Halloween has taken over Cavanaugh’s River Deck, which has transformed into Philly’s own Haunted Pier for the season.
The destination has traded its usual waterside scenery for a full-fledged spooky takeover, complete with themed cocktails, hearty fall comfort food and a packed calendar of parties—and Philadelphians are invited to join in on it all.
At the heart of this year’s transformation is the legend of the Red October, a ghost ship said to have disappeared beneath the Delaware River in the 1800s.
According to the Haunted Pier’s lore, the vessel vanished during a storm and over the years, late-night workers and waterfront visitors have supposedly reported unexplained happenings beneath the water. Every October, the lost ship is said to reappear in the distance between the River Deck and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge... so Cav’s is celebrating accordingly.
This year, the pop-up has returned with a distinctly Philly twist to its decorations. There’s also a new bar in the space anchoring the experience, paired with a haunted forest section, an elevated DJ booth and a VIP area overlooking the action (and the latter is available to book for private gatherings, date nights and parties as well).
The seasonal cocktail menu features a lineup of Halloween-inspired drinks, including the Vampire Punch with Tito’s vodka, the tequila-based Witch’s Brew and an orange vodka-infused Zombie Fizz. Other highlights include Ghostly Lemonade, made with Wild Turkey American Honey whiskey, and the Dark and Spooky, a mix of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum, ginger beer and lime. The menu also features a few mocktails to try for those who aren’t imbibing.
The fall kitchen menu here leans into comfort food with a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, chili cheese dogs, candied bacon strips sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon and sweet potato waffle fries served with maple Chantilly cream. Candied apples and Cracker Jacks round out the lineup for dessert with a nostalgic twist.
Beyond the decorations and menu, the Haunted Pier is also celebrating with events leading up to the holiday. Wednesdays are Cavanaugh’s Mug Night, featuring $5 mugs and $3 refills from 9 p.m. to midnight, along with rotating DJs. Friday nights include DJ sets, drink specials and themed parties, and Sundays bring Island Vibes, hosted by Roger Culture and the Party Alliance Crew. Later in the month, the lineup includes a Halloween reggaeton party from Perreo Maldito Philadelphia, a $5 Dolla’ Friday on Oct. 30 and a Halloween Night celebration on Oct. 31.
Haunted Pier at Cavanaugh’s River Deck (417 N Christopher Columbus Blvd) is scheduled to run Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. through Nov 1. For more information, visit theriverdeck.com
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The Haunted Pier is located at Cavanaugh’s River Deck, 417 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., along the Delaware River.
The seasonal pop-up is scheduled to run Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. through Nov. 1.
The menu features Halloween-themed cocktails and mocktails, along with fall comfort food such as grilled cheese and tomato soup, chili cheese dogs, candied bacon, sweet potato waffle fries, candied apples and Cracker Jacks.
Weekly events include Wednesday Mug Night, Friday DJ sets and themed parties, and Sunday Island Vibes. Special events later in October include a Halloween reggaeton party, $5 Dolla’ Friday on Oct. 30 and a Halloween Night celebration on Oct. 31.
