Halloween is still several weeks away, but spooky events are in full swing in Philly.
Whether you’re looking for a themed drink, haunted house, or family-friendly spot to celebrate, we’ve got you!
Here is a list of all the fun activities!
Haunted Houses
Spooky attractions are one of the hallmarks of the Halloween season. Here are a few places you can experience terror and fright (some more intense than others).
Through Saturday, Nov. 7: Pennhurst Asylum
Certified as one of America’s “most immersive” haunted houses and one of the Philly area’s scariest attractions, this haunted house is not for the faint of heart.
Explore four haunted attractions – the Pennhurst Asylum haunted house, the Tunnels, the Morgue and Catacombs – all for under $100.
Self-guided paranormal investigations allow guests to explore underground tunnels of Philadelphia, Devon and Rockwell, all with equipment provided by Pennhurst.
If haunted houses aren’t your thing, you can also take a daytime history tour – hearing about who lived and worked at the building (with special consideration for the problematic history of Pennhurst’s past).
You can visit them at 250 Commonwealth Drive in Spring City.
Through Saturday, Nov. 7: Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Lincoln Mill is a former textile mill in Manayunk that houses a real-life horror story. The building had flood damage in 2021, which revealed human remains in a hidden chamber of the basement.
According to the legend, Viktor Kane, the mill’s owner, would torment and experiment on his workers in the mill, and these former workers now haunt the building.
The building is now a haunted house for Halloween season, and on select dates, you can go see the terror for yourself! Select your dates and buy your tickets here.
You can visit them at 4100 Main Street in Manayunk.
Through Saturday, Nov. 7: Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Known as one of Philly’s best Halloween attractions and America’s largest haunted house, Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights offers an experience like no other.
Enjoy everything from a Halloween-themed bar and dance performance, a machine-shop-themed haunted house, a creepy carnival, a Crypt and more.
Other experiences also include after-dark tours of the facilities and beer, wine, cider or soft drinks at the Penitentiary’s Speakeasy.
You can buy tickets here. The Penitentiary is located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
Through Saturday, Nov. 7: Fright Factory
This South Philly haunted house calls itself Philly’s “scariest ultimate haunted attraction.”
The 120-year-old abandoned warehouse has three terrifying themes – the derelict factory called ‘Industrial Nightmare,’ the abandoned South Side Sanatorium asylum and the Fright Factory Unholy sanctuary (where you can find possessed priests and demonic entities).
The experience notes it is not for everyone – especially not the faint of heart. You can read more about recommendations here.
You can buy tickets here. The experience is located at 38 Jackson Street.
Activities
From ghost tours to dog parades, here are a list of some Halloween-related activities you can enjoy around the city!
(Disclaimer: while some activities may be appropriate for children, check out our family-friendly section if you are specifically looking for family activities).
Saturday, Oct. 17 – ‘Hound-O-Ween at Liberty Lands
Join in on (or spectate) the 14th Annual Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival and Pet Costume Contest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Liberty Lands in NoLibs!
The afternoon will feature local vendors, food and drinks – and the pet costume contest will have creative costumes for all types of dogs.
The event also benefits Street Tails Animal Rescue – which helps find homeless dogs their new homes.
To enter your pet, go here.
Otherwise, you can find more information here. It is located at Liberty Lands Park at 913 N Third Street.
Sunday, Oct. 18: Halloween Drag Brunch at National Mechanics
Come for the food and speciality drinks and stay for the queens who are “serving tricks, treats and everything in between” at this special brunch at National Mechanics!
Costumes are encouraged and there are food and drink items from an à la carte menu available for purchase. You can get your tickets and learn more here.
National Mechanics is located at 22 S. 3rd St.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Costume Paint and Sip at Midnight & The Wicked
This night combines painting, drinks, costumes and live music for “wickedly good vibes” the week before Halloween! Costume Paint and Sip will feature a happy hour 5-7 p.m., then paint & sip 6:30-9 p.m.
Tickets include all paint supplies, appetizers, a free glass of Prosecco, and a pre-stenciled painting experience led by a celebrity artist. Bring your costume and prepare for a wickedly fun night!
You can buy your tickets here. Midnight & The Wicked is located at 1500 Sansom Street.
Saturday, Oct. 24: CultureFest! Día de los Muertos at Penn Museum
This all-day event celebrates Day of the Dead, a holiday blending Indigenous Mexican beliefs with Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ day. The holiday, which is celebrated widely in Latin American and Latine communities worldwide, is being brought to life at this event at the Penn Museum!
Learn about ofrendas (offerings), enjoy food drinks and foods, discover the history behind skeletons and skulls that are seen on candy and masks, and more!
You can get tickets for the event here. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Select dates through Saturday, Oct. 24: Fort Mifflin Programming
Fort Mifflin is one of America’s most haunted military sites, and it hosts lots of programming in October to commemorate this history.
On select dates, you can enjoy a Candlelight Ghost Tour – where you can hear ghost stories and tales while touring the historic site.
For the paranormal lovers, the fort’s “Sleep with the Ghosts” event invites visitors to participate in an annual overnight paranormal investigation. Visitors will explore buildings and legends on the property, and will last from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sleeping quarters are dormitory-style, and it is a “bring your own” tent.
You can learn more about events and get tickets here. It is located at 6400 Hog Island Road.
Sunday, Oct. 25: Hocus Pocus Drag Brunch at City Winery
Celebrate Halloween a few days early with a “wickedly fabulous” Hocus Pocus drag brunch. Enjoy a magical drag performance and all of the food and drink from City Winery available for purchase.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the show starts at noon. You can get tickets and learn more here. City Winery is located at 990 Filbert Street.
Monday, Oct. 26: Collide-o-Ween Spooky Open Mic + Art Market at Tattooed Mom
Get your creativity on and kick off the Halloween week at this artsy event at Tattooed Mom! Wander through a vendor market with art and DIY crafts, listen or participate in an open mic and stay for a raffle with spooky prizes and costume contest!
Come dressed in your most creative costume and enjoy from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free, but you can learn more here. Tattooed Mom is at 530 South St.
Thursday, Oct. 29: Dave and ‘Boo-sters’ Halloween
Get your pre-Halloween party on at the Dave and Buster’s at the Franklin Mills Mall on Thursday, Oct 29 from 4 to 6 p.m.!
Your $20 ticket include all-you-can-play games, a costume contest, 20% off food and drinks, and more!
Dave and Buster’s is at 1995 Franklin Mills Circle.
Friday, Oct. 30: Choreomania 2026 at the Mutter Museum
This “immersive theme party” is unlike any other Halloween event you’ll attend this year! The Mutter Museum’s Choreomania is based on a bizarre medieval medical phenomenon where people had the uncontrollable urge to dance until they “dropped” from exhaustion or injury.
This year’s event will feature a garden party with music, drinks and mingling at 6 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m. Attendees will be transported into a medieval village for a “theatrical” dancing experience under sensory light installations.
You will be able to enjoy light bites, speciality cocktails and museum admission during this time – all packed with pop-up activations surrounding medieval medicine, astrology and more!
The event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. and tickets are $85. You can learn more here. The museum is at 19 S. 22nd St.
Friday, Oct. 30: Read Roam Revel Realm & Revel Ball at Statesbury Mansion
Read Roam Revel specializes in immersive gatherings for readers who want to live inside of their favorite books – and their Halloween gala is just one of their unique experience offerings.
Their 2026 Fantasy Ball’s theme is “Starfall,” and guests are asked to dress in “Formal Fantasy” attire for a night of live music, aerial artistry and fantasy performance.
A ticket to the experience includes a group ballroom dance, aerial artist performance, drag performance, and burlesque performance, in addition to tarot readings, fantasy and “bookish” vendors, flash tattoos, bites and beverages and more.
General admission to the event gets you entry from 8 p.m. to midnight, with VIP admission getting you in from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. You can learn more and get your tickets here.
Friday, Oct. 30: Glitch Fear Fest at 172 W. Ontario St.
This horror-themed art showcase and fashion rave has something for all spooky lovers – from fashion models on runways to music artists and DJs to spooky activations.
Come dressed to impress, preferably in your scariest and bloodiest costume yet, and enjoy everything from tarot readings and a bar to photo opps and a tattoo station.
The event runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. You can get tickets here.
Friday, Oct. 30: Glen Foerd Masquerade Ball
Visit the historic riverside mansion and enjoy mesmerizing perforamcnes with contortionists and tarot readers, an open bar, live music, after-hours access to the mansion and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear masquerade gear and follow the theme of circus theme for this year’s event.
General admission with VIP afterparty access tickets start at $375. The party will be at 5001 Grant Ave. and will run from 6:30 to 11 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30: Halloween Art Festival at Center City Cambria Hotel
Enjoy the end of your work week with this pre-Halloween celebration put on by a Philly networking group. The Philly Urban Associates Networking Group allows creatives, changemakers and professionals to get together and network in the city.
This event will feature drinks, artwork and a gift raffle to round off the work week! The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. and is at The Center City Cambria Hotel at 219 S. Broad St.
Get your tickets and learn more here.
Saturdays through Oct. 31: Betsy Ross House Bloodletting & Burials Tour
This 90-minute tour will show you everything from Betsy Ross’s grave to several Old City sites with stories about 18th-century Philadelphia disease, death, and burial along the way.
The tour ends at the Garden at City Tavern, where your ticket includes a special cocktail – or, you can purchase one of the garden’s wine, beer or mocktail options.
Tours start at 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Saturday evenings, and run through Saturday, Oct. 31.
You can get the $40 tickets here. The tour starts at The Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch St.
Saturday, Oct. 31: FearLit 2026 at Thrillerdelphia
This new, annual Halloween literacy convention will bring together over 25 authors and special guests for panels, book signings, awards, Halloween programming and more!
The event, put on by Philadelphia horror bookstore Thrillerdelphia, is perfect for booklovers who enjoy genres like horror, dark fiction, mystery, comics and cult genre storytelling.
It runs from noon to 4 p.m., with additional Halloween events and programming continuing at nearby Thrillerdelphia. The event itself will be held a the Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Manayunk at 7 Lock St.
You can discover more information and buy tickets here.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Laurel Hill East Halloween programming
Explore haunting tales and learn about interesting spirits at this historic Philadelphia cemetery.
Learn about the souls who took an “odd” path out during the “Dearly, Yet Oddly Departed” tour on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy Fall Fun Day with your family and kids with a cemetery scavenger hunt, fall crafts and games on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The cemetery’s “Soul Crawl” is an after-dark tour where you can hear stories about restless spirits, followed by beverages around the fire pit. You can attend on Saturday, Oct. 24, or Saturday, Oct. 31 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Other events include a Paranormal Investigation tour and an Edgar Allan Poe-themed tour.
You can learn more about events and buy tickets here. Laurel Hill East is located at 3822 Ridge Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween Milonga Qilombo at Philadelphia Tango School –
Join the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School for a night of movies, music and dancing to top off your Halloween season!
The event will start with a screening of F.W. Murnau’s haunting 1922 silent film Nosferatu, with live musical accompaniment.
The movie will be followed by a Special Halloween “Milonga Qilombo,” the organization’s monthly Argentine tango social dance, where costumes are welcome.
You can grab your tickets and learn more here. The school is located at 2030 Frankford Avenue.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Otakuween at Cherry Street Pier
This Halloween event is designed specifically for anime, cosplay gaming and otaku lovers! Otaku, or a Japanese term for someone with an intense or specific interest, particularly in anime or manga, is the theme of this event.
Attendees should come dressed as their favorite anime, pop-culture character, manga or other Halloween costume icon. You can expect food trucks, vendors with anime goods, art and accessories, a stamp rally, a lip sync contest, DJ sets, cosplay photo opportunities and more.
The event is free and runs 4-8 p.m. You can reserve a spot and learn more here. Cherry Street Pier is at 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Mural Arts Fest at Love Park
This free event will be packed with art, music, creativity and Halloween fun! Enjoy pumpkin painting, mask decorating, inflatable games, live performances and more.
There will be costume contests, interactive art experiences and vendors as well.
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free and you can find more info here.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Broad Street Boogie: Halloween Edition on South Broad Street
This tour, led by Michael Bixler, an editorial director of Hidden City Philadelphia, gives you a history lesson on lots of Philly’s cool buildings, locations and signs – wit ha focus on many of those that are spooky.
The walk will begin at the old location of the Order Sons of Italy in America (which is now Programs Employing People and PEP Bowling Alley) and ends under the Boot and Saddle sign at Solar Myth.
The tour runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and tickets are $28.52.
Saturday, Oct. 31: BYOM Halloween Pilates class at 1722 Sansom St.
Start your Halloween off with a fun and energizing Pilates session in Rittenhouse!
You can come dressed in your Halloween costume for a costume contest, and class will be followed with snack and refreshments. Bring your own mat and prep for a killer workout!
The event runs from 12-1 p.m. It is located at 1722 Sansom St, and you can find more info and get tickets here.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Improv’o’ween at Vox Populi
This event combines costume party, drinks, candy, cake, dancing and more for a fun, Halloween night activity!
The event runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and tickets are $15. You can learn more here.
Vox Populi is located at 319 N 11th Street.
Ghost Tours
Philly can be a haunted city… and may be the site of the ghosts of some Americans. These tours can help you combine your historical and paranormal fix all in one.
Through Saturday, Nov. 7: Terror Beyond the Walls Trolley Tour
City Sightseeing Philadelphia is inviting you to explore surprise stops around an Old City Route – including stops at haunting sites like the Christ Church Burial Ground, the Powell House and Washington Square Park.
Learn ghostly stories about the different haunting locations and complete trivia, games and activities – all while seated on the comfy trolley bus.
You can purchase tickets and learn more here. The trolley takes off from 21 S. 5th St.
Through Thursday, Oct. 29: Manayunk Ghost Tours
This new ghost tour lets you explore the spirits said to linger in the shadows along the Manayunk Canal, and test real paranormal investigation tools along the way.
These tours guide visitors along the Manayunk Tow Path to the historic Lincoln Mill – and are bound to give you stories about loss, hard work and lingering spirits.
You can chose from various times and dates on their website. Tours start at Canal View Park at 4418 Main Street and end at 4100 Main Street.
Ongoing – Grim Philly Tours
Grim Philly Tours are some of the highest-rated ghost tours in Philly, and include meticulously researched tours of the city (every guide has a history degree!) They have several experiences geared specifically toward the Halloween season!
First off is the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour – where you can hear about tales of blackmail, sex, espionage and murder from Early America while walking around sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
The True Crime Philadelphia: Cemetery and History Tour is a half true-crime, half historic-sites tour. You can hear stories of serial slayings and psychopathic killers, all while touring sites like Elfreth’s Alley and Benjamin Franklin’s grave.
For all tours and tickets, visit their website.
Ongoing – Philly Ghosts Tours
Experience more haunted history through any of Philly Ghosts’ haunting tours!
The organization’s Phantom Penance of Philadelphia Ghost Tour lets you discover “chilling and tragic” history lingering in the Old City neighborhood through stories about old, former residents (both forgotten and well-known).
The Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl gives you some liquid courage while discovering some haunted stories, scares and ghost tales. Explore multiple spots through Philly’s Historic District while learning more about the city’s haunted history.
You can learn more and purchase tickets for tours here.
Ongoing- Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Learn all about Philly’s secret, haunted history while wandering the secret gardens of Independence National Park, Old City and Society Hill at this nightly “must see” ghost tour.
You can experience the haunted ghost tales of burials, the Founding Fathers, villains and more.
Tours last 75-90 minutes, and they are open every night through November, then on weekends in December through February. You can learn more and purchase tickets here.
Restaurants/Bars
Spooky season isn’t limited to just experiences (although many of these spots have these, too). Below is a list of restaurants or bars that offer Halloween drinks, food, decor, or all three!
Select Thursdays through Oct. 29: Frights and Delights at Jet Wine Bar
Enjoy a glass of bubbly and light bites with a Halloween-themed movie at the Jet Wine Bar garden in South Philly!
The remaining movies on the list include Hocus Pocus on Oct. 22 and Insidious on Oct. 29.
The event is free to attend and no reservations are required. All movie nights run from 7 to 10 p.m. You can visit Jet Wine Bar at 1525 South St.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Nightmare Before Tinsel
Enjoy spooky season at this Center City gem that goes all out to include skeleton-lined walls, clown decor, a festive photo booth and of course, themed drinks.
Try the “Universal Donor-ita” (served in a blood bag), a “Witch, Please” shot and more – and have them all in Instagram-worthy cups!
You can visit Tinsel at 116 S. 12th St. It’s open Sunday-Thursday starting at 4 p.m., and open Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m to 2 a.m.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Frankenstein’s Putt Putt at Libertee Grounds –
This Halloween-themed twist on the mini golf course allows you to get in the spooky spirit while trying yummy drinks and putting with glow-in-the-dark golf balls.
Tickets to the event feature interactive cocktails or mocktails, spooky photo opportunities, a Frankenstein-themed 9-hole mini golf experience, and tarot card readings at an additional cost.
You can learn more and buy tickets here. Libertee Grounds is at 1600 W. Girard Ave.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Haunted Mansion at Uptown Beer Garden –
The iconic Philly beer garden is now Philly’s largest Halloween cocktail bar – and they are going all out for the season!
Enjoy seasonal drinks, Instagram-worthy photo ops and free movies every Wednesday night during the Halloween season!
You can visit them at 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd. They are open from 4 to 11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, noon to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and noon-11 p.m. on Sundays.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Enchanted Nightmare at Craftsman Row’s Saloon
This bar’s 5th annual Halloween popup will have visitors hooked from the second they step inside! Step into a haunted forest entrance and watch the “spooky, whimsical embodiment” of The Nightmare Before Christmas come alive.
Enjoy specialty milkshakes like a Caramel Apple Crypt or Mad Scientist, or cocktails like a “Vampire Bite” and “Toxic Treat.”
New additions to the food menu and a fortune teller booth round it all out.
You can visit them at 112 S. 8th St. They are open Monday-Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 1 a.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: The Haunt at Bridget Foys
With its low-light decor, new cocktail menu, cobweb and skeleton decor and scary movies playing, The Haunt at Bridget Foys is a great backdrop for a Halloween-themed night.
Enjoy your drink in a skeleton cup or with an eyeball on the side, watch haunting movies and take plenty of photos at this pop-up experience all month long.
They are at 200 South St. They are open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They are closed on Tuesdays.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Taqueria Amor Alien Invasion
Aliens have invaded this Manayunk Mexican restaurant!! But, stay calm, their drinks and food are still available for you when you decide to come in.
This new pop-up experience features drinks like the “Violet Invader,” the “ET Phone Home,” and the “Blackberry Mezcalien.”
Go to check out the alien decor, but stay for the yummy food and drinks!
They are located at 4410 Main St. They are open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween at McGillin’s Old Ale House
Philly’s oldest bar has plenty of ways that you can celebrate this spooky season! The bar has “over-the-top” Halloween decor all month, Halloween “Scaraoke” with prizes and a Halloween party on Oct. 31.
Find your pumpkin martini, beer pitcher and more at 1310 Drury St. They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Haunted Pier at Cavanaugh’s River Deck
Philly’s only haunted river attraction and themed pop-up bar is based on a fictional legend – the Red October, a folklore about a boat with red lanterns that disappeared under the water where Cav’s River Deck stands.
Cav’s River Deck is now decked out with pumpkins, lights, skeletons, grim reapers and more. Their themed cocktails also keep the Halloween vibes going.
You can visit them at 417 N Columbus Blvd. They are open Wednesday-Sunday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Through Sunday, Nov. 1: Pumpkin Press at the Newsroom Philly
Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe and the Legend of the Sleepy Hollow, this hidden speakeasy has transformed into glowing pumpkins, fall foliage, and gothic touches for the Halloween season!
Pumpkin Press is a place where you can try everything from the Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini to a “Lychee Boo-Tini.” Their Japanese fusion menu is the cherry on top – giving you plenty of options to pair your drink with.
You can visit them at 1102 Germantown Ave.. They are open Wednesdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Thursdays from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.
Through Sunday, Nov. 1: Taproom of Horrors at Evil Genius
Evil Genius’s taproom now has seven fright zones with animatronics, horror movie posters, themed beer and cocktails and more for the spooky season!
In addition to the ongoing Halloween vibes, you can attend the “BOOOlesque” Halloween burlesque show at their taproom on Friday, Oct. 23 or their Dog Costume Contest on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. (register your dog or buy tickets here!)
Evil Genius is at 1727 N. Front St. They are open on Tuesdays from 4 to 10 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.
Select dates through Monday, Nov. 2: Cityside Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Point
Enjoy fall and Halloween vibes mixed into one at this riverfront pumpkin patch through the end of Halloweekend!
This experience features pumpkins and pumpkin smashing, spooky treats, fall-themed cocktails, haunted photo activations and more.
You can find tickets and more information here. You can visit the area at 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Kids/Family Friendly
If you’re looking for the right spot for family fun, we’ve got you! From fall festivals and “haunted horse” events to Halloween parades and spooky science demonstrations, here is your list.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Tacony Fall Festival
The Tacony Library’s Fall fest will feature everything from costume contests and entertainment to carnival games and more!
You can bring your little one to experience the fun at Tacony Library at 6742 Torresdale Ave. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. and is free to attend.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Haunted Horses at Northwestern Stables
This fun event combines equestrian with spooky season to create a family-friendly evening! Children can come in costumes and horses at the stables will be dressed up, too.
You can sign up to ride horses, or just appreciate from afar and trick-or-treat on the premises. The event runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. You can get tickets here.
Northwestern Stables is at 120 W. Northwestern Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Boo & Brush in Mt. Airy
This kid-friendly Halloween celebration invites kids to come paint, enjoy games, receive Halloween goodies and participate in a costume contest! The event, put on by local art studio ARTrageous Brush & Flow, promises that children will all leave with their own canvas and other Halloween surprises!
You can get your tickets here. The event runs from 1 to 2 p.m. and will be held at the ARTrageous Brush & Flow studio at 6345 Germantown Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 31: WE OUTSIDE: Halloween Edition
This free Halloween event has activities for kids, families and parents alike to enjoy!
From 3 to 5 p.m., kids can enjoy free games in the park, apple cider and Halloween movies. There are s’mores kits, goody bags and food available for purchase as well.
From 5 p.m. on, it becomes an adults’ party – with more Halloween movies, games and food and drinks available for purchase.
Admission is free, but you can reserve a spot and learn more here. It will be held at John B. Kelly Pool in Philly from 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1: Boo At the Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo’s annual extravaganza is back – and there are still many time slots to take advantage of the Halloween fun!
The Cryptic Creatures exhibit inside the Small Mammal House hosts “misunderstood” critters like insects and snakes, and tells tales around wild encounters with them. The Trick-or-Tree House features an extra candy station and tarot card readings. The Skellys Visit the Zoo exhibit has two tall skeletons, and costume contests will happen each event day at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The SEPTA PZ “Boo” Choo Train will allow kiddos to ride around with Halloween flare.
This will all happen in addition to regularly scheduled trick-or-treating around the Zoo!
You can choose tickets from select dates here. BOO at the Zoo dates are Saturday, Oct. 17, Sunday, Oct. 18, Saturday, Oct. 24, Sunday, Oct. 25, Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: ArBOOretum Month at Morris Arboretum
The Morris Arboretum’s annual programming has seasonal fun for the whole family in this year’s lineup! Visit the arboretum before Oct. 18 and vote on your favorite Halloween-themed scarecrow, or bring your kiddo into the Morris Pumpkin Cottage.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m., you and your child can come for a spooky storytime and scarecrow craft, and on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m., you and your child can learn about carnivorous plants and “make your own plant monster” to bring home with you!
Morris Arboretum is located at 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Halloween programming is included with the price of regular admission. The arboretum is open Monday- Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Through Sunday, Nov. 1: Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square
The Philadelphia Historic District’s Franklin Square Mini Golf turns spooky through Halloween – and there are several options to get your game on!
Daytime Tee Time tickets are more child-friendly, with non-animated props and decor. You can use these tickets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nighttime Tee Time tickets are the full spooky experience – with animated props, seasonal decor, spooky music and more.
While you’re headed to the course, you can also enjoy the Boo-zy Bar at Franklin Square with creepy cocktails, wicked wines, and kid-friendly drinks.
You can get your tickets and learn more here. Franklin Square is at 200 N. 6th St.
Saturday, Oct. 17: Halloween Costume Making Party at Coco Academy
The kid’s tech and maker space’s third annual costume-making party gives kids the chance to create DIY costumes, enjoy Halloween candy and more!
The event will feature a costume contest, and snacks and drinks, too. It will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and the space is at 615 S. 3rd St.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Mt. Airy’s Annual Autumn on the Avenue
Mt. Airy’s annual pre-Halloween event is pulling out all the stops to get you and your family excited about Halloween!
Enjoy trick-or-treating at local businesses, hands-on kids’ crafts with local artists and vendors, a spooky storytime, performances, fire trucks on display and more.
You and your kiddo can come dressed to impress from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the 6600-6900 blocks of Germantown Avenue between Grocery Outlet and Lovett Library.
Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24: Halloween Hikes and Hayrides at The Schuylkill Center
Join the environmental education center for its annual evenings of autumn adventures and fall family fun on Friday, Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 24 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.!
There will be a pumpkin patch with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, a guided forest hike to meet nocturnal animals, Halloween hayrides, crafts, food and drink vendors, Halloween movies, s’mores by the fire and more!
Tickets are $28 if you purchase ahead, or $35 if you walk up. You can learn more and get tickets here.
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Spooky Seaport Saturday at Independence Seaport Museum
The maritime history museum will be holding a day with family-friendly crafts and activities like sea monster-making and a spooky sea creature scavenger hunt, and more!
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., kiddos can come to grab candy and treats, hop onboard the Olympia ship, and participate in a sea monster scavenger hunt.
All of these activities are free with museum admission. The Independence Seaport Museum is at 211 S. Columbus Blvd.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Trick-or-Treat Street at Franklin Square Park
This free event invites your little ones to grab sweets around the park during this daytime activity! The activity runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Capacity is limited and advanced registration is full, but a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available while supplies last.
Franklin Square is at 200 N. 6th St.
Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct. 25: Halloween programming at The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is offering many ways to enjoy Halloween!
Its “Spooktacular Science Day” on Saturday is a great opportunity for kids to come and explore hands-on and family-friendly activities! Enjoy a squid dissection, costume parade, a live science show with gross facts, an electricity show, hands-on play, festive photo opportunities and more.
The Sensory Friendly Halloween event on Sunday will provide a quieter experience for guests who want a more sensory-considerate museum experience. This event will have trick-or-treating, a planetarium show, a science show looking inside the human body and more.
The Spooktacular Science Day will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and it is included with museum admission. You can learn more and purchase tickets here.
The Sensory Friendly Halloween event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is included with museum admission. You can learn more and purchase tickets here.
The Franklin Institute is located at 271 N. 21st St.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Mister John’s Music Halloween Block Party
The music education school is partnering with Butcher Sew Shop, Coco Academy and Di Bruno Brothers for a block party with everything from drag storytime, a costume contest, live music, arts and crafts and more!
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is bound to have some surprises along the way for both adults and their little monsters! You can learn more here. The block party will take place at South 8th & Fulton Streets.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Stenton Museum’s Halloween Harvest Festival
The Stenton Museum’s annual festival is perfect for anyone wanting fall and Halloween family fun! All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin decorating, face-painting, crafts and games.
The Philly Goat Project will also be at the event from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and attendees will have the chance to meet, greet and walk the goats.
Costumes are encouraged and light refreshments/cider will be served. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and is at 4601 N. 18th St.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Barely Scary Halloween at Smith Memorial Playground
This annual costume party combines all the fall fun – like pumpkin carving, s’mores and playgrounds. Come dressed in your best Halloween fit and play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at this free event!
You can learn more here. Smith Memorial Playground is at 3500 Reservoir Drive.
Saturday, Oct. 24: East Falls Halloween Parade
The 8th Annual East Falls Halloween Parade and Block Party has everything for your kiddos to enjoy – from live music and food to bike riding and an amazing parade!
The parade begins at 3 p.m. and the event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. It will be held at Rutabaga Toy Library at 3301 Scotts Lane.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Family Haunted Circus at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
If your Halloween dreams include a circus tent.. Philly’s School of Circus Arts has got you! This family-friendly show is put on by circus school students and staff who take the air with “mysterious characters, daring circus acts, spooky surprises” and more.
The show is designed for “thrills and chills,” but not nightmares – and costumes are encouraged! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
As a bonus, there is an adults-only Haunted Circus as well that features “bewitching acts, coven callings and spellbinding circus.” This event happens on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8:30 p.m. You can find more info here.
The school is at 6452 Greene St.
Saturday, Oct. 24- Saturday Oct. 31: Chestnut Hill Halloween on The Hill
The Chestnut Hill neighborhood’s Halloween fun is offering treats before the official holiday even starts! Families can walk Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike from 1 to 3 p.m. in costume, and participating restaurants and businesses that have a “treats here” sign will hand out candy and non-food goodies.
Some businesses will also be offering food allergy-specific candy to support children who want to trick-or-treat but may have food allergies.
Sunday, Oct. 25: Philly Art Center Annual Halloween Festival in Fairmount
The Philly Art Center’s festival will bring family fun in full swing with art stations, a baby music and activity zone, a parade and more! It is the center’s 20th annual festival – so it will include special programming like a drumline performance. Costumes are encouraged.
You can RSVP here for the event, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m. The parade starts at 4 p.m.
They are at 2333 Fairmount Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween on South Street
South Street District is providing a full day of fun for adults and children alike on Halloween!
There will be a Candy Crawl from noon to 5 p.m., where children can go trick-or-treating at various shops, and there will be a trunk-or-treat experience at Headhouse Plaza from 1:30 to 4 p.m. From 1 to 1:30 p.m., there will be a Halloween costume and vintage car parade.
From 4 to 8 p.m., there will be even more trick-or-treating at Headhouse as well.
After hours, there are Halloween specials at bars and restaurants in the district after 5 p.m., and there is a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Movie at the Theatre of the Living Arts.
You can learn more about the event here!
Saturday, Oct. 31: East Passyunk Fall Fest
East Passyunk’s annual festival will feature over 80 vendor markets, food & drink, pumpkin carving, a costume contest, live music, trick-or-treating and more!
Costumes are encouraged and children can trick-or-treat at business windows that have spiders or critters displayed on them – and the fall festival features even more fun with arts and crafts, contests and more.
The event will be held on East Passyunk Avenue between Morris & Dickinson and will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31: PopUpPlay’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Cherry Street Pier
This huge Halloween parade is a great way to get in the holiday spirit ahead of a trick-or-treat evening!
Kids can come to help PopUpPlay design floats and balloons for the Halloween parade, show off their best monster voices with monster karaoke and enjoy hands-on activities all afternoon long!
The event will be held at Cherry Street Pier at 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd. It will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Please Touch Museum’s Halloween
Celebrate spooky season at one of Philly’s most interactive spaces for kids! Enjoy spooky storytimes about Peruvian monsters, hear live music, create spooky slime and monster art, show off your costume and more at this all-day event!
The day will end with a “Monster Dash,” or big game of “Red Light Green Light” at 3:30 p.m., and will be followed by a parade at 4:15 p.m.
The programming is all included with museum admission, and you can learn more about specific programs here.
Through Saturday, Oct. 31: Philly Skate Plex Halloween Events
This Philly roller skating rink has a bunch of events and options for your children to enjoy the holiday!
On Saturday, Oct. 17, enjoy the “Not So Scary” Halloween Party, with pumpkin crafts, face painting, tattoos and Halloween music. From noon to 3 p.m. or 4-7 p.m., enjoy $14 admission and $6 skate rental, and meet friendly monsters at the skate rink!
On Sunday, Oct. 25, come for National Chucky Doll Day for “bloody snow cones” and “Chucky Icees.” The event runs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m. and it is $14 admission and $6 skate rental.
On Monday, Oct. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., come on in for “Mummy Versus The Minion” skate night! The event will feature a mummy wrap, snowball fight, and special mummy icees – all for $3 admission and $6 skate rentals.
On Friday, Oct. 30, come meet Frankenstein for the rink’s Frankenstein Day. Enjoy green snow cones, a candy corn guessing jar and $12 admission with $6 skate rental during regular hours.
And on Saturday, Oct. 31, there are lots of events to chose from! The Halloween Noon Bash from noon to 3 p.m. will have friendly characters, and is perfect for your littlest ones. Enjoy a costume contest, candy stations, tattoos, face painting and coloring.
The Halloween Skate Party from 4 to 7 p.m. will be a little bit spookier. Admission is “Buy 1 Get 1” at $14 for admission with $6 skate rental. This event will also have a costume contest, candy stations and face painting.
The After Halloween Bash will round it all off. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., you can wear your PJ’s and enjoy skating, Halloween vibes and music. Admission is $17 and skates are $6 to rent!
Philly SkatePlex is located at 11586 Roosevelt Blvd.
You can also catch several Philly bar crawls and parties going on during Halloween night and before that as well. Check out these listings of parties available in your area by date, location and vibes here.
This is an ongoing list of events that will be updated as more information is found.
