Halloween in Pennsylvania: Parades, Parties & Fests 2025

As leaves turn yellow and red in towns around Pennsylvania, the time comes for the month of full-blown decorating and celebrating. The locals take Halloween very seriously, so you can count on the most spooky and scary attractions here. For the small children, there is also plenty of things to do: pumpkin picking and decorating, hayrides, crafts, and trick-or-treating. Combine foliage watching with Halloween and go on a train ride at the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad or run a zombie race with all your friends!

Shocktoberfest Halloween Costume Party (October 18, 2024)

Celebrate Halloween at Shocktoberfest's 33rd Anniversary Costume Party, held at Pennsylvania's Premier Haunted Scream Park, located off the PA Turnpike near Reading, PA, in Berks County. Join the fun on Friday, October 18th, from 7 pm to 11 pm at Club Shock. Dress in your sexiest, scariest, funniest, or most outrageous costumes for a chance to be part of the biggest Halloween Costume Party in the area! Enjoy live music from the Kono Nation Band, performing from 8 pm to 11 pm, and take advantage of the cash bar and food trucks available on-site. In addition to the costume festivities, experience the regular attractions, including the Zombie Safari Hayride Tour, Unknown 3.0, Prison of the Dead, and Midway Massacre.

Spooktoberfest at Shocktoberfest (September 13th to November 9th)

If you're looking for a less frightening Halloween experience for young children, SPOOKtoberFest offers a family-friendly alternative to Shocktoberfest. This event is ideal for young kids, parents, and grandparents. The price includes access to the Spooky Hayride, Unknown 3.0 Spooky Haunted House, Midway Massacre Boo Zone, and Zombie Laser Tag. Additional activities, such as Carnival Games and delicious food from Food Trucks, are available for an extra fee. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. SPOOKtoberFest runs from 5 to 7 pm every night Shocktoberfest is open. Tickets start at $30.

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, Sesame Place (September 17–November 6, 2024, on selected dates)

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular is a special holiday program at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Based on the Sesame Street television program, this show is perfect for little children to have fun and enjoy themselves. Visitors can enjoy Count von Count-themed rides, watch many performances, go trick-or-treating, wander in the maze, take part in a scavenger hunt, decorate pumpkins, and, of course, wear a costume! The main highlight of the celebration is the Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade with ten decorated floats, music and dancing, and kids' favorite furry friends. Tickets to the venue start at $39.

Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayrides, Feasterville (September 20–November 2, 2024, on selected dates)

Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayrides, located in Feasterville, PA, offer an adrenaline-pumping Halloween experience. Brave visitors can embark on a spine-chilling hayride through America’s most horrifying woods, featuring special effects, giant sets, and a twisting trail that promises thrills at every turn. The main attractions include The Original Haunted Hayride, Escape Shipwreck Cove, and Miles Manor Haunted House. In addition to the hayride, the attraction includes the Z Escape Adventure and other rides. Valley of Fear is situated at Phoenix Sports Club, 301 W. Bristol Rd. A Fear Pass costs $55, while a VIP Pass is available for $80.

Selinsgrove Halloween Parade (October 15, 2024)

The Selinsgrove Halloween Parade, known locally as "Halloween on Steroids in the Grove," is one of Pennsylvania's most renowned Halloween events. The entire town joins in the festive spirit, dressing up in creative costumes and enjoying a lively parade. Participants of all ages march from 1000 N. Market Street (CVS) to 226 S. Market Street (7/11), with the parade starting at 7 pm. Market Street becomes a hub of excitement with trick-or-treating and Halloween revelry.

Halloween Bar Crawl, Pittsburgh (October 19, 25, and 26 & 31, 2024)

Pittsburgh Halloween Bar Crawl has become one of the favorite local Halloween traditions. Every participant gets two free drinks over five venues and a great after-party. The bonus is that you'll be drinking with dozens of zombies, ghosts, goblins, and witches. Come in a costume to have the best experience! After the bar crawl, there is a party with a DJ or a rocking band. The general admission ticket is $20.