From haunted houses and ghost stories to eerie monsters and zombies, terror awaits you around every corner and fear reigns supreme when Halloween rolls around in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, the Happy Traveler is a total dare devil, always ready to shred those nerves. Check out all the ways you can take an undead adventure at these upcoming zombie-related events, paying homage to the iconic horror flick - The Night of the Living Dead.
To see a full list of the events and festivals happening this fright night season, check out the visitPA Website
1. Lehigh Valley Screampark
Ward off the zombie hordes at Lehigh Valley Screampark’s Ground Breakers Zombie Thrill Ride in Orefield. The mile-long thrill ride takes place on a military truck, equipped with paintball guns to fend off the living dead. Navigate through a complex course, including an infected military camp, construction zones, toxic waste dump, zombie town, and areas that are top secret to the public.
When: Sept.28-Nov.2
Where: 2951 Betz Court, Orefield
Cost: Costs vary
2. Living Dead Weekend
Find yourself in the “zombie capital of the world” at Living Dead Weekend in Monroeville, perfect for ghoulish travelers like you. Celebrate the movie, Night of the Living Dead in the place it was filmed with the people who made it. Relive your favorite onscreen moments with a movie location tour, engage in a meet and greet with the film’s original cast and crew, and tour the Living Dead Museum.
When: Jun. 12-14
Where: Various locations in Monroeville
Cost: Costs vary
3. Zombietown USA
Get ready for a zombie invasion at Zombietown USA in Altoona. Come out to enjoy the unique, immersive festival which features hands-on, zombie-themed live action events, contests, food, and entertainment.
When: Oct. 4-5
Where: 1216 11th Avenue, Altoona
Cost: Free
4. An Evening with Franco Harris: The Steelers Legend Remembers George A. Romero
Franco Harris’s relationship with Romero began in 1973 when Romero made a TV documentary called “Franco Harris: Good Luck on Sunday” and continued through never-realized film collaborations – including a bigfoot film starring Harris! This special event will pay tribute to Romero and Harris, with clips from Romero’s documentaries, and a moderated discussion with the legendary Franco in person about Romero and their work together.
When: Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Regent Square Theater, Pittsburgh
Cost: $20
5. Romero Lives Film Series
Get ready to be scared big-time at the Romero Lives Film Series in Pittsburgh’s classic, 1930’s era Regent Square Theater. Featuring Romero’s well-known and lesser known films, the festival’s highlight is the Pittsburgh premiere of his long-rumored, never-released, newly restored 1973 work, “Amusement Park!”
When: Oct. 11 – 20
Where: Regent Square Theater, Pittsburgh
Cost: $10 per film, “An Evening with Franco Harris” $20
6. Living with the Dead:
A Party Celebrating the George A. Romero Archival Collection
Celebrate the master of ghoul at the Living With the Dead gala and grand opening of the Romero archive. See behind-the-scenes and film clips from his famous (and infamous) movies. Test your knowledge of all things Romero, then pick up some Zombie makeup courtesy of ScareHouse. RSVP and you just might win some classic Romero-themed swag!
When: Oct. 23 (7 – 10 p.m.)
Where: University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library
Cost: Free
7. Dawn of the Dead 3D
What could be scarier than watching George Romero’s classic horror flick, “Dawn of the Dead,” on the big screen? How about seeing Dawn of the Dead 3D on a gigantic, 70-by-38-foot IMAX screen? Hold onto your seat because you just might believe those Zombies aren’t really coming for Barbara, but for you!
When: Oct. 25 – 26, 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Rangos Giant Cinema, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh
Cost: $9.95
8. Tolin FX Halloween Bash
Tolin FX and friends are coming together for a freaky filled night of fun for all ages, promised to knock your socks off at the Tolin FX Halloween Bash! Expect to see the bizarre, the spooky, and the ghoulish at this block party like no other! Celebrate zombies, Halloween, and Dia de los Muertos with a slew of entertainment and fun.
When: Oct. 31 (6 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
Where: Beechview Neighborhood, Pittsburgh
Cost: Free
9. Zombie Fun Run
Experience the thrills of being chased by blood thirsty zombies during the Zombie Fun Run in Mountville. Run through mud, crawl over obstacles, and jump through fire and man-made obstacles. Try the course during the day or run it under the stars for a more intense experience.
When: Nov. 16
Where: 191 College Avenue, Mountville
Cost: Costs vary
10. Zombie World at Shocktoberfest
For the 28th year of Shocktoberfest, the haunted scream park in Sinking Spring will transform into Zombie World. Go on a zombie safari hayride, take a tour of the Prison of the Dead, and play zombie laser tag.
When: Fall
Where: 94 Park Avenue, Sinking Spring
Cost: Costs vary
11. Zombies of the Corn
Got aim? Let’s see what you’re working with when it comes to paintballs and attacks. Shoot zombies while riding on the zombie fighting vehicle at Zombies of the Corn in Freedom.
When: Fall Weekends
Where: 282 Rochester Road, Freedom
Cost: Costs vary
12. Hundred Acres Manor
Check out the Zombie Escape Room at the Hundred Acres Manor. You and your friends must find the “Romero Cure” to escape the experimental zombie testing facility before they take over the city!
When: Fall
Where: 1 100 Acres Dr, Bethel Park 15102
Cost: $22
13. Haunted Fright Fest
Enter this haunted house – if you dare! The Zombie’s Haunted House is filled with scares ready to make you scream. You will never be the same after this experience!
When: Fall
Where: 16187 Dunnings Hwy, Newry PA
Cost: $12
To see what other haunted attractions there are in Pennsylvania check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter so you never miss an update!