We Ain’t Afraid of No Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

We Ain’t Afraid of No Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

Returning to the veil for our second year in a row, we thought we were prepared. It turns out we were not, in the best possible way. More scares, more activities, and a whole new atmosphere came to an already fantastic event to completely knock our socks off. Right through the gates of Eastern State Penitentiary, the first of its kind in history, we saw a brand new presentation of the experiences we came to love last year. Each house was available to us in succession through our VIP tickets, and threw us into a whirlwind tour of Eastern State’s haunted houses.

After once again traversing Big Top, Nightmares, and Machine Shop, a brand new house greeted us. Dark Tides quickly became a favorite of mine as we toured a haunted fishing village, braving dark reefs, ship corridors, and coming face-to-face with the creatures of the deep. We finished our standard haunted house tour with the always memorable School Bus.

Though, before we could even reach the bus, Zach and I were abducted into an ice cream truck. One where I was “indoctrinated” into becoming one of the monsters myself. Chance-side events like that never cease to add immersion. When visiting, you truly feel as if you are on an adventure through the veil, and every monster plays their part to make the experience as thrilling as possible. Saving the best for last, Zach and I took it upon ourselves to traverse The Crypt, one of the most beloved haunted houses in all of Halloween Nights. As always, it delivered in its every detail.

Once it was time for a break, we stopped in the Pumpkin Plaza to visit the Boogie Monsters. While I was happy to watch and dance from the comfort of the sidelines, Zach was not so content to spectate. He had returned to Halloween Nights determined to face off in a dance battle with the Boogie Monsters, to which all involved agreed he won. The plaza was, in their words, truly "electric" with fantastic performances every fifteen minutes. For spectators like me, delicious food was available including our favorite from last year, Bao&Bun Studio’s, Asian-Philly fusion menu.

Another prime area for a break was the fire pits. In the old yard guests enjoyed roasting marshmallows and seeing historical footage of the prison projected on the stone wall. The area was considered a “safe zone” where monsters would not be passing through. As VIPs we were also given access to the Speakeasy at Al Capone’s cell. Needless to say we ended the night off right enjoying live performances, blackjack, and relaxing in a cell around a Ouija Board.

During our time in the veil, we spoke with another guest who told us he hadn't attended since 2016. Needless to say he told us that the changes and upgrades made blew him away. It was nice to share praise with a veteran attendee and appreciate all of the efforts put into the event’s organization. We highly recommend a visit to Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, and hope to see them again next season!  

Jordan Wagner

Copyright ©2024 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: October 22, 2025. 

Photos by Zach Corvan and Jordan Wagner © 2025. All rights reserved.