Phipps After Dark: House of Haunts

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is turning into a house of haunts for Phipps After Dark: House of Haunts on Friday, October 30, from 7 to 10 PM. It's a haunted evening celebration that kicks off the Halloween weekend, and since it runs late into the night, it works as a standalone plan or a way to start your holiday festivities early. The gardens are the star here: as day turns to night, the glasshouse and the surrounding grounds shift into a haunted version of themselves.

Inside, the evening is built around a few distinct activities. There are airbrush artists on hand, candy for the taking, and psychic storytelling to keep things eerie. The whole thing is free with regular Conservatory admission, so if you're already planning a visit, this is a natural addition to the trip. They encourage guests to come in costume, and they've put out a special nod to Alice in Wonderland themes, so if you've got a White Rabbit or a Mad Hatter in your closet, this is the night to bring it out.

For a bit of context, Phipps is a Pittsburgh institution. Henry Phipps gifted the Conservatory to the city in 1893, and it's been a source of beauty and enrichment for more than 125 years. The estate in Oakland spans 15 acres, including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens, and it's known as one of the greenest buildings in the world, home to a Center for Sustainable Landscapes and The Climate Toolkit network. Seeing it transformed for a haunted night is a different experience from the usual daytime visit.

On the practical side, a cash bar runs until 9:30 PM, so you'll want to grab your drinks before it closes. Parking is limited to the center island on Schenley Drive and to metered street spaces after 6 PM, so give yourself a little extra time to find a spot. The event runs from 7 to 10 PM on Friday, October 30, and it's free with regular Conservatory admission.