Halloween is coming, and if you check with some places, it’s already here! Somewhere along the way, Halloween has taken over the whole month of October; but that might just be necessary to fit in all these fun events around town. There are some modifications due to the pandemic, but from haunted houses to spooky golf to trick-or-treating, there are so many ways for kids (and adults) of every age to celebrate. So ready those costumes–you’re going to need them!

 

Be sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back—we’ll be updating as some annual favorites announce their dates too.

 

Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square

October 1—31, 6—10 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

 

Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with fog, lights, music, and surprises! While you’re there, the Franklin Square Fountain runs shows every 30 minutes with synchronized lights and music. Advanced timed tickets are required available online at historicphiladelphia.org.

Franklin Fright

Weekends from October 1–31

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

 

Spooky science, scary live shows, and other frightfully fun, family-friendly festivities take over the museum this October. Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat indoors, through iconic exhibits with surprises behind each of the festive doors! Meet monsters, mummies, and magicians while collecting tasty treats! Included with admission; bring your own bag for trick-or-treating. Masks are required for all guests age 3 and up, regardless of vaccination status.

Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest

September 24–October 30

Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

 

Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier always brings a full month of special events, fall food and drinks, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving (pick a pumpkin for $5 to $10 and carve it!), fall decor, seasonal treats, and local brews. Reservations are recommended for table service; walk-ins are welcome for all bar areas.

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

Select dates from September 24 through November 13

Eastern State Penitentiary, 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue

 

From the creators of Terror Behind the Walls, this brand-new seasonal festival offers more variety with 15 different spooky attractions, transforming abandoned cellblocks and courtyards into immersive, interactive environments. The experience includes two haunted houses (which can be bypassed by those wanting a less scary experience), a 3D fun house, two immersive walkthrough experiences, three live performances, four themed bars and lounges, and special effects like laser shows and large-scale video projections. Visitors can also take a guided, flashlight walking tour of the prison hospital wing focusing on the prison’s complex history. ‘Halloween Nights’ is recommended for kids 12 and older; children under the age of seven are not permitted. Tickets available online. Masks are required in all indoor spaces,  regardless of vaccination status.

Boo at the Zoo

Weekends from October 16—31

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

 

Put on your favorite costume and set out on a trick-or-treat safari around the zoo. There are also festive displays throughout the zoo that make for great photo ops. To minimize touchpoints, candy will be available at stations around the Zoo. Tickets available online.

 

 

‘Hocus Pocus’ Friday Movie Nights at The Bourse

October 8, 15, and 29; 6:30 pm

The Bourse, 111 South Independence Mall East

 

The Bourse invites witches, ghouls, and spooky season lovers alike to the patio on three Fridays in October to watch Hocus Pocus on a 16-foot projector while enjoying themed treats from select The Bourse Food Hall vendors. Tickets are available for $20 per table (tables seat up to four guests). Seating is limited, so pre-register online. The movie will start promptly at 7 pm, but ticketholders are invited to arrive as early as 6 pm to enjoy a themed snack and beverage prior to the showing.

Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt at Sister Cities Park

October 16, 11 am–1 pm

210 N. 18th St.

 

This not-so-scary Halloween celebration will feature a scavenger hunt, candy, free pumpkin painting, spooky storytime with the Free Library of Philadelphia, and a special circus arts performance. And be sure to dress up, because everyone in attendance will be invited to participate in a costume parade through the park!

Trunk or Treat at Action Karate

October 16, 12:15 pm

500 Fairthorne Ave.

 

Action Karate is hosting a free community Halloween celebration, so come in costume for some fun! Pre-register online for a free candy bag and shark tattoo.

HOWL-o-ween Pet Costume Contest and Fall Fest

October 16, 1–3 pm

The Bourse, 111 South Independence Mall East

 

This outdoor event will feature drinks, yard games, treats for your pet, and a dog costume contest to benefit The Morris Animal Refuge. The $10 “costume contest entry” ticket enters your pet into the costume contest and snags you an adorable fall-themed photo of your pet in their Howl-o-ween best on the day of the event. Tickets available online.

Outdoor Movie Night: ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’

October 16, 7 pm

Campbell Square, 2535 E. Allegheny Ave.

 

Bring a chair or blanket and gather at Campbell Square for this Halloween classic!

Pumpkin Painting at Fleisher Art Memorial

October 17, 11:30 am and 1 pm

Fleisher Art Memorial parking lot, 719 Catharine St.

 

Fleisher hosts a festive celebration with friends, neighbors, and cool jack-o’-lanterns. Large pumpkins and individual painting kits will be available to all attendees alongside artistic guidance to help you create your masterpiece. Space is limited and registration is required to guarantee your timeslot, a pumpkin and kit at the event.

Paint Party at Love City Brewing

October 17, 1 pm

1023 Hamilton Street

 

Enjoy craft beers while your kids paint at a spooky Halloween canvas at this fun, family-friendly event. Pre-registration ($20 per child) is required, and includes all of the supplies. Decorate-Your-Own Cookies from Deana’s Cookie Couture will be available for pre-order as well.

Candytopia: Halloween Sweets and Treats

October 22–November 1
Candytopia, 901 Market St.

 

Candy lovers and visitors are invited to wear their favorite family-friendly costumes for selfies and photo opportunities inside the sweetest pop-up experience in Philadelphia. While visitors explore the dazzling and colorful environments, they will find extra sweets and treats hidden throughout the space. On top of the usual candy in each and every room, special Candytopians will be showing off their own costumes and giving away extra bonus candy. Tickets available online. Guests ages 4 and up will be required to wear a mask or face covering.

Halloween Hikes and Hayrides

October 22 and 23, 4—10 pm

Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

 

Get into the Halloween spirit with spooktacular mystery-filled hikes, nature-inspired crafts and activities, and hayrides through the magical moonlit forest. Enjoy s’mores by the campfire, snacks from local food trucks, and a Halloween movie on the lawn (once the sun has set). Space is limited; registration is required. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.

Halloween Fun at the Please Touch Museum

October 23-31

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

In addition to the new Wizard of Oz exhibit, you can enjoy not-so-scary fun, including a Meet-and-Greet with Dorothy (October 23 only), storytimes, Halloween-themed activities, and trick-or-treating at the museum on October 31.

Gold Star Park Fall Festival

October 23, 10 am–noon

625 Wharton St.

 

DJ Flipp Fripps will be bringing the beats for a dance party, so dress in your favorite costume and come rock out. Pick up your party passport and visit all the stations for art activities, trick-or-treating, photo opportunities, and balloon art.

Roxtoberfest 2021

October 23, 1–6 pm

Ridge Avenue between Leverington Avenue and Lyceum Avenue

 

Reconnect with your favorite Roxborough businesses and neighbors– and get a head start on Halloween too– with great food and drink, music, performances, trick-or-treating, and kid’s activities.

Halloween Afternoon at Gatehouse

October 23, 2–6 pm

Gatehouse at the Navy Yard, 4503 S. Broad St.

 

A family-friendly Halloween afternoon at Gatehouse with live music by Stephanie Owens, face painting, pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, games, and more. The costume parade will kick off at 4:30 pm. Pumpkins are $5 to paint or included with every kid’s meal ordered.

Halloween Family Fun Day at The Woodlands

October 24, noon–3 pm

4000 Woodland Ave.

 

The Woodlands is hosting a free spooky family-friendly day to celebrate Halloween. This year’s event will feature a digital Halloween themed self-guided tour, and performances by Tangle Movement Arts, and Karen Smith’s “Spiritual Atmospheric Cleansing.” This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is required by October 22.

Drag Queen Storytime

October 24, 3 pm

The Meadows at FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave.

 

Philly Family Pride will be hosting a Halloween-themed fun-with-bubbles playdate for Philly LGBTQ-led families at FDR Park. At 3:30 pm, Dusty Rose will lead Drag Queen Storytime for the kids! Costumes welcome!

Virtual Halloween Celebration with Philadelphia Museum of Art

October 27, 4 pm

 

In this virtual experience, artworks come to life and challenge you with riddles, close-looking activities, and other “treats.” Have a pencil and paper handy for some spooky sketching, and be sure to wear your costume.​ Best for ages 4–10. Free; pre-register online.

Halloween Skate Party

October 27, 4:30 pm

Laura Sims Skate House, 210 Cobbs Creek Parkway

 

Get your costume on for a free public skating session, along with free food and other Halloween treats.

Ghosts in the Garden

October 27, 6–8 pm

Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Show up at Bartram’s Garden after dark and — if you dare — walk the twisting path through the haunted meadow. If you can make it all the way to the end of the path, a delicious prize awaits. Free; treat bags are first-come, first-served; supplies are limited.

Scanlon Community Fall Festival

October 28, 4–6:30 pm

1099 E. Venango St.

 

This neighborhood event hosted by Snider Hockey, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the Philadelphia Flyers is free to attend and will include food, music, ice skating, a book fair, kid’s crafts, and more!

Pacifico’s Trunk or Treat

October 28, 4 pm

Pacifico Ford lot, 6701 Essington Ave.

 

Pacifico will open and decorate their parking lot by lining up employee vehicles decked out in various themes for children to safely trick-or-treat! There will also be activities, games, pumpkin painting, candy, snacks, and more. Dress up and bring your own bags.

Halloween Party at East Passyunk Community Recreation Center

October 28, 6:30 pm

1025 Mifflin St.

 

Costume prizes, pumpkin decorating, music, and more. Free and for all ages.

Day-Off Camp: Schuylkill’s Spooky Soiree

October 29, 8 am-3 pm

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

 

Kids who have off of school can come dressed in their best costumes to trek through the forest and carve pumpkins! Then, they’ll hop on a broom and zoom around the “sky” in search of the golden snitch during a riveting game of quidditch, followed by a nice cold glass of butter “beer,” caramel apples, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Pre-register online. Extended care is available until 6 pm.

Preschool Costume Parade in Rittenhouse Square

October 29, 10 am

18^th and Walnut (meet at Billy the Goat)

 

Little ones are invited to show off their Halloween costumes for the neighborhood. Meet Miss Liz at the Goat Statue in Rittenhouse Square at 10 am, for the library’s annual Preschool Costume Parade!

Halloween Campfire and Party

October 29, 7:30 pm

Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.

 

Ages 6 and up are welcome to participate in spooky stories by the campfire and other Halloween fun! Registration is required; email PEC@phila.gov

Halloween at Reading Terminal Market

October 30, 9 am—noon

12th and Arch streets

 

Kids can visit “The Pumpkin Patch” at Reading Terminal Market, trick-or-treat, take photos, and do free crafts.

Healthy Halloween at Smith Memorial Playground 

October 30, 10 am–noon

3500 Reservoir Drive

 

Come in costume for a fun Halloween celebration including socially distanced treat giveaways, snacks, and other festive activities. Tickets are free, but per the COVID-19 safety guidelines, pre-registration is required for timed entry to this event. Smith will allow a maximum of 250 people on the Playground at one time.

Rittenhouse Row Trick-or-Treating

October 30, 10 am—5 pm

Various locations near Rittenhouse Square

 

Come in costume for trick-or-treating throughout the businesses of Rittenhouse Row (look for window signs), and visit the One-Stop Trick-or-Treat Station and photobooth at 18th and Walnut from 11 am-1 pm.

Halloween Hooplah at Cherry Street Pier

October 30, noon—4 pm (reserve tickets for your desired timeslot)

121 N. Columbus Blvd.

 

Join Cherry Street Pier for a fun, safe kids Halloween party, spooky masks and all, hosted by resident artist organization Portside Art Center. Families can participate in physically-distanced Monster Mash Dance Party broadcasted on the Pier’s jumbotron, a special craft, and pumpkin painting featuring pumpkins courtesy of Riverwards Produce. Advance timed tickets are required to ensure social distancing.

Franklin Square Trick-or-Treat Trail

October 30, noon—2 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

 

Children can follow the path through the Square to special houses along the Trick-or-Treat Street to receive a treat. Free for children 10 and under. Capacity is limited; advanced reservations are required. Costumes encouraged!

East Passyunk Fall Fest and Spooky Saturday

October 30, 11 am–3 pm

East Passyunk Avenue (many events are at the Singing Fountain at E. Passyunk Ave. and Tasker)

 

Halloween festivities include a free costume photo booth (for children, adults, and pets), grab-and-go pumpkins, live music, digital scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating at businesses, and more. Plus, dozens of local vendors, seasonal fall food items, and even spirited cocktails for the grownups!

South Street PumpkinFest

October 30, noon—4 pm

Headhouse Shambles, Second and Pine streets

 

An afternoon of arts and crafts, above-the-mask face painting, performances, candy, pumpkin decorating, and more!

Craft Hall-oween

October 30, noon—2 pm

Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Ave.

 

Starting at 12:30 pm, children of all ages will be invited to participate in an indoor costume parade. Then at 1 pm, the party moves outdoors (weather permitting) for a doggy costume parade throughout the Puppy Porch, ending in Craft Hall’s Unleashed Bark & Beer dog park area! Additionally, pumpkins perfect for the picking will be scattered around to decorate at your table. (Small pumpkins are available for $5 purchase; larger pumpkins for $10, each accompanied with all the sticker decorations). Free; food and drink are pay-as-you-go.

Halloween in Manayunk

October 30, 10:30 am

Pretzel Park and Main Street, Manayunk

 

Manayunk keeps it spooky but safe for your family with activities, Halloween-themed vendors, and a costume parade! The Pretzel Park Farmers Market will host its annual kid and pet costume parade at 10:30 am, followed by trick-or-treating at select small businesses.

A Revolutionary Halloweekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

October 30-31

101 S. Third St.

 

This Halloween weekend, join the Museum for family-friend frights and fun, including turnip-carving demos, revolutionary jack-o-lantern stencils, and more. Kids who wear a costume on their visit receive $2 off admission. All guests ages five and up will be required to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Trick or Treat Trails

October 30, 1–4 pm

Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway

 

Go on a storybook trail from the Cobb’s Creek Recreation Center to the Environmental Center and many other fun Halloween-centered activities. Costumes optional, candy abundant!

Stenton’s Halloween Harvest Festival

October 30, 1 pm

Stenton Museum, 4601 N. 18th St.

 

All ages are welcome to enjoy games, crafts, face painting, pumpkin painting, light refreshments, and spooky storytime with Logan Library. Plus, live music by Jump Fingers String Band. Free; pre-registration requested.

East Falls Halloween Parade and Block Party

October 30, 4–7 pm

Rutabaga Toy Library block (between Sunnyside and Division on Conrad Street)

 

The parade starts in front of Rutabaga Toy Library, and departs at 4:30 pm. The parade will end at the block party in front of Rutabaga where there will be lots of fun including a costume contest, dance party, and eco-play crafts.

Haunted Horses Show

October 30, 4–7 pm

Northwestern Stables, 120 W. Northwestern Ave.

 

Horses will be wearing their costumes…gallop into yours too! Plus, enjoy a spook-tacularly decorated trail with plenty of treats and few tricks. Reserve your timed tickets online, including an option to add on kids’ riding lessons.

PSPCA Drive-In Movie Night: ‘Hocus Pocus’

October 30, 6:30 pm

IKEA parking lot, 2206 S. Columbus Blvd.

 

Amok! Amok! Amok! Catch this Halloween classic at a drive-in for a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania SPCA. Tickets available online ($45 per car). Gates open at 5:30 pm; movie starts at 6:30 pm.

Free Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Hocus Pocus’

October 30, 8:30 pm

Campbell Square, Belgrade St. and E. Allegheny Ave.

 

Bring a chair or blanket for a free outdoor movie on Halloween eve in Port Richmond!

Halloween in the Sculpture Garden

October 31, 10:30 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Enjoy art-making, music, pumpkin carving, games, sweet treats, stories, and more in the museum’s one-acre Sculpture Garden. Friendly costumed characters will lead looking games as sculptures come to life. Cider and donuts will also be available for purchase. Free; no reservations required.

Halloween Festival at Philadelphia Butterfly Pavilion and Insectarium

October 31, 10 am—5 pm

8046 Frankford Avenue

 

Get creepy and crawly this Halloween with hands-on exhibits, live music, games, events, food, drink, and a costume contest. Tickets available online and at the door.

Trick Or Treat at Philly Rock Gym

October 31, 10 am-5 pm

2412 E. York Rd. (PRG Fishtown); and 3500 Scotts Ln. (PRG East Falls)

 

Climb in costume at the PRG and stop by the Halloween photobooth to enter a Virtual Halloween Costume Contest for even more fun! Reservations are required in advance for your desired timeslot and location.

Halloween Bash at Lemon Hill

October 31, 11 am

Lemon Hill Park

 

Bring a blanket and meet Kith + Kin at Lemon Hill for Halloween fun. Enjoy a concert by Roots with Ruark, followed by a costume parade and goodies! Tickets available online.

Fall Family Day at Laurel Hill Cemetery

October 31, 11 am—2 pm

3822 Ridge Avenue

 

This special event features children’s tours, pumpkin decorating, spooky crafts, fun games and other treats. Come in costume, bring the entire family—even the dog! All are welcome. This event is free, but registration is required.

Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival

October 31, noon—4 pm

Laurel and N. Second streets

 

Philadelphia’s largest Halloween dog costume contest is back – and cuter than ever! Dozens of dogs (and their owners) will compete for prizes in five categories. Registration for this annual benefit is only a $30 donation per pup. All proceeds benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue in their mission to help homeless and unwanted animals in the Philadelphia area.

Halloween Family Brunch at Frankford Hall

October 31, noon—4 pm

1210 Frankford Avenue

 

Get Halloween off to a great start with pumpkins, face painting, balloon art, crafts, and more! Make reservations online.

Halloween on the Hill

October 31, 1—3 pm

Chestnut Hill

 

Bring out the costumes and the treat bags for this free annual trick-or-treat event around Chestnut Hill businesses.

Outdoor Movie: ‘Hocus Pocus’ at Terrace on Tap

October 31, 2 pm and 4 pm

Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street

 

In addition to spooky fun activities and candy, make your reservations for 2 pm or 4 pm so you can enjoy a Halloween classic before venturing out for a night of trick-or-treating!

Liberty Lands Fall Fest

October 31, 3—5:30 pm

Liberty Lands Park, N. Third St.

 

A Northern Liberties favorite, this is an opportunity for some socially distanced trick or treating by neighbors. There will be live music and pumpkins for decorating too. Bring a blanket and a basket for treats.

Fishtown Halloween Party

October 31, 3—5 pm

Frankford and York Roundabout (2400 block of Trenton Ave.)

 

Join Fishtown Neighbors Associaton and partners for a fun afternoon including a costume contest, Positive Movement Entertainment (the Elmo drumline) along with some more local musical entertainers, plus over a dozen local organizations giving away candy, books, and more.

Haunted River Cruises

Multiple dates from October 2—23

Meet at 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

 

This spooky 90-minute “Phantoms of the River” tour is narrated by a pirate telling spooky tales of the “haunted” Delaware River. Tickets available online.

Día de los Muertos Events

Día de los Muertos Festival at the Penn Museum

October 23, 11 am–4 pm

3260 South St.

 

Explore the unique history, traditions, and expressions of this Mexican celebration of life and death. This full-day festival offers fun for the whole family, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional altar installation by local artist Cesar Viveros. Included with museum admission.

 

Learn about one of Mexico’s best-known traditions: Día de los Muertos. Discover how the country’s geography and natural riches connect to the deep meaning of la ofrenda (the altar) at the center of this holiday. Learners will explore each element of an ofrenda as they draw an altar along with museum educators and add personal designs that make it unique to their own lives This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Virtual Sundays on Stage: Mexico Beyond Mariachi – SUGAR SKULL! A Virtual Día de Muertos Adventure

October 24, 2 pm

 

Specifically created for the virtual stage, SUGAR SKULL! A Virtual Día de Muertos Adventure is a captivating theatrical experience for the times that celebrates Day of the Dead, a traditional holiday that transcends borders. Join Sugar Skull, a charismatic candy skeleton, as he follows the music towards the ultimate party! He is spurred on by the tricky Chaneques, who desperately want him to be the centerpiece on their ofrenda. Along the path, Sugar Skull meets many colorful characters who teach him how Day of the Dead is much more than a party – it is a celebration of life!

Day of the Dead Celebrations at Fleisher Art Memorial

October 30, 3 pm (children’s fair) and 4:30 pm (procession)

719 Catharine St.

 

Bring the kidss to workshops intended to honor the tradition in a fun way and then join in Fleisher’s colorful procession through South Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead photograph by J. Fusco, courtesy of Historic Philadelphia.