If you’re looking to celebrate spooky season in Philadelphia, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for all ages.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Running select nights from now through 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 venue 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 activity 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
Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square Park
Open now for the season, this popular seasonal event transforms the park’s mini golf course into a Halloween-themed attraction featuring theatrical fog, strobe lights, colored and spooky lighting, and festive decorations, a release notes. While here, visitors can also enjoy the free Franklin Square Fountain Show which runs every 30 minutes until closing, along with the Parx Liberty Carousel and two playgrounds.
200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Uptown’s ‘Freak Show’
Every spooky season, Uptown Beer Garden transforms its venue into a different haunted world, and in 2024, the Center City locale will take on the theme of a carnival “Freak Show.”
The new seasonal pop-up features life-sized monsters and various “freaks of nature” throughout its expansive space (which boasts three full service bars and seats for 350+ people.) While walking through, locals will be greeted by killer clowns, animatronic witches and fortune tellers, plus, the garden in the center will hold carnival games to try your luck. Think shooting hoops, spinning wheels, and more, and with some games, you can even win a prize.
On top of the decorations and activities taking over, Uptown has also added some newly themed food and drink options for the season. Cocktails span “The Ringleader” (White Claw Mango Vodka, White Claw Pineapple Vodka, cranberry, blackberry orange and Sprite), the “Ungourdly Good” (Espolon Tequila, Skrewball Whiskey, cold brew and Pennsylvania Dutch pumpkin crème), the “Ring Toss” (Spiced Prep Rum, apple cider, lemon, maple simple and orange bitters), “Demonic Energy” (Devil’s Reserve Watermelon Tequila, triple sec, lime and Watermelon Redbull) and more.
1500 John F Kennedy Boulevard, uptownbeer.com
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 now through 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
Haunted Heights at Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Later this fall, Assembly Rooftop Lounge is planning to transform its venue into a Haunted Heights pop up with spirited decor, themed libations and desserts, a DJ spinning haunted tunes on Friday, Saturday and Halloween night, fire pits, and more. The experience will be at the sky-high locale from Oct. 25 to 31, and reservations are available.
Some highlights from the menu include a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini ($18, Stoli Vanilla, borghetti espresso liqueur and rumchata pumpkin), Bloody Sangria ($18, merlot, brandy, Cointreau, house grenadine, blood orange and lemon juice) and the Chilling Spirit ($16, frosé, dry vermouth, lillet rosé, strawberry and fresh lemon.) And, as a release notes, to complement the robust cocktail menu, Assembly is also serving up the Witch’s Brew Fondue ($18) aka a chocolate-strawberry fondue served alongside “spooky” treats.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, assemblyrooftop.com
Morris Arboretum
The whole month of October, locals can celebrate ArBOOretum month at Morris Arboretum & Gardens. The seasonal series of activations includes a Pumpkin Cottage where hundreds of gourds will be on display, a Scarecrow Walk featuring 40 different versions, a Scavenger Hunt and Dance Party (Oct. 17), a Trick or Treat Bag Craft (Oct. 22), an adults-only Mischief Night Portrait Party (Oct. 30) and much more. A full list of events can be found online.
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
