Where to celebrate Halloween in Northwest Philadelphia

The days are getting shorter and colder, which means Halloween is quickly approaching. Here are some Halloween-themed events taking place in Northwest Philadelphia through the end of October.

Stenton House Spooky Tours

On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Stenton House will host tours of the old house of James Logan, the colonial Mayor of Philadelphia. This is a family friendly event. In addition to tours, pumpkin painting and refreshments. Children are invited to dress in costumes for the 1 to 4 p.m. event. Tickets are free but registration is required.

Ghosts of the Great Road

Discover the paranormal lurking in Germantown. Go on a real ghost hunt as you explore the areas around the Chew House and Billmeyer House. Tours cost $10 per person. This is recommended for children over the age of 7. There is one tour left this month on Friday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Tours leave from the Upsala Mansion at 6430 Germantown Ave. 

Diagon Alley and Wizarding Market at Woodmere Art Museum


Woodmere has the perfect straw maze for any Harry Potter fan. The maze was designed by award winning designer Peter Everett Brown. This maze is open every weekend until the end of the month. It was inspired by Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, a market for wizards. They will have their own wizard markets located throughout the maze. It’s open Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m until the end of the month. Admission is $8 per child or $20 for families of 3 or more.

Laurel Hill Cemetery

What’s spookier than hanging out in a cemetery? Try some of these events at Laurel Hill in East Falls through the end of October. 

Sinners, Scandals, and Suicides 

Many military figures are buried at Laurel Hill, but not all were such noble deaths. Many were tragic and scandalous. Learn about the lesser known stories of these individuals on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. Admission is $12 per person, $10 for seniors and students, $8 for members.

Edgar Allen Poe: Deep Into the Darkness Peering

Edgar Allen Poe lived in Philadelphia from 1838 to 1844 during which he wrote “The Tell-Tale Heart” and many other notable works. It is rumored that Poe was inspired by Laurel Hill for some of the stories. This tour is a history lesson of Poe’s six years in the city and explores the graves of some friends and acquaintances. After the tour, beer, food, and wine will be served. The event is for those 21 and older. Tickets are $20. The tour takes place on Tuesday Oct. 23 at 6 p.m.

Halloween Flashlight Tours

Laurel Hill is a picturesque sight in the daylight, but what happens after the sun goes down? Find out as you participate in a flashlight tour of the cemetery. Along the way learn the stories of the deceased and be on watch as the spirits of the dead come to life (portrayed by actors from the Not Ready For Afterlife Players). Bring a flashlight. The event costs $20 per person. The tours are not recommended for children under the age of 12. The dates of the tour are Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Halloween Carnival at Philadelphia UniversityA carnival of Halloween fun will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kanbar Campus Center at Philadelphia University. The carnival includes games, food, and more activities. Children under 12 are invited to dress in their costumes with prizes to be given away. The carnival is free but registration is required. Email sga@philau.edu or call 215-951-2634 to register.

Halloween in ManayunkCelebrate the spooky season in Manayunk on Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Yes, that is 12 hours of Halloween activities and fun with something for everyone. The main events will take place at Pretzel Park, including a children’s Halloween contest and a parade from 1 to 2 p.m. Live music begins in the park at noon and runs until 6 p.m. Kids can trick-or-treat along Main Street and receive candy from numerous participating stores.

Hallowyunk 5k RunIs it a bird or a plane? Is it superman? It just very well might be at this costume 5k run. The race begins at 9 a.m. and will benefit the Depaul Catholic School. Visit hallowyunk5k.com for more info.

Halloween Hikes and Hayrides at the Schuylkill CenterHike and hear from some nocturnal animals at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. The hayride will run through the wooded area. Then warm up by a campfire and make s’mores. This will be held on two nights: Friday Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 for members and $7 for non-members.

Finally Friday “Haunts & Hops”The next Finally Friday is Halloween themed. On Friday, Oct. 26, Mt. Airy will celebrate Halloween with “Haunts & Hops.” Many shops and vendors will feature items on sale. Bakeries and cafes will be serving autumnal fare, including pumpkin ale at the Wine Thief Bistro. There will be trick-or treating from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at different stores along Germantown Avenue. 

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” ScreeningAs part of Finally Friday, the Little Theater will screen “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” The Little Theater is located at 7141 Germantown Ave. Come watch a true classic of the Halloween season. Tickets are $1. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m.