Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Running select nights from Sept. 20 to Nov. 9, ‘Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary’ sets out to become a completely immersive haunted experience every year. The main pull of the annual attraction are the five haunted houses, each dressed with a theme.
The experience also features themed bars, the Fair Chance Beer Garden, a S’mores and Lore Lounge, and the Pumpkin Plaza featuring The Boogie Monsters. VIP ticket holders can also head to the Speakeasy at Al Capone’s cell. The experience takes place in the thick of where the famous mobster resided at ESP, and it offers Philadelphians the chance to mingle with interesting characters while enjoying some libations (the first of which is complimentary.)
There’s also the popular and immersive walk-through, Kaleidoscope Hall, which is back for another year for visitors to explore, and the guide-led flashlight Hospital Tour ($12, tickets at the door), plus a few other educational offerings. Ticket prices start at $39 and vary by night.
2027 Fairmount Ave., easternstate.org
Philadelphia Fall Arts Festival
This Saturday, locals can head to Ensemble Arts Philly (more specifically, in their Commonwealth Plaza) to check out everything the free Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest has to offer. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can interact with more than 50 arts organizations from across the region with activities and demonstrations highlighting different genres, from tap dance to jazz, Broadway to classical and opera to ballet.
As a release notes, other activities include a ‘Keep Music Alive’ instrument petting zoo and a voter registration table in honor of ‘Hamilton’s’ return to Philadelphia. The Grinch, star of the upcoming Dr. Seuss’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical’ will also make an appearance.
300 S Broad St., ensembleartsphilly.org
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow Festival at the CAA
The Camden Adventure Aquarium recently announced the return of the Fintastic Pumpkin Glow Festival, set to take over the venue from Sept. 19 to Oct. 27. As a release notes, during these fall festivities, guests can discover a collection of glowing gourds in every shape, size, and species shining above the surface or illuminating the depths among sharks, stingrays, and other unique aquatic life.
Highlights span a 10-foot underwater octopus, a snorkeling scarecrow, seasonal sensory tables featuring pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences, and the Aquarium’s “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show which demystifies the animals living in the dark depths of the ocean’s Midnight Zone. The activities are included with admission, more information can be found online.
1 Riverside Dr, Camden, adventureaquarium.com
Sunset Soirée at Stratus Rooftop Lounge
This weekend, Stratus is saying farewell to the summer season with a special celebration titled the Sunset Soirée. Set for this Friday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature an optional two-hour open bar upgrade ($30 per person), pay-as-you-go spirited seasonal cocktails, DIY arts and crafts, a guided Sip & Paint, live entertainment, lawn games (such as corn hole and giant Jenga), and much more.
Additional information and tickets can be found online.
433 Chestnut St., stratuslounge.com
