By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Dia de Los Muertos
Not all of the spirits that came back for Halloween have gone back to their homes in the netherworld. There is still a reason to hang around for a little longer.
November 1 is a special day in Mexico and in Mexican American communities throughout the states. It is the day known as “Dia de Los Muertos” — the Day of the Dead. It is a festive day when families remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away.
Kennett Square will be celebrating the holiday on October 29 and 30 with a variety of special events.
As a celebration of life, culture and the arts, Casa Guanajuato will host an art exhibition on the Day of the Dead. The “Celebration of Life” event is a family-friendly activity with exhibits featuring local artists, music, traditional dances and lively festivities on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
In Mexico, every ranch, town and city have special ways to commemorate this day. Casa Guanajuto’s event is called “Dia de Los Muertos.” Special attractions include colorful sawdust carpets, sugar skulls, cempasuchil flowers, chopped paper and other pre-Hispanic traditions.
The community is invited to the American Legion (208 East State Street, Kennett Square) on Friday evening to visit the colorful and elaborately decorated altars representing the different states of Mexico and to enjoy a celebration with musicians, traditional dances, and art exhibitions. This event is preceded by a processional in Anson B. Nixon Park from 5-6 p.m.
At the Legion Hall, Casa Guanajuato will have Catrinamia as a special guest to do the pre-Hispanic purification ritual for our ofrenda.
The “sahumadora” (incense burner) is a woman who carries an incense in braziers or incense burners during religious processions and her task is to bring incense, that is to say, “to give aromatic smoke to something to purify it or to make it smell good.”
The use of incense in religious rituals is a tradition that in America goes back to pre-Hispanic times and that, with the Spanish conquest and colonialism, was retaken to be part of Christian religious ceremonies and rites.
Starting at 11 a.m. on October 30 at the American Legion, Casa Guanajuato will host a community event with music, dance, art, and traditional Día de los Muertos food sale.
Special guests include Catrinamía, Tonantzin Yaotecas, Idalia Zumbalife, Mini-Chinelos, Dance Tenochtli Casa Guanajuato, Carlos 89, Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), and Mighty Writers/The Future.
Live music will be performed by Sound Tsunami and Sound Descontrola2
Art displays will feature Jasafat Moreno (Special guest from Mexico), Javier Garcia, Marta Castillo, Eva Reatiga, Lety Vence, and community art.
The event is presented by Casa Guanajuato in collaboration with Kennett Collaborative and Kennett Area Park Authority (KAPA) with sponsorship from Hadley.
There are many events during the fall and winter holiday seasons that focus on “Days of Yore” – events that relate to bygone eras.
This week, there is an event that focuses on “Days of Ure” – and it’s an event that is set in the present time.
Midge Ure
On November 1, British rock veteran Midge Ure will headline a show at The Loft at City Winery (990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, citywinery.com/philadelphia).
The last time Ure played the area was when he brought his “Songs, Questions and Answers Tour 2020” to the Sellersville Theater. That show was on February 4, 2020 – just weeks before the pandemic shut everything down.
“These shows are like bookends,” said Ure, during a phone interview Thursday evening from a tour stop.
“I’ve had fans come up to me and say my 2020 show was the last show they saw before the shutdown and that this is the first show they’re seeing now that concerts are being staged again.
“It’s hard to say how the situation will develop over the next few months. COVID cases in the U.K. have really spiked lately.”
Ure has ridden the pandemic situation like a veteran whitewater rafter.
“After that U.S. tour last January, we came back and did a few shows in the U.K. and then went to New Zealand,” said Ure. “We saw signs of the pandemic happening in New Zealand last March. Fortunately, we were able to get out of New Zealand unscathed.
“The day we went from New Zealand to continue the tour in Australia, New Zealand closed it down. Shortly after, most of Australia closed down. By then, I was just worried about how we were going to get back to the U.K. I managed to get home all right.”
After a year-and-a-half on not being able to tour, Ure is back on the road again.
“This solo acoustic tour – it was something that wasn’t planned. Right now, I’m supposed to be in Germany or Scandinavia with my ‘Voice and Visions Tour’ but it was postponed until February and March of 2022.
“A few weeks ago, my agent told me that my U.S. visa was still open. We figured someone has to try the trans-Atlantic crossing. I was happy to do it. Asking me to not tour is like asking me to not breathe.”
Ure, who grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, has been one of rock’s steady road warriors. The guitarist/keyboardist has been playing music ever since he joined the Glasgow band Stumble in the late 1960s.
Some of you may not recognize Midge Ure’s name but you’ve almost definitely heard his music
If you know the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” — you’ve heard Ure’s music. That was a song he co-wrote with Bob Geldof and presented to the world as Band Aid. Ure co-organized Band Aid, Live Aid and Live 8 with Geldof. He also serves as ambassador for Save the Children.
Ure’s musical repertoire is long and varied, including the song “Breathe,” which in 1996 became the soundtrack of a massive European “Swatch” campaign. His list of former bands includes Slik, the Rich Kids, Thin Lizzy, Ultravox and Visage.
Slik had a monster hit with “Forever And Ever”, while the Rich Kids was a band put together by ex-Sex Pistol Glen Matlock.
Ure became most famous as the front man who replaced John Foxx in Ultravox and was the singer on such Ultravox hits as “Reap the Wild Wind”, “Dancing With Tears in My Eyes” and the timeless classic “Vienna.”
His most recent album is “Soundtrack 1978-2019,” which came out two years ago. The 32-song collection encompasses four decades of Ure’s rich and varied career.
In addition to many classic Ultravox and Midge Ure solo tracks, this collection also features previously unreleased material. One of these songs is a new remix of 2014’s “Dark Dark Night,” which was co-written and performed with Moby.
“It started in 1978 with Rich Kids when I bought a synthesizer and goes all the way to 2019,” said Ure. “If you just arrived from Mars and wanted to hear my music history, this is it. The label first started talking about it 18 months ago. A single album would have been boring.
“I hand-picked all the tracks. It took a while to find all the footage. It’s a double CD and a DVD with as many videos as I could get my hands on – and some documentaries. I did voice-over dialogue on top of the videos. It’s a great package.
“It took me a while. I had to force myself to look at a long list of material – material from 40 years. It was like coming home from school and doing homework.
“It took me a bit of time to go through it. I was in no hurry. There was no rush to decide if I wanted that song to represent an era.
“If you look back, you see that your tastes change and your standards get higher – for example, why were the vocals so quiet on a song…why did I put that chorus on. Tastes change over the years.
“Recently, I was on tour in Europe playing the entire (Ultravox) ‘Vienna’ album. Some of those songs could have been written yesterday. With ‘Soundtrack 1978-2019,’ the label cared about it as much as I did. I’m proud of this one.”
Songs that are on “Soundtrack 1978-2019” along with a lot of other classic Ure gems will find their way onto the set list for his current statewide solo acoustic tour.
Video link for Midge Ure – https://youtu.be/7DF8rNclM-8.
The show at The Loft at City Winery will start at 8 p.m. on November 1. Tickets are $29, $30 and $32.
The 2021 Halloween season is coming down the homestretch.
This will be the final weekend for most of the spooky holiday’s events — and it’s a busy time of year for the area’s tourist railroads.
The West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net) is running its
“Trick or Treat Special” on October 30 and 31 at noon and 2 p.m. each day.
This is billed as a “family friendly 90-minute Halloween train ride.”
Passengers are requested to wear their favorite costumes and ride the heated train to enjoy the beautiful Chester Creek Valley in all of its fall splendor.
During a brief stop at the historic Glen Mills station, passengers can disembark and explore the historic station and picnic grove. Passengers can also collect a few treats while at the station.
Ticket prices are Adults – $20, Children (2-12) – $18, Toddlers (9-23 months) – $8.
The historic rail line is also running its special “Fall Foliage Express” trains on November 7. Trains depart at noon and 2 p.m.
The round-trip train ride travels to the village of Glen Mills and back and lasts for 90 minutes. During the brief layover in Glen Mills, riders can explore the historic Pennsylvania Railroad station and have a snack in the railroad’s picnic grove along the Chester Creek.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for children ages 2-12 and free for kids under two.
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge St, New Hope, 215- 862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) offers a two-hour roundtrip ride on its “Fall Excursion Trains” now through November 7.
Riders can enjoy a “Fall Excursion” experience on a heritage train, departing from the rail line’s 1891 Witch’s Hat Train Station in the center of New Hope. On this excursion, passengers will enjoy a relaxing ride through scenic Bucks County on the “New Hope Branch” route, which was originally part of the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad and later the Reading Railroad.
Passengers will ride aboard beautifully restored vintage (early 1900’s) passenger coaches while a narrator will provide them with interesting historical facts and stories of significant cultural locations along the route.
The train will travel to Buckingham, Pennsylvania where it will then change direction and return to New Hope.
Passengers can enjoy the sights of the beautiful fall scenery while riding aboard the rail line’s “First Class Bar Car,” “Antique Seat Coach” or “Open Air Car.”
Coach tickets are $72.60 for adults, $71.50 for children (ages 2-11) and $10.99 for toddlers.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE, 302-998-1930, www.wwrr.com) is running its “Autumn Leaf Special” with trains on October 30 and November 6.
Trips are either a one-and-one-half hour roundtrips to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove or two-and-one-half hour roundtrips to Hockessin.
Tickets for the “Autumn Leaf Special” are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors (60 and older) and $12 for children (ages 2-12).
Now through November 6, the Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) has a very special event – “Strasburg Rail Road Productions presents…The Legacy of Sleepy Hollow: Not Everything Dies.”
Visitors will discover the true Legacy of Sleepy Hollow at the Strasburg Rail Road. The greatest ghost story ever told did not tell us the whole story.
Guests will join Isabel Crane, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane, as she takes them on a frightful journey filled with sword fights, ghosts, and a centuries-old curse surrounding her family.
It seems that not everyone wants the truth to come out and they’ll go to any length necessary to keep their haunted past a secret. With grand special effects, live horses, and the scariest train ride of the season, this is an opportunity to learn, hear, and experience the Legacy of Sleepy Hollow aboard the historic Strasburg Rail Road.
A pre-boarding act/performance will commence 15 minutes before departure. Please plan to arrive early for check-in and then enjoy the pre-boarding performance before you embark on a memorable journey.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.dynamicticketsolutions.com) is running its “Eerie Limited Ghost Train – Dinner” on October 29.
This evening train explores the stories of local hauntings, historic incidents, and amusing and astounding happenings along the Colebrookdale Railroad.
Passengers can learn the haunted secrets of The Secret Valley on a very special evening run of a two-hour round trip departing and arriving in Boyertown.
“Steamin’ Halloween” will be presented on October 31 at Auburn Heights Preserve (3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn, Delaware, 302-239-2385, http://auburnheights.org).
The event, which runs from 12:30-4:30 pm., features rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and in select antique automobiles.
also tour the magnificent 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family.
Also included is entry to the Marshall Steam Museum, which features the world’s largest operating collection of Stanley steam cars along with a 1930s working Lionel electric train display, a hands-on engine display, kids’ activities and exhibits and the Museum Gift Shop.
Combo Tickets, which cover all rides and building tours, are $20 (13 and older) and $14 (age 12 and under).
Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org) is hosting a pair of Halloween events this weekend.
“Halloween at Hagley” will be held on October 30 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
On Saturday, children are invited to come in costume and visit treat stations throughout the beautiful surroundings of Hagley’s historic home and garden. Lots of Halloween-themed activities will be available like Spider Slingshot and “Bat”ing Practice.
Visitors will be able to go ghost hunting in Hagley’s garden and make a jack-o-lantern pouch to stash some goodies.
Costume parades are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Howl-O-Ween
“Howl-O-Ween” will be held on October 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Halloween has gone to the dogs at Hagley for its first-ever “Howl-O-Ween” event on Sunday.
Visitors are invited to bring their leashed canine companions (with or without a costume) to enjoy Halloween-themed activities designed especially for four-legged friends.
They can go ghost hunting down the Bark-or-Treat trail and grab some dog-friendly, chocolate-free treats along the way. Candy will also be available for human howlers.
A pet costume parade will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Pet Partners include Waggies by Maggie and Friends, PAWS for People, Snarky Bark and Deer Valley Danes.
Burgers by Wildwich will have their truck on site with burgers and other items available for purchase.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org) is hosting “Tram-and-Treat” on October 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tram-and-Treat
Visitors are invited to “dress your little goblins in their costumes for daytime trick-or-treating in the garden.”
Participants can ride a special tram with stops along the way for candy and crafts.
Live music will be performed by Silly Joe from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Enchanted Woods and by the Newark Ukesters on the Visitor Center Patio from noon-2 p.m.
The event is included with admission and reservations are highly encouraged. Tram space available on a first-come, first-served basis. Treats available while supplies last (bring your own candy bag!).
Another Halloween attraction is drawing crowds in the First State.
“Frightland” (309 Port Penn Road, Middletown, Delaware, 302-838-0256, www.frightland.com) features eight special themed areas — “Zombie Prison,” “Ravenwood Cemetery,” “Haunted Hayride,” “Idalia Manor,” “Fear,” “Ghost Town,” “The Attic” and “Haunted Barn.”
Frightland Haunted Attractions has been named a Top 10 Scariest Haunted Attraction in the country by Travel Channel, Forbes and Huffington Post.
The venue includes eight haunted attractions including a two-mile Haunted Hayride, four indoor haunted houses and more. The nationally acclaimed Halloween attraction also features live entertainment, carnival amusements and a daytime fall festival.
The venue will remain open through November 6. Tickets are $40.
Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting its “Adult Trick or Treat” event every Saturday and Sunday through October 31. Tour Times Available at noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
Visitors will be able to “Trick or Treat” for wine and seasonal snacks at Chaddsford’s wildly popular, adults-only Halloween program as they visit a variety of Halloween-themed pairing stations located throughout the Winery grounds.
The “Pairing Menu” features Sleepy Hollow: Chaddsford White with Kernel Clark’s Kettle Corn; Hocus Pocus: Witch’s Brew Wine Cocktail with Éclat Tahitian Vanilla Truffle; Creature from the Black Lagoon: 2018 Harbinger with Oso Sweet Negative Cookie; Frankenwine: Warm Spiced Apple with Carlino’s Mini Pumpkin Cannoli; and The Shrieking Shack: Sangria Slushie.
Advanced tickets purchased online are $35 and include the food and beverage pairings, as well as a Halloween-themed keepsake wine glass.
Each September, “Pumpkinland” returns to Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com). “Pumpkinland,” which runs through November 7, features fairy tale characters from nursery rhymes along with a huge scarecrow and a really tall storybook.
Other activities include train rides, a straw bale maze, hayrides, pick-your-own apples and pony rides.
There will also be “Harvest Hayrides” and “Autumn Moon Hayrides” starting later in September along with “Straw Bale Maze,” “Train Rides,” “Corn Maze” and “Pony Rides.”
Pumpkinland is open from mid-September through early November and takes center stage at Linvilla Orchards. Larger than life figures and scarecrows illustrate the legends and lore of the harvest season, featuring local history and some of the many stories of pumpkins and apples.
Visitors will see Linvilla’s piles of pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes — more than 100 tons on display.
The popular annual “Flashlight Maze” at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks (150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, 717-687-6843, will continue every Friday and Saturday night through November 4. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm has reserved several weekends during the autumn months for Flashlight Maze.
This special activity allows visitors to experience the Amazing Maize Maze in total darkness. All you need are flashlights and a few friends.
The Flashlight Maze is a nice, non-scary, Halloween alternative that has appeal for people of all ages. The Flashlight Maze, which has a $12 admission fee, is open from 6:30-10 p.m. with the last entrance into the Maze at 9 p.m.
The main attraction is Cherry Crest’s “Amazing Maize Maze,” which is billed as “the world’s most dynamic and interactive corn maze.” It is a five-acre corn maze with over two-and-one-half miles of paths, scenic bridges and clues.
Participants can walk at their own pace as they encounter the “Kernels of Knowledge” along with a variety of clues, tunnel slides, and watering stations. They can also check out a bird’s eye view from the two bridges and watch everyone’s flags waving high above the corn.
The average time to complete the “Amazing Maize Maze” course is one hour. Ticket prices start at $17.95.
One of the best ways to welcome autumn is by checking out the corn mazes at Ramsey’s Farm (Ramsey Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-477-1499, www.ramseysfarm.com). The farm’s event season just got underway.
Corn mazes, along with hayrides, a pumpkin patch and scarecrows, will be featured at Ramsey’s Farm, which is located in northern Delaware on Route 92 just south of the Pennsylvania-Delaware state line. The new season runs on weekends now through October 30.
Ramsey’s “Pumpkin Patch” has been in operation since 1995 and the farm’s varied mazes have been delighting and baffling visitors who return each year for the popular annual event. The owners of Ramsey’s Farm raise pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, popcorn, feed corn and hay.
The farm’s pumpkin field stretches over 12 acres and yields approximately 20,000 pumpkins each season. Hayrides around the farm will be offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Visitors will be able to shop for pumpkins and other items at the farm store. There will also be hot food and beverages available for purchase.
Tickets are $8 for the corn maze, $4 for hayrides, $4 for Spookley Trail, and $4 for pumpkin painting.
“Boo at the Zoo” (Elmwood Park Zoo, Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) will be held October 30 and 31 from noon-3 p.m. each day.
“Boo at the Zoo” features live entertainment, costume contests, costume parades, trick-or-treat stations with candy, prizes, crafts and educational pieces.
Children are encouraged to bring their own treat bags for trick-or-treating. The zoo will not be providing any bags.
“Boo at the Zoo” is free with zoo admission, which starts at $12.95.
The 30th annual edition of “Haunted Hayride, Bates Motel and Haunted Corn Maze at Arasapha Farm” (1835 N. Middletown Rd., Gradyville, 610-459-0647, www.thebatesmotel.com) will be scaring visitors through October 31.
The haunted hayride through the woods features monsters, special effects and actors. The Bates Motel has haunted rooms with special effects and computerized lighting.
“Psycho Path” is a highlight. With scenes like a 100-foot long, 40-foot tall drive thru insane asylum, a full scale mockup of a New England church and a 200-foot long cave, the Haunted Trail is an amazing example of Hollywood style sets and props.
Another attraction is the “Revenge of the Scarecrow Haunted Trail.” A haunted trail is cut through a cornfield inhabited by monsters.
Other popular attractions are “Zombie Hunt Lazer Tag,” “Double Edge Axe Throwing” and “Bates Motel Escape Rooms.”
Admission prices start at $40.
Pennhurst Asylum (100 Commonwealth Drive, Spring City, 484-866-8964, www.pennhurstasylum.com), which is open through November 6, is on the site of a former mental asylum which has been shuttered for over a quarter of a century.
It has been transformed into a haunted attraction with huge sets, detailed rooms and live actors. Visitors can also explore the labyrinth of underground tunnels.
Ticket prices start at $45 with a variety of combo packages available.
The Scarecrow Competition and Display at Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com) is running through October 30. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Visitors can stroll around the Village to see the Scarecrow Competition and Display, which showcases more than 100 creative and colorful scarecrows. The Scarecrows are on outdoor display.
The public is invited to vote for the winners. Ballots are available in all shops and restaurants. The ballot boxes are located in the Hospitality Center at the Cock ‘n Bull, Giggleberry Fair, and Buttonwood Grill.
Canal-O-Ween will get started this weekend at Yardley’s Rivermawr neighborhood (North Edgewater Avenue, the Canal Path from Afton to Fuld, Yardley, www.experienceyardley.com).
Visitors are invited to enjoy the warm and welcoming spirit of Halloween at the week-long celebration, “Canal-O-Ween.”
The event kicks off with the annual “Carve-O-Thon,” a family-friendly event where folks gather to carve more than 300 Jack-O-Lanterns — all in about three hours.
In the evenings, guests will be able to enjoy the “Jack-O-Lantern Stroll” along the historic Delaware Canal guided by the warm light of hundreds of uniquely carved Jack-O-Lanterns flickering along the way for more than a quarter mile.
The free event, which runs from October 31-November 6 is billed as “an old-fashioned, low-tech, magical way to celebrate Halloween.”
“Candlelight Ghost Tours” (Fort Mifflin, Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, http://fortmifflin.us) are scheduled for October 29, 30 and 31.
Visitors can tour historic (and haunted) Fort Mifflin by candlelight from 7-10 p.m. each night (6:30-8:30 on October 31) and hear true stories of ghostly encounters. This event is billed as an “authentic experience.”
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children (12 and under).
Every weekend in October, The Franklin Institute (222 North 29th Street, Philadelphia, www.fi.edu) is presenting Franklin Fright featuring trick-or-treating through the exhibits, creepy guests from The Insectarium, spooky science experiments, liquid scare shows and other frightfully fun festivities.
Spooky live science shows, Halloween-inspired décor, and the return of the ever-popular museum-wide indoor trick-or-treating adventure takes place every weekend in October during Franklin Fright.
Visitors can experience one of the most fun-filled Halloween destinations around with the return of Franklin Fright.
Back by popular demand, young witches and warlocks, ghosts, and goblins are invited to trick-or-treat by knocking on friendly decorated doors in exhibits throughout the museum.
New this year, meet Dr. Franklinstein, joined by her science sidekicks for one of several all-new live science shows. Watch as they perform explosive experiments, dastardly demonstrations, and spooky science with There will be several Halloween-Inspired Live Science Shows including “That’s Gross!” “Dr. Franklinstein’s Pumpkin Lab” and “Pondering Plasma.”
Admission is $23 for adults and $19 for children. Wearing costumes is encouraged.
On October 31, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, https://thelaurelhillcemetery.org) is hosting “Fall Family Day: Halloween Picnic and Parade” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
This Sunday, visitors can spend an autumn afternoon exploring the many wonders and mysteries of Laurel Hill Cemetery while celebrating Halloween. Fall fun for the family at Laurel Hill will thrill and chill both the young and old.
The cemetery’s primary location overlooking the Schuylkill River will offer visitors majestic views of the colorful fall foliage and vibrant landscape along Kelly Drive. Activities will include a pumpkin patch, readings from the Storybook Fairy, crafts and hayrides throughout the grounds.
Guests can feast on festive snacks, available for purchase or bring their own picnics. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and children are encouraged to show off their best Halloween costumes. This program is recommended for families with children ages 4-12.
The cost is $5 per person general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online.
On Saturdays and Sundays now through October 31, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania (100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, www.morrisarboretum.org) is hosting its annual Scarecrow Walk.
Visitors will be able to make their own scarecrows, paint a pumpkin and sample different varieties of apples. Weaver’s Way Coop will be on hand with the season’s best local apple varieties.
Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Walk is back for its 14th year, and in recognition of those who show courage and care when faced with fright, this year’s theme is “Heroes!”
Visitors will be able to wander through the Arboretum and see scarecrows in honor of a beloved superhero characters, essential workers, or best friend heroes.
Throughout the month of October, more than 30 scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum. Visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners. The top three scarecrows win a cash prize with a top prize of $250.
Admission to Morris Arboretum is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for youth (ages 3-17).
For years, Eastern State Penitentiary (2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, 888-763-NITE, www.easternstate.org) presented one of the premier Halloween attractions in Philadelphia — “Terror Behind the Walls.”
This year, the venue is trying something different – a new attraction called “Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.”
The truly scary attraction, which is running through November 13, takes place at a penitentiary site that was once was an active prison and is now a National Historic Landmark. It is a scream-inducing event featuring laser and special-effect lighting, digital sound, sinister scents, animatronic creatures and 3-D illusions.
There is “Delirium,” a 3D Haunted House where visitors take a mind-altering trip into another dimension –a parallel, neon universe where nothing is quite as it seems. Fascinating creatures emerge from seemingly nowhere as the world you thought you knew shrinks away.
Another new attraction is “Take 13,” a Haunted House where visitors step back in time and into the golden age of Hollywood glamour. The cameras never stopped rolling on the souls that roam this hall. And now they want you to be part of the show.
“The Crypt” is another Haunted House. The creatures of The Crypt request your presence. Wade through the mist and into the lair of an ancient clan of vampires. They’ve set the table, but if you’re not careful, you might end up on their next menu.
“After Dark CB3 Tour” is a guide-led Walking Tour – a 20-minute, guide-led, flashlight tour of Cellblock 3, the Hospital Block.
Another Haunted House is the “Machine Shop.” Hidden away from the world is a long-forgotten machine shop. Evil pervades this space – an evil with one mind but with many bodies. Will visitors survive or will they become just another cog in the machine?
“Tricks and Treats” is a “Halloween Candy-Themed Cocktail Lounge. Visitors enter a fantastical world of sugar-coated trickery where they can sip on a candy-themed cocktail and mingle with the jesters and clowns of this twisted carnival for the senses.
Other attractions are “The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell,” “The Bloodline Lounge,” “Gargoyle Gardens (featuring The Skeleton Crew),” “Junkyard Jams,” “The Fair Chance Beer Garden (featuring Triple Bottom Brewing Co.), “The Big Graph & Prisons Today,” “The Voices of Eastern State” Highlights Audio Tour, “Kaleidoscope Hall,” and “S’mores and Lore.”
Admission prices, which vary with the date, start at $34.
On October 30, Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (19 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, http://muttermuseum.org/) will host its “Sixth Annual Annual Mischief at the Mütter.”
This is an event that allows guests to enjoy drinks from an open bar and view the museum’s scientific and frequently grotesque collections – including a variety of body parts.
Visitors can enjoy the Halloween beer garden which includes full access to the Mütter Museum.
Wearing of costumes is encouraged. This event is “21+ only.” Tickets are $100.
On October 29, visitors will be able to take a “Spooky Twilight Tour” at the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, http://historicphiladelphia.org/)
The tours will transport participants back to Philadelphia in the 1700s to learn about the city’s gruesome history of infection and inoculation – and hear true tales of bloodletting, smallpox, yellow fever and other gross experiences. They will be able to learn what it was like to live in the ghastly 18th century and discover why Philadelphia was an infectious place to be.
After that, participants can head into the House for a spooky, shadowy after-hours tour. Hours are from 6-9 p.m. and the tour is not recommended for small children.
Timed tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $12.
On October 31, a “Halloween Festival” is taking place at the Philadelphia Butterfly Pavilion and Insectarium (8046 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, www.phillybutterflypavilion.com).
This is a Halloween festival with a difference.
There will be artisanal vendors from across the region as well as games, events, food, drink, and candy apple making.
The event at the museum, which will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., is suitable for everyone with fear factor events for kids and adults.
The entire second story will be converted into a haunted forest for “tick or treating” (this is a bug museum).
There will also be a custom scavenger hunt with prizes and huge science demos throughout the day in different areas of the museum.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children.
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (www.visiteastpassyunk.com) presents a double dose of spooktacular fun with free activities for the kids, adults and even dogs. The NinthAnnual East Passyunk “Fall Fest and Spooky Saturday” will be held on October 30.
The free family event will feature a child and dog costume contest, live music, pumpkin painting, free treat bags for the first 400 children, street food and seasonal cocktails, maker and craft fair around the Singing Fountain, trick or treating along East Passyunk and a DJ and dance party.
Most activities will be held at the Singing Fountain (East Passyunk and Tasker), with select activities to be held at Mifflin Triangle (East Passyunk and Mifflin) and a scarecrow scavenger hunt all along the Avenue.
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687,www.ghosttour.com) operate through November and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound. Tickets are $20.
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $18.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Shire, Mount Hope Estate and Winery grounds, Route 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021, www.parenfaire.com) is hosting its “Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights III” event on October 30 and 31.
From 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day, the huge faire will celebrate Halloween.
It will be a weekend of mystery and mayhem kick off this weekend as spooky creatures of every variety haunt the Shire. Visitors can join the good Shirefolk of Mount Hope for a grand All Hallows Eve celebration, complete with tricks and treats for children of all ages.
Featured events include “Halloween Treasure Hunt,” “Nipperkins Costume Exhibition” (ages 11 and under), and “Adult Costume Competition.”
Admission is $30.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids ages 5-11.
On October 30, it will be time for the “Trick or Treat & Haunted Museum” at the North Museum (North Museum of Nature and Science,
400 College Avenue, Lancaster, northmuseum.org).
The event features a spooktacular day of thrills, chills, and good old-fashioned fun.
Popular attractions will be a Costume Contest, Trick-or-Treating (candy provided by Y&S Candies), Slime Lab and spooky experiments and activities.
The event will also have a special guest – Lancaster Ghostbusters.
Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (65 and older) and juniors (ages 3-17).
On October 30, Kitchen Kettle Village (3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, www.kitchenkettle.com) will host “Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash” beginning at 10 a.m.
Visitors can safely enjoy a meal, some colorful characters, including Village mascot Yummie, a costume contest, special treats and more.
This family friendly event includes:
Meal vouchers for use at the Harvest Cafe between 11a.m.-5 p.m. for lunch.
Spooky Bakery Box filled with sweet & scary surprises from the Bake Shop.
Costume Contest with cash prizes at the stage area for all children beginning at 11 a.m.
Contactless photo opportunities with Yummie & Friends near Girls Day Out from 11 a.m.-noon.
Special treat bag filled with a “treasure map” featuring locations in the Village for exclusive surprises and treats.
All children under 18 years old attending the event will receive a treat bag and may participate in the Costume Contest.
Ticket prices are Children: $10.95 (ages 3-10); Adults, $15.95; and Toddlers (2 and under), free.
The “35th Annual Jason’s Woods” (99 Stehman Road, Lancaster, 717-872-5768, www.jasonswoods.com), which is running through November 6, is a horror show complex that features a combination of live actors, impressive animation and scary special effects.
Popular attractions include “Horrifying Hayride,” “Chamber of Horrors,” “Zombie Apocalypse,” “Lost in Jason’s Woods,” and “Carnival of Fear,” Admission prices are for combo tickets are $25 for three attractions and $40 for five.
“Valley of Fear” (300 W. Bristol Road, Feasterville, 215-942-9787, www.valleyoffear.com), which is open through November 6, features three “heart pounding attractions” — “Haunted Hayride,” “Miles Manor Haunted House,” and “Willie’s Shipwreck Cove.”
There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The attraction is billed as “America’s Most Horrifying Woods.” Admission prices start at $23.
The “27th Annual Field of Screams” (109 College Avenue, Mountville, 717-285-7748, www.fieldofscreams.com), which is open now through November 13, features four world-class Haunted Experiences and an impressive Midway Area.
Top attractions include “Horrifying Haunted Hayride,” “Den Of Darkness,” “Nocturnal Wasteland” and “Fightmare Asylum.”
Ticket prices start at $16.
Shocktoberfest (94 Park Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610-375-7273, shocktoberfest.com) features an array of natural and genetically engineered Zombies in a safe and controlled habitat.
“Schockfest Zombie World” is celebrating its 30th Year with five “Killer Experiences” — “Zombie Safari Hayride Tour,” “Prison of the Dead,” “The Unknown 3.0,” “Ground Assault” and “Midway Massacre.”
The attraction will close on November 6. Ticket prices start at $20.
Amusement parks are also a good source of Halloween activities.
For “Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place” (100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, 215-752-7070, www.sesameplace.com), the popular amusement park has been converted into a Halloween-themed safe venue for kids with trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and a hay maze.
Guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows, participating in our interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats!
Featured attractions, which will continue until November 6, are “Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade,” “Halloween Light Show,” and “The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-ween Radio Show.”
Admission to the park starts at $39.99.
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (2249 Route 30 East, Lancaster, 866-386-2389, www.dutchwonderland.com) is hosting its “Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland” on October 30 and 31.
The attraction will feature “Spook-tastic Rides,” “A Kingdom of Happy Haunts,” and “Trick-Or-Treat Trail.”
This is a fun, fall family event featuring themed rides, special entertainment, tasty treats, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail — a safe, interactive trick-or-treating experience that included in your admission
It features more than 30 themed rides and family-friendly attractions, a trip through the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Exploration Island, and trick-or-treat with 20 lifelike dinosaurs.
The event runs from 2-9 p.m. on Saturday and 2-8 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $39.99.
“Great Pumpkin Fest and Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park” (3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, 610-395-3724, www.dorneypark.com) is running now through October 30.
The event features scary creatures roaming the park and scarecrows lining line the walkways while frightening activities take place at the following attractions — “Steamworx,” “The Lair,” “The Hollow” and “CarnEvil” along with seven mazes and four “Creepy Scare Zones.”
The event also features four scary shows – “Ghouling Organs,” “IllumiNightmares,” “Overlord’s Incantation” and “Skeleton Crew.”
Admission prices start at $35.
The “29th Annual Fright By Night” (Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, Jackson, NJ, 732-928-2000, www.sixflags.com), which is running now through October 31, features family-oriented activities during the day and much scarier attractions after dark for teens and adults.
The attractions include “Scarecrow Street,” “Clown Town,” “Lady of the Lake Cemetery,” “Venom Zone,” Big Top Terror: Forgotten Carnival 3-D,” “Wicked Woods,” “Aftermath,” “Blood Shed,” “The Manor,” “District 6”,” and “Reflections of the Dead.”
Tickets start at $39.99.
