It’s officially spooky season at Halloween Nights at the Eastern State Penitentiary. From the haunted houses, more food options, bars, and learning opportunities it’s set to be a go to for the Halloween season. If you haven’t been you’re in for a treat. If you have been before you will be delighted with the changes.
Know before you go to Halloween Nights
It’s going to be a lot of fun especially if you’re into haunted houses. There are about 5 separate houses and 15 other activations to enjoy. Including are at least 2-3 bars that include both alcohol and non alcoholic drinks. Get your tickets before you go. You do run the risk of not being admitted at the time you show up to Halloween Nights if you don’t have a ticket on hand. It is an outdoor and indoor venue.
The haunted houses are indoors but the rest of the venue and activations are outdoors. Please dress accordingly which includes closed toe shoes. It is for kids ages 7 and up but I ask you to use discretion with taking kids. There is absolutely no pics or videos able to be taken in many of the haunted houses. Also no use of curse words or you will be ejected.
My favorite Haunted House: Delirium
All of the houses are well done. Keep in mind if you want to elevate your experience you can wear a blue necklace. This sends the signal that you can be touched and more. However Delirium is my absolute favorite. It is a total mind game. The 3d effect is mesmerizing. The colors and the way you really won’t know when someone is coming out or not. It sent me to another level.
Kaleidoscope Hall
This is something new. If it was there last year then I don’t remember it. However, I loved it. The actor and the suit used is actually very well done and is its own character. Make sure you stop by there. It is eye catching and draws you in. Pro-tip there are several musical numbers. We stopper by and then went to other activations and stopped back.
VIP at Halloween Nights
I personally usually opt for a VIP experience no matter where I go. It usually comes with extra perks. Since creating content even when I don’t go as media I will still get the VIP package. For Halloween Nights it’s worth it. You will get a drink or treat in the Fair Chance Beer Garden as well as a drink at the The Speakeaay at Al Capone Cell. In addition you will be able to skip the entrance line. It will not allow to skip the lines at the attractions.
It is also only available online. So you will not be able to get the ticket once in the premises.
Pumpkin Plaza
I really enjoyed this area. Equipped with more food options and drinks this is where you can come and sit and enjoy. Also one of my favorites is there and that is Artisan Lokal Foods also knows as French Toast Bites. It’s owned by my beloved friend Charisse and now her daughter is running it. Charisse passed at the beginning of this year. Anytime I see the team it brings joy especially Ray!
They not only have their infamous French toast bites with amazing toppings but they also have bacon on a stick, hotdogs, and nachos too. Don’t forget to grab coffee or apple cider while there too. You will also see zombies dancing and there is a picture opportunity too.
Few Last Notes for Halloween Nights
The money raised for Halloween Nights is to help towards the upkeep of the penitentiary as well as the social commitment to keep it open as a way to increase dialogue. There is a lot of conversations about the way prisons in general have been funded. Remember prisons are a business. The many incarcerated serve as a way to fund the state systems and more.
I’m grateful for the support that Eastern Penitentiary has done to not simply just have this haunted house but educate those who attend. They also provide training to help sustain wage paying union jobs and more.
While there keep in mind that there is a bus shuttle from the zoo to the location. It’s 20 per car if bought online. Parking nearby is extremely limited. Use ride share if you’re able.
Thank you to the entire staff who made our time wonderful. Get your tickets and enjoy. Halloween Nights is located at 2027 Fairview in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
