A Grown Up’s Guide to Halloween in Pittsburgh

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Banditob/ Flickr

Are you considering staying home and handing out treats this year? You better not be. Pittsburgh, often lovingly referred to as the real-life Gotham, was built for Halloween and is teaming with events that should inspire even the most disenchanted of us to paint on a cat nose and roam the streets this season. Worried about ending up at another lame kids event? Don’t! We’ve put together a list of parties to please all palettes, complete with 18+ events, family fun, and much more.

Carnegie Museum/ FB
Carnegie Museum/ FB

Culture Club: Carnegie Museum of Horror
October 29th
This 18+ event will be throwing a massive Halloween party and showing one of the greatest horror films of all time, Nosferatu! A haunting original score by musician George Sabol will be performed alongside the 1922 classic silent film. The after party will feature a life size Nosferatu to snap a picture with, tunes by DJ Zombo and makeovers by Kennywood’s Phantom Fright Nights special effects makeup crew.

Terror Town in the Strip
Thursday-Saturday through November

In the midst of the Strip District resides a 30,000 square foot labyrinth of horror. Beginning at the corner of 17th and Smallman Street, Terror Town includes winding mazes and gruesome sights not for the faint of heart. For information on special events, including a Friday the 13th themed night, check out their website.

Spirit/ FB
Spirit/ FB

In Bed by Ten: October Blackout Edition
October 24th
Feel like skipping the costume this year? Too tired to party into the wee hours of the morning? The Spirit Lounge has you covered. Dig up an all black outfit and make your way down to Lawrenceville for a total black-out dance party hosted by DJ MB. Dance all of your workweek sorrows away under a glorious disco ball amongst the rest of us who definitely want to be fast asleep by 11pm. The event’s $5 cover will benefit WTAE’s Project Bundle-Up.

Halloween Mayhem at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
October 24th
If you’re looking for a way to share some seasonal fun with your kids without being bored out of your skull, Halloween Mayhem may be the answer. Seven years strong, Halloween Mayhem is back and ready to entertain the whole family. The daylong event will feature such activities as live performances, a costume parade, zombies, games, and more.

Mattress Factory/ FB
Mattress Factory/ FB

Yelp’s Monster Bash at The Mattress Factory
October 28th
A costume contest with prizes, zombie makeovers and dancing are just a few of the things you’ll find at this 21+ free event. Enjoy some bites from La Palapa, Mercurio’s and Union Pig and Chicken as you explore the museum. A $10 donation is encouraged but $20 will get you a swag bag and bragging rights.

Tribute Fest VI
October 24th and 31st
Tribute Fest is an annual event in which talented local musicians come together to dress up and pay homage to their favorite bands. On October 24th come down to Club Cafe to enjoy a lineup featuring Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Hives, The Presidents of the USA, and Hot Snakes. On October 31st the Tribute Fest will shift gears and play music by Queen, the Velvet Underground, Black Sabbath, Bob Dylan, and The Misfits at The Smiling Moose.

Spooky Science Sleepover at the Carnegie Science Center
October 23rd
Another family event that won’t have you feeling like the undead this Halloween; the Science Center’s Spooky Science Sleepover. This family friendly soiree is chock full of fun and learning opportunities including a laser show, a live science demonstration, a late-night snack, continental breakfast and a full day pass to the Science Center the following day.

Rocky Horror Picture Show/ FB
Rocky Horror Picture Show/ FB

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Hollywood Theatre
October 24th and October 31st
Pittsburgh’s official Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast, the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players, once again have brought this cult classic to the Hollywood Theatre. The show is 18+ and will consist of a showing of the film paired with a simultaneous re-enactment. Audience participation and hijinks will inevitably ensue. For $3 grab yourself a prop bag to truly become part of the show.