Looking for some fun things to do for Halloween weekend in Philly? We’ve got you covered.
Xfinity LIVE!
Just in time for the spooky season, Xfinity Live! announced the return of its annual Halloweekend activation featuring two back-to-back masquerades this weekend. “Screams in the Stadium District” will be first up on Friday, Oct. 27, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and then “A Haunting on Pattison Ave.” will then follow on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. as well.
Both nights will include costume contests with over $1,500 in cash prizes, plus a variety of entertainment spanning live music, DJ sets, a silent disco, karaoke, bull riding, and more.
For the two nights on Halloweekend however, each of the five venues will offer different tricks and treats all under one roof, including karaoke in Broad Street Bullies Pub, silent disco in 1100 Social, bull riding and buckle bunnies in PBR Philly, live music in Victory Beer Hall (Engine #9 on Friday night and then Split Decision on Saturday night) and DJs in the NBC Sports Arena, a release states. Tickets are $10 for each event and they are available for purchase now online, or, Philadelphians can purchase tickets for $5 more ($15) at the door on Friday or Saturday.
1100 Pattison Ave., xfinitylive.com
Henri David Halloween Party
Now in its 55th year, the 2023 Henri David Halloween Ball will be back on the big night (Tuesday, Oct. 31) to offer Philadelphians a grand chance to enjoy the holiday. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the evening will feature plenty of themed fare, plus, a costume contest (10 p.m.) with multiple categories to choose from.
The event will take place at The Kimmel Center (Broad and Spruce streets) and tickets run for $25 for those in costume and $75 for anyone just watching. Further information can be found at 215-732-7711.
NoLibs Monster Mash Bloody Mary
Philadelphians have the chance to indulge on Oct. 28 and 29 at 15 different spots participating in the Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge in 2023—and the offerings span pesto, plenty of bacon options, hot sauce and everything in between being thrown into the mix for the 4th go-around of this activation.
All participants have to do is try some libations from around the NoLibs area and judge in four categories— right spice, taste, “bling,” and halloween-i-ness, with an overall winner taking top honors. A full list of participating NoLibs businesses can be found online.
Iron Hill Brewery
Beginning Oct. 27 and running through Oct. 29, all Iron Hill locations will be showcasing a beer and candy flight (titled the Witches Brew) for $10.50, which features four Iron Hill beers paired with iconic Halloween candy. Kiddos will love the activation as well, as the Brewery will also be offering a milk and candy pairing for $3.
The flight will feature a Pig Iron Porter paired with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and as the release states, the full malt flavors of chocolate, toffee, and light hints of almond in this English-style Porter meld well with the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter inside a Reese’s Cup. There’s also a pumpkin ale from Iron Hill paired with a Kit Kat. The ale features fall flavors like caramel, toast, and vanilla, while the cinnamon “acts as a flavor hook, complementing the crispy cookie snap.”
The final two pairings on the flight include the Philly Phavorite IPA paired with Starburst, which blends sweet citrus and pineapple aromatics and flavors, and the Brambleberry Farmhouse Ale paired with Swedish Fish. With the latter, Philadelphians are advised to pop a Swedish Fish in your mouth after a sip of Brambleberry and let the tart citrus fruit and juicy raspberries be elevated by the sugary, berry sweetness.
Philadelphia True Crime Trolley Tour
Back for another spooky season in Philadelphia, Founding Footsteps is once again launching its fourth season of “The Philadelphia True Crime Tour”—which features live music and storytelling performances on their signature haunted BYOB trolley. As a release states, topics covered range from our nation’s first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, whose misdeeds began and ended in Philly, to an alarming number of serial killers that once called our city home.
Less dark topics include the debate over the city’s famed Barnes Foundation and more. The tour runs Thursday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets are $55 and the tour starts and ends at 601 Walnut Street.
