Halloween Events in Philadelphia & Bucks County: Your 2026 Guide
Lifestyle October 21, 2026
Lifestyle October 21, 2026
Looking for Halloween activities in Philadelphia, Newtown, and New Hope? This year’s options include haunted houses at Eastern State Penitentiary, family fun at Franklin Square and Philadelphia Zoo, Newtown’s Halloween Costume Parade, and ghost tours through historic New Hope.
Whether you’re planning a spooky date night, a weekend with the kids, or an autumn outing in Bucks County, here are six ways to celebrate Halloween in 2026.
Location: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia
Dates: Select nights through November 7, 2026
Best for: Haunted attractions and an evening out with friends
Halloween Nights transforms Eastern State Penitentiary into an immersive festival featuring five haunted houses, live performances, themed bars and lounges, and historic experiences.
Make an evening of it with dinner in Fairmount before your visit. Reserve your preferred entry time in advance, and review the event’s age restrictions and attraction guidelines before purchasing tickets.
View Halloween Nights details and tickets
Location: 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
Dates: Daily through November 1, 2026
Best for: Family outings and casual date nights
Franklin Square’s Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course gets a Halloween makeover with seasonal decorations and two distinct experiences.
Daytime rounds offer a gentler option with non-animated decorations. After 5 p.m., the course adds animated props, spooky music, fog, and dramatic lighting.
Advance tickets are required for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights; walk-up tickets are unavailable on those evenings.
Reserve Spooky Mini Golf tickets
Location: 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
Remaining dates: October 24–25 and October 31–November 1, 2026
Best for: Families looking for daytime Halloween activities
Boo at the Zoo combines trick-or-treating with animal exhibits, costume contests, and seasonal activities. Children can wear costumes, bring a candy bag, and explore Halloween decorations throughout the grounds.
Scheduled animal pumpkin feedings add another reason to make a day of it. Boo at the Zoo is included with general admission or Zoo membership.
Plan your Boo at the Zoo visit
Location: Begins at the Stocking Works, 301 S. State Street, Newtown
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; costume judging runs from 9:30–10 a.m.
Best for: A community Halloween celebration in Bucks County
Put on your favorite costume and head to historic Newtown Borough for its Halloween Costume Parade. The procession begins at the Stocking Works and finishes at Officer Brian Gregg Memorial Park.
Optional in-person registration takes place from 9–9:30 a.m., followed by costume judging and the parade kickoff. Arrive early to allow time for parking and road closures. There is no rain date, and the route may change based on weather.
Afterward, make time for lunch or a stroll through town to turn your Halloween morning into a Bucks County day trip.
View Newtown Halloween Parade information
Location: Downtown New Hope, Pennsylvania
Schedule: Friday and Saturday nights in October, plus Halloween; confirm departure details with the organizer
Best for: Spooky storytelling and a walking-tour date night
For a Halloween outing with a historic setting, explore New Hope on a lantern-led ghost tour. The walk shares local haunting stories and legends as you make your way through the river town’s streets.
The tour covers approximately one mile over an hour, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer for the evening. Consider booking dinner beforehand for an autumn night out in New Hope.
Check Ghost Tours of New Hope details
Location: 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Best for: Children ages 10 and under
Franklin Square’s Trick-or-Treat Street offers a free daytime Halloween outing for younger children. Kids can follow a pumpkin trail around the park and collect treats along the way.
Advance tickets are recommended. For a longer outing, consider booking a separate daytime round of Spooky Mini Golf.
Find Trick-or-Treat Street reservation information
Boo at the Philadelphia Zoo, daytime Spooky Mini Golf, Franklin Square’s Trick-or-Treat Street, and Newtown’s Halloween Costume Parade offer options for families.
Newtown Borough’s Halloween Costume Parade takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Stocking Works, with costume judging beforehand from 9:30–10 a.m.
Ghost Tours of New Hope offer a lantern-led walk featuring local haunting stories and legends. Pair a tour with dinner downtown for a seasonal evening in Bucks County.
Yes. Franklin Square’s Trick-or-Treat Street is free for children ages 10 and under on October 24, 2026, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary in Fairmount features five haunted houses, live entertainment, and themed bars and lounges on select nights through November 7, 2026.
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Several Philadelphia-area attractions continue into early November.
From Halloween celebrations in Philadelphia to a costume parade in Newtown and ghost stories in New Hope, the season offers plenty of reasons to explore the region.
Thinking about making a move? Connect with Philly Luxe Living to discuss your home search and discover communities that fit your lifestyle.
Check each organizer’s website for current schedules, ticket availability, age guidelines, and weather updates before visiting.
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Lifestyle
Jamie Smith Raphael, a luxury real estate agent in the Philadelphia Area with a passion for her career and clients, brings extensive industry experience, skillfully handling transactions exceeding $150 million, always prioritizing an exceptional client experience.