Leah Hamilton | staff writer

As the time of the year approaches when sweaters emerge from your closet and festive decor goes up, many of us are looking for events to make the most out of the Halloween season.

From date nights to fear-factor rides, Pittsburgh is offering a wide range of activities that are guaranteed to be memorable experiences.

Wood Street Galleries Halloween Party

For lovers of the arts, this Halloween party at Wood Street Galleries is sure to spark a new wave of inspiration. Various creations such as sculptures, projections and booths all inspired by the scary season will be on display. The event will also feature live music performed by Aaron Dilloway and Beau Wanzer. The event will be held on Oct. 30. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at 601 Wood St. The event is free, but donations are accepted.

Phipps After Dark: House of Haunts

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will be hosting a Halloween-themed showcase. Numerous activities are planned such as a dance party, airbrush art exhibit and live storytelling. In the background, the florals and glowing glasshouses will set the autumn atmosphere for all ages to enjoy. The three-hour event will take place on Oct. 30 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are included in regular admission to the gardens. The gardens are located at 1 Schenley Park Drive.

Row House of Horrors Theater

Halloween has inspired a multitude of iconic horror movies from “Scream” to “Hocus Pocus.” At the Row House Theater, you can see your favorite occult classics on the big screen. The event will include special marathons of films and will offer unique gifts such as horror-themed merch. Row House of Horrors Theater is located in Lawrenceville at 4115 Butler St. Tickets can be found at rowhousecinemas.com

Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic: Halloween Concert
 
Carnegie Mellon University will be hosting an 80-minute concert at Heinz Hall. The event is intended for all ages to appreciate the music of the fall season. The music performed will be a series of famous pieces such as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and “El Amor Brujo.” The concert will be held on Halloween from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free but tickets are required and can be purchased at events.cmu.edu.

Zombies of the Corn
 
This zombie-inspired attraction outside of Pittsburgh is sure to give you the fright of your life. Located in a secluded vast forest, Zombies of the Corn offers everything from family outings to frightening games. Their biggest activities include Zombie Shoot, a hayball ride where riders must actively shoot at the zombies surrounding their wagon, and FunHouse 3D, an interactive clown-themed house featuring puzzling rooms and bright visuals. Admission ranges from $34.99 to $59.90 and will be open until Oct. 31. Zombies of the Corn is located at 282 Rochester Rd. in Freedom, Pennsylvania.

Phantom Fall Fest

Located in West Mifflin, the signature Pittsburgh amusement park Kennywood is hosting their annual Halloween-inspired festival. The event will run until Nov. 1. Day time activities run until 6 p.m. and include fall food tasting, trick or treating and their iconic rollercoasters. The night time takes a scary shift hosting haunted houses, mazes and scare zones with themed stories. Smiles and scares will be offered day and night at this event with tickets starting as low as $35.99 for students with a valid college email. Kennywood Amusement Park is located at 4800 Kennywood Blvd.

Jack O’Lattern Extravaganza

The Jack O’ Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium plans to provide pumpkin scenery paired alongside their usual animal exhibits. Thousands of hand-carved and illuminated pumpkins will be lined across the walkways decorated with iconic figures of Halloween. The event includes activities such as a disco party, a mixology class and a comedy night. You can visit the attraction at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium located on 7370 Baker St. until Nov. 1. It will run from 6 to 11 p.m. with tickets costing $24 to $26.

Pittsburgh Ghosts: Sinister Shadows of Steel City

Interested in how local history and ghostly presences in Pittsburgh are connected? These tours offer an exploration of the city’s old mines and factories and a deeper look into the horror stories that are reported to have occurred. Around an hour long, the tour covers eight different stops, providing guests a wide range of information and terror. Tickets are available year-round for $26. Attendees can find more on their website pittsburghghosts.com.

Leah Hamilton can be reached at hamiltonl4@duq.edu