Spooky season is upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate the ghouls, ghosts, and goblins by screening some of the best scary movies (and sure, a few family favorites too) that put you in the Halloween mood.
This year, some of Pittsburgh’s most-loved independent theaters have put together a lineup of themed events with cinematic classics, cult favorites, and essentials like cider slushies, local beers, and even drag bino.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly drive-in, a spooky night out with a ghost tour or a beer tasting, or even to be pulled onstage in a négligée (Rocky Horror fans, we see you!), check out some of our picks for Halloween movie nights in the ‘Burgh.
Row House Cinema: “Row House of Horrors”
Image via Row House Cinema
Their “Row House of Horrors” Halloween movie festival kicked off at Row House Cinema in mid-October and will run until Halloween night. This year’s titles include The Shining, the 1978 original Halloween, Hocus Pocus, and Evil Dead 2 — with more titles coming as the festival continues. It’s pretty rare to get a chance to see any of these flicks in theaters these days, so make sure to reserve your tickets online to guarantee a seat.
Want to make the most of the festival? Book a Horror Super Fan Pass to ensure a seat to all seven of the festival’s selections, plus a pass to Scarehouse!
Row House Cinema: 2021 Drive-In
Image via Row House Cinema
…Of course, that’s not all Row House Cinema is offering this year! Following its mega-successful run of drive-in movies in the Strip last October, the 2021 line-up includes a range of family-friendly films like E.T. and The Wiz along with spookier selections like Shaun of the Dead and Night of the Living Dead. Plus, a different local brewery will be on-site each weekend to provide beverages, and the Row House concessions stand will have popcorn, candy, and other treats (but you can bring your own food if you’d like).
The Oaks Theater
Image via The Oaks Theater
Looking for a super interactive and unique night at the movies? The Oaks Theater in Oakmont is offering a jam-packed calendar of Halloween events leading up to the big day that take movie-going to the next level. On October 24th, the theater will screen a triple feature of spooky Tim Burton classics (including my personal favorite Halloween movie, Sleepy Hollow) with its signature Cinebrunch. Other events include a screening of the John Carpenter classic Halloween, Night of the Living Dead with a beer tasting, and a “Night of the Living Drag” bingo night.
Dependable Drive In: Spooktacular
Image via Dependable Drive In
As the last remaining permanent drive-in theater in Allegheny County, Dependable Drive In is a beloved destination for families with kids of all ages for a memorable movie night, and their Spooktacular celebration on Saturday, October 16th is an absolute must for those with little ones.
Kids will love their “trunk or treat” trick-or-treating event, and admission includes a raffle ticket to enter to win various prizes (announced at intermission). Don’t forget to stop by the concessions stand for some classic fall favorites: hot apple cider, pumpkin funnel cakes, and their newest treat: apple cider slushies. (No advanced tickets are offered, so check the Dependable Drive In Facebook page for final film selections, additional information, and other updates.)
Hollywood Theater’s Rocky Horror Halloween Show
Image via The Junior Chamber of Commerce Players
It’s that time of year. You’ve been shivering with antici… pation. It’s Rocky Horror season, and we recommend hitting up the Hollywood Theater in Dormont for your all your call-and-response theatrical desires.
The Junior Chamber of Commerce Players will be on hand as the shadow cast to the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 29th and 30th, both at midnight. If it’s been a while, make sure you brush up on your callbacks first. (And Rocky virgins? No Googling for you.)
Carrie Carpool Cinema
Image via Rivers of Steel
Try to imagine a scarier background for your Halloween drive-in movie night than the looming, beautifully rust-covered Carrie Blast Furnaces. Very spooky, right?!
Presented by Rivers of Steel, this year’s Carrie Carpool Cinema will take place on October 29th and 30th, with screenings of the 1935 classic The Bride of Frankenstein and the 1982 cult flick The Thing respectively. As an added bonus, the cost of your admission (which directly supports the conservation of the Carrie Blast Furnaces landmark) includes an option ghost tour of the site.
Allegheny Parks Halloween Drive-In Movies
Image via Allegheny Parks
Allegheny Parks is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movie nights at two of its regional parks for two weekends in October. Catch Hocus Pocus on October 16th and The Nightmare Before Christmas on the 17th the South Park ice rink parking lot, and on October 23rd and 24th, you can watch both films again at the Hartwood Acres amphitheater parking lot.
All screening are free and are first-come, first-serve, so we recommend getting there when the gates open at 5:30 and enjoying a beautiful fall sunset in one of our city’s lovely parks.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.