IT’S ALWAYS SPOOKY IN PHILADELPHIA – HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES

Written by on 27.09.22

It’s that time of year when ghosts appear and screams are heard, but without a word. Here’s some things to do this Halloween to keep you on your toes.

This haunted experience is housed on a working farm in Bucks County and features one of the longest hayrides in the area. After a 1.25-mile ride through the woods, traverse the abandoned “House in the Hollow,” make your way through the Field of Fright and swap stories in the safety of the family-friendly fire pit area. This runs through Oct. 20, 2022. Where: Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres, 881 Highland Road, Newtown  

You’ve been sentenced to life without parole.I scream, you scream, we all scream … because we’re inside an abandoned prison. Eastern State Penitentiary opens its cell blocks after dark to create a terrifying Halloween experience full of thrills and chills. The 2022 edition features five different haunted house attractions inside the 10-acre historic site, including two brand-new ones: Big Top Terror sees you outrunning circus performers and murderous clowns while the sleep paralysis-themed Nightmares will have you losing sleep for days. This runs through Nov. 12  Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue

It’s time to check in to the Bates Motel! Hollywood-grade special effects take center stage at this Delco scarefest. Wander through an abandoned motel, hitch a ride on a haunted hayride and look out for stalk-ers in an overgrown cornfield.Where: The Bates Motel, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills

The Fright Factory: When thinking about the scariest places on Earth, the basement of a 120-year-old factory has to be near the top of the list. That’s the setting for this adult-themed creepy crowd-pleaser in South Philly. The 25,000-square-foot space is split into three themed areas: Industrial Nightmare, South Side Sanatorium and Fright Factory Unholy.Where: Fright Factory, 2200 S. Swanson Street

 This terrifying attraction — on the grounds of a former mental hospital — is chock-full of adult-oriented thrills and chills. After incorporating feedback from disability and mental health advocates in recent years, the modern Pennhurst experience turns the traditional asylum story on its head. Paranormal investigation tours and daytime history tours of the site are also available.Where: Pennhurst Asylum, 250 Commonwealth Drive, Spring City

 

This brand-new haunted house in Manayunk establishes its lore around the supposed discovery of bodies at the site during recent construction — findings that uncovered a dark and gruesome past. Carefully make your way through the defunct textile mill as you avoid the lingering spirits of workers who were subject to torment and experimentation by their disturbed boss 100 years ago. Select dates through Nov. 5, 2022. Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main Street

How about a ghost tour?  The Spirit of ‘76 tours are ongoing Fridays and Saturdays.The paranormal stories on this ghost tour are “one part history, two parts haunt.” Guests on the walking journey stop at 20 of Philly’s definitely historic and possibly haunted sites to hear chilling and grisly stories from the city’s past. Outdoor stops include Independence Hall, Holy Trinity Church, the Merchants’ Exchange building and Washington Square Park. (Plus, some less-spooky local film settings from The Sixth Sense and National Treasure.) Where: Tours depart from 325 Chestnut Street

Topics: Philly Things to Do