No matter your age or interest, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Philly this weekend.
This 90s/Y2K haunted prom party kicks off Friday and will feature live music, creative cocktails, and themed fun. From 8 p.m. to midnight, local band Soul Patch Philly will be on site to curate the prom vibes, plus a themed photo wall with props will also be set up in the Clubroom for guests.
The costume contest will feature prizes for Best Costume, Best Couple, and Prom King and Queen, and when 11 p.m. strikes, “Witching Hour” drink specials will be in full swing with a new featured cocktail every 15 minutes until midnight. Advance tickets are available for $15, which includes guaranteed entry and two drink vouchers redeemable during Witching Hour. Tickets are not required for entry, but strongly encouraged.
509 S 2nd St., thetwistedtail.com
Set for Oct. 31 and hosted by Brittany Lynn (aka the Don of the Philly Drag Mafia), admission to this event (tickets start at $80) gets you an open bar from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., musical entertainment by DJ Menace Cartel, free hot dogs, and the ability to enter the cash prize costume contest. Winners will be crowned for both individual and group ensembles.
221 N Christopher Columbus Boulevard, morganspier.com
This Friday, locals can head to this outdoor oasis in Manayunk for a full slate of free activities. As a release notes, families can kick things off with Drag Queen Story Time featuring Brittany Lynn, followed by mini pumpkin painting and a kids’ costume parade with exclusive gift bags for the first 50 kiddos. As night falls, the garden will then feature a costume contest for adults and a free Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute Drag Show, along with beats from DJ Da Boo Boo.
106 Jamestown Ave., phsonline.org
Now through Halloween, kids can get a head start on trick-or-treating during regular museum hours at the MOI (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) While there, locals can also take part in a Halloween Coloring Contest by bringing an illusion-inspired picture to life. As a release notes, entries will be displayed in the museum, and participants can win a family prize basket filled with fall goodies, a Museum of Illusions gift card, and a selection of puzzles and games from the Smart Shop.
401 Market St., moiphilly.com
Now in its 57th year, this Halloween tradition continues on this Friday, Oct. 31, at the Kimmel Center (Broad & Spruce). Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the evening will feature an expansive costume contest with categories including Most Hysterical, Most Sensual, Best Celebrity Look-A-Like, Best Comic Book Character, and plenty more. Tickets run for $25 for those in costume, and $75 for those who are just there to watch and enjoy. As the event says, “Don’t come as you are—come as who you want to be.”
300 S Broad St., ensembleartsphilly.org
This go-go-inspired evening will feature a spooky Halloween twist. The party will feature vinyl by DJ Steve J, Go Go dancing by The Trestle Specials (Nia Royale and Evie Wilde), a 'Grave Digger' cocktail special, original movie clips and more. Tickets are $20 in advance at drtrestleandmrhyde.com or $25 (cash only) at the door, subject to availability. Doors open at 9 p.m.
339 N 11th St., thetrestleinn.com
Open now for the season until Nov. 1, this popular seasonal favorite at Franklin Square transforms the park’s mini golf course into a Halloween-themed attraction featuring theatrical fog, strobe lights, colored spooky lighting, and festive decorations. 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, a beer garden and two playgrounds.
200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Running select nights through Nov. 8, the main pull of this annual attraction is the five haunted houses, each dressed with a theme. Those brave enough to participate can make their way through Nightmares, Big Top Terror, the Machine Shop, The Crypt, and a new iteration dubbed Dark Tides. This year also brings a brand-new outdoor scare zone dubbed Apocalypse Pass, enhanced set designs in each portion of the venue, and a redesigned event flow.
And with all of that excitement, some people might be ready for a drink. At The Bloodline Lounge, 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, bites from Corneey’s Corn on the Cob and Gourmet Popcorn, beer from Triple Bottom Brewery and soft drinks. VIP ticket holders also get access to a speakeasy in Al Capone's Cell (with one free beverage.)
2027 Fairmount Ave., easternstate.org
There are two shows to catch for this Halloween-themed cabaret, which will be hosted at the Hayes Tavern. Both performances act as a benefit for No Kid Hungry, and all ticket sales will support the organization's mission. What Philadelphians can expect is a “fright-night-meets-decadent-cabaret” experience featuring some fanged performers and music from Bauhaus, Bon Jovi, Blondie, the Bee Gees and more, all remixed/remade especially for this interactive production. Tickets are available online for the Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 production, both of which will start at 9 p.m.
1123 Walnut St., thehayesphl.com
For those who want to celebrate the spooky holiday by the beach, Harry's Boo Bar is hosting a costume contest on Oct. 31. Drinks-wise, the Boo Bar has also debuted some new themed additions: Sips like the Davy Jones Juice (Absolute vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple and grenadine), Headless Horseman (Reposado tequila, pumpkin spice, simple syrup and apple cider), The Afterlife (Casamigos Blanco, melon liqueur, pineapple, fresh lemon juice and a black lava salt rim), and the Boo Bar Espresso Martini (Tito’s vodka, Kahlua, and pumpkin spice cold brew) will be served up throughout the night.
1025 Beach Ave, Cape May, harryscapemay.com
