Halloween isn’t until the end of the month, but Halloween in the Historic District of Philadelphia officially kicks off this weekend.
Taking over Old City, this spooky-filled initiative provided by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (“the Visitor Center”) will occupy a full weekend of fall fun from Oct. 18 to 20. Activities span trick or treating, a movie night, events surrounding Edgar Allan Poe, and more.
As a release notes, Halloween in the Historic District is meant to invite visitors and locals alike to explore Philly’s most iconic landmarks in a whole new way, blending history with Halloween thrills. These events are made possible through a collaboration of the Historic District Partners, led by the Visitor Center, Independence National Historical Park, and Independence Historical Trust.
First up, on Friday, Oct. 18, “Poetober” will be in full effect to celebrate the master of macabre. Hosted by the National Park Service, “Poetober” will feature family-friendly games and activities inspired by “The Raven” author, including an impersonator of Poe himself. The activities will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. as a precursor to the Movies on the Mall screening event, both of which will be held at 599 Market Street.
Movies on the Mall will then start at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of the 1999 film, ‘The Sixth Sense,’ from director M Night Shyamalan—a Philly area local who still uses the city and its surrounding counties to film mostly all of his work.
The next day, on Saturday, Oct. 19, the festivities will kick off with Trick-or-Treating in Historic Philadelphia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 30 Old City businesses, museums, and historic attractions will welcome trick-or-treaters with candy and other special programming (kids are encouraged to come in costume.) Families can start their sweet journey at the Independence Visitor Center, where bags and maps will be handed out with more information.
The Visitor Center, Art Star, and Liberty Garden are also hosting an Oktoberfest Craft Market at Liberty Garden and the North End of the Independence Visitor Center on Oct. 19. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., locals can peruse through 15+ local vendors selling hand-made crafts, art, gifts and more. The event will also feature different family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting as well. Saturday equally holds an additional opportunity to learn about Edgar Allan Poe, with an impersonator onsite at Independence Mall from noon to 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20 on the other hand will hold a party to celebrate the last day of the Liberty Garden’s season. The Liberty Garden (nestled right across the green from the Independence Visitor Center at Independence National Historical Park) opened in July of this year and will re-open again in April 2025. From noon to 9 p.m., Philadelphians can head to the space to commemorate its closing for the time being.
For a full list of what to expect for Halloween in the Historic District, visit phlvisitorcenter.com
