Somehow Halloween has grown from a holiday to an extended season, and it’s upon us now — with 15-foot-high inflatable skeletons and pumpkin-laced everything all around us. There’s something scary, creepy or silly in the city for everyone to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a fun drink, haunted house, or quirky ghost tour, for adults or kids, we’ve got you!
Here is a list of all the fun activities!
Haunted Houses
Saturday, Sept. 19 – Saturday, Nov. 8: Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary has begun its new season of Halloween events, which will run through Nov. 8. The 10-acre former jail complex includes five haunted houses, historic tours, themed bars, live entertainment and more. There are also new experiences this year – including a new outdoor scare zone, a new fishing attraction and expanded food and beverage offerings. You can buy tickets for select dates here.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Saturday, Nov. 2: Pennhurst Asylum Haunted Attractions
The former mental health hospital will host entry into four haunted attractions – including The Asylum, The Morgue, The Catacombs and The Tunnels – on select weekend nights through Nov. 2. Beyond Halloween season, the asylum also includes daytime tours and overnight paranormal investigations, where attendees can search for paranormal activity on The Asylum’s grounds.
Saturday, Sept. 26 – Friday, Nov. 1: Fright Factory
One of the Travel Channel’s scariest haunted attractions in America, this haunted house is not for the faint of heart. The experience is set in a 120-year-old factory basement and is split into three sections. For extreme thrill seekers, tickets are available on weekend nights through Nov. 1, with extra dates toward the end of October as well.
Saturday, Sept. 26 – Saturday, Nov. 2: Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Lincoln Mill is a former textile mill in Manayunk with a sinister past – the building had flood damage in 2021, which revealed human remains in a hidden chamber of the basement. Legend has it that Viktor Kane, the mill’s owner, would torment and experiment on his workers in the mill, and that these former workers now haunt the building. The building has since transformed into a haunted house for the holidays – with select dates available for the Halloween season.
Activities
Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 5: Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival
This five-day film festival event will feature lots of horror and spooky movies to kick off the season. The event is BYOB.
Saturday, Oct. 4: Fort Mifflin Open Investigation Evening
Visit the old Revolutionary War fort’s open paranormal investigation – where participants can explore and enter some of the most haunted parts of the structure. The event lasts from 7 p.m. to midnight and tickets are $49.
Saturday, Oct. 18: GOAToberFest
The Laurel Hall West Cemetery will host a fundraiser for the Philly Goat Project, featuring everything from a Halloween and Oktoberfest costume contest, to a chance to win free goat art and goat walks. The event lasts from 2 to 5 p.m. and will feature free drinks and snacks, as well as goodie bags and a fire pit with s’mores. Tickets start at $75.
Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23-24: Candlelight Halloween Concerts
Experience a mix of instruments and spooky songs during a Candelight Halloween concert, with events at The Bok Auditorium and The Independence Seaport Museum, respectively, featuring theme music from popular Halloween movies or Halloween songs under the glow of candlelight. Ticket prices vary based on seating choices.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Sleep with the Ghosts at Fort Mifflin
Stay overnight at Fort Mifflin to experience an overnight paranormal investigation and learn about the history of the fort’s paranormal activity during this annual event. Sleeping quarters are dormitory style, and you can bring a tent if you choose. Participants will also have access to areas that general admission may not normally have access to. The event is from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and tickets are $99 per person.
Saturday, Oct. 25: East Falls Halloween Parade and Block Party
The seventh annual Halloween Parade and Block Party will include a parade with a drumline, vendors, a costume contest, music, karaoke and food/sweet treats. The event is free to attend, and will last from 3 to 6 p.m., with the parade at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25: East Passyunk Fall Festival
Celebrate Halloween from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on East Passyunk Avenue between Morris and Dickinson streets. The event will feature vendors, business specials and other spooktacular fun. It is free to attend.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Glen Foerd Masquerade Ball
Visit the historic riverside mansion and enjoy an open bar, sit-down dinner, circus performances and live music by the West Philadelphia Orchestra on Halloween night. Attendees are encouraged to wear masquerade gear and follow the theme of “saint-or-sinner” for this year’s event. General admission tickets start at $195.
Through Oct 31: The Franklin Institute Halloween events
The Franklin Institute will host several events for the holiday season – including “Fright @ Night,” which will feature performances, dancing and Halloween-inspired after-hours performances, and Spooky Science day, which will feature all-ages science demonstrations and activities inspired by Halloween. For more information, check out their calendar.
Ghost Tours
Ongoing – Grim Philly Tours
Grim Philly offers many different tour options – including daytime tours of local monuments and Dark Philly Adult Night Tours for more “R-rated,” adult-centered stories about hauntings, executions, vampires and more. To learn more or check out the tours, head over to their website.
Ongoing – Philly Ghost Tours
Philly Ghost Tours features a variety of programming. Their “Phantoms of Philadelphia” tour features a tour of Old City’s haunted buildings and ghostly monuments with stories of haunted characters and local legends. The Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl lets you bar-hop while learning more about historic ghosts in Old City, while the Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour runs from 10 p.m to midnight, and features more spooky tales. To find more information and buy tickets, look at their website.
Ongoing – Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
This candlelight walking tour covers Independence National Park, Old City and Society Hill, with the path based on a book called Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA. The tour happens every night, and tickets are $27 per person.
Ongoing: Spirits of ‘76 Ghost Tours
This set of tours visits 20 scary sites in Philly and contains stories about the ghosts that inhabit Independence Hall including Leo Callahan, the only prisoner to escape from Eastern State Penitentiary and not be captured, and other notable figures like Ben Franklin. Tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays throughout September and October.
Select dates Oct. 10-24: Candlelight Ghost Tours at Fort Mifflin
Visit the Revolutionary War battlefield in Philly for a moonlight ghost tour on Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 or 24. The event features fun activities to pass time before tours and the promise for “real ghosts” while participating. Tickets are $20 ahead of time and $22 at the door, but advanced registration is recommended.
Select dates, Oct. 2-Nov. 1: Terror Beyond the Walls Trolley Tour
Join Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours for a 90-minute trolley tour of some of Philly’s most haunted tales in a decked-out Halloween trolley. The trolley tour will feature a ride around town to various sights, including two surprise stops, where participants can get off the trolley to explore. The BYOB experience will also feature trivia and games and a social atmosphere. Find availability and more information here.
Saturdays, Oct. 4-25: Bloodletting and Burials at the Betsy Ross House
Meet your ghostly, historic guides as they share stories of medicine, disease and death in colonial Philadelphia during these tours at The Betsy Ross House. There are 6 and 7 p.m. tour options, and the event will also feature a pop-up beer garden each Saturday. Tickets are $25.
Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25: Laurel Hill East Cemetery Soul Crawl
Explore the legends of “restless spirits” from the early 19th and 20th centuries with the flashlight walking tours from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Laurel Hill East Cemetery. Indulge in the tales and conclude with drinks around the fire pit! Tickets are $25 for general admission.
Restaurants & Bar Crawls
Ongoing: Nightmare Before Tinsel
This holiday pop-up bar on 12th and Sansom streets will open with a Halloween theme on Thursday, Sept. 25. Experience Halloween decor, fun drinks, and new food options at the cozy spot for the next few weeks.
After Oct. 1: Evil Genius
Halloween decorations, themed food and cocktails, and special events will meet you in this Fishtown bar throughout October. Evil Genius will unveil its Halloween popup bar shortly and will host several events – including an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4, a doggie costume contest on Saturday, Oct. 11, and a Halloween-inspired drag show on Sunday, Oct. 11. Check out their Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the events!
Through Oct. 31: Craftsman Saloon’s A Nightmare Before Christmas, Spooktacular Movie Mash
Head over to Craftsman Saloon to embrace the Halloween-themed decor based on popular movies like “Beetlejuice” and “Halloweentown.” The pop-up experience features themed alcoholic drinks, milkshakes and food. Pop in Wednesday to Sunday to get your Halloween on!
Saturday, Oct. 25, Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1: Trick or Drink Bar Crawl
Start your night at Center City’s Hard Rock Cafe and end at any of the 10-plus participating bars and clubs during this weekend bar crawl. Tickets to any of the three dates will get you free club-and-bar entry at participating venues, drink specials, and chances to win a costume contest.
Saturday, Oct. 25, Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1: Bar Crawl LIVE Philly Halloween Bar Crawl
Visit multiple Philly bars and clubs and experience drink specials, contests and food specials during Bar Crawl LIVE’s Philly Halloween Bar Crawl. Tickets for the crawl start at $14.95, and include options for three dates.
Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1: Cocktails.com Philadelphia Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
One of Philly’s largest Halloween weekend pub crawls will feature entry into multiple clubs and Halloween-themed drink specials. Attendees can purchase a one- or two-day pass and will receive entry into multiple bars and clubs without cover (with bars being announced the morning of the crawl). Tickets start at $16.45.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Philadelphia Halloween Pub Crawl
Celebrate Halloween with four-plus Philly bars and nightclubs in Center City with The Philadelphia Halloween Bar Crawl. Event tickets start at $17.85, and wristbands must be picked up by 10:30 p.m. Doors open for the event at 7:30 p.m.
Kids/family friendly
Friday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Oct. 31: The Academy of Natural Sciences Dinos After Dark
Enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission into a family-friendly atmosphere and the Dino Drafts Beer Garden from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Academy of Natural Sciences. The event will feature vendors, an auditorium show, fun craft opportunities and live music. You can get your tickets here.
Through Sept. 28: Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk and more
The Morris Arboretum’s 18th Annual Scarecrow Walk is following a cartoon theme – encouraging participants to use scarecrows to bring villains, heroes, sidekicks and other cartoon characters to life. Members pay $25 and non-members pay $30 to pick up equipment for the scarecrows by Saturday, Sept. 27, and must bring in their completed scarecrows before 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28. Visitors will vote on their favorite scarecrows Oct. 1-20, and the winners will receive cash prizes.
The Arboretum will also feature several Halloween-inspired events in October – including a botanical potions event for kids on Friday, Oct. 3, and a spooky season crafting session on Thursday, Oct. 30. Keep an eye on the organization’s event calendar for more.
Friday, Oct. 3: Spooky Maker Mart with Mural Arts
Join the Tacony LAB Community Arts Center from 6 to 9 p.m. with various makers selling their handmade work. Participants can create screenprinted trick-or-treat bags with the help of staff as well. Attendees can register for the free event.
Sunday, Oct. 5: Fall Fun Day at Laurel Hill East Cemetery
Enjoy spooky activities at Laurel Hill East Cemetery from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature story times, fall crafts, a scavenger hunt, games and prizes. Costumes are encouraged, and the event is free.
Saturday, Oct. 11: Ghosts in The Hood Cemetery
Join Opera on Tap Philadelphia and Historic Germantown for this haunted Halloween event. The event will feature a haunted performance, beginning at 5:45 p.m., and will feature a musical story of ghouls, ghosts and goblins. There will also be guided cemetery tours before the performance from 12-4 p.m., with doors reopening at 5 p.m. There will be raffles, prizes and a costume contest as well. Tickets start at $39.19 and can be found here.
Saturday, Oct. 11: Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt at Sister Cities Park
Families and children can embrace their spooky side with live entertainers, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting and more at this Family Saturday event at Sister Cities Park. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free.
Select dates Saturday, Oct. 11, to Sunday, Oct. 26 – Boo at The Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Halloween event will feature a costume parade, minigolf course, “Frightened Flora” plant tour, train rides and more. A Trick-or-Treat house will also have a live DJ, secret candy station and a haybale maze. The zoo will also hold a Trick-or-Treat at the Zoo event on Monday, Oct. 13. Most event festivities are included with general admission tickets or membership.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Halloween in The Historic District
Watch as Philly’s Historic District transforms into a spooky spot from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elfreth’s Alley museum. There will be trick-or-treating at the museum and residences, fun costumes, and a Halloween-themed performance in the museum garden.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Hound-O-Ween
Join the Street Tails Animal Rescue in Philly for their annual fall festival and pet costume contest. There will be raffles, vendors and food trucks, but most importantly, a pet costume contest. Owners are encouraged to dress their pets in the creepiest, cutest or most creative costumes for a chance at scoring a $500 cash prize. The event is free to attend, but contest registration is required and will include a fee. Registration opens on Oct. 1.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Rosenbach’s Madwomen in the Attic
This collaborative event with the Rosenbach and Opera on Tap Philadelphia features an intersection of literature and opera focusing on “villainous women who succumb to the pressures of the societies they live in.” The night begins with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, includes a private cultural presentation of rare books and manuscripts, and ends with a candlelit opera. Tickets are $375.
Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 16-18: The Great Pumpkin Carve
The Chadds Ford Historical Society will host a pumpkin carving by local artists on Thursday, Oct. 16, followed by lighting and displaying the pumpkins on Friday and Saturday. The three-day event will also include a haunted trail, raffle prizes and food/drinks for purchase. There are no pre-purchased ticket sales, but you can visit their website for pre-event information.
Wednesday, Oct. 22: DracYoga
Join the Rosenbach for a Dracula-inspired yoga practice! The event will link the Gothic horror classic to a gentle yoga flow. Participants will be able to explore vampire-related collection items in the Rosenbach after class as well. The event will last 6 to 7 p.m. and tickets are $30.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Trick or Treat Street at Franklin Square Park
Head over to Franklin Square Park for a day of trick-or-treating. The event is free to attend, but advanced registration is recommended. Children 10 and under are invited to participate by bringing their own trick-or-treat bag and follow the guide along the path. Parents are welcome to accompany children, but no other trick-or-treaters are permitted.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Philadelphia Museum of Art Trick or Treat
Get decked out in your costume and join the Philly Museum of Art for a family-friendly night of fun. The event will feature crafts, pumpkin carving, DJs and more. The event will also feature vendors and food. The event will last from 5 to 8 p.m. You can purchase tickets in person.
Sunday, Oct. 26: Halloween Party with PopUpPlay at Cherry Street Pier
This kid-friendly Halloween bash will feature a mini-Halloween village, live music, cardboard monster-making and a scavenger hunt. Visit the Cherry Street Pier, from 2 to 4 p.m. to experience the free, creative celebration.
Through Nov. 1: Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Head over to Franklin Square Park anytime between Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 for Spooky Mini Golf. The park’s golf course will be redecorated with two different spooky levels – a daytime tee time will feature non-animated props and decor and no spooky music, and is more geared towards children. Nighttime tee times will feature spooky music, more decor, fog and reduced lighting to amplify the spooky experience. Advance tickets are required on Fridays and Saturdays, but walk-up tickets can be purchased other nights.
This is an ongoing list of events that will be updated as more information is found.
The post It’s spooky season! Your guide to Philly Halloween appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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