Inside the 14-room Halloween attraction hiding in a former Philly clothing store

Inside a former Forever 21 store is one of Philadelphia’s more unusual Halloween attractions.

Halloween House Philly is housed in the heart of the Fashion District, just below Round1 Bowling and Arcade.

After following a cobweb-covered path to the first of 14 horror-themed rooms, visitors are transported into a world that feels light-years away from clothing stores and food court vendors.

Guests make their way through a series of detailed spaces filled with glowing fixtures and creepy figures, including ghosts, skeletons, and familiar characters like Jack Skellington, Chucky, and Michael Myers.

Several rooms pay direct homage to Hollywood classics like Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The Beetlejuice Illusion Room has angled floors, tilted images, piercing lights, and monsters that look like they were plucked straight from the film’s Netherworld. In the Halloweentown room, Jack Skellington rules as the Pumpkin King, overseeing the moonlit decorations surrounding the Christmas trees.

The other rooms have the same haunting feel and attention to detail. The path winding through the former clothing store offers a few surprises, too. Along with plenty of photo opportunities, there are carnival games between the rooms, including a version of Jeopardy for up to three players.

There are no actors roaming the halls or jump scares waiting around corners. But Halloween House Philly still delivers an immersive experience, especially for visitors who want the spooky atmosphere without being terrified.

And if you’re looking for something a little scarier this Halloween weekend, Philly has plenty of options. From haunted prisons and horror movie screenings to trick-or-treating and Día de los Muertos celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the holiday.

— Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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What’s Halloween without costumes and plenty of candy?

There will be plenty of places for young Halloween lovers to fill their buckets this week.

On Friday, guests are invited to Trick-of-Treat Night at Elmwood Park Zoo, where sweets and views of the animals are included with each ticket.

On Saturday, the Philadelphia Zoo will open its doors for Boo at the Zoo, offering candy, mini golf, a costume parade, a peek at small critters, and a dance party at the Trick-or-Tree House.

The spooky fun continues this Halloween weekend at sites like Sesame Place, Peddler’s Village, and South Street. There will be costume parades, scavenger hunts, and candy-filled strolls along themed trails from Friday through Sunday.

Find more family-friendly Halloween attractions around Philly.

🍎 Take a savory sip of cider: Philly Cider Week has returned for its eighth year. Bask in flavorful ciders made from Pennsylvania-grown apples through Sunday.

🎉 Halloween doesn’t have to be at night: Pull up to Broad Hall for costumes and curated music on Halloween. Philly’s own Diamond Kutz will host the Halloween Day Party from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.

🫳🏼 Before the final curtain call: End your Halloween weekend with wicked comedy on the theater stage. The final showing of “The Addams Family: The Musical” is at Walnut Theatre this Sunday.

👻 Looking for a real scare? From the haunted halls of Eastern State Penitentiary to the terrifying attractions at Fright Factory and Lincoln Mill, there are plenty of places around Philly to test your nerves. Check out our guide to haunted houses and attractions in the region.

🧟 Time for a Time Warp: Stop by Silk City for a rock ’ n ’ roll twist on the cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show, on Friday. Local band BARS will headline a special performance dedicated to the late Tim Curry.

📅 My calendar picks this week: 80’s Prom Night Murder Mystery, Coloring in the Park, Art Jawn. Here’s our full list for the week.

Catch your favorite horror flick on the big screen.

From outdoor screenings to a movie night in a graveyard garden, there are plenty of places around Philly to watch Halloween classics this week.

Head down to South Philly for a free double header. Stateside Live! will screen Hocus Pocus and Halloween at the Coors Light Stage. Guests can enjoy snacks and a front-row seat on the lawn.

Head to Jet Wine Bar on Thursday for the bar’s final Frights & Delights movie screening. The monthlong celebration ends with 2010’s Insidious in the graveyard garden.

Roll up to Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. in Croydon on Thursday for a showing of 1988’s Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. There will be food trucks, a pop-up video store, and other offerings in the Fear Garden.

🍽️ A food festival with some unexpected pairings: What happens when 12 of Philly’s best restaurants team up to create dishes you won’t find on their regular menus? At The Inquirer Food Festival on Nov. 14, you can try spicy fried chicken with pumpkin curry over fries, a lamb belly banh mi, and smoked trout dip with crispy injera. The event is nearing sellout, so grab your tickets soon.

🖌️ A museum for and by Philadelphians: Stop by the Museum of the Philadelphian, a free micro-exhibition dedicated to the city’s cultural treasures, before it closes Sunday.

🏈 A week for Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Through Saturday, tune into One Philly HBCU Week. The citywide celebration includes a matchup between Delaware State and Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field. The teams are coached by former Eagles DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, respectively.

💀 Día de los Muertos continues in South Philly: The spirit of past loved ones and the work of artists such as Ivette Chaires will fill Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Museum as part of El Día de los Muertos Ofrenda. The Mexican tradition continues through Nov. 8.

Here’s a list of the best concerts this weekend.

🎸 Thursday: The Australian hardcore rock band Speed is dropping into Union Transfer this Thursday. The group will be supported by E-Town Concrete, Division of Mind, No Idols, and Suicide Eyes for the show.

🔊 Friday: Singer-songwriter Yebba hits the stage at The Fillmore on Friday in support of her sophomore album Jean, released earlier this year.

🎵 Saturday: Metalcore band Motionless in White takes over Xfinity Mobile Arena as part of the second leg of the group’s “The Sweat and Blood Tour.” Special guests include Dayseeker and The Devil Wears Prada.

🎤 Sunday: Trippy pop band Rawayana lands at The Met for the group’s “¿Dónde es el after? World Tour" on Sunday.

Which of these George A. Romero zombie flicks was set in Philadelphia?

A) Night of the Living Dead (1968)

B) Day of the Dead (1985)

C) Dawn of the Dead (1978)

D) Land of the Dead (2005)

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: According to Visit Pennsylvania, what’s the most haunted place in Philadelphia? Answer: Betsy Ross House

Every week, I tell you how to spend your time in Philly. This week, I want to know: What’s the most ridiculous Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?

Bonus points if you have photographic evidence.

Email me your answer. I might share some of your responses in a future newsletter.

Whether you’re heading to a haunted house, catching a horror movie, or just raiding the leftover Halloween candy, there’s plenty to enjoy this weekend.

See you next week, Philly!

– Earl Hopkins

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