Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge 2026

The Monster Mash Bloody Mary Challenge returns to Northern Liberties this October, with 18 bars and restaurants competing over two weekends: October 17-18 and October 24-25. It's a self-guided crawl through the neighborhood, with participating spots spread along North 2nd Street, Spring Garden Street, and Germantown Avenue. You pay as you go at each stop and vote digitally via QR codes on spice and heat, taste, vibe, and spooky factor.

The field has nearly doubled since the challenge started, with seven new participants joining this year. The lineup includes Bar 1010, Bourbon and Branch, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Jerry's Bar, Mamajuana Cafe Philly, Newsroom Philly/Pumpkin Press, North Bowl, Ortliebs, Silk City, Standard Tap, Terra Grill, Urban Village, and Yards Brewing, along with Amina, Luna Marre, Tailgate Sports Bar, and North 3rd. The reigning champion, Añejo, is defending its title against the inaugural winner, Jerry's Bar.

Bartenders are leaning into the neighborhood's brunch scene, playing with clarification, bacon-fat washing, and charcoal infusions. Garnishes range from pesto, bacon, and pickles to smoked brisket, and some drinks come in skull-shaped glassware. The whole thing was created in October 2020 by the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District to support local restaurants and promote outdoor dining during the COVID-19 recovery; the first competition had just 12 venues, so 18 is a significant jump.

Because it runs over two weekends, you can spread it out or knock out a few stops in one go. You pay for each drink as you order, and your votes go toward crowning the winner.