Halloween for Grownups: Pop-Up Bars, Spooky Soirées and More Philly Haunts

From macabre cocktails to costume parties to haunted jaunts, there are so many ways to embrace Spooky Season.

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halloween bars cocktails

Cocktails at Halloween pop-up bar Nightmare Before Tinsel / Photograph by Society Hill Films

You’re never too old for Halloween. Dressing up? Check. Eating candy? Absolutely. Watching Hocus Pocus for the 25th time? No problems there. But if you’re a grownup who wants some extra Halloween festiveness, you’ve got options beyond tagging along with your kids (or your friend’s kids who you’ve suddenly befriended in hopes of fun-size Snickers leftovers) for trick-or-treating. In fact, there are more options than ever, with pop-up bars, haunted houses, spooky soirées and so much more.

Ongoing: Halloween Pop-Ups, Haunted Houses and More

The Nightmare Before Tinsel

This Halloween pop-up bar located in an abandoned jewelry store has everything: a skeleton throne, zombies, a haunted mansion, an undead Phanatic. And, of course, the drink menu does not disappoint. Expect lots of themed cocktails like the Blood Bag (it’s cranberry juice, don’t worry), skull-shaped specialty shots (yes, you can keep the skull), and other fall flavors served up in Halloween-themed take-home vessels. And this year is bigger than ever as Tinsel takes over two floors, each with its own Halloween-y bar.
Pay-as-you-go, through October 31st, 116 South 12th Street.

Uptown’s Freak Show

Uptown Beer Garden is decked out in creepy clowns, giant monsters, festive skeletons and more Halloween-y decor (including some Stranger Things creatures left over from last year). They’ve even got carnival games to sweeten the deal. Plus themed cocktails in take-home souvenir cups including an adorable candy-corn sipper and a more macabre skull cup.
Pay-as-you-go; now through October 31st, Uptown Beer Garden, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

halloween bars

Drinks at Uptown Beer Garden’s Halloween bar. / Photograph by Laura Swartz

The Afterlife at Taqueria Amor

For spooky season, this Manayunk spot takes its inspiration from Beetlejuice this year. Their “Handbook for the Recently Dehydrated” menu includes drinks like the Day-O, the Ghost With the Most, and It’s Showtime! And yes, the Day-O includes bananas. Plus, lots of Beetlejuice photo ops, including a giant sandworm!
Pay-as-you-go; through October 31st, 4410 Main Street, Manayunk.

Potion Making and More at The Cauldron

Midtown Village’s magical, wizard-adjacent bar hosts “potion making” mixology sessions all year long, but they kick it up a notch during Halloween season. The experience lasts just under two hours and includes an “ectoplasm shot” and all the ingredients and directions to mix up some spooky cocktails. You get a wand and witch’s hat to wear, too. It’s the best. (Note to parents: They also have kid-friendly hours if your little ghouls and goblins want to get in on the fun.) They’ll also be hosting Halloween events, like drag brunch with Brittany Lynn, a Rocky Horror performance, and a Halloween Disco party.
$45-$60 for potion making; through November 5th, 1305 Locust Street.

Nightmare Before Christmas Pop-Up at Craftsman Row

Known for their over-the-top milkshakes and penchant for theming, Craftsman Row is getting into the haunting game with a Nightmare Before Christmas pop-up experience. Expect special menu items (Spook-ghetti and Meatballs, anyone?), cocktails, boozy milkshakes, and lots of decorations.
Pay-as-you-go; through October 31st, Craftsman Row Saloon, 112 South 8th Street.

Halloween Bar

Craftsman Row’s Halloween Bar / Photograph by Cody Aldrich

Adult Trick-or-Treat at Chaddsford Winery

Join a Chaddsford Wine Guide on a walking tour to visit five Halloween-themed pairing stations — and get wine tips along the way. This year also includes a costume contest, so dress your best. You’ll get a keepsake Halloween wine glass, plus plenty of wine and snacks, in a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treat experiences that’s 21-and-up only. After your 45-minute jaunt, you can buy more wine (or beer) by the glass, plus food from visiting food trucks.
$36-$46; Saturdays and Sundays through November 3rd, Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford.

Fright Factory

The basement of this 120-year-old factory is split into three frightening themes to explore, complete with lots of scare-actors, special effects, and elaborate set design.
$40-$55; select dates through October 31st, 2200 South Swanson Street.

Bates Motel

This haunted motel in Delco is a longtime favorite for a reason, and worth the drive if you’re looking for a haunted house with high production value. You can also take a 25-minute haunted hayride through Arasapha Farm, complete with its own sets and special effects. Plus, you can walk through a haunted corn maze (who knew that was a thing?) called Revenge of the Scarecrows!
$40-$125; through November 3rd, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills.

Creepy clowns at Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights haunted experience / Photograph by Erin Davis

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

Fairmount’s historic prison has been divided into separate haunted house attractions — including Delirium, Machine Shop, The Crypt, Big Top Terror and Nightmares. There’s also the Bloodline Lounge (for vampire-themed cocktails), live dance performances by the Boogie Monsters in Pumpkin Plaza, a beer garden, s’mores, tours and more.
$39-$70; through November 9th, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.

“Bloodletting & Burials” Tours at Betsy Ross House

This tour takes you back to the 1700s, where you’ll “hear true tales of bloodletting, smallpox, yellow fever and other gross experiences.” Yikes. After learning about all the disease and dying of 18th-century Philly, head into the Betsy Ross House for a shadowy after-hours tour. Tickets available online.
$20; Saturdays from October 5th-26th at 6 and 8 p.m., Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street.

Tours at Laurel Hill Cemetery

There’s no better time of year for a scary stroll than October, and there’s no better place for it than a historic graveyard. Laurel Hill is offering all sorts of spooky tours, including their classic “Soul Crawl” Halloween flashlight tours. See their whole calendar of events and choose a perfectly macabre tour here.

Lincoln Mill Haunted House

Philly’s newest haunted house is back in Manayunk with a grisly Hurricane Ida-related backstory and dozens of “scare-actors” among the property decked out with sets, animatronics, and special effects.
$35-$75; Thursdays through Sundays through November 2nd, 4100 Main Street.

Image courtesy of Lincoln Mill Haunted House

Candlelight Ghost Tours of Fort Mifflin

Experience Fort Mifflin after hours with a three-quarter-mile walking tour of the historical site. There will also be a pop-up bar on site. Costumes are encouraged on Halloween weekend. Not enough haunted Fort Mifflin for you? You can also gather a group of 20 to 35 for a private 90-minute candlelight tour of the soldiers’ barracks — private tours need to be booked at least 10 days in advance.
$15-$25; weekends from October 11th-27th, Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road.

Photograph courtesy of Founding Footsteps

Philadelphia True Crime Tour

With live music and storytelling performances on a “haunted” BYOB trolley, Founding Footsteps leads a locally inspired true crime tour of Philly. Did you know that our nation’s first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, began and ended his crimes in Philly? Me neither! The “Bad Things Happen in Philly” tour runs Thursdays through Saturdays all October long. Tickets available online.
$55; weekends through October 28th, begins and ends at 601 Walnut Street.

Haunted Heights at Assembly

Assembly Rooftop Lounge will be doing a Halloween-themed pop-up with themed decor, music, and themed cocktails, including a pumpkin espresso martini.
Pay-as-you-go; October 25th-31st, Assembly Rooftop, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Photograph courtesy of Assembly Rooftop

Halloween Parties, Performances and More

Drag Shows and Brunches

From the Sanderson sisters to Harry Potter, there is no shortage of BOOzy drag brunches around town. Here are our top picks:

Spooky Boat Parties

Boats are inherently scary: There’s no escape, because of the implication. So the Moshulu (401 South Columbus Boulevard) is hosting three separate Halloween bashes this October:

  • Sad & Boujee Halloween features “haunted emo and party rock anthems.” $40; October 19th, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
  • The Moshulu’s Haunted Halloween Party features a live jazz band in the ballroom, a throwback hip-hop room, a DJ dance party on the main deck and acoustic live music in the lounge. And drinks, obviously. $20-$80; October 26th, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (8 p.m. for VIP)
  • And finally, on Halloween night itself, a “Beetlejuice vs. Joker” Halloween Boat Bash. $17-$25; October 31st, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

More Dance Parties (On Land)

Horror Movie Trivia Night at The Cauldron

Bring your team of up to six people, dress as your favorite horror-movie character and come prepared to answer scary trivia with quizmaster Ian Morrison. The event will also have a scary movie screening! Food and drinks are pay-as-you-go.
$10; October 10th, 7-9 p.m., The Cauldron, 1305 Locust Street.

Orson Welles’s Dracula

The Rosenbach is home to Dracula’s first editions, as well as Stoker’s research notes and outlines he made over seven years while writing it. To celebrate the season, Josh Hitchens and a group of actors will recreate Orson Welles’s 1938 Dracula radio show. The night also includes cocktails, food, and a special after-hours viewing of the museum’s collection.
$75; October 18th, 6-8:30 p.m., The Rosenbach, 2008-2010 Delancey Place.

After Hours at The Woodlands

Bring a blanket and picnic (and beverages), explore the historic Woodlands cemetery after dark, and enjoy a spooky outdoor concert by the Philadelphia Viola Quartet in front of the stable. Pre-registration is required, and will close at noon the day of the event.
$10 (free for members); October 18th, 6-8 p.m., The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Avenue.

Sleep With the Ghosts

Explore the buildings, myths and legends behind Fort Mifflin during this paranormal investigation and sleepover at the historic site. The evening also includes light refreshments around the fire pit; sleeping quarters are dormitory style, or BYO tent.
$99; October 19th, 7 p.m., Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road.

Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge

More than a dozen bars throughout Northern Liberties will put their unique spins on the classic bloody, and drinkers can taste each one and rate them on spice, taste, design, and “Halloweeniness.” Participating restaurant include Bar 1010, El Camino Real, Jerry’s Bar, and more.
Pay-as-you-go; Saturdays and Sundays from October 19th-27th, various locations in Northern Liberties.

Halloween-themed Bloody Mary at Jerry’s Bar / Photograph by Kris Kennedy

East Passyunk Witch Craft Crawl

Stroll East Passyunk Avenue’s participating restaurants, bars, and store offering food, drink, and shopping specials. Collect five or more stamps on your ticket to be entered to win a gift certificate prize package from East Passyunk businesses. Costumes are welcome, but know that your ticket also includes a witch’s hat and light-up necklace.
$6.66-$10 for tickets, food and drinks are pay-as-you-go; October 23rd, 6-10 p.m., East Passyunk Avenue.

Science After Hours: Fright @ Night

The Franklin Institute’s adults-only Science After Hours series is always a good time. You get to run around all the science museum’s exhibits (plus the seasonal pop-ups set up for the kids’ Franklin Fright days) after dark, as well as the roof deck with incredible views and stargazing. Plus, the unique Halloween party includes DJ music and dancing, entertainment curated by “ghoul of drag” Onyx Ondyx and “the hottest clown around town” Mackenzie Molotov, science demonstrations, activity stations, food and drink, and more. Costumes are encouraged.
$35-$40; October 25th, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.

Xfinity Live’s Deadly Disco

The sports-complex behemoth offers two back-to-back party nights the weekend before Halloween, spanning multiple venues within the building. Both nights will include costume contests (with over $2,500 in cash prizes) and entertainment including DJ sets, silent disco, karaoke and bull riding.
$10 per night, or $15 for both nights; October 25th and 26th, Xfinity Live, 1100 Pattison Avenue.

Twisted Tail’s Beetlejuice Bash

The Twisted Tail’s annual Halloween soirée includes live entertainment, a costume contest with prizes, and a Beetlejuice-themed photo booth. Plus every 15 minutes from 11 p.m. to midnight (“Witching Hour”) there’ll be a new spooky drink special to try. The party is free to attend; drinks are pay-as-you-go.
Pay-as-you-go; October 26th, 8 p.m.-midnight, Twisted Tail, 509 South 2nd Street.

Ghosts in the Hood Cemetery Concert

Join Opera On Tap for an “enchanted” concert experience in a historic cemetery. Come early because historians from Historic Germantown will host a tour of the cemetery grounds prior to the performance, which begins at dusk.
$35; October 26th, 5-8 p.m., Hood Cemetery, 4901 Germantown Avenue.

Morgan’s Pier decked out Halloween bar / Photograph by Jason Melcher

Morgan’s Pier Halloween Bash

Morgan’s Pier ends their season with their annual Halloween Bash, where guests are encouraged to help “drink the bar dry.” Hosted by Brittany Lynn, the adults-only party is all-you-can-drink (plus there are free hot dogs), and also includes DJ entertainment and a costume contest (with cash prizes).
$75; October 26th, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Morgan’s Pier, 221 North Columbus Boulevard.

“Bride of Trestlestein” Halloween Dance Party at the Trestle Inn

Head to a spooky, vinyl-only dance party featuring scary movie clips, go-go dancers, a “Kiss the Bride” cocktail special, and a “Killer Disco” DJ set.
$25; October 26th, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., the Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street.

Adults Only Haunted Circus

The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts’ Halloween show promises “noisy, naughty and nightmare-inducing fun.” Note: If you’d like a tamer show, there’s a family-friendly one the day before.
$15-$20; October 26th, 8 p.m., Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene Street.

Spooky Sips: A Halloween Candy Inspired Beer Festival

This “sweet and spooky” beer experience includes five candy-inspired brews from Evil Genius, like a chocolate-peanut butter porter, caramel-apple ale, and a candy sour. A $15 ticket gets you all five.
Free to attend, $15 for a tasting; October 26th, noon-5 p.m., Evil Genius, 1727 North Front Street.

Ghouls Night Out

Love City hosts its sixth annual Halloween party, featuring DJ music, specialty cocktails and a costume contest.
$5-$8, October 26th, 7 p.m.-midnight, Love City Brewing, 1023 Hamilton Street.

Trick or Cheese at Philly Cheese School

Philly Cheese School will guide you through a sampling of cheeses paired with classic candies, plus give tips and tricks for how to pair cheeses with sweet treats. Costumes (and BYOB) are encouraged, and the class is for ages 21 and up.
$60; October 26th & 30th, Philly Cheese School, 701 South 9th Street.

Queering Fear

This afternoon event invites you to “celebrate Gay Christmas in community,” with a film screening and panel discussion about queerness in the horror genre, plus a costume contest and drag performance.
$13-$55; October 27th, 2:30-7 p.m., Fat Lady Brewing, 4323 Main Street.

Franken-Murder: A Mischief Night Murder Mystery

A horror-themed murder mystery the night before Halloween? Sounds perfect. “Shortly after you arrive, you’ll learn about the murder: who was killed and what are the clues? Throughout the next hour and half, you’ll gather evidence and try to solve the mystery.” Your ticket includes your first drink; food and drinks are available for purchase.
$35; October 30th, 7-11 p.m., Love City Brewing, 1023 Hamilton Street.

Monster Mayhem Halloween Fund-Raiser at Hill-Physick House

This Halloween party benefits the historic 18th-century house and features monster movies from the 1930s through ’50s, plus popcorn, food and signature cocktails. Costumes are optional.
$75; October 30th, 6-9 p.m., Hill-Physick House, 321 South 4th Street.

Murder Mystery Dinner and Show at Wilder

On Halloween night, Wilder is hosting a fun, interactive murder mystery with live actors from Red Rum Theater. Your $120 ticket includes food, two drinks, and the show. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets are available online.
$130; October 31st, 8 p.m., Wilder, 2009 Sansom Street.

Stratus Rooftop’s Halloween Party

Head to Hotel Monaco’s rooftop for themed cocktails (one is called “Grandma’s House of Horrors”) and small bites, live entertainment and DJ sets. And the costume contest will be at 10 p.m.
Free to attend, pay-as-you-go; October 31st, 5 p.m.-midnight, Stratus, 433 Chestnut Street.

Halloween at McGillin’s Olde Ale House

Come to McGillin’s for over-the-top Halloween decorations and themed drink specials. The staff will be in costume for extra festiveness. There will also be “scaraoke” (costumed karaoke) on October 27th and 30th, plus a Halloween party on October 31st.
Pay-as-you-go; October 31st, McGillin’s Old Ale House, 1310 Drury Street.

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