Note: Greater Philadelphia is open for business and welcoming visitors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individual businesses may still require masks. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Are you ready? Halloween is (almost) here and the spooky season is in full-effect in Philadelphia.
Whether you’re looking for scare-your-pants-off fright fests, family-friendly fun or a good-old-fashioned costume party, Philly’s got you covered for all sorts of Halloween happenings in 2022.
Greater Philadelphia is home to a number of can’t-miss scary attractions like Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary — set inside of an abandoned historic prison — and the brand-new Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk.
Families can enjoy more mild spooky fun during celebrations like Boo at the Zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo, the Great Pumpkin Carve in Delaware County and Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village.
And boo-zy bashes and special events pop up throughout the city at places like Morgan’s Pier and the always-creepy Mütter Museum. We’ll be updating this piece with more spooky season fun, so continue to check back … if you dare!
Hollywood-grade special effects take center stage at this Delco scarefest. Wander through an abandoned motel, hitch a ride on a 25-minute haunted hayride and look out for stalk-ers in an overgrown cornfield.
Where: The Bates Motel, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills
I scream, you scream, we all scream … because we’re inside an abandoned prison. Eastern State Penitentiary opens its cell blocks after dark to create an immersive and terrifying Halloween experience full of thrills and chills. The 2022 iteration features five different haunted house attractions inside the 10-acre historic site, including two brand-new ones: Big Top Terror sees you outrunning circus performers and murderous clowns while the sleep paralysis-themed Nightmares will have you losing sleep for days.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
October 6 – November 5, 2022 (select dates)
This brand-new haunted house in Manayunk establishes its lore around the supposed discovery of bodies at the site during recent construction — findings that uncovered a dark and gruesome past. Carefully make your way through the defunct textile mill as you avoid the lingering spirits of workers who were subject to torment and experimentation by their disturbed boss 100 years ago.
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main Street
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. Check out our complete guide to haunted houses, scary attractions and ghost tours in 2022 in Greater Philadelphia.
Where: Various locations including Fright Factory, 2200 S. Swanson Street
Philly is pretty big on history, and legend has it that several of the city’s most famous landmarks are haunted. Find out for yourself as you embark on a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia or visit historic Fort Mifflin by candlelight. Check out the rest of the region’s ghost tours by clicking here.
Where: Various tours including Ghost Tours of Philadelphia, South 5th Street
Through Monday, October 31, 2022
Looking for that perfect spooky season selfie? This Halloween-themed pop up in Midtown Village features plenty of snap-worthy decor (zombie Gritty, anyone?) and creepy cocktails like vodka cran “blood bags” and Ecto Cooler shots.
Where: Nightmare Before Tinsel, 116 S. 12th Street
Stranger Things happen in Philadelphia. This Hawkins-inspired pop up at Uptown Beer Garden is complete with set recreations from the hit Netflix series, replica Demogorgons and special cocktails like Chrissy, Wake Up, Hellfire and Redrum (now open).
Philly’s most fabulous monthly Bingo game celebrates Halloween season in style with a tribute to all-things Hocus Pocus and the Sanderson sisters. Compete for great prizes while enjoying scary-good entertainment from the bawdy drag queens known as the Bingo Verifying Divas. Tickets are required.
Where: Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street
October 6-28, 2022 (select dates)
It’s tough to think of a more seasonally appropriate attraction in Philadelphia than the Mütter Museum — the city’s macabre museum dedicated to medical anomalies and the often-gruesome history of medicine.
Where: The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22nd Street
October 7-22, 2022 (select dates)
Did someone light the black flame candle? Because the Sanderson sisters are running amok during these special screenings of the Halloween cult classic. The on-screen action is enhanced by a live “shadow cast” on stage, which sees silhouetted circus performers riffing on the story with a little help from the audience. Tickets are required.
Where: The Cube, 4700 Wissahickon Avenue
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 pizza and beer while enjoying live music and DJ sets. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. And, of course, costumes are encouraged.
Where: Mount Moriah Cemetery, 6201 Kingsessing Avenue
Don’t Dream It, Be It! This shadowcast performance of the 1975 musical comedy-horror cult classic is augmented by silhouetted performers from the Transducer Players. Dress up, and get ready to participate: As always, the Rocky Horror experience isn’t complete without a raucous and rowdy audience. Tickets are required.
Where: PHS Pop Up Garden Manayunk, 106 Jamestown Avenue
Bram Stoker’s Dracula turns 125 years old this year. What better way to celebrate than with an all-night spooky season reading of the vampiric masterpiece? Join The Rosenbach — home to several rare first editions of the novel — for this marathon reading. The reading begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 and should wrap up around 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Tickets are required.
Where: Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce Street
October 15-30, 2022 (select dates)
Wanna play a game? This musical send-up of the Saw horror movie franchise makes its premiere in Philadelphia just in time for Halloween before hitting the road for a national tour.
Where: The Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom Street
October 23 & 30, 2022
“Bubble, bubble, I’m in trouble.” These Hocus Pocus-themed drag shows at Evil Genius are a tribute to the Sanderson sisters and other leading ladies of horror. Enjoy brunch and a show while competing in on-stage contests for raffle prizes and other goodies. The October 23 event is sold out, but tickets are still available for Sunday, October 30, 2022.
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front Street
October 26 & 27, 2022
Head to the Museum of Illusions — where things aren’t always what they seem — for an after-hours party complete with adult beverages, treats and beats from DJ Martin. Tickets are required for each night and include two free drinks.
Where: Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, 401 Market Street
This 21-plus Halloween party atop The Hotel Monaco at the swanky Stratus Lounge features drinks, dancing and electric DJ sets from DJ Apex and DJ Auggie Bhavsar. Tickets are required.
Where: Stratus, 433 Chestnut Street
This 21-plus Halloween party is sure to be a scary good time. Dress in your Halloween best and send the waterfront hotspot into winter hibernation in style. Tickets are required and include an open bar from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., free hot dogs and Dj sets from the Menace Cartel.
Where: Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Please note that these events have been canceled due to the Philadelphia Phillies’ participation in the 2022 World Series.
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 Halloween 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! Philadelphia, 1100 Pattison Avenue
Bok Bar’s season goes out in style with a fabulously fun rooftop party. Things get started with a final spooky-themed drag performance from the Drag Mafia. After the show, stick around for a costume contest before hitting the dance floor. Tickets are required.
Where: Bok Bar, 800 Mifflin Street
It’s (slightly) spooky season at the charming Peddler’s Village, located about a 45-minute drive north from Center City Philadelphia. More than 100 scarecrows (ranging from silly to scary) pop up all over the village as part of an annual competition among local residents and organizations. In between shopping and dining, check out all of the scarecrow creations and vote for your favorite via a paper ballot or through the village’s mobile app.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska
Through Sunday, November 6, 2022
It’s go-time for the orange gourds at Linvilla Orchards. This two-month celebration features daytime activities like hayrides, straw bale mazes, apple slingshots, pick-your-own pumpkin activities and pony rides. After nightfall, things get slightly spookier with moonlit hayrides around the farm or to the nearby witch’s house.
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
Morris Arboretum is home to more than 30 spooky scarecrows during the month of October. Spot them all as you stroll the grounds before voting for your favorite. On Saturday, October 22, the arboretum hosts a ticketed pumpkin-carving party with instructors, special tools and pattern ideas. The Spooky Scarecrow Walk is included in the price of general admission all month long.
Where: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue
The free event offers kiddos age 10 and under the chance to pick their favorite pumpkin and use on-site crafting supplies to make their gourd the scariest or silliest in the patch. Advance registration is required.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Eat your heart out, Charlie Brown. This three-day celebration in Delaware County features some truly great pumpkin creations. On October 20, 2022, watch artists at work as they carve 70 giant pumpkins into works of art. The pumpkins are then on display through October 22, 2022. Tickets are required.
Where: Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford
October 1-23, 2022 (Sundays only)
On select Sundays in October, the Independence Seaport Museum explores a different spooky topic about what may or may not lurk beneath the surface. Hear from museum staff as they discuss themes like River Invaders (October 2, 2022), Mermaids and Monsters (October 9, 2022), Sea Level Rise (October 16, 2022) and Ghost Ships (October 23, 2022). Spooky Sunday programming is included in regular admission to the museum, which is home to exhibits chronicling the city’s contributions to naval and commercial maritime history.
Where: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
October 1-29, 2022 (Saturdays & Sundays)
The Franklin Institute goes all-in on Halloween fun during Franklin Fright weekends in October. In addition to trick-or-treating throughout the museum (remember to bring your own bag!), highlights include:
All Halloween programming is included in regular museum admission.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
For once, your score isn’t the only thing providing scares on the golf course. Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf course gets a Halloween makeover for spooky season, complete with giant cobwebs, special lighting, fog, eerie music and a few surprises. Heads up: On Fridays and Saturdays, purchase a Spooky Twosome package to enjoy golf and a Spooky Twilight Tour for two at the Betsy Ross House (see above) for just $25 (October 1-31, 2022).
Where: Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street
October 22-23 & 29-30, 2022
These Halloween-themed weekends at the Please Touch Museum feature afternoon trick-or-treating, puppet story times, slime workshops and special performances. Each day has its own theme, including Ooey Gooey Science (October 22-23, 2022), Creepy Crawlies (October 29, 2022) and Magic at the Museum (October 30, 2022). Halloween events are included in regular museum admission.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
Take your costume for a test-spin on the open water. Dress up in a costume to receive $5 off a paddle boat ride in the basin at Penn’s Landing. You can also compete in a social media costume contest. At stake for the winner? Free admission to the Independence Seaport Museum.
Where: Paddle Penn's Landing, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Philly’s kid-friendly Craft Hall — home to Mainstay Independent Brewing and an indoor playground — hosts a free Halloween celebration for the whole family. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in an indoor costume parade at noon. At 1 p.m., the party moves outdoors for a costumed puppy parade, which ends in the brewery’s dog park. In addition to bragging rights, there are $50 gift cards at stake for the best kiddo and doggie costumes.
Where: Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Avenue
Beware of cuteness overload! This annual canine costume contest puts the “dog” in “doggone adorable.” As the pups strut their stuff down North 2nd Street, enjoy live tunes, a festive atmosphere and food and drink for sale from El Camino Real.
Where: 700 North 2nd Street
Enjoy an 18th-century spin on Halloween at the Museum of the American Revolution, where museum educators conduct turnip-carving demonstrations throughout the weekend (turnips were apparently pretty big back then). Heads up: Costumed kids enjoy discounted admission all weekend long. Looking to up your carving game this year? The museum also offers five free Revolutionary War-inspired stencils for at-home revelry.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
The home of Revolutionary-era icon Betsy Ross plays up Philly’s grisly past during special twilight tours this October. Gather in the courtyard to hear tales about bloodletting, smallpox, yellow fever (and the general ickiness of life in 18th-century Philadelphia) before taking a shadowy tour of the pint-sized property. Note: Because of some queasy content, these tours are not recommended for small children.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration takes place over three weekends in October. Don your favorite costume, take the kids trick-or-treating around the zoo and participate in special family-friendly activities — all to a backdrop of festive fall decor. Boo at the Zoo is included in regular zoo admission. In between candy stops, visit the new giraffe feeding encounter to offer the resident gentle giants a treat of their own: some of their favorite vegetation. Note: there is an additional charge to feed the giraffes.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
all it a Halloween warmup. Dress the kiddos in their costumes and collect treats at stations throughout the park from noon to 2 p.m. The free event is for children 10 and under, and advance registration is required
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
The hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia and the Countryside...