Every year, ‘Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary’ sets out to become a completely immersive haunted experience, but they’ve also added some “new and improved” visitor experiences for this year.
Running select nights from Sept. 20 to Nov. 9, the ESP’s activation has added a feature called ‘Beyond the Veil’ in 2024. The added fixture puts visitors right in the middle of a story, and it’s included with admission.
Described as an immersive-theater-style experience that combines narrative and puzzle, ‘Beyond the Veil’ engaging guests in a non-linear quest that spans all ten acres of the penitentiary complex, a release notes. Key characters will engage with guests, putting them on paths to make decisions and unravel additional storylines and challenges as they go. Additional signage throughout the festival will also give visitors a more intimate look at the creatures who wander the grounds of ‘Halloween Nights.’
“We’re thrilled to bring visitors another year of festive Halloween fun. It takes months of thoughtful planning to ensure that every season of Halloween Nights is bigger and better than the last. In addition to revamping attractions, we are always making improvements to the visitor experience,” says Erin Davis, Director of ‘Halloween Nights’ in a statement.
“This year, we’re excited to add more scares and photo opportunities, enhance our characters and sets, and implement a storyline that allows guests to engage more deeply in this one-of-a-kind world we’ve created. From the moment visitors step through Eastern State’s imposing front gate, they will feel truly immersed in the completely unique world of Halloween Nights.”
The main pull of the annual attraction are the five haunted houses, each dressed with a theme. Those brave enough to participate can make their way through the Big Top Terror, Nightmares, The Crypt, Machine Shop and Delirium. With Big Top, Philadelphians will find themselves behind the scenes at a sinister carnival, and for Nightmares, the scares come in the form of sleep paralysis demons and The Sandman.
The Crypt brings visitors into the lair of an ancient vampire clan, the Machine Shop opts to bring visitors on a one-way path to encounter menacing shop workers eager for you to join their crew, and lastly, Delirium features Medusa and her minions taking Philadelphians on a mind-altering trip through a murky neon jungle where nothing is quite as it seems.
Those who are a bit more daring can “opt in” for a more intense experience as well. With the opt-in portion, Philadelphians will don a glow necklace, and anyone wearing one may be grabbed, sent into hidden passageways, and even temporarily separated from their group. All you have to do is pick one up at the “Glowzebo” at the entrance of Halloween Nights.
And with all of that excitement, some people might be ready for a drink.
The Bizarre Bar features some off-the-clock performers from the Big Top, while also sporting carnival-themed food and drinks. At The Bloodline Lounge on the other hand, guests can indulge in vampire-themed food and drinks in this darkly styled watering hole.
There’s also the Fair Chance Beer Garden, and it features Detroit-styled pizza from Down North, beer from Triple Bottom Brewery and soft drinks. The Beer Garden is also there to do some good as they invite those who oblige to participate in hands-on activities that invite conversation and reflection on Eastern State’s history and legacy of criminal justice reform. Plus, one free drink here is included with VIP admission.
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.)
Other attractions include the return of the S’mores and Lore Lounge and the Pumpkin Plaza featuring the Boogie Monsters. The former features live storytellers, inspired by summer camp counselors, sharing a new slate of traditional ghost stories as visitors roast s’mores around the fire. The latter features live dance performances and Halloween props to take selfies.
There’s also the popular and immersive walk-through, Kaleidiscope Hall, which is back for another year for visitors to explore, and the guide-led flashlight Hospital Tour ($12, tickets at the door.)
On the educational side of the offerings, visitors can also check out the “The Voices of Eastern State Highlights Audio Tour”, which features a 20-minute, abbreviated version of their audio tour with actor Steve Buschemi narrating, plus the voices of people who were incarcerated or worked at Eastern State. Or, opt to peruse through some of the award-winning museum exhibits located on the grounds.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary acts as a fundraiser for the historical grounds. Ticket prices start at $39 and vary by night. Timed tickets are on sale now at HalloweenNights.org
