What’s one thing that is scarier than the ghouls, ghosts and ghastly terrors of Halloween? Missing out on some of the best festivities of the season! So, grab your gal pals, roommates, or friends from class and use this guide to plan your autumn itinerary.
The foliage of the Founder’s Garden is changing, the student-center Starbucks is selling out of pumpkin lattes, and the Fresh Grocer is lining up bags of delicious candy. It’s that time of year when, arguably, some of the most anticipated seasonal activities become available again. Yet, figuring out how to fit apple-picking, cider-sipping, and haunted-hay-riding all within the span of two months can be a daunting (or you could say, haunting) endeavor- especially when trying to work around the schedule of a college student.
Lucky for us Temple students, Philadelphia has a host of spooky activities to occupy your time. So, let’s finally move your ideas out of the girl’s group chat and into your reality because, in an ever-changing season like fall, there’s truly no time to waste!
1. Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, September 23- November 12, 2022
If you’re native to the Philadelphia area you most likely know about or have been to Halloween Nights at the Eastern State Penitentiary. The abandoned, 10-acre prison hosts five haunted houses- each with its own frightening spin. For 21+ groups, there’s a prohibition-themed cocktail lounge at Al Capone’s former cell, as well as another bar named The Bloodline Lounge. If these attractions don’t chill your bones, then the After Dark CB3 tour surely will. This 20-minute guided tour leads guests through cellblock three, which housed the prison’s medical facilities.
“The Voices of Eastern State” Highlights Audio Tour is another great option if you want to hear about the prison’s spooky history. Narrated by Steve Buscemi, guests will receive a guided tour featuring the real voices and stories of people who worked at and were incarcerated in the penitentiary. Don’t worry though, even our most wholesome Halloween enjoyers have something to enjoy here! S’mores and Lore combine the sickly sweetness of roasting s’mores over a crackling fire, with ghost stories that will leave you sleeping with one eye open. General Admissions tickets are $34 when you buy ahead, but large groups only pay $30 per person.
2. Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, 8pm Nightly
These tours are run by Grim Philly, a heavily researched tour group led by historians who will tell you all the seediest gossip from 1776. This tour includes R-rated, rarely discussed details about what went on behind the scenes of our nation’s founding fathers. Besides risque stories of espionage, blackmail, and much more, there are plentiful ghost stories that take place right in the heart of Philadelphia. Groups can also attend a Serial Killers and Cemeteries Tour on Saturdays, as well as a haunted pub crawl for 21+ attendees. Tickets range from $35 on weekends to $30 on weekdays, so don’t miss out on this chance to hear the deepest secrets from the city of brotherly love.
3. Mutter Museum, October 6-28, 2022 (select dates)
This macabre museum offers spooky splendors to visitors year-round, yet the museum really steps its exhibits up a notch once October rolls around. First, the Dracula Case Exhibit delves into the history of vampires, along with the 19th-century surge in discoveries of blood-sucking creatures. Mischief at the Mutter is a special, after-hours, party, where guests are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes, indulge in food and drinks, and enjoy dancing, tarot card readings, and circus performances. This particular event occurs on October 28th, so be sure to reserve your spot at this thrilling monster mash. Finally, on October 16th, museum-goers can enjoy the exhibits, food, and drinks, before settling in for a private viewing of a silent, but live-scored,1922 Swedish horror documentary, Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages. What could be better to put you into the Halloween spirit than to delve into the terrifying history of today’s greatest ghost stories?
4. Uptown Upside Down at Uptown Beer Garden, through October 31st (21+)
Adults beware of the Stranger Things happening at Uptown Beer Garden! This boozy pop-up is complete with replicas of Demogorgons, Max floating in the sky under Vecna’s control, and the famous alphabetized string lights from season 1. Signature cocktails like Chrissy Wake Up, Hellfire, and Redrum will surely bring the Upside Down to life for fans of the show. Grab your bestie and make the most of this limited-time treat!
5. Fright @ Night at the Franklin Institute, October 28, 2022 (21+)
The Franklin Institute has more than just giant anatomical hearts; this month, you can experience the scary side of Science After Dark. This night is planned with a ton of featured programs ranging from DJ Carl Michaels igniting the Fels Planetarium Dance Floor, to Philly’s resident drag ghoul, Onyx Ondyx hosting an evening of drag bingo that will leave you howling for more. The Squidling Brother’s Circus Sideshow and Mano Divine, electricity-bending theremin player, bring together the oddities of Halloween with engaging scientific spectacles. End the night by visiting one of the venue’s several cash ars or stargazing on the Franklin Institute’s rooftop deck to make your experience one to never forget. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, so don’t let this opportunity vanish in a cloud of smoke, and get yours today!
You won’t want to miss out on some of the most electrifying Halloween-themed events within the greater Philadelphia region. Start planning your costumes and reserving those tickets to plan out a fall season you and your friends will never forget!