A Zombie Review and Some Science, Too!
Pittsburgh Halloween Events & Haunted Activities
From haunted houses to escape rooms, corn mazes and family friendly trick or treating at the Zoo, Pittsburgh has plenty of Halloween fun!
Are you a wanna-be ghost hunter? Like to be creeped out? Want to get your scare on? Then you’re going to love Pittsburgh's spookiest Halloween events and attractions.
2026 updates are in progress. Please check back often as more dates and times are announced.
Haunted Attractions
Phantom Fall Fest
Select Dates September through November 2026
Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood Park is a must for ghouls and goblins of all ages. During the day, take in the fall views and enjoy festive foods and a family-friendly Halloween including kids rides being open. After 6 p.m., the terror begins as guests try and survive haunted houses and scare zones throughout the park. The nerve-racking roller coasters and devilishly delicious food make for spine-tingling Kennywood fun.
Hundred Acres Manor
Opens Friday September through October on Select Dates
Offering five different haunted experiences including alien, voodoo and folklore themes, Hundred Acres is a must for Halloween lovers looking for a thrill. Plus, there’s an escape room, maze, and for the truly brave, a buried alive simulator that will test your willpower. If you need to calm your nerves, the Scream Bar has four taps nightly of "brews before boos."
Portals of Fear
Fridays-Sundays, Sept. 25 - Oct. 31, 2026
Located in West Mifflin, this newer haunt is serving up tons of scares to the greater Pittsburgh community, and is constantly nominated for one of the best haunted attractions in the region. Nightmarish creatures and hair-rising special effects will prey on your deepest fears at their main attraction.
Halloween Cruises
Fridays & Saturdays Sept. 25 - Oct. 30, 2026
Halloween means big fun on the rivers aboard these themed Gateway Clipper cruises. Returning in 2026 is the popular Haunted Three Rivers Cruise, a spooky evening trip along the Three Rivers accompanied by ghost stories, spooky crewmates and Tarot card readings at 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Zombies of the Corn
Select Dates Sept.25 - Oct. 31, 2026
Stop the Zombie Apocalypse in Pittsburgh! That’s right, this is your chance to “open fire” and protect our city. Have you ever wanted to play paintball but didn’t like the idea of getting shot or getting dirty? At Zombies of the Corn, you ride the specialized Zombie Fighting Vehicle to eliminate these creatures that have an insatiable hunger for human flesh. The hunt begins Fridays-Saturdays starting Sept. 25, then adds Sundays starting Oct. 11.
Family Friendly Halloween Activities
Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza & ZooBoo
Oct. 2-Nov. 1, 2026
Oh my gourd! Thousands of artistically carved pumpkins will glow as you walk through Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium during their all new Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza!
Daytime trick-or-treating will continue at ZooBoo, during the last two weekends in October.
Halloween Weekends at Jellystone Park™ Kozy Rest
Weekends Sept. 25-Nov. 1, 2026
Treat yourself to a Halloween-themed weekend of camping at Jellystone Park™ Kozy Rest! Kids can trick-or-treat around the campground, participate in creative competitions, and costume contests.
Halloween at Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Fridays-Sundays, Oct. 9-25, 2026
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is celebrating Halloween all month long with a variety of special events.
- Magic Pumpkin Trolley - Plant a magic pumpkin seed, enjoy a scenic, fall trolley ride, then decorate your fully grown pumpkin and explore interactive exhibits upon your return.
- Trolley Tales of Terror - Set out on an eerie streetcar ride through the forest after learning about the ghosts that haunt the museum's collection.
- Trick or Trolley - Wear your costume and trick or treat among the museum's antique trolleys.
Monster Pumpkin Festival
Oct 17-18, 2026
Get ready for a colossal good time at the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival! This incredible fall event takes over The Stacks at 3 Crossings on Railroad Street in the Strip District for the weekend. Admission is FREE, making it the perfect family-friendly outing.
Be amazed by the Champions Row of giant pumpkins, marvel at live glassblowing, and watch as master carvers transform ordinary pumpkins into works of art. The festival is packed with thrilling events, including the spectacular pumpkin drops from a 130-foot crane, fun 5K races, and delicious eating contests. With horse-drawn carriage rides and a variety of food and craft vendors, the Monster Pumpkins Festival is the ultimate Halloween celebration you don't want to miss!!
