It’s officially October, which only means one thing; Halloween is amongst us! If you’re anything like me, Pumpkin Spice everything and anything has taken over your personal life, and deciding what to be for Halloween has been a popular conversation. No? Just me? Well, if you love this beautiful season as much as I do, you’ll be looking for all the spook-tacular things to do this fall here in the Burgh! Get ready for this seasons chills and thrills.
Haunted Houses
This one might seem too obvious but with Kennywood’s fabulous, freaky Phantom Fright Night and Pittsburgh’s famous ScareHouse Basement (ScareHouse’s main attraction will return in a new location in 2020) not going to a Haunted House this season would be more of a trick than a treat. So treat yourself to one of Pittsburgh’s best scares. Take a peek at these other Haunted Houses you won’t want to miss.
Scary Escape Rooms
Participating in an escape room is already a challenge in itself, but add in the scare factor and boom! You’re literally living a nightmare. Fun, right? Pittsburgh is home to several different escape rooms and some offering creepy escape room challenges. Some rooms are designed to be more intense and scary than others so choose wisely. Just remember, you only have so much time to escape. Are you up for the challenge? Check out some of your options here.
Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin picking might not be the creepiest activity of the season but it sure is fun and oh-so-festive! Pittsburgh’s surrounding areas offer Pumpkin Patch galor and Hayrides perfect for a beautiful fall day outing. Especially, Soergel Orchards. Soergels has all the bells and whistles to the perfect outing with shops, delicious bites, hayrides, kid friendly activities and all the necessities you’ll need to fill your home with fresh fall decor. The fun doesn’t stop there. Soergel’s is also home to an Arsenal Cider taproom which features a variety of hard ciders, of which the apple-based varieties are made with Soergel’s own apple cider. Grab a glass or growler and get to sipping!
Creepy Pop-Up Bars
Head to Market Square for not one but two scary pop-up bars this frightful fall. Zombie Den, located inside the Original Oyster House is back for its second holiday season. The Zombie “safe house” themed bar is serving up Night of the Living Dead themed cocktails, disgusting decor and nightmares you won’t want to forget. The theme for this space is on point considering some scenes from the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead was shot in the basement of this iconic venue. Zombies not your thing? Right around the corner you’ll find Nightmare on Forbes Street. This space change with the season offering a new pop up bar to party goers every few months. This space is dramatic, dark, and has everything you’re looking for in spooky night out. Creepishly themed cocktails and even more horror decor, get ready to go out! These bars are open throughout the Halloween season.
Trundle Manor
This “Art House/Tourist Trap” is a one of a kind spot open year around but what better time of the year to experience the unknown? Trundle Manor offers a private collection of weird and unusual items such as taxidermy, jarred specimens, medical implements, and bizarre weaponry, All this and more on display for the world to see, wonder, and get weirded out about. Trundle Manor offers group tours which are available for crowds from 1 15 and typically lasts for 45 minutes depending on the crew. Who knows, you’ll probably learn something new and you’ll definitely have a ghoulish time.
Haunted Museum After Dark
Friday October 18 6pm- 1-pm The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is hosting their famous After Dark event but this time it’s Haunted. This Halloween party in will allow museum goers to unravel the mysteries of the museum’s creepiest and spookiest specimens, sip on some signature cocktails, and of course, take part in a crazy costume contest. Keep your eyes peeled for more details because you wont want to miss this party.
Special Exhibit: The Silence of the Lambs Cage
Friday October 4 6pm – 8pm Soldiers and Sailors will be hosting their annual Silence of The Lambs replica event created by Hundred Acres Manor. Watch actors bring this iconic movie scene come to life in the exact room the scene was shot! Come dressed to impress in your best Halloween costume. This event is a must. Have your face painted, have your tarot cards read, speak to mediums and learn about hauntings, spirits, demons and angels. Popped Envy will be onsite selling a variety of gourmet popcorn while Graeter’s will be selling Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Coke Floats. Sip on The Silence of the Lambs and Halloween themed signature cocktails and dance the night away. (Cash only, Must be 21 or older to attend)
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.