City Cast Philly logo

Where To Get Your Spooky Szn Scares in Philly

Posted on October 7, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Asha Prihar

Asha Prihar

Two scare actors looking at each other menacingly.

Do you like to feel fear while knowing that none of it is actually real, and you’re definitely gonna be fine in the end? Maybe try visiting a haunted house. (Courtesy of Lincoln Mill Haunted House)

Searching for a fright this October? Philly is in Halloween mode, so there’s no shortage of ways to creep yourself out this month. Here are some local places that’ll help give you the shivers.

Thursdays to Sundays through Nov. 2 ($35)

Scare actors and animatronics are likely to spook you (but not touch you) at this mill-turned-Halloween attraction in Manayunk. If you go on Halloweekend (the nights of Oct. 25 and 26), you can catch a ride to other Main Street attractions on Manayunk’s free Trick-or-Trolley.

Nightly through November ($24)

If you’re intrigued by claims of paranormal activity around the city’s historic district, this nighttime tour — which recounts ghost stories associated with sites in Old City and Society Hill — may be right up your alley.

Most nights until Nov. 9 ($39–$59)

Five haunted houses, a vampire-themed cocktail lounge, campfire ghost stories, a light show … there’s lots going on at this elaborate, extensive Halloween pop-up at the historic abandoned prison in Fairmount.

Oct. 11, 12, 18, 24–27 ($22)

This after-hours walking tour at the Revolutionary War battlefield on the Delaware supposedly involves “REAL ghosts” — plus a pop-up bar with different sorts of spirits.

🕺 A Non-Scary Option: Costume/Dance Parties

For those who don’t want to scream (unless it’s the lyrics to “Monster Mash”), Philly’s got lots of events where you can simply put on your Halloween costume and dance the night away.

Here’s a sampling of events this spooky season:

Share article

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Philly

Sponsored

Moving to Philadelphia? What to Check Before You Pick a Neighborhood, Book a Truck, and Sign a Lease

With this guide, you can move to Philadelphia, move from another place to Philadelphia, or just see if living in Philadelphia fits your d...

Wellknown Moving Company Logo
Philly, ExplainedSeptember 25

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines.

City Cast Philly Crossword
Keep It LocalSeptember 24

Learn to Make Cool Things at NextFab

NextFab is a membership-based makerspace that helps people turn ideas into products. Here are three hobbies you can pick up at NextFab.

A person wearing safety gear and work gloves stands beside a metalworking workstation with a large ventilation hood and welding equipment at NextFab.
Food & DrinkSeptember 24

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

Philly’s culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious s...

(Courtesy of Michael Persico)
Keep It LocalSeptember 24

Become a Person With Hobbies This Fall

Whether you want to make something, move your body, learn a skill, or just get really good at something new, here are a few places around...

 Inside the wood shop at Philadelphia Woodworks, with a woman working at one of the workshop tables in the background. A large table in the foreground is lined with dozens of clamps along its edges; walls are hung with organized rows of tools and clamps; there is a drill press in the corner.
Philly, ExplainedSeptember 18

Prove Your Weekly Philly Knowledge

How well do you know Philly's latest headlines and historical facts? Try your hand at this quiz to find out!

A golden statue of a woman with wings holding up a globe is in the foreground, with an Emmy Awards sign and foliage in the background.
Keep It LocalSeptember 17

Philly Spirits Worth Trying (and Bringing Home)

Philadelphia has a long tradition of distilling that has evolved from colonial rum and whiskey-making into a new generation of small prod...

Two blue glass bottles of Philadelphia Distilling Co.’s Bluecoat American Dry Gin are displayed on a bar counter inside the distillery alongside a glass of the gin with an orange peel.
Keep It LocalSeptember 17

Philly Quiz: How Well Do You Know Local Liquors?

Test out your local Philadelphia business knowledge with this quiz.

New Liberty Distillery’s Kinsey line of spirits shows a bottle of bourbon whiskey, American whiskey, and rye whiskey.