Celebrate Halloween in Philly while skipping haunted houses

This spooky season, you can skip the scares of a traditional haunted house and the wares at a typical fall market by attending some of these alternative Halloween events. Witches, punks, pups and Sesame Place pals are celebrating in Philly and surrounding areas this year, and you're invited.

» READ MORE: The Witch Market

Created and curated by practicing pagan witch, Victoria Mier, the Witch Market is for practicing witches and the public alike. At the event, you can enjoy shopping and cider, like at any other fall market, but you'll also be able experience the safe space created to celebrate witch culture with vendors who practice witchcraft.

Noon-5 p.m., Oct. 21, 4300 Silverwood St., Pretzel Park in Manayunk, free.

Punk up your Halloween or add a little spook to your everyday punk lifestyle at the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market Halloween Edition. The two-day event will feature over 200 vendors, food trucks, live music, tattooing, a costume contest, and more.

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 20 and 21, 675 S. Clinton Ave., Trenton, Historic Roebling Machine Shop, $5 for both days, http://www.trentonpunkrockfleamarket.com

This fall season Sesame Place will turn into a Halloween haven with family-friendly fun. Special Halloween-themed parades, shows, and dance parties will take over the park grounds every weekend in October.

Every Friday through Sunday in October, Friday 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, Sesame Place, 215-702-3566‎, sesameplace.com/philadelphia/

Pups and their human pals can show off their Halloween wear at the PAWS Mutt Strut. Being called the biggest strut yet, this annual event will feature live music, paw-print painting, a pet photo booth, plenty of cute furry friends, and more. The Mutt Strut kicks off at 11 a.m.

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 6, 4747 S. Broad St., The Navy Yard, children under 12 free, adult registration $25, www.phillypaws.org

Varner Farms is bringing the fall fun all season with a corn maze, wagon rides, and a harvest land. For one evening only, the farm will hold a special Candy Carnival featuring 20 kid-friendly activities with candy waiting after each one. Varner Farms is requesting non-scary costumes only and asking all who plan to attend to RSVP by phone to ensure there will be enough candy for everyone.

5-7 p.m., Oct. 31, 746 S. Trappe Rd., Collegeville, Varner Farms, free, 610-489-8878, www.varnerfarms.net

Get spooky with boos and booze at a Halloween-themed burlesque, drag, and comedy show benefiting Philly AIDS Thrift.

8-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 200 S. 12th St., TABU Lounge Cabaret Space, 21+, $10 online $12 at the door, 215-964-9675, tabuphilly.com

For this event, kick off your Franken-boots and slip into a pair of skates. Skate the night away and enter in the costume contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

9-11:30 p.m., Oct. 24, Palace Roller Rink, 11586 Roosevelt Blvd., 18+, $7 admission $4 skate rental, 215-698-8000, www.palacerollerskatingcenter.com

Get your blood pumping, heart racing, and feet moving. The 10th Annual Rest in Peace 5K run gives a festive twist to the typical race. Pair your costume with your sneakers to take in the sites of this historical cemetery and end the night with an after-party with live music, free beer, and Halloween treats.

5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, registration will reopen at the run at 4 p.m., 3822 Ridge Ave. Laurel Hill Cemetery, $45, 215-228-8200, thelaurelhillcemetery.org