Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights 2024 Guide
Boo! Did we scare you? Feeling brave this Halloween? If so, face your deepest fears and have the time of your life at Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, where the past meets the paranormal in heart-pounding fashion. There's even a projection light show in the hall, too, because why shouldn't the walls get in on the fun?
This historic prison transforms into a spine-tingling festival of fright with five main haunted houses, each more terrifying than the last. If you’re ready to be scared, the haunted houses at Halloween Nights will have you trembling.
Your first stop is Delirium, a mind-bending 3D haunted house that pulls you into a trippy, psychedelic horror show. As soon as you step inside, the disorienting neon lights and twisted visuals mess with your senses, creating an eerie world where nothing is what it seems. Walls seem to shift, floors might feel like they’re moving, and every corner leaves you guessing what’s real and what’s part of the illusion. It’s a neon nightmare, designed to keep you off-balance—and it’s coming for your sanity.
Once you’ve survived it through the glowing twists and dizzying turns, prepare yourself for the carnival of nightmares known as Big Top Terror. Here, you’ll encounter creepy clowns, freaky performers, and spine-chilling carnival games that leave fun far behind. The tension builds with each step as the twisted carnival crew invites you into their terrifying world, where every laugh is tinged with fear—the clowns, freaks, and carnival horrors await!
For a truly eerie experience, Machine Shop takes you into a dark, industrial nightmare where malfunctioning machines and twisted gears seem to have a mind of their own. This sinister industrial setting, filled with mechanical horrors, will leave you wondering if you’re caught in a nightmare you can’t escape.
Moving right along, we stumble into Nightmares next, where you’ll enter a twisted dreamscape where your subconscious fears come to life. Each step down the long winding corridor feels like stepping deeper into a terrifying dream you can’t wake up from, with every twist and turn revealing something more unsettling than the last – it’s a place where reality blurs with nightmare, leaving you questioning what’s real.
Prepare to confront your deepest fears in The Crypt, where you’re plunged into eerie, pitch-black catacombs filled with creeping shadows and unsettling sounds. As you venture further, the sense of dread grows as the undead wander freely through the narrow corridors. Every turn could bring you face-to-face with something you hoped would stay buried. Dare to descend into the unknown?
But it’s not really just about the scares (to be honest – this depends on who you ask). Enjoy themed bars and lounges that add a touch of sophistication to your spooky evening, as creepy meets classy while sipping on a cocktail at The Speakeasy. If your language is more of the show tunes variety, become one with the macabre at The Bloodline Lounge, where you’ll find a cast of charismatic vampires ready to entertain you with live performances, singing, and dancing.
I can never eat right before or during a good scare—but once it’s over? All bets are off. For something different, swing by Bizarre Bar, where you can dive into Asian fusion bites from Bao & Bun Studio. Pair it with small-batch craft beers from Triple Bottom Brewing or go for one of their circus-themed cocktails or mocktails—like the peachy Ringmaster.
Via Eastern State Penitentiary
If you’re more into chilling outdoors, The Fair Chance Beer Garden is calling your name. It’s the perfect open-air spot to hang out, check out some museum exhibits, and vibe with friends. Grab a slice (or a whole pie) of Down North Pizza’s award-winning Detroit-style pizza, and wash it down with a craft beer from Triple Bottom Brewing.
When you’re ready to kick up your heels, make your way to Pumpkin Plaza—this Halloween-themed bar is more than just a place for drinks. Every 30 minutes, a live, choreographed dance performance lights up the night, adding serious energy to your spooky experience. I
With a mission to entertain and the funds going to an important cause, your frightful night out also supports the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site's valuable work – your scare dollars go a long way. Proceeds from your terrifying experience help fund the preservation and restoration of the historic site. Every scream, shiver, and jump scare you experience directly contributes to the important work of maintaining Eastern State, from building new exhibits to preserving its iconic cellblocks. So while you’re getting spooked, you’re also helping protect a piece of Philly’s history—what better reason to enjoy a frightful night out? Go get spooked for a good cause!
If you’re looking for a lighter thrill after all the scares, be sure to check out our other article on Open Streets, happening every Sunday until the end of September! You’ll love taking in the fresh air and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it the perfect complement to your spookier adventures!
