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Ahhh! Spooky season is here again, and regardless of how you Halloween — whether you’re into pure horror or prefer treats over tricks — the Philadelphia region has you covered. (That was an excited scream, not a scared scream, FYI.)
When it comes to pure scarefests, the region’s haunted houses, including Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary in Center City and Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk, are known to elicit goosebumps and screams with top-notch, cinematic effects.
For spooky-ish entertainment, look out for family-friendly festivities at year-round attractions like the brand-new Fintastic Pumpkin Glow festival at Adventure Aquarium, Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square and Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards.
If you’re here for good, old-fashioned fun, laugh out loud with some of the city’s most devilish divas at Halloween-themed drag brunches on land (at Evil Genius Beer Co.) and at sea (aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of Philadelphia). Sing the night away at costumed karaoke aka Scaraoke at McGillin’s Olde Ale House. Or bust a move at one of the many Halloween parties around the area.
Read on (if you dare) for the top things to do this 2024 Halloween season.
Through Saturday, November 2, 2024 (select dates)
The story of Lincoln Mill Haunted House is a spine-chilling tale of bodies “discovered” in a secret basement chamber after flooding from Hurricane Ida in 2021, uncovering the mill’s dark and gruesome past. Explore the 160-year-old abandoned Manayunk mill as you avoid the lingering spirits of workers who were subjected to torment and experimentation by disturbed owner Viktor Kane (possessed by the ghostly Corruptis) a century ago. Expect scare actors, high-quality sets, special effects and animatronics, with new props, characters and sets for 2024.
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, November 9, 2024 (select dates)
I scream, you scream, we all scream … because we’re all inside an abandoned prison. Eastern State Penitentiary opens its cell blocks each fall after dark for Halloween Nights, one of Philly’s most beloved Halloween attractions and America’s largest haunted house. The legendary prison (which once housed infamous criminals from Willie Sutton to Al Capone) offers 15 different attractions across its 11 acres, including five haunted houses, two walking tours, an immersive light display, campfire ghost stories (with s’mores!) and four spooky-themed bars, plus Triple Bottom Brewing’s Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Halloween is a real scream in Philadelphia. The city takes spooky season to the next level as haunted houses and terrifying Halloween attractions pop up throughout the region to serve up some serious thrills and chills each fall. For more haunted houses and scary attractions in Greater Philadelphia, check out our 2024 guide.
Where: Various locations including Pennhurst Asylum, 601 N. Church Street, Spring City, PA
October 5-27, 2024 (select dates)
Fort Mifflin has housed both Revolutionary War soldiers and Civil War prisoners, and, legend has it, the brave left more than just artillery behind. Reports of unexplainable phenomena and paranormal activity have been recorded at the historic fortification for years. Don’t believe us? Find out for yourself:
Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road, Philadelphia, PA
Dates vary by event
Philly loves its history, and legend has it that the city has many, many haunted landmarks. For the full history lesson (with a dash of the paranormal), check out our guide to ghost tours, including:
Where: Grim Philly Ghost Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Spirits of '76 Ghost Tours depart from 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia depart from Signer's Garden, 434-498 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Does my witch’s hat clash with these headphones? These questions come up while prepping your costume or all-black attire for the Deadly Silent Disco Party. Boogie on down to Peddler’s Village, choose one of five soundtracks to power your evening and get your dance on. The night’s festivities also include a costume contest with cash prizes, glow-in-the-dark lawn games, pay-as-you-go food trucks, fire pits, photo ops and more. Tickets are required.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
Xfinity Live! hosts two huge Halloween parties on back-to-back nights in South Philadelphia. The parties feature live music, DJ sets, silent discos, karaoke, bull riding and more. Dress in your 1970s best: More than $1,500 in cash prizes are on the line in themed costume contests. Tickets are required for both nights.
Where: Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Send this waterfront hotspot into winter hibernation in style during this costumes-encouraged shindig. Hosted by Brittany Lynn of the Philly Drag Mafia, this ticketed 21-plus Halloween party includes an open bar, free hot dogs, DJ sets and a costume contest (with cash prizes!).
Where: Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s oldest continually operating tavern got the Halloween treatment this fall with pumpkins, skeletons, fake cobwebs and a slew of seasonal specials. Help the Midtown Village pub send spooky season off right with a Halloween bash for the ages. We promise it will be a party to die for.
Where: McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Thursday, October 31, 2024
This escape room transports you inside Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel. You and your friends become Dr. Frankenstein’s assistants for the day, helping the mad scientist bring his creation to life by solving a series of riddles and puzzles. You have to work fast because time is running out — and the angry mob is on its way.
Where: Escape Trappe, 130 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA
Trivia nights at this King of Prussia craft brewery take a spooky turn this October:
Where: Workhorse Brewing Company, 250 King Manor Drive, King of Prussia, PA
You’re never too old for Lego bricks. Grown-ups take over Montgomery County’s LEGOLAND Discovery Center for the evening, activating their creative side. Explore the Discovery Center’s regular attractions and spooky seasonal offerings, including the Imagination Express ride, 4D movie screenings, build-your-own-Lego pumpkin stations and create-your-own-potion stations. Tickets are required and costumes are encouraged!
Where: LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Unit #1055, Plymouth Meeting, PA
There’s one rule at this chill(ing) pop-up market: Treat every day like Halloween. More than 100 artists and vendors set up shop inside the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery, hawking spooky goods and handmade artwork with gothic flair. In between shopping and sightseeing, munch on pay-as-you-go food and drink while enjoying live DJ sets. There is a suggested $5 cash donation at the door. And, of course, costumes are encouraged.
Where: Mount Moriah Cemetery, 6201 Kingsessing Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Join the spirit of Betsy Ross for a spooktacular screening of Night of the Living Dead, the 1968 classic that redefined the horror genre and introduced the world to “zombies” as we know them. Art in the Age is on deck, selling bottles of its seasonal “spirits” Siege of Wolves spiced rum and Graverobber Unholy Rye whiskey, but you can always bring a bottle and snacks of your own. The movie starts at dusk (5:30 p.m.), but come early for cocktails and a spooky after-hours tour of the historic house. Tickets are required.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
October 4 & 11, 2024
What better way to celebrate Halloween season than with free family-friendly activities and a movie under the stars? Screens are set up at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain across from the Please Touch Museum, so bring your blanket and get cozy.
Where: Welsh Fountain, Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
Let’s do the time warp again! The musical that inspired the 1975 classic cult film returns to Bucks County Playhouse. The show follows fiancés Brad and Janet as they seek shelter from a storm in a castle full of music and debauchery. Tickets are required and include a prop bag. Bonus: Book the Stay and Play package at the Ghost Light Inn next door and get two tickets (pending availability).
Where: Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA
October 13, 20 & 27, 2024
“Bubble, bubble, I’m in trouble.” These Halloween-themed drag brunches at Evil Genius are a tribute to witches and horror aficionados alike. Tickets are required per show and brunch is a la carte.
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
All aboard who’s coming aboard! 94.5 PST’s Chris & The Crew and City Cruises host a special Halloween-themed drag brunch at sea aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, featuring Philadelphia’s “Queen of Comedy” Bev. The queen trades in her crown for a witch’s hat, channeling Winifred from everyone’s favorite Halloween film, Hocus Pocus. The icon is joined by queens Tara Ashleigh Austin (as Beyoncé) and Elektra Ryan (as Taylor Swift) for frighteningly good performances in between bottomless mimosas, bites from the chef-prepared buffet and views of the Delaware River. Tickets are required.
Where: City Cruises Philadelphia, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Step into Philly’s glittering labyrinth for a night of entertainment during the season’s final Twilight in the Gardens. The evening features a live audio-visual performance by musical duo Corey Bernhard + Sanche Ramírez with help from Luminous Abstract. Also, look out for: a Día de los Muertos fabric flower craft activity, self-guided tours of the garden’s rarely seen mosaicked basement, and access to the museum’s current exhibition Walking Round My Head: Works by Stephen Wright. Tickets go on sale October 11, 2024, and advance purchase is recommended.
Where: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
October 27 & 30, 2024
Fa-la-la-la-ahh! Oh, we are just practicing our falsetto for Scaraoke at McGillin’s. Costumed singers take the stage at the 164-year-old pub, serenading the group of ghouls and goblins for the chance to take home a prize. Finalize your ensemble and your song choices, and get ready for a scary good time.
This one’s for all the ghoulish gourmands. Center City hotspot Craftsman Row Saloon transforms into a Halloween-lover’s haven with its revamped Nightmare Before Christmas Pop-Up Experience. Join Jack Skellington and Sally (plus fellow Tim Burton creations Beetlejuice and Wednesday) for a frighteningly good time. On the seasonally inspired menu: Halloween milkshakes, themed burgers and small plates, and a bevy of new spooky cocktails. Reservations are available but not required.
Where: Craftsman Row Saloon, 112 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Step right up: A different type of carnival is in town, where creepy circus performers and sideshow attractions beckon you inside the big top. Decked out in haunting decor, this walk-in-only cirque du terror is one of the largest Halloween pop-ups in the city, with multiple bars dishing out creepy cocktails like the Blood Bag (served in actual medical equipment), Ring Leader and Demonic Energy; draft brews; and scary small bites. In between sips, try your hand at carnival games for the chance to take home a prize.
Where: Uptown Beer Garden, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
This uber-popular holiday pop-up hotspot has returned with a vengeance for another spooky season. Decked out with over-the-top spooky decor and slinging scary-good cocktails (including Blood Bags and Drunkula hot ciders), Nightmare Before Tinsel is bigger than ever with expanded seating and an entire second floor. As you explore the “Haunted Mansion” (this year’s theme), look out for references to some of your favorite scary blockbusters and cult classics. Insider tip: The pop up is walk-in only, so come early or be prepared for a wait (especially on weekends).
Where: Tinsel, 116 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
October 5 – November 3, 2024 (Saturdays & Sundays)
Drink up, darling. Don’t be scared: Trick-or-treat through five Halloween-themed tasting stations featuring Chaddsford Winery’s delicious sips, plus wine tips and pairings from an expert wine guide. Tickets include a 45-minute walking tour around the property, tastings, pairings and a keepsake Halloween wine glass. Costumes are not required, but if you don your Halloween best, you could win a Chaddsford gift card.
Where: Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA
Fire up the old broomstick and head to East Passyunk Avenue for a bewitchingly great time. Browse 30 of the avenue’s bars, restaurants and shops, sipping on seasonal special brews and cocktails and collecting stamps for your Witch Craft stamp card. Tickets include specials at participating East Passyunk businesses, a witch hat, a light necklace and a Witch Craft stamp card to help you keep track of all of the stores. If you purchase your tickets in advance online, they only run you $6.66.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
This Fishtown brewpub celebrates Halloween with more treats than tricks. Taste your way through Evil Genius’ collection of five candy-inspired brews, including its Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, Caramel Apple Ale and Pink Starburst Ale. The event is open to everyone and individual tastings are available a la carte, but the full tasting is only open to ticket buyers.
There are plenty more opportunities to explore the spookier side of Philadelphia’s dining scene. Bars and restaurants across the city deck out their dining rooms with more pumpkins, skeletons and cobwebs than a goblin can count and serve up spooky seasonal specials. Get the inside scoop on where to grab eerie eats and creepy cocktails with our 2024 guide to Philadelphia’s Halloween pop-up bars and restaurants.
Where: Various locations including Taqueria Amor, 4410 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, October 27, 2024
It’s slightly spooky season at Bucks County’s Peddler’s Village (just 45 minutes north of Center City Philadelphia) and that means it’s time for the annual Scarecrows in the Village display. Check out over 200 scarecrows — all handmade by local crafters — lining the charming getaway’s brick pathways.
Through Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Bucks County’s Shady Brook Farm gets into the Halloween season with the family-friendly FallFest, featuring wagon rides, barnyard animals and festive attractions. Pick the perfect sunflower (while supplies last), head to the pumpkin patch to pick your own, or explore the four-acre corn maze before relaxing by the fire pit with live music, food and spirited drinks. And don’t miss the not-so-spooky Eerie Illuminations Halloween light show (separate ticket required).
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA
Through Friday, November 1, 2024
Longwood Gardens’ Pumpkin Playground is on hiatus this season, but there are still plenty of opportunities to grab photos with your favorite fall fruit. Stop by the Rose Arbor, Peirce-du Pont House and Ornamental Kitchen Garden for festive displays of pumpkins, gourds and more before catching the Halloween Magic Illuminated Fountain Performance, a colorful dancing water show at the magnificent five-acre fountain garden (on select days).
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Through Sunday, November 3, 2024
The name says it all now that Linvilla Orchards’ has opened its perennial fall attraction, Pumpkinland, for the season. The gourd gala features a slew of daytime ticketed activities like harvest hayrides around the farm, corn and straw bale mazes, apple blaster target shooting, pick-your-own apples, fishing in Orchard Lake, and pony and train rides. Things get spookier after dark with moonlight hayrides around the farm or to the nearby Witch’s House that end at a campfire with cider and marshmallows.
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA
Eat your heart out, Charlie Brown. This three-day celebration in Delaware County turns truly great pumpkins into spectacular jack-o’-lanterns. On October 17, 2024, watch artists carve over 70 giant pumpkins into illuminated works of art, which will be on display through October 19, 2024. The celebration also includes live music, pay-as-you-go food and drink, a kid-friendly haunted trail, and raffle prizes. Tickets are required and can be purchased on-site.
Where: Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA
It’s not spooky season if you’re not picking a giant orange fruit (we double-checked this). Bring the kids to Franklin Square for a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch, complete with pumpkin-decorating supplies to get you Halloween-ready. The free family-friendly event is catered to kids 10 and under and supplies are limited (so advance tickets are recommended).
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, October 27, 2024 (weekends only)
The Halloween spirit takes over The Franklin Institute with a full month of spell-binding programs and experiences. Activities include a maze, live science shows spanning electricity and combustion to mystery dissections and gross anatomy, a special appearance by Gourd’n the Giant Pumpkin Robot, and, of course, trick-or-treating (so bring a bag!). All programming is included with museum admission.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through October 30, 2024 (Wednesdays only)
Summon the coven for an evening of pumpkin painting and family-friendly fun. Tickets include your very own li’l pumpkin and all the art supplies you’ll ever need, and you can keep the creative juices flowing with food and drink available for purchase.
Where: Bok, 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA
When the clock strikes 6 p.m., Philly Mini Golf transforms into Spooky Mini Golf, featuring 18 holes of fog, lights, music and other spooky surprises! Tickets are required — and adults can ramp up the frights with the Spooky Twosome Package, which includes discounted admission to Bloodletting & Burials tour at the Betsy Ross House (Saturdays in October).
Looking for entry-level spookiness? Sesame Place brings the tricks and the treats at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular. The event is made up of not one, not two, but six spooky attractions (ah-ah-ah!) including Halloween-themed shows and parades, a Halloween dining experience, a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt (with gifts!), Halloween storytimes, and a kids costume contest on Sunday, October 27, 2024 (with top prizes for top costumes). Plus, look forward to lots of trick-or-treating and photo ops around the park. Tickets are required, with additional tickets necessary for Halloween dining.
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA
Double, double toil and trouble. Fire burn, and cocktails bubble at this spooky season DIY experience. Offering magical cocktail- and mocktail-making classes all year round, The Cauldron in Midtown Village offers witches- and wizards-in-training (next stop: Hogwarts) a special Halloween-themed potion-making class this fall. Conjure up two deliciously spooky molecular libations using a magic wand, some science and a bit of magic. The one-hour-and-45-minute experience includes a witch’s hat, a welcome ectoplasm shot (drink up), and two brew-your-own cocktails or mocktails. Reservations are required.
Where: The Cauldron Philly, 1305 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dive into a world of glowing gourds at Adventure Aquarium’s Fintastic Pumpkin Glow festival, offering a snorkeling scarecrow, an underwater pumpkin patch and not-too-spooky jack-o’-lanterns of various sizes, including an almost 10-foot (!) pumpkin octopus. Festivities are included with aquarium admission.
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
The University City sky-high hangout celebrates Halloween with a free day of kid-centric festivities. Enjoy lawn games including giant Connect 4, beanbag toss and giant Jenga; facepainting; and pumpkin decorating (for an additional $5). Kiddos and puppers alike can enter the day’s costume contests for the chance to take home a prize. Entry is free, but RSVPs are required.
Where: Sunset Social, Cira Green, 129 S. 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Enjoy the changing leaves and autumnal colors that fall brings in the most fun way possible — scavenger hunt! Load your friends and family into the car (admission is $30 per car), and head to the Chestnut Hill botanic garden. Follow the Scarecrow Walk, deciphering hints, looking for fall blooms and admiring dozens of scarecrow designs inspired by your favorite movie, TV, literary and historical villains. End the day with a fun costume party at the arboretum’s Welcome Center.
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Beware of cuteness overload! This annual canine costume contest puts the “dog” in “doggone adorable.” As the pups strut their stuff down the streets of Northern Liberties, enjoy live tunes, Halloween vibes, pay-as-you-go food and drink, raffle prizes, and more. The festival is free to attend and proceeds benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue.
Where: Liberty Lands Park, 913 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Don your costumes and bring the littles out for a day of interactive fun at the Please Touch Museum. The day’s festivities include Halloween-themed science shows, writing activities and arts and crafts, in addition to the museum’s daily programs.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
Bring the fam out to eclectic East Passyunk for a day of Halloween festivities. On the docket: themed costume contests (check out the categories here), live music, vendors, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and more.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue between Morris Street and Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates All Hallows’ Eve with a colonial flair. Take a page out of the books of our forefathers, who carved turnips instead of pumpkins to ward away evil spirits, and learn about the surprisingly historic origins of the Headless Horseman campfire story.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
It’s all treats at the Wells Fargo Center when the Broad Street Bullies take on the St. Louis Blues on Halloween. Fans are encouraged to come in costume and enter the arena-wide costume contest for prizes of autographed Flyers merch. Young attendees are invited to trick-or-treat on the Main Concourse from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and everyone takes home a Halloween-themed Flyers T-shirt and Snickers products. Attendees can also expect special giveaways, activities, music, and food and drink specials.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
This plastic-brick paradise lights up the jack-o’-lanterns with plenty of kid-friendly Halloween goodness. Activities include monster-themed games, a potion-making experience, a creepy scavenger hunt, a 4D (!?) movie and trick-or-treating. General admission tickets are required.
Where: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA
October 11-27, 2024 (Saturdays & Sundays)
Calling all ghosts and ghouls: The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Halloween extravaganza is back. The zoo’s exhibits transform into Halloween havens with pumpkins, spooky décor, festive treats, and fall activities (for the humans). Don’t miss trick-or-treating (costumes are very much encouraged!) and pumpkin feedings with your favorite zoo residents.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Manayunk’s family-and-pet-friendly spooky-time festivities kick off with a special costume parade. Starting at the Pretzel Park Farmers Market, the procession of witches, wizards, superheroes and more continues down Main Street, where select stores give out surprises to trick-or-treaters.
Where: Costume parade begins at Pretzel Park, 4300 Silverwood Street, Philadelphia, PA
Consider it a Halloween warmup. Dress the kiddos in their costumes and bring them out to Franklin Square for treat stations all throughout the park. This free event is for children 10 and under, and advance registration is required.
Man’s best friend deserves a Halloween treat, too! Dress your favorite canine in his or her Halloween best and cruise the square, following a trail of treats and giveaways. Also on the docket: music, photo opps and plenty of space for fido to run and play.
Stroll Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike in costume and collect sweet treats and non-edible surprises from participating Chestnut Hill businesses — just keep an eye out for the “Treats Here” posters.
Where: Chestnut Hill, Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike, Philadelphia, PA
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?