If you’re searching for spooktacular activities this Halloween season, look no further than Northwest Philadelphia. From trick-or-treating to pet parades, there is no shortage of frightening fun this year.
Oct. 23
Autumn on the Avenue
The Mt. Airy CDC is hosting Autumn on the Avenue from 3:30-6 p.m. Youngsters are invited to wear costumes for a pre-Halloween trick or treat on the 6600 through 6900 blocks of Germantown Avenue (between Mt. Airy Playground and Grocery Outlet). Adults can join in on the fun with beverages at Tired Hands Biergarten.
In addition to trick-or-treating at local businesses, there will be hands-on kids’ crafts from ARTrageous Brush & Flow (a pop-up in Trolley Car Park), Bella Mosaic, and Tired Hands Biergarten. Local author Talona Coleman will host a storytime from 3:45-5 p.m. in the St. Michael’s graveyard at the corner of East Phil Ellena Street and Germantown Avenue Fire trucks from the Philadelphia Fire Department will be on display. Lastly, the Mt. Airy CDC will have new merch for sale outside the post office at 6711 Germantown Ave. — including MTV-style crew neck and hoodie sweatshirts.
6600-6900 blocks of Germantown Avenue, Mt. Airy. For more information, visit mtairycdc.org.
Oct. 24
Soul Crawl
At these annual after-dark tours of Laurel Hill East, knowledgeable tour guides will lead visitors by flashlight down winding pathways as they tell tales of the storied lives of restless spirits from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The night will conclude with festive beverages around roaring fire pits. Tours will also run on Oct. 25.
3822 Ridge Ave., East Falls. Tours run from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are required. Learn more at laurelhillphl.com.
Haunted Halloween Trail and Barn
Get ready for a spooky (but family-friendly) adventure at Courtesy Stable. Walk a spooky haunted trail to enter the haunted barn. The kid-friendly experience will be from 6-7 p.m., while 7-10 p.m. edition will be super spooky. The haunted trail will also run on Oct. 25.
901 E. Cathedral Road, Roxborough. Tickets are required. Learn more at courtesystable.org.
Oct. 25
Spirits of Historic Germantown
Take a stroll through the grounds and parlors of the historic Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion. This lively and intriguing alternative to a scary haunted house will tell guests the stories of some notable Philadelphians who lived in Germantown. Learn about the Monk of the Wissahickon, an African American restaurateur who became one of the first Black millionaires in the United States, the first African American woman to receive a degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the founder of the Grey Panthers. These historic spirits will entertain and amuse throughout the 40-minute tour.
200 W. Tulpehocken St., Germantown. Tours every 20 minutes from 6-8:20 p.m. Reservations requested. Learn more at ebenezermaxwellmansion.org.
Trick-or-Treating
Bring your best costume to trick or treat on Main Street in Manayunk. Local businesses will be offering treats from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and have special deals.
Main St., Manayunk. Learn more at manayunk.com.
Trunk-or-Treat
Philadelphia Gymnastics Academy is hosting an open house and trunk-or-treat event. The open house will be from 5:30-6 p.m. while trunk-or-treat takes place from 6-6:30 p.m. Don’t forget to wear your costume.
1121 Ivy Hill Rd., Wyndmoor. The event is free, but registration is required. Learn more at philadelphiagymnasticsacademy.com.
Oct. 26
Halloween on the Hill
From 1-3 p.m., families are invited to stroll Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike in costume as participating businesses hand out candy and nonfood treats. Visit shops and restaurants displaying a “Treats Here” poster.
Select businesses will also be participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Started by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), this initiative encourages people to set out a teal pumpkin, signaling to children living with food allergies that they offer nonfood trinkets and treats that are safe for everyone.
Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike, Chestnut Hill. Learn more at chestnuthillpa.com.
Halloween Pet Parade
The Chestnut Hill Community Association is inviting you and your pets to a celebration of creativity, cuteness, and fun. Parade your costumed pooches down Germantown Avenue and enter the costume contest with categories such as scariest, cutest, look-a-like with their owner, and most creative. Meet at 150 E. Evergreen Ave. at 12:30 p.m. and finish the festivities at Buckley Park.
150 E. Evergreen Ave., Chestnut Hill. Learn more at chestnuthill.org.
Harvest Fest
Awbury Arboretum is hosting this free family event full of music, hayrides, crafts, s’mores, live music, a farm market, and a beer garden. Come with family and friends to enjoy a full day of autumn activities at the farm from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
6336 Ardleigh St., Germantown. Learn more at awbury.org.
Halloween Harvest Festival
Join Stenton Museum for an afternoon of family-friendly fall fun. All ages are welcome to enjoy games, crafts, face-painting, pumpkin painting, spooky storytime with Logan Library, and a spooky cellar tour. Light refreshments and cider will be served.
4601 N. 18 St., Germantown. Learn more at historicgermantownpa.org.
Ongoing
Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Enjoy a frightening time at Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk. Venture into the former textile mill, featuring live actors, animatronics, production-quality sets, and special effects.
4100 Main St., Manayunk. Buy tickets and check dates at lincolnmillhaunt.com.
Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.
