Even with a lack of pumpkin patches and hayrides, Philly still has plenty to offer when it comes to celebrating the spooky season in style. For this week’s post I’m going to help point you in the direction of all things spooky in the city! While you have you classics like the haunted house at Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, there is still so much more you can do throughout the month. The list will incorporate all sorts of activities for families, 21+, or by yourself.

Candlelight Concert

If you have social media, you’ve seen this just about everywhere. I went by myself for the first time last year and I left in absolute awe. If you needed a sign to go, this is it! The candlelight concert travels year round with different themes to correspond to their track list. During Halloween they play the classics in the best atmosphere. In Philly they usually do it in two places, Bok building and Independence Seaport Museum. When I went last year, it took place on the rooftop of the Bok building late at night paired with a chilly night breeze. Which if you don’t know anything about Bok this buildings rooftop has one of the best and iconic views of the Philly skyline. Whether with yourself or a partner, it was actually incredibly romantic. This is a very limited opportunity though, I believe they only do a handful of dates in Philly so plan ahead!

Franklin Square

I frequent this park for the shelter I volunteer at, they hold small events to raise awareness about local organizations. But they also have their own festivals like Chinese New Year and of course, Halloween. For this year Franklin Square is hosting a day time and night time tee time for their Spooky mini golf course! Of course, the later the tee time the more spookier it gets. They will also have their Boo-zy Bar available between 5pm-9pm. Franklin Square always host family friendly events so this would be a fun time to bring your family and indulge in the cooling fall breeze with some scares and a warm apple toddy.

Terror Behind the Walls

While the Haunted Houses are the main attraction and the most iconic, there is also something to do for the scaredy cats as well! (Me, I’m scaredy cat). Shockingly enough, this is something you can do as an individual as well, I actually went completely by myself last year and had a blast! The have a bar crawl within the walls of the Penitentiary where you can hit themed spots through the festival and each spot correlates to the haunted houses they have. Each bar will have different themed drinks as well as different performances by the incredible scare actors. For those who are not big drinkers, there’s also plenty of different appetizers and local cuisines that you can find throughout the park. I don’t know if they go every year, but Down North Pizza is an award winning Detroit-style pizza and I always make sure to get two slices for myself! Then if you arrive early enough, you can also get a s’mores bundle and huddle around the fire pits they provide in designated areas. I think you can bring your kids, but I don’t know if I would count this place as family friendly. A lot of space to run around and get lost (and very frightened) so it’s okay! Kids don’t need to do every single Halloween event! Grab your friends and get to know the ghouls and goblins at Terror Behind The Walls

Cityside Pumpkin Patch

The Cityside Pumpkin Patch is located at Liberty Point with a range of activities beyond pumpkin picking such as, pumpkin smashing, carnival games, and Halloween treats. The Patch has general admission and has a separate ticket to pick out a pumpkin. Its location is right on the water which brings in the beautiful view and chilly fall breeze. So if you are looking for something family friendly, but also wish to indulge in spooky themed drinks, this place has everything to haunt any age!

Halloween Bars

So if there is one thing Philly does is go above and beyond on is themed bars and there is no shortage for Halloween. But it can get overwhelming or even disappointing when a bar claims to be Halloween themed and just has some boring decor. Luckily there are plenty of diamonds throughout Philly who take the holiday seriously! The most Iconic one would be Tinsel, usually known for its Christmas pop-up, the bar takes a haunting turn and summons the local ghouls and goblins! Tinsel doesn’t have a kitchen and their drinks are very on theme with the holiday. One more note, most of the money you pay for on these drinks goes towards the cup it comes in and not the actual drink. Next is one I haven’t been to but one I’ve heard a lot about and hope to make it to before the month ends. Clown bar is located in the Fishtown area and it is not a pop-up bar but does a very good job of being in theme with the scary happenings of the month of October. Drink menu is limited, but has something very everyone! Lastly, another one I haven’t been to but I always love to promote a unique experience you can have in the city, The Mad Scientist Cocktail lab. Starting at $22, you and your friends can enjoy an interactive cocktail and if you’re brave enough, get a tarot reading done! The sad thing about places like this is how hefty the price can be, so if you’re looking for a long night out, definitely make this your first stop/pregame as I wouldn’t spend the whole night here.

Thank you so much for reading! Have a wonderful day!