The season of crazy costumes, trick or treating, and everything spooky is back. Halloween is showing up throughout the Northwest Philadelphia region this year with no shortage of parades, costume parties and even some scary movies.
Here’s an event round-up of things to do for the holiday, with many options that can fill the interests of what families and individuals in the area may be looking for.
Chestnut Hill
The Chestnut Hill Community Association is calling all ghosts, goblins and furry friends to its annual Halloween Pet Costume Parade on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m., when a pack of costumed canines will parade the four blocks from East Evergreen Avenue to East Hartwell Avenue. Costumed dogs and their owners are invited to meet at the parking lot at 150 E. Evergreen Ave. at 1 p.m. and parade with other pooches down to Buckley Park. At Buckley Park, the CHCA will have treats for dogs and photo opportunities for costumed canines and their companions.
On Saturday evening, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., you can visit an entirely different kind of four-legged friend at Northwestern Stables. The historic barn’s annual Halloween with the Horses is a unique trick-or-treating experience, where horses and their riders wear creative costumes and hand out treats to visiting ghosts, goblins and superheroes.
You won’t want to forget your camera for this one – horse rides on a lead line are also available. At the end of the night, visitors vote for their favorite horse and human duo. Guided horse rides and refreshments are also available throughout the event for an additional cost. All proceeds benefit the horses at Northwestern Stables.
To register go to northwesternstables.com/event/haunted-horses.
On Sunday, Oct. 29, there’ll be trick or treating on Germantown Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, go to chestnuthillpa.com/halloween-on-the-hill-2023
For families looking to get outside for some Halloween fun, Morris Arboretum will be running their Halloween Pumpkin Cottage as well as their ever-popular Scarecrow Walk through Oct. 31.
You may also want to catch the Chestnut Hill Library’s ‘Spooktacular’ fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m., featuring raffles, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest, some wicked treats from Matines, and a cauldron brew. Come in costume or come as you are. $25/adult and kids enter for free.
Finally, Halloween proper falls on a Tuesday this year, so you can go get your fright fix at Woodmere’s Tuesday Night at the Movies. This week’s showing is House of Frankenstein – a Universal horror classic that unites some of its most iconic monsters–Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Hunchback, and the Mad Scientist—in a madcap yarn of mayhem and revenge. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and donations are suggested.
Mt Airy
Stop by Malelani Cafe for a Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 28, where you can relax and enjoy some stand-up comedy and sign up for a chance to win the best costume contest.
Be prepared for a late night. You can gather around the outdoor firepit and listen to the music, presented by Sounds by Matigeo, or there will also be dancing. $5 cover charge, cash bar, first drink is free. Go to Malelanicafe.com/events for more info.
Earlier on Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., you can visit the Dare to Imagine Church Harvest Festival at the Church’s main campus on the 6600 block of Anderson Street. There will be a harvest festival with costumes, crafts, games, and, of course, lot of candy. For more information visit www.d2ic.org.
On Halloween night, Pleasant Playground is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat on Chew Avenue, from Slocum St to Pleasant St. Registered treat givers compete for the best-decorated trunk and give out goodies to 'Trick or Treaters' around Pleasant Playground. Call Lisa at 215-685-2230 for more information.
On Sunday, Töska Restaurant & Brewery is getting spooky for Halloween this year with a free family-friendly party from 2-5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the Best Adult and Best Children’s costumes, as voted on by the Töska staff that day.
Live music will be provided by Adam McCue. Guests can check out the newest fall food and drink specials, and cocktails will also be available for those who choose to imbibe. The downstairs bar will be showing the Eagles game and serving up their game day specials of $1 Wing (orders of 5) and $5 Draft Beers.
On Friday night, the Germantown Arts District is hosting a Halloween-themed Autumn Night Fourth Friday, a gathering for art, music, and community evening at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5421 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144. Beyond the candy and costumes, the event will feature local vendors and artists, and provide a safe space where neighbors, friends, and families can converge and enjoy the night.
In the neighborhood
Manayunk’s annual kids and pets parade kicks off on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by trick or treating on Main Street at participating businesses. There’s also the Lincoln Mill Haunted House, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, an 1860s mill with a secret chamber and Philadelphia’s newest haunted attraction. Tickets at lincolnmillhaunt.com.
Over at Laurel Hill Cemetery, there’s a Full Moon Soul Crawl on Friday and Saturday nights, from 7 to 10 p.m. This two-hour Halloween history tour is followed by seasonal refreshments at a blazing fire pit. Tickets are required.
