1. Ghostbusters and Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Reel
Are you looking for a way to get in the Halloween spirit right on campus? If so, head to The Reel, located in the Student Center. Ghostbusters will be showing from October 13-16, with showings at 7p.m. and 10p.m. The Rocky Horror Picture Show will have showings from October 27-29. The show times are follows: October 27 at 8p.m., October 28 at 8p.m. and 12a.m., and October 29 at 8p.m. Tickets are $2 with a Temple ID, and $4 without a Temple ID. Make sure to hit up the concession stand before taking your seats so you have some snacks for the show. Need more info? Check out The Reel Cinema website for details.
2. Terror Behind the Walls
Take a trip to the Eastern State Penitentiary for Terror Behind the Walls, the prison’s annual haunted attraction inside its historic walls. There are rumors that Eastern State is haunted, giving the haunted house an even more dramatic and eerie effect. When entering the venue, visitors have the option to simply walk through the attraction, or to become a part of the madness. If you decide to become a part of the action, actors will be able to touch you and pull you away from your group. Prepare yourself–Terror Behind the Walls is nationally ranked as one of the spookiest haunted houses in America. This haunted event runs from now until November 5. Tickets can be purchased at the venue, but it is suggested to pre-order them online for guaranteed entrance. Times and ticket prices vary depending on when you plan your visit.
3. Reading Terminal Market’s Harvest Festival
On October 15 from 10a.m. to 4p.m., take a trip to the Reading Terminal Market to get the full Fall experience. Complete with festive fall food, hay bales and corn stalks, and live music, this event will surely help you get into the fall spirit. You won’t even feel like you’re in the concrete jungle of Philadelphia; it’s just like a cute country town. And you can take the perfect basic fall picture with your girls for Instagram.
4. Ghost Tours of Philadelphia
Explore the afterlife by taking a ghost tour in Philly, which is surprisingly deemed “America’s most historic and most haunted city” [http://ghosttour.com]. There are several tour options, including a candlelight walking tour, a tour of the USS Olympia, and mansion tours. Tickets are $17 dollars, but if you purchase them online or by phone you will save $2. Reservation times vary, but tours are available year round. If you really want to be prepared for the ghost tour, check out Temple’s Ghostbusters club!
5. True Tales from the Tombs
On Friday, October 28, visit the Laurel Hill cemetery for a tour of the cemetery, in which performers will convey the stories of the most prominent residents in the cemetery. After the tour, seasonal refreshments and cocktails will be available fireside. The first tour will begin at 7p.m., and the final tour will begin at 9:30p.m. The tour lasts about one hour. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the event or online. It is recommended that everyone brings a flashlight and wears comfortable shoes. Don’t overstay your visit…you never know what happens at the cemetery ~after hours~.
6. Fright Factory
As seen on the Travel Channel and said to be the “scariest haunted attraction in Philadelphia” by Fox 29 News, Fright Factory is sure to make you scream. According to the Fright Factory website [http://frightfactory.tv], “Fright Factory is a 25,000 square foot, high startle haunted house located within a 105+ year old building in South Philadelphia.” The attraction runs until October 30 from 7:30 pm-10 pm on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 7:30-11p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Ticket prices vary depending on the weekend. A $5 discount is offered for college students. If purchasing tickets in person, then a current student ID must be presented. If ordering online, the use the code STUDENT to apply the discount.
7. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Black Magic Bash (21+)
The Philadelphia Magic Gardens will be spooky on October 29 from 7p.m. to 10p.m. as they host a Halloween costume party. Tickets are $50 for adults, but this includes all food and drinks. They can be purchased online. Costumes are required for this event, because Halloween, duh.
8. Philadelphia Costume Dash
On October 29, race through Philadelphia as you celebrate Halloween. There are two events: a 5k and a 10k. Costumes are not required, but are encouraged. There will be a costume contest held following the race. The price of the race through October 14 is $35. Be sure to sign up online before the 14th or there will be a price increase. With the registration fee, racers will receive a medal at the finish line and gain entry to a pub crawl (21+). Tip: If you pretend there’s an evil clown behind you, you will be sure to run faster.
9. Night of the Crawling Dead Bar Crawl (21+)
Spend a spooktacular night bar hopping among some of Philly’s best bars, pubs, and taverns. The first day is on Saturday, October 29 from 2p.m. to 2a.m., and day two takes place on Monday, October 31 from 5p.m. to 2a.m. It won’t be your typical Monday. Be sure to look online for more details about the event and how to get tickets.
10. Harry Potter Festival
On October 21 and 22, engulf yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter. This festival takes place in Chestnut Hill. This event includes film screenings, a Quidditch tournament, and a pub crawl. These are only a few of the ways you can explore your love for Harry Potter.
Be sure to check out visitphilly.com for more details.
Don’t miss out on any of these festive events in Philly. They will surely get you in the Halloween and fall spirit, and may even make you scream.