Boo at the Zoo Returns for Three Weekends in October

Author Nicole Barlage

September 27th, 2022 11:01 AM

Boo at the Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Halloween spectacular returns for three weekends this October.

Dates this year will be October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30th, from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Come dressed in your favorite costume, parade to the Great Pumpkin Wall, enjoy photo opportunities, and a spooktacular good time. Bring your own bag for trick or treating around the Zoo.  There will also be allergy friendly treats back again this year. The annual not-so-scary extinction graveyard will showcase extinct animals and animals the Zoo is trying to save from extinction. Fall food and drink special offerings will include hot apple cider, sweets and treats, and more to be announced soon.

As you trick-or-treat through the Zoo, be sure to stop by our NEW Giraffe Encounter and meet the incredible giraffe herd. For $6 for general admission and $5 for members, guests can feed Stella, Abby or Bea a piece of browse (twigs and branches) and come face to face with the Zoo’s tallest residents. Times for Giraffe Encounter are 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.

While you’re in African Plains, be sure to visit the majestic Ankole cattle, new to the Zoo this year. Ankole cattle are a domestic breed of cattle native to Uganda with horns growing to be 37-40 inches long and measure up to 8 feet wide.

After that, explore the wonders of wildlife at Habitat Hollow, a NEW play experience! Learn about different habitats by experiencing them firsthand—whether it’s climbing a giant spider web, perching in a nest, digging in a sand pit, and more. You can even play alongside our ambassador animals like Sandi the sand boa, Rocky the box turtle and Wesley the Velveteen lop rabbit!

Timed reservations are on sale now for Boo at the Zoo, which is included with the price of admission. Zoo admission is $24.00 for adults (ages 12 and up), $19.00 for children (2 to 11), and free for children under two. Halloween costumes with toy guns and weapons are prohibited. For more information on, as or to purchase and print tickets online, visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.

14 Fall Festivals & Events Happening this October

• 14th Annual South Street Oktoberfest

  700 Block of South Street
  Saturday, October 1, 2022
  11:00am to 8:00pm
  https://brauhausschmitz.com/events/

  For the 14th year in a row (2020 doesn’t count), South Street Oktoberfest will be held on the 700 block of South Street. This year, it will anchor the South Street Fall Festival! With 10 different German beers available on draft, a wealth of German food, live Oompah music by Die Heimatklänge, German dancing by the United German Hungarians, flower crowns, Liter Lift, games and more, it is one of the fall’s most exciting food-and-drink events and a do-not-miss celebration for beer lovers! This event is family friendly and free to attend (pay as you go) Young or Old, there is something for everyone at this event! … but if you want more of an exclusive pass – the VIP Experience is for you! VIP PASSES are $120 include: Entrance to our Brauer Bund Bierhall, a special buffet from 12pm-6pm, Liter mug, 7 Bier/Merchandise Tokens, 2022 Oktoberfest Tee Shirt, Haus Swag, and private bathrooms (no porta potties!) – VIP PASSES are limited and must be purchased in advance!

• Philly AIDS Thrift 17th Anniversary Block Party

  Presented by Philly AIDS Thrift
  700 Block of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue
  Saturday, October 1, 2022, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
  Free to attend
  https://www.phillyaidsthrift.com/

  Philly AIDS Thrift will commemorate seventeen successful years with a block party on Saturday, October 1st. The all-day event, which will be held on the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge St. and Monroe St.). The event will have live music, food trucks, celebrity dunk tank, carnival games, craft/vintage vendors, face painting, pie eating contest, and dancing in the street! SNACKTIME, Best of Philly award-winning Brass hip-hop/funk band will be performing live at the event for the first time. The Squidling Bros. Circus Sideshow, featuring MacKenzie Molotov brings an international collective of circus sideshow performers from Philadelphia, Berlin, and New York. The group features Mackenzie Moltov, the sword-swallowing and fire-breathing clown babe. CBS 3’s Jim Donovan will emceeing the Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party 3rd Annual Pie-Eating Contest. The pies are graciously provided by MANNA, in correlation to their annual fundraiser, Pie In The Sky. This is Philly AIDS Thrift’s eighth year hosting the block party. For a full schedule and updates, visit Philly AIDS Thrift on Facebook and click the event tab

• 5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest

  Friday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th
  22 S 23rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19103
  Friday, October 7, 7:30pm to 11:30pm
  Saturday, October 8, 1:00pm to 5:00pm
  Saturday, October 8, 7:30pm to 11:30pm
  www.brauhausschmitz.com

  Come to the 5th annual 23rd St. Armory Oktoberfest with 3 sessions to choose from. The fortress-like structure located at 22 South 23rd Street in Center City (only a 5-minute walk from 30th Street Station) will mimic an authentic Munich festival tent. The 16,000 square foot space will be decked out with Bavarian blue & white ceilings, authentic festival tables and benches imported from Germany, as well as a lofted stage area for musical acts, which will include the The Bratwurst Boys Saturday night and Brauhaus regulars Die Heimatklänge Friday and Saturday sessions. Traditional Oktoberfest food will be provided by Chef Valentin Bay and beer will be provided by the world famous Hofbräuhaus München – Das Original. This 2 Day Festival will give guests the opportunity to celebrate at 1 of 3 separate 4-hour sessions each accommodating up to 1400 people. This event is packed with the most authentic German dancing by the award-winning United German Hungarians, delicious German food (including sausage, chicken, pork, sauerkraut, potato salad, and pretzels of course), refreshing Hofbräu beer and more! There truly is nothing currently like this in the entire region or state and expects to attract folks from Philly, SE PA, Baltimore, DC, NYC and beyond. 3 different ticketing options to choose from: General Admission $25, VIP $70 (groups of 2-8ppl) or UBER VIP $85 (groups of 4-8ppl) THIS EVENT IS 21+ ONLY to attend.

• Morgan’s Pier Oktoberfest

  Saturday, October 8, 2022
  2:00pm to 6:00pm
  Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19123
  $50 pre-sale, $60 general admission at door
  First 200 guests through the door get a souvenir mug
  www.morganspier.com

  Prost! As part of Fall Fest, Morgan’s Pier presents Morgan’s Pier Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The best part of any Oktoberfest is the free-flowing beer and an excuse to eat pretzels. Morgan’s Pier will have both, plus live music with Dub C for belting out all of the sing-along drinking songs. For $50 early bird and $60 general admission guests receive an open beer bar, unlimited soft Pretzels, German-inspired food specials, and a Morgan’s Pier stein for the first 200 attendees through the door. After Oktoberfest, stick around for DJ Xtina from 6:00pm to 10:00pm and DJ Menace Cartel from 10:00pm to 2:00am. Stay tuned for more ticketing details! Morgan’s Pier is located at 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19123. Meter and free street parking are located nearby along Columbus Boulevard and in the nearby neighborhoods.

• Evil Genius Beer Company Harvest Fest 2022

  Evil Genius Beer Company
  1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
  Saturday, October 8, 2022, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
  Street closed outside Evil Genius in Fishtown
  http://evilgeniusbeer.com/events/#
  Free to attend

  Evil Genius celebrates all things fall with axe throwing, oktoberfest and fall seasonal beers, games, food trucks, and plenty of outdoor fun. The event is family friendly, so bring the kids and the pup too! No admission charge. Food, drink and select activities are pay as you go.

• Old City Fest

  Sunday, October 9, 2022, 11:00am to 6:00pm
  3rd and Arch along N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th)
  www.oldcitydistrict.org/oldcityfest

  Old City District presents the seventh annual Old City Fest on Sunday, October 9, 2022, from 11:00am to 6:00pm, along N. 3rd Street (from Market to Race) and Arch Street (from 2nd to 4th). Old City Fest is a celebration of art and design, fashion and food, creativity and culture on the streets of America’s most historic square mile— Old City, Philadelphia. This event highlights the region’s premier art and design district, showcasing local designers, creative firms, restaurants, retailers, galleries, theater, culture, history and architecture. Returning after a three-year hiatus, activities will include a festival stage with live music, a family fun zone, pop-up street performances, and a wide array of food, beverages, art, craft and retail shopping, with 100+ Old City vendors participating. Admission is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go.

• Monster Mash: Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge

  Saturdays, October 15 and 22, 2022
  Sundays, October 16 and 23, 2022
  At more than a dozen participating restaurants in Northern Liberties!
  Times vary by location
  Cost is food/drink pay as you go
  https://www.explorenorthernliberties.org/event/

  Northern Liberties Business Improvement District ushers in spooky season and sweater weather with the perfect event to highlight the great outdoor dining spots in the neighborhood, showcase all the outdoor brunch options – and crown the neighborhood’s winner for Best Bloody Mary! Monster Mash: Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge returns on Saturdays and Sundays, October 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2022, at 12+ restaurants and bars – including Anejo, El Camino Real, Figo Ristorante, Jerry’s Bar, Standard Tap, Urban Village Brewing Company and many others to be announced. The Monster Mash adds a haunted twist to this storied beverage, challenging Northern Liberties bars to up their game and add some spooky design. Drinkers will have two weekends to taste each bloody and rate them on spice, taste, bling, and “halloweeniness.” Bragging rights will be awarded for each category and for the best overall Bloody Mary in the neighborhood. Stay tuned to the website for full details and a list of participating restaurants.

• Boo at the Zoo

  3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  Saturdays and Sundays, between October 15 to October 30, 2022
  9:30am to 5:00pm daily
  https://philadelphiazoo.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo/

  It’s not Halloween without Boo at the Zoo! Philadelphia Zoo presents its annual Halloween extravaganza spread out over three fun-filled weekends with amazing costumes, festive fall treats and ghoulish fun. Come dressed in your favorite costume, trick-or-treat around the Zoo, and enjoy seasonal décor, photo opportunities, festive fall offerings, fun children’s activities and have a spooktacular time. It’s no tricks, just treats. FREE to members with advance online reservation. Admission for Boo at the Zoo is free with the regular price of admission. Tickets will go on sale in the fall. Hours for Boo are 9:30am to 5:00pm each day.

• PMD Remix Fest: A Chocolate Peanutbutter Beer Extravaganza

  1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
  Saturday, October 22, 2022, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
  Cost: $19
  https://evil-genius-beer-company.ticketleap.com/chocolate-peanutbutter-beer-fest/

  Evil Genius Beer Company presents the PMD Remix Fest: A Chocolate Peanutbutter Beer Extravaganza, with five beers to taste with a limited edition line up of remix’s on Evil Genius’ beloved Chocolate Peanutbutter Porter “Purple Monkey Dishwasher”. Variants include Jameson Barrel Aged PMD, Peanutbutter and Jelly, Coffee, and more.

• Philadelphia Burger Brawl

  Sunday, October 23, 2022
  11:00am VIP, 12:00pm General Admission, 3:00pm End
  Located at Xfinity LIVE!
  http://phillyburgerbrawl.com/

  Are you ready to rumble? Over 60 restaurants will fire up the grills and battle for burger bragging rights at the sizzling return of Philadelphia Burger Brawl. The region’s largest burger cook-off and food competition returns Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Xfinity LIVE! (1100 Pattison Ave.), from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, with VIP doors opening at 11:00am. Burger lovers and foodies are invited to enjoy all-you-can-eat samples of the region’s best burgers and cast their vote for People’s Choice. Food critics, writers and celebrity judges will also name one winning burger Judges Choice. Festivities will include a cocktail competition, music and entertainment. Tickets are on sale at phillyburgerbrawl.com for $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP admission. VIP tickets include perks like early entry, a VIP lounge and unlimited drinks from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Proceeds from the event will go to support Philadelphia Parks and Recreation’s Teen Engagement Initiative & eSports Center Development. Philadelphia Burger Brawl is presented with support from top supporting sponsors Beam Suntory, Customers Bank, Xfinity LIVE! and We Are Philly. This is rain or shine.

• Beer and Fudge Pairing

  1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
  Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 7:00pm
  Cost: $28 per person
  https://evil-genius-beer-company.ticketleap.com/beer-and-fudge-pairing—october-2022/

  Evil Genius Beer Company presents their second edition of the Beer and Fudge Pairing, in collaboration with Oddball Fudgery pairing four beers brewed in-house with four fudge selections. Back by popular demand!

• Craft Hall-O-Ween and Craft Hall's Not-So-Spooky Costumer Party and Parade

  Saturday, October 29, 2022
  Craft Hall, 901 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
  12:00pm to 2:00pm, but doors open early at 11:00am
  https://www.crafthallphilly.com/

  Families of all makes and sizes are invited to join Craft Hall’s Not-So-Spooky Costume Party and Parade.Families looking for a safe and fun way to get in the spooky season spirit need not look any further. Craft Hall, voted Philadelphia’s Best Bar for Parents, is hosting its Second Craft Hall-oween: Costume Party & Parade on Saturday, October 29th from Noon – 2 PM. It will be a spooktacular Saturday full of family fun activities, music, drink specials and a food menu guests will want to sink their fangs into. Get down to the Monster Mash and Time-Warp your afternoon away with a playlist of songs that is sure to give you a Thrill(er). Starting at 12:00pm, children of all ages will be invited to participate in an indoor costume parade. At 1:00pm, the party moves outdoors (weather permitting) for a doggy costume parade throughout the Puppy Porch, ending in Craft Hall’s Unleashed Bark & Beer dog park area! A $50 gift card prize will be awarded to best costume for both individual child and dog, along with best group costume for families, both all human and those with furry children. Pumpkins perfect for the picking are scattered around the oversized venue waiting for guests to select their favorite to decorate at their table! Small pumpkins are available for only a $5 purchase and larger pumpkins for $10, each accompanied with all the sticker decorations to make your pumpkin the envy of the rest of the patch. Pumpkins are while supplies last.

• Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival

  Saturday, October 29, 2022, Noon to 5:00pm
  700 Block of N. 2nd Street
  Free to attend, donation to compete, food/drink pay as you go
  https://www.explorenorthernliberties.org/events/
  Tails are wagging once again! Philadelphia’s largest Halloween dog costume contest is back – and cuter than ever! Northern Liberties Business Improvement District partners with Street Tail Animal Rescue on the 8th Annual Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival and Doggie Costume Contest. The event is back in person and moves expands to shutting down the 700 Block of N. 2nd Street, on Saturday, October 29th, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Dozens of furry contestants will compete for prizes in various categories, plus try to win best of show. Registration for this annual benefit is only a $30 (or $20 extra per additional) donation per pup. All proceeds benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue in their mission to help homeless and unwanted animals in the Philadelphia area. On top of the doggie contest, look for outdoor food and drink, fall tunes, Halloween vibes, vendors, music and more. There is a $500 cash grand prize to the winning pet courtesy of Wilson’s Estate Jewelery. Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival is one of many Halloween and Fall themed activities in Northern Liberties on Halloween Sunday. For registration and full details, stay tuned to NLBID’s website in mid-September.

• Morgan’s Pier Halloween Party (Adult only)

  Saturday, October 29, 2022
  9:00pm to 2:00am
  Morgan’s Pier, 221 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
  $60 early bird, $70 standard general admission
  https://www.morganspier.com/

  Morgan’s Pier ends their biggest season yet with their annual Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 29th. Hosted by Brittany Lynn, the Don of the Philly Drag Mafia, guests are encouraged to help suck the bar dry as Morgan’s Pier prepares to go into hibernation until the Spring. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale mid-October, starting at $60. Entry includes admission to the event, all-you-can-drink from 9:00pm to 2:00am, musical entertainment by DJ Menace Cartel, free hot dogs, and ability to enter the cash prize costume contest, with winners for both individual and group ensembles. Now, that’s a scary good deal! Stayed tuned for more tickets to go on sale at https://www.morganspier.com. The last three years have sold out fast, so watch for tickets to go on sale and get them early.

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Author Nicole Barlage

Category:

• 95.7 BEN FM
• Human Interest
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