Halloween Nights

Halloween Nights returns to Eastern State Penitentiary this fall, running select nights from October 2 through November 7. The festival takes over the 10-acre site of America's first penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark that's been a stabilized ruin for nearly 200 years. It's a rain-or-shine event, and the whole thing is recommended for ages 12 and up, with children under 7 not permitted.

Inside the walls, the prison is transformed into a haunt with five haunted houses, Hollywood-quality sets, props, and special FX makeup, custom soundtracks, and more than 200 performers per night. Beyond the haunts, there are historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances, and museum exhibits. The experience usually takes about 90 minutes. All proceeds benefit Eastern State, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to preserve the site and advance public understanding of the criminal justice system. The Fair Chance Beer Garden creates living-wage jobs for people who might otherwise be excluded from the mainstream economy, and the site's self-guided audio tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi.

Tickets start at $49 and vary by night, with timed half-hour entry. Quick Pass Admission and the After Dark VIP Plus Tour are available as premium options. You can add the Speakeasy for $20, and the Hospital Flashlight Tour is a $13 add-on available at the door only. Parking and a shuttle are provided at the Philadelphia Zoo's parking garage at 3500 W. Girard Avenue, costing $22 online and $30 on site.