Guide to Halloween in Pittsburgh: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

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Updated on 10/14/19

Urban area decorated for Halloween — DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

Halloween ranks among Pittsburgh's most popular holidays, with both kids and adults donning costumes and celebrating. Get the scoop on Halloween happenings in the greater Pittsburgh area, including the spookiest Halloween haunted houses; ghosts of Pittsburgh; haunted tours; Halloween shopping and costumes; and Halloween trick or treat times for your neighborhood.

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Visit a Haunted House

Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties of southwestern and western Pennsylvania know how to celebrate Halloween in style. Literally, hundreds of Halloween haunted houses, haunted trails, and haunted tours are available to area residents, including the popular, family-friendly Halloween Happenings at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh. Adults should snag tickets to Hundred Acres Manor, a terrifyingly immersive experience, or Scarehouse, which is custom built by local artisans and features a horror-themed escape room. (Scarehouse is moving for 2020, but will still be open in a temporary location.)

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Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

If you're a history fan—or just like to hear scary stories—Pittsburgh has more than enough ghost tours for you. Start at the Victorian Frick Mansion, which is said to be haunted by Helen Clay Frick, who lived there as a child. Then, make your way to the Pittsburgh Playhouse, which is said to be one of the city's most spooky spots. Here, ghouls have eerie names such as Lady in White, Weeping Eleanor, and Bouncing Red Meanie. The Pennsylvania city is also home to the most haunted house in America thanks to its reputation for murder, human experimentation, and severed heads. Meanwhile, the National Avery was built on the site of a Civil War prison and is said to be haunted by Confederate soldiers.

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Party the Night Away

Contrary to popular belief, Halloween is not just for kids! There are plenty of adults-only Halloween parties with costumes, live music, and booze around the Burgh. While you can easily join a Halloween bar crawl, some favorite events include the Boo 'n Brew Dance Cruise that floats down the Ohio River.

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Take a Ride to the Pumpkin Patch

Pittsburgh farmers' markets are a great place to get your Halloween pumpkins, as well as corn stalks, hay bales, mums, and other fall and Halloween decorations. Pumpkin patches provide fun for the whole family. You can pet farm animals, explore corn mazes, and go on tractor rides. Harvest Valley Farms is especially great as it has a corn pit, live music, and pumpkin carving contests during their Fall Festival. Plus, it's free admission!