Eastern State Penitentiary will once again welcome visitors this fall for its highly anticipated Halloween Nights, a seasonal haunted festival that runs from September 19 to November 8, 2025. The event, held on select evenings, promises an immersive experience featuring haunted houses, live performances, and guided tours within the historic walls of this 19th-century landmark.
Organizers have unveiled several exciting new attractions for the 2025 season. One notable addition, Dark Tides, transports guests to a deserted fishing village where they face an unseen threat lurking beneath the docks. Another feature, Apocalypse Pass, is designed as an outdoor scare zone centered around a fictional containment failure and outbreak, amplifying the event’s terrifying atmosphere.
Revamped Visitor Experience
In a bid to enhance the overall experience, the penitentiary has overhauled the way attendees navigate the event. Instead of standing in multiple lines, guests will enter through a single point and progress through four acts—two guided and two open-flow—allowing for a more seamless exploration of the prison’s historic grounds. This new layout aims to alleviate bottlenecks and maximize the time guests can spend discovering the site.
Alongside the attractions, food and beverage options will also see significant expansion. Renowned vendors such as Triple Bottom Brewing, Down North Pizza, Bao & Bun Studio, Corneey’s Corn on the Cob, and Hardy Funnel Cakes will be on hand to provide a diverse array of culinary delights, ensuring visitors can fuel their adventures.
Larger set designs and new characters will populate the site, all interwoven into an evolving storyline known as “Shadow of the Veil.” For those seeking a more intense experience, Halloween Nights will again offer the option to wear a glow necklace. Participants who choose this may find themselves pulled into hidden spaces or briefly separated from their group, further immersing them in the chilling atmosphere.
A Fundraising Effort
Beyond the thrills, Halloween Nights serves a greater purpose as a fundraiser for Eastern State Penitentiary’s preservation and education programs. In 2024, 60 percent of attendees reported learning new information about the history of criminal justice while enjoying the event. This aspect of the festival highlights its commitment to educating visitors while providing entertainment.
Tickets and schedules for Halloween Nights are available at HalloweenNights.org. This event promises to blend fright and fun within the iconic walls of Eastern State Penitentiary, making it a must-visit destination this autumn for those brave enough to face its haunting attractions.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
September 19 – November 8, 2025
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
