Happy Halloween, Philadelphia! Celebrate the ghoulish holiday at all-night dance parties, bashes at bars, costume parties at museums, late-night concerts and more. (Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia)
Get ready for a monster of holiday weekend, Philadelphia. We're pretty psyched Halloween is on a Friday this year, since that means the parties and celebrations can go all weekend long.
Whether you're looking for activities for pint-sized trick-or-treaters or blowouts for party-ready grown-ups, festivities are in high supply in neighborhoods across the city. Also on tap for Friday, October 31: haunted tours, an Edgar Allen Poe-themed performance, a Sherlock Holmes dinner, costume dance parties, a fantastic Halloween ball and more.
And here’s an idea: Stay over and avoid the hassle of getting home after the halloween parties end. There are several Center City hotels offering some awesome deals on Halloween night — Center City hotel deals start at just $139 per night. Click here for Halloween hotel options.
Start planning your Halloween costume, gather your friends and plan your Halloween night using our handy guide.
HALLOWEEN PARTIES AT BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Halloween at the Haunted Hotel Monaco
Heaven and hell come forth at the Hotel Monaco for its Halloween party. Stratus Rooftop Lounge will transform into heaven, complete with DJ, champagne and cocktails, while the first floor of the Monaco will be decked out in a hellish theme with haunting music, spooky drinks and more. Plus, there’s a complimentary open bar from 10 to 11 p.m. Early bird tickets are $25 and tickets at the door are $30. MORE INFO
Halloween Dance Party at The Trestle Inn
The Trestle Inn’s annual Halloween dance party takes a Brazilian spin with Latin and Brazilian soul music in addition to a costume contest, drink specials (including a complimentary cocktail), go go dancing and more. The party starts at 7 p.m. with a free screening of At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul. Drink-fueled good times and bumping music rock from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. MORE INFO
Night of the Philly Dead: Brews and Brains at International House
International House Philadelphia toasts Halloween with a zombie-themed dance party, costume contest and plenty of craft beer. Look forward to food, cocktails, music until 2 a.m. and even some zombie makeup consultations. Admission is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. Tickets are available online. At the door, ticket prices will increase. MORE INFO
Halloween at Silk City
Dance all night at Silk City’s Halloween costume bash. Come dressed to impress for the chance to win one of numerous prizes and get down to music from a rocking DJ. Cover rings in at $5 for gals and $10 for guys. MORE INFO
Get dressed up in your Halloween’s finest and head to Johnny Brenda’s for an all-night dance party.
(Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Universal Cave Halloween at Johnny Brenda’s
Dance all night at Johnny Brenda’s Universal Cave Halloween, a full evening of music from a solid lineup of DJs. The party lasts from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. downstairs at the well-loved Fishtown music venue. MORE INFO
FOR MANY MORE HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS IN PHILADELPHIA CLICK HERE.
Making Time at Union Transfer
Dance ’til you drop at Making Time’s Halloween party edition at Union Transfer. Get down to music by headliners Dum Dum Girls in addition to Dave P. and Sammy Slice. The party starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m. Tickets, $15, are available online. MORE INFO
Seven Deadly Sins at Yakitori Boy
Yakitori Boy hosts a seven deadly sins-themed party this Halloween complete with a costume contest, tunes from a DJ and a complimentary first shot. The best-dressed guests will receive VIP bottle service as a prize. MORE INFO
Sherlock Holmes Dinner at The Treemont
Don your finest tweed for The Treemont’s costumed Sherlock Holmes dinner on Halloween night. Enjoy Sherlock Holmes-inspired drinks and food while wearing clothes that would have appealed to the master detective. Dinner costs $35 per person. MORE INFO
Terror Behind the Walls Dinner at London Grill
Through November 8. Fuel up before getting spooked at Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary. Enjoy the Fright and Bite package from London Grill which includes a three-course dinner, coffee or tea and a ticket to Terror Behind the Walls and a quick pass to beat the line. MORE INFO
Boos and Brews Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise
As part of its recurring Beef and Beer cruise, the Spirit of Philadelphia celebrates Halloween with a Boos and Brews cruise complete with an open bar, a build your own cheesesteak station and prizes for the best Halloween costume, but masks are not allowed. Tickets are $66.90 per person, and all guests must be over the age of 21. MORE INFO
Looking for a super spooky way to celebrate Halloween? Head to Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary.
(Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
Howl-O-Ween at Howl at the Moon
Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar gets in on the Halloween party action with drink specials, plenty of live piano music and a costume contest that includes up to $500 in cash and prizes. The party starts at 5 p.m. MORE INFO
Halloween at Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant
For a cover fee of $5, dance and enjoy Halloween entertainment at Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant’s Halloween Costume party. Dress in your Halloween best for the chance to win one of numerous prizes. MORE INFO
More, below.
Old Western Halloween at The Twisted Tail
Travel back in time to the wild west at The Twisted Tail’s Old Western Halloween celebration. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with fire breathers, fortune teller, live music and plenty of spirits, beer and wine. MORE INFO
Halloween Party at Fare
Party at Fare as it hosts a Halloween celebration on its heated outdoor patio. From 9 to 11 p.m., dance, drink and eat while wearing your finest Halloween costume. For $45 enjoy an open bar and all-you-can-eat food, and for $25, enjoy just the open bar. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed guests. MORE INFO
FOR TRICK-OR-TREATING PARTIES IN NEIGHBORHOODS CLICK HERE.
Halloween at Pinot Boutique
Dress to impress at Pinot Boutique’s wine-fueled Halloween bash. Costumed guests pay $5 to receive 5 tickets that are each redeemable for a pour of local wine. Un-costumed guests must pay $8 for 5 drink tickets — so dress up! Prizes will be awarded for the scariest costume, best overall costume, sexiest costume and best impersonation costume. MORE INFO
Prohibition Era All Hallows Bash at P.S. & Co.
P.S. & Co., a gluten-free, vegan and organic cafe in Rittenhouse, hosts a Prohibition era-themed Halloween bash from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Groove to live jazz while enjoying organic bites and cold-pressed juice infused with spirits. Dress in your finest costume for the chance to win a prize, too. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Tickets are available online. MORE INFO
Put your dancing shoes on! Bars, museums and attractions across the city host dance-centric parties in celebration of All Hallow’s Eve. (Photo courtesy The Troacero Theatre)
Pinktober Fashion Show at the Hard Rock Cafe
Head to the Hard Rock Cafe for a fashion show benefitting the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The runway looks will be created by local designers, and all designs will be made from old Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts. Following the fashion show, enjoy music, pink drink specials and a costume contest for the scariest costume — so dress in your creepiest Halloween attire. Tickets, $20, are available online. MORE INFO
Halloween at McGillin’s Olde Ale House
On All Hallow’s Eve, sing your heart out at McGillin’s Halloween celebration complete with scara-oke (karaoke with a scary twist), a costume contest, themed drinks and more. MORE INFO
Wicked at Xfinity Live
Boo! Xfinity Live hosts six themed parties this Halloween night. Dress up and head out for rocking music, drink specials and plenty of revelry. Also enjoy free Halloween swag, candy and prizes for the best dressed guests. MORE INFO
Crawl-O-Ween Bar Crawl
October 31-November 1. Embark on a bar crawl this Halloween. Spirit-fueled crawls start at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and continue until bars close their doors at 2 a.m. Stops include Johnny Utah’s, Paddy’s Old City Pub, Tavern on Broad, Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar and Cavanaugh’s Headhouse. Registration for the bar crawl is $10. MORE INFO
HAUNTED HOUSES AND TOURS
Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary
Select dates through November 8. The once-abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary is now home to one of the nation's most frightening haunted house events, Terror Behind the Walls. Hollywood-quality sets, animatronics, custom-designed soundtracks and a cast of more than 200 professional performers delight in scaring thrill-seekers, earning kudos as one of the top haunted houses in the country. MORE INFO
The epic dance party Making Time arrives at Union Transfer for a night of Halloween debauchery.
(Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
The Valley of Fear
Select dates through October 31. Climb aboard the Haunted Hayride and confront monsters and other horrors inhabiting The Valley of Fear, where only the bravest dare to venture. Prepare for the zombie apocalypse in the terrifying Zombie Escape Maze, and do battle with the undead. New for 2014: Operation Z, a live-action zombie paintball hunt. MORE INFO
HorrorFest at Shadybrook Farm
Select dates through November 1. There are even more fearsome attractions in store for the brave guests who dare venture into HorrorFest at Shady Brook Farm, and they come in the form of Barn of Horror, Hayride of Horror, Carnage and the 3-D Alien Invasion. MORE INFO
Fright Factory
Select Dates Through November 1. Housed inside an old factory building in South Philadelphia, this year's Fright Factory summons screams galore. Bigger than ever, it offers even more dark passages and hidden corners where more professionally made-up monsters and high-tech horrors wait to torment visitors. MORE INFO
Pennhurst Asylum
Select Dates Through November 2. Some say the dilapidated halls of the historic Pennhurst Asylum are truly haunted, making the high-tech haunted house even more frightening. Crawl through the Tunnel of Terror, go to laser-tag battle with zombies and wander the labyrinth in the Dungeon of the Lost Souls. MORE INFO
The Bates Motel
Select Dates Through November 2. With professional performers and all-new hair-raising animatronic effects and pyrotechnics, it's no wonder that Bates Motel has been called one of America's scariest haunts by the Travel Channel. Also on site: Haunted Hayride and Haunted Corn Maze. MORE INFO
Come ready to dance as Silk City hosts a costumed dance party this Halloween. (Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Ghost Ship Terror Cruise
Weekends in October. Patriot Harbor Lines runs the irreverently uncensored Ghost Ship Terror Cruise: Pirates & The Jersey Devil on the Delaware River. The evening features tales of Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, pirate ghouls and the region's favorite fiend, the Jersey Devil. Guests ages 17 to 20 must be accompanied by a parent. MORE INFO
Ghost Tours of the Olympia
Select Dates Through November 1. A night on the historic Haunted Olympia reveals whether spirits still roam the ship when the Tri-County Paranormal Society demonstrates the equipment used in ghost-hunting before leading guests on a special investigation tour through the brig, engine room and some of the cruiser's eeriest parts. MORE INFO
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia
Ongoing. Discover what may be lurking behind the shadows in historic Philadelphia. Ghost Tours of Philadelphia uncover haunted spots throughout Society Hill, Independence Mall and Washington Square, telling chilling tales of Benedict Arnold and Founding Fathers along the way. MORE INFO
Spirits of 76 Ghost Tour
Ongoing. Tiptoe carefully through cobblestone streets as the Spirits of 76 Ghost Tour guides tell tales of history and hauntings, stopping at 20 scary sites in some of Philadelphia's most historic neighborhoods. MORE INFO
HALLOWEEN BALLS AND MASQUERADES
Henri David Halloween Ball
The annual Henri David Halloween Ball, the granddaddy of all Halloween parties, is an extravaganza of fanciful and outrageous getups that reflect the host's philosophy: Come as you want to be, not as you are. MORE INFO
Dance to a hauntingly good soundtrack at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Halloween edition of its Art After 5 event. And arrive in costume, too! (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)
Dracula’s Ball at the Trocadero Theatre
Don your best Halloween costume and head out to the Trocadero Theatre for an evening of live music, drinks and debauchery for the annual Dracula’s Ball. The party is open to folks of all ages, but those who want to drink must be over the age of 21. Enjoy music by Spider Lilies, a dark electro-rock group, high-energy dance songs from Interface and more. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets for the party in advance. MORE INFO
Halloween Masquerade Dance Party at the Sedgwick Theater
Join members of the Quintessence Theatre, a local classic theater group, at a Halloween Masquerade Dance Party featuring light food and drinks, music, dancing and costumed fun. Tickets, $25, are available online. MORE INFO
CONCERTS, THEATER AND FILM
Candy Volcano at FringeArts
Travel back to the 1970s at FringeArts as it celebrates Halloween with ’70s tribute band Candy Volcano. Listen to favorites by artists like Davie Bowie, Lou Reed, Queen and T Rex. Tickets are $15 and are available online. MORE INFO
Villains at L’Etage
Beginning at 7 p.m., get in tune with your dark side at L’Etage as drag queens and actresses take the stage dressed as favorite villains from shows and movies. Then at 10 p.m., dance all night to hip hop, pop and club hits. Admission after 10 p.m. is $10. MORE INFO
A Tribute To Michael Jackson’s Thriller at World Cafe Live
Celebrate one of Michael Jackson’s best-known albums, Thriller, with a Halloween party dedicated to his hits. World Cafe Live will host #TeamSoulidified, DJs and special guests for a true tribute to the music genius. $15 tickets are required. MORE INFO
Gather your bravest friends and head to Eastern State Penitentiary for Terror Behind the Walls, its super scary Halloween event. (Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Orchestra’s Halloween Organ Extravaganza
Treat your ears to world-class music at The Philadelphia Orchestra’s presentation of aHalloween Organ Extravaganza. Visit Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for a show of eerie and enchanted music performed on the famed Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ. The late-night show starts at 9:30 p.m., and tickets are $50. Take note, this is an organ-only sow, not an orchestra performance. MORE INFO
Masque of Poe at The Powel House
October 23-25. October 30-November 1. Step into the world of interactive theater this Halloween as The Powel House hosts the Masque of Poe, a show that brings some of Edgar Allen Poe’s most recognized works to the spotlight through eerie tales throughout The Powel House. The show is limited to small groups of people, so get your tickets quickly. MORE INFO
Playing the Boos at Woodmere Art Museum
Listen to jazzy takes on favorite Halloween songs like Ghostbusters, Thriller and Monster Mash as The Woodmere Art Museum hosts a special Halloween edition of its Friday night jazz event series. Tickets are $12 for museum members and $22 for non-members. Costumes are encouraged. MORE INFO
Art After 5: Halloween Edition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
There are spooky goings-on at the Philadelphia Museum of Art during the Halloween edition of Art After 5. Show up in costume, and let the face-painters work their magic. Then get down to a haunting soundtrack, and don't miss the fashion-design students walking around in costumes they designed inspired by the museum's collection. MORE INFO
Air is Human at Ortlieb’s
Those dressed in their Halloween costume will receive discounted admission ($8) to Ortlieb’s Air is Human Halloween show. Get down to live psychedelic rock beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for non-costumed guests. MORE INFO
World Cafe Live raises a glass to Halloween with a tribute party to Michael Jackson’s great Thriller album.
(Photo Matt Urban courtesy World Cafe Live)
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Final-ly Friday Monster Mash in Mt. Airy
On the last Friday of every month, the businesses along and just off of Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy roll out the welcome mat after hours for Final-ly Friday. On Friday, October 31, the neighborhood embraces the Halloween spirit with special spooky events presented by the Community Art Collective and the Sedgwick Theatre. In addition to the monthly lineup of craft vendors and live music, the neighborhood hosts a Halloween dance, a costume contest and more. MORE INFO
Spruce Hill Halloween Parade
In the tree-canopied West Philadelphia neighborhood of Spruce Hill, an annual kid-centric Halloween parade resumes its march on Halloween day. The route departs at 4:30 p.m. from 45th Street north of Baltimore Avenue (next to Milk and Honey) in Spruce Hill and wraps around the neighborhood. Along the route, residents welcome costumed paraders with treats, cider and festive Halloween decorations. Later on, trick-or-treaters should report to the Spruce Hill Center (257 S. 45th Street) to pick up hand-assembled goodie bags. After the parade, stay put in Spruce Hill for some eats. Our picks? Honest Tom's Tacos or Desi Village. MORE INFO
Halloween at the Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum celebrates Halloween with special storytime, sweet treats, a meet and greet with Little Critter and a Halloween dance party. All Halloween festivities are included in the price of general admission. MORE INFO
NESTival Halloween Party at NEST
NEST invites youngsters (and their parents) out for an afternoon of Halloween fun, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged to put on their Halloween costume for the chance to take home a prize. Kids will also enjoy face painting, a glow in the dark room, a candy bar, cupcake decorating, a photo booth, pizza from Zavino and more. Tickets are required. MORE INFO
Halloween at Franklin Square
Family-friendly Franklin Square welcomes Halloween with a month of special Halloween happenings. Tee up at Spooky Mini Golf, featuring fog, lights, music and surprises. Pick a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, and adorn it to take home. Decorate a bag, and pick up goodies along the Trick-or-Treat Trail, welcoming children age 10 and under and take a spin on the Lightning Bolt Express. MORE INFO
Bring the kids to Franklin Square on Halloween night for a round of Spooky mini-golf. (Photo by Erin O’Neil for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.)