The Ultimate Guide to Hosting Murder Mystery Events in Perth

So you're thinking of hosting a Folklore murder mystery night? That's epic! The truth is, all we really need to create the perfect night to be dismembered is 10-15 people and enough room for you to comfortably sit in a circle of lies...

Or truth, you know, if that's your thing.

But if you're a little bit extra (like us), you may want to raise the stakes and add some details to make your event really pop. Here are some things our previous hosts have done to get the absolute most out of their Folklore experience.

Hosting at Home: Small Tweaks to Elevate the Ambience

LED Lighting can be your best friend - Adding a touch of coloured light can instantly infuse any beige-walled living room with some real character and flair. It's important that players are able to read their reference sheets, but even to set the scene, some red or blue light thrown up on the walls can really add to the atmosphere. Flickering LED candles for those seeking maximum dramatic flair.

Use your television as an added feature - Don't have a fireplace? You don't need one. There are some great three-hour loops of fireplaces and other thematic backdrops like thunderstorms on YouTube. These videos can do some of the heavy lifting when it comes to decorating if the physical props might not be there.

Try crafting some thematic decorations - We've seen sheets made into curtains covered in (FAKE) bloody hand prints, little printed flags on sticks that say "I was framed" or "It was that guy", DIY mug shot boards and more. You can achieve a lot with a bit of cardboard, some paint, and creativity. Our flagship game Monster Hunt is medieval themed as well - so goblets, wreaths, and other fantasy decor are more than welcome! You can find more murder mystery crafting ideas here.

Give your storyteller a great sound system - We come to every game bearing a Bluetooth speaker. So this one's far from crucial, but if you happen to have quality speakers we can connect to, music helps set the vibe for the game. Speaking of vibes, our murder mystery playlist is haunting and a bit menacing, blending eerie covers with heavy, pulse-pounding anthems. It moves between dark, atmospheric tracks and iconic rock, built for suspense and immersion. But if you have any requests, feel free to add them to your booking notes.

Hosting Folklore events at Perth Venues

Sometimes home just doesn't cut it and you need a change of scene. Social clubs, function rooms in certain bars, and event spaces for hire can all be great options for hosting your murder mystery out and about in Perth. Here are a few of our favourite venues and why they make a great spot for our games.

Lawson Flats - Lawson Flats' is a social club and vibrant, multi-functional space in Perth's CBD. Spread across three floors of an Art Deco building, it's dark green carpet floors, luxurious red curtains and Art Deco furniture gives Folklore events a stylish, and elegant backdrop with a bit of old world charm.

The Red Room at The Leederville - This intimate late-night venue perched above the Leederville Hotel is home to a mix of diverse events, including comedy nights, Latin dance classes, paint and sips, and even burlesque shows. Featuring red curtains and a retro/industrial-style dedicated bar, the venue offers a discreet and culturally enchanting space for our murder mystery endeavours.

Enclave - Enclave is a versatile creative space located just outside of Perth’s CBD. With its industrial warehouse aesthetic, high ceilings, and plants galore, Enclave offers great vibes for a few games of Folklore. With plenty of street parking nearby it's easy to access via car, but is also walking distance from Claisebrook station.

Coogee Common - For those further south of the river and keen to start their night with a delicious meal, Coogee Common could be the ticket. Set amongst thriving gardens growing farm-to-table produce and located in a restored heritage building, the venue’s combination of open green spaces and charming interiors provides an idyllic backdrop for immersive storytelling and mystery. The restaurant's blend of natural beauty and vintage decor creates a relaxed yet elegant environment.

43 Below - This iconic CBD haunt offers an intimate underground setting perfect for Folklore murder mystery events in Perth. This cozy venue's separate bistro area provides the ideal semi private atmosphere for Monster Hunt's medieval intrigue or Hollywood Masquerade's 1920s drama, with its dimly lit spaces enhancing the secretive nature of gameplay. The venue's layout easily accommodates Folklore's circular seating arrangement requirement, while their drink selection and finger food options complement the 3-hour format. 43 Below's unique ambiance creates the perfect backdrop for accusations, alliances, and the heart-pounding communication that makes Folklore events a standout experience for Perth's entertainment seekers.

Sopranos Pizzeria - This pizzeria in South Perth offers an ideal setting for hosting a Folklore murder mystery event. As events typically run for approximately three hours with two rounds of gameplay, Soprano's casual dining atmosphere perfectly complements the format, allowing for finger food and drinks to be enjoyed during the interval between games. With Perth players increasingly drawn to these unique interactive social experiences that foster deeper connections, Soprano's Pizzeria delivers the perfect combination of ambiance, setup flexibility, and refreshment options to enhance the murder mystery experience that has already garnered numerous five-star reviews across the city.

Defining Your Murder Mystery Dress Code

Here's where Folklore is a little different to what you might expect. Unlike a lot of murder mysteries, we offer two distinctly themed experiences to suit your group's style. Whether you prefer medieval fantasy or the glamour of old Hollywood, we've got you covered.

Monster Hunt: Medieval Fantasy Vibes

For our flagship game, some people love the fantasy feel and want to go all out. If your group's a little more understated but doesn't mind a theme, gothic-cottagecore has been a popular choice for past players.

For femme players - Think flowy, vintage-inspired dresses in muted or deep tones like black, burgundy, and forest green. Lace, ruffles, and puff sleeves evoke a cottagecore vibe, while layering with structured corsets or dark velvet capes adds a gothic edge. Accessorise with silver jewellery, and lace-up boots or Victorian-style shoes.

For masc' players - Consider flowing, poet-style shirts in deep tones like black, forest green, or charcoal. Pair them with high-waisted trousers or breeches for a rustic yet gothic edge. Layer with woollen or velvet waistcoats, long coats, or cloaks to channel a medieval or Victorian vibe.

Hollywood Masquerade: Golden Age Glamour

Our newest murder mystery transports you to the roaring 20s and the golden age of Hollywood, where scandals and secrets lurk behind every camera.

For femme players - Channel your inner starlet with flapper dresses featuring fringe, beading, or sequins. Consider satin gowns, fur stoles, and long gloves for true silver screen elegance. Complete the look with feathered headbands, pearl necklaces, and T-strap heels for that perfect red-carpet ready ensemble.

For masc' players - Embrace the dapper gentleman with three-piece suits, suspenders, or even classic tuxedos. Consider adding pocket watches, bow ties, and slicked-back hair to capture that studio executive or leading man essence. Two-tone shoes and fedora hats add the perfect finishing touch.

Of course, casual clothed murder mystery events are completely awesome too. Sometimes even just picking a colour can be more than enough to elevate the theme and make for great pictures too.

Serving Food: Feeding the ravenous hoard

Our events typically run around three hours long. That's enough to play two games with a gap in the middle to reset, chat, and have some food and drink. On this front we've seen a bit of everything.

Grazing tables - DIY or ordered in the convenience of finger food players can eat inbetween rounds is often a popular choice for our events. For professional grazing tables in Perth we love Studio Bakehouse. Their petite package should be enough to get everyone fed and have some leftovers in the morning.

Pizza - It's cliche because it's true - pizza has to be the easiest share food known to man. To make sure it's arriving and being eaten hot, just ask your storyteller when they think the first game is likely to end. Also keep paper towels handy so we're not left with too many fingerprints on our reference sheets.

Pot Luck - There's something super wholesome about pot luck dinners with friends. If a serious sit down meal is planned, please let our storyteller's know so they can make sure enough time is allowed between games for everyone to enjoy themselves without feeling rushed.

Capturing the moment(s)

Picture this: you and your friends step into a world where nothing is as it seems. You find yourself wrapped up in a web of deceit, secrets, and hidden agendas. With each twist and turn, you'll have to use your wit and cunning to unmask the monster before it's too late. Sounds fun to watch/ look back on, right?

Tag us on socials - We’re @folklore.perth on TikTok and Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us in any photos, videos, or memes from your evening—bonus points if you catch any suspicious behaviour.

Video confessionals - Folklore murder mystery nights are little bit like being on your own reality TV show. That's why we recommend a confessional booth for players to secretly record their suspicions, frustrations, and bold predictions throughout the game. Watching these back post-reveal is often hilarious and great fodder for the group chat. Seeing those moments of certainty, followed by hilarious regret or triumph, is all part of the charm.

Polaroid or Instant Photo Booth – An instant camera station where guests can snap physical photos throughout the night gives them an instant memento. It also adds a touch of nostalgia to your event.

Group Photos – Try to remember to take a group photo, Our storyteller will often offer to jump in and take one at the end of the night. But having something to remember everyone who came and made the night special is a great idea.

Behind-the-Scenes Footage – Sometimes the best Folklore content is a few sneaky videos throughout the night capturing people conspiring on 3x or 5x zoom. The long lenses help provide that fly-on-the wall-feel and mean you don't have to stick a camera in your friends' face to get the shot.

Why we're Perth's best interactive murder mystery event

Folklore Murder Mystery specializes in providing immersive social bluffing game nights that guarantee an evening filled with mystery, intrigue, and excitement. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a bucks night, or looking for a unique activity for your social club, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on all your guests.

Based in the Perth metropolitan area, Folklore Murder Mystery is flexible and can travel to different venues based on your preferences. Pricing is reasonable, with social bookings starting at $40 per person and corporate bookings available for up to 15 players at $1000.

So why settle for the same old routine when you can step into a world of suspense and drama with Folklore Murder Mystery? Book your event today and prepare for an unforgettable evening of mystery, betrayal, and revenge. It's time to unmask the culprit and put that true crime addiction to work