Uptown Beer Garden is now a “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.

Uptown is under the Craft Concepts family with owner Teddy Sourias behind many other popular venues and “Instagramable” locations (something the brand is known for) such as Bru, Fin Mccool’s, Trademan’s, Tinsel, and a rotating pop-up venue named The Elephant Restaurant and Bar, which is currently operating as an espresso martini focused locale.

“It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of creating an over-the-top and immersive experience for Halloween enthusiasts with both Nightmare Before Tinsel and Uptown Beer Garden’s seasonal transformation, and this year, we’re pushing ourselves to reach a new level of terror and fun for all with our version of a classic Freak Show,” said Teddy Sourias, President of Craft Concepts Group in a statement.

“We’re thrilled to reinvent Uptown Beer Garden for yet another Halloween season, and we look forward to welcoming returning guests and newcomers into the Freak Show for an experience unlike any other.”

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.

Uptown’s Freak Show also boasts an assortment of themed “opening acts” (small plates), “the main event” (entrées), and “the finale” (dessert) as well, a release notes.

While there, locals can try chili dogs (two beef hot dogs with house-made chili and cheese wiz); a soft pretzel served with beer cheese; fried pickles (fresh breaded kosher pickles with chipotle aioli); a super smash burger (two patties topped with lettuce, tomato, crispy fried onions, special sauce and provolone cheese, served with curly fries); grilled chicken sandwich (house-marinated chicken topped with yellow cheese, spicy coleslaw and avocado aioli, served with curly fries); and fried Oreos served with hot fudge.

The new pop-up operates Monday through Friday beginning at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday beginning at noon, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Children and teenagers under 21 while accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome to visit during operating hours except for Friday and Saturday after 8 p.m.

For more information on Uptown Beer Garden (1500 John F Kennedy Boulevard), visit uptownbeer.com