Top Halloween Parties In Philadelphia

Halloween is the night when the the living dead wander the streets of Philadelphia and surrounding areas. For those who like to dress up and indulge that alter ego, get out to one of the many Halloween parties in the area. Have a spooktakular time and be sure to get back into your coffin before sunrise!

Hours: Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 – 3 p.m.
Price: $5 on top of general admission

If you're looking for something a little calmer than a Halloween party that's still an exciting and one-of-a-kind event, then make some time to get to check out authentic relics and historical items related to Dracula. The Rosenbach Museum and Library hosts a hands-on tour of Draconian things that normally aren't on display. You may be lucky enough to get to turn a page in a rare book, touch a teacup or even read from a manuscript. Be sure to get your tickets early, as tours are limited and can sell out.

Hours: Oct. 31-- 9 p.m.
Prices: pay as you go

A costume contest will have prizes for first, second and third places, including gift certificates and collectable bottles of beer and wine. Enjoy seasonal drinks like bourbon barrel-aged pumpkin beer, pumpkin pie martinis and hot rum ciders while dancing and having fun.

Hours: 9 PM–midnight, Wednesday, October 31
Price: pay as you go

Yards brews are on special at this Halloween shindig, where drafts go for $3 and prizes will be doled out by the brewing co. A DJ and dancing is also on the sched.

Hours: Oct. 31
Price: pay as you go

Stephen Starr's beloved beer garden will be hosting a costume party featuring $4 half liters, $8 liters of pumpkin beer, and $2 pumpkin milkshakes all night. Win the couples costume contest and you'll get a $100 Starr gift card.

Hours: Oct. 31 – 8 – 10 p.m.
Price: Free with RSVP, $10 donation to Alex's Lemonade Stand suggested

Channel your inner Cleopatra and dress in your best Egyptian-themed costume. Food and drink are free and will be provided by local eateries, and you'll get to hang out with mummies!

Hours: Oct. 31
Price: pay as you go

Devil's Den is tapping a special firkin of Southern Tier Pumking that will be poured via hand pump. You can also imbibe other pumpkin-y beers, like The Bruery Autumn Maple and Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin.

Hours: Oct. 31 -- 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Price: pay as you go

Dance the night away in your costume at The Trestle, where you can also enjoy drink specials, canned pumpkin beers and a costume contest.

Hours: Oct. 31 - 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Price: pay as you go

Dress up and head to Bierstube for a FranZenstein Fright Fest. The Old City bar will be decorated for the holiday, complete with a basement "dungeon" filled with fog. Keep your eyes peeled for giveaways from Spaten-Franziskaner.

Price: $25 in costume/$60 voyeurs
Hours: Oct. 31 – 9 p.m.
Call for tickets or visit the Halloween store at 1329 Pine St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

If you are into costumes, you must check out the 44th annual Henri David Halloween Ball at the Sheraton Center City. This event, which has been going strong since 1968, is a must-see, renowned for being an absolutely outrageous costume party and one of the best in the city. You'll be sure to feast your eyes on some awesome costumes, as there are prizes in multiple categories for great ensembles. Dance to the spooktacular DJ, watch the fierce drag divas competition, and maybe even run into long-time attendee Ed Rendell. The theme for the party is "Don't come as your are, come as you want to be," so get on out and let your alter ego loose for the night.

Hours: Oct. 31 – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: $16.50
Click here for more information.

If you are looking for a Halloween event that is for ages, then Dracula's Ball at Shampoo Nightclub is for you. Head on down to Center City, and be sure to get there early if you want to partake in the limited free parking on site. It should be a real frightful night filled with music, live bands and plenty of memorabilia to choose from. DJs will be spinning tunes: Carfax Abby is scheduled to take the stage at 10:35 p.m., and then at 12:35 a.m., Imperative Reaction takes over. Be sure to pick up a frightful memento of your horrific experience -- get a T-shirt, vampire thong, poster or even some vampire condoms in case you get lucky.

Hours: Oct. 31 – 10 p.m. – midnight
Price: $20 in advance/$25 at the door

Make your way to "The Happy Skeleton" (aka La Calaca Feliz) for a two-hour open bar, featuring Espolon Margaritas, Tecate Beer and sangria as well as delicious food. Costumes are welcome, and after midnight, the party will continue at nearby Lemon Hill.