered schedules to reduce conflicts, with a rock‑centered spine and a second stage oriented toward discovery and contrast.
A 2025 Friday preview cited Aura Sova, Alex & The Fat Penguins, and Electric Humidity, reflecting the blend of recognized acts and scene risers typical of the curation.
Parade timing and the drone show are plotted to support musical climaxes rather than compete with them, with final day‑by‑day artist lists and set times posted as the event nears.
food, vendors, and markets
Second‑edition communications mentioned on the order of 70–80 stands, which matches promenade observations during peak hours.
Vendors spread along the waterfront reduce congestion and allow seated breaks with stage views, with participation coordinated through city and event channels.
Since Saturday and Sunday are ticketed, attractions are included once inside, which simplifies on‑site choices.
schedule structure
The official grid is the best planning tool for families, cosplayers, and music fans to sequence their day.
Friday opens early with free access to spread traffic, then weekend days are paid with full programming from late morning through night, following the 2024 reference of Friday 12:00–23:00 and weekend 10:00–23:00.
For 2026, parade registrations and workshop signups will open weeks in advance, with deadlines and capacity notes clearly posted.
policies and partners
Children under 14 are listed as free, and under‑16 must be accompanied by an adult, which sets a consistent family baseline.
Partners highlighted include Catena, Carrefour, Cherry România, Henkel, Best Foods, Bringo, Kinder, Kandia, Bergenbier, and Philip Morris, supporting decor and night features alongside ticket revenue.
Clear rules and visible partnerships reduce friction and help visitors plan.
attendance and demographics
The 2024 projection of roughly 100,000 visitors sets a reasonable bracket and reinforces the need for a robust site plan.
Given 2025 scope, the festival is positioned for high tens of thousands to six‑figure visits across three days, with daytime leaning family and evenings bringing together rock fans, cosplay groups, and wider city traffic.
That mix keeps early hours comfortable for younger visitors and supports denser sets after dark.
navigating the site
Follow the 2025 location note, “Baza Digului Lacului Morii,” and watch for 2026 updates if the island reopens after works.
Perimeter paths are typically faster than cutting through the middle, and decor clusters double as rest points when crossing zones.
Contest participants should register early and arrive with enough time for staging and photos, while families can anchor in kids’ areas before deciding whether to stay for the parade and first evening wave.
what’s special this season
The team has learned how to stitch parade and aerial show into the musical timeline so audiences do not miss key sets.
Lighting extends beyond stages to the promenade and decor, turning the walk into part of the experience, and water reflections keep familiar installations fresh after sunset.
If the footprint remains at the dam base, sightlines benefit from 2025 operational lessons.
planning your weekend
Pick the day that suits you, then use the official grid to lock stages, parade times, and children’s activities by location.
Friday is ideal for a full site survey and for families who prefer lighter density in early afternoon, while Saturday evening concentrates parade energy, primetime sets, and the aerial show.
Sunday often offers room for last photos, late workshops, and a steadier route to closing concerts.
quick tips
Families can build a loop of workshops, a meal break, and a calmer parade vantage near secondary decor clusters.
Cosplayers can scout daytime backdrops, mark a few, then return after sunset for stronger light, registering per posted rules.
Music‑first visitors can watch the stagger, plan two or three sprints between stages, and rest during the aerial show before the final push, using promenade length to find shorter vendor lines.
concise day‑by‑day outline (2025 template for 2026 planning)
Friday 24 Oct: early opening with free access, children’s workshops through afternoon, discovery sets on the second stage, a rock‑focused main‑stage evening, and a night feature aligned with headliners.
Saturday 25 Oct: ticketed entry, morning and early‑afternoon kids’ sessions, evening parade, aerial show at night, and staggered two‑stage primetime runs.
Sunday 26 Oct: ticketed entry, daytime family blocks, a more open cosplay format, and closing concerts within curfew.
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