A Haunting and Historic Halloween in Philadelphia, Starting October 21 - The Dracula Festival


We always associate Halloween with ghouls, ghosts, costumes and candy, but Philadelphia invites us to celebrate with even more historic horror. Did you know that Philadelphia has a reputation for being a rather haunted city? So much so that its candlelit walking tours through Independence Hall and Washington Square are eerily popular. Rumor has it that Ben Franklin still roams through the streets of the City of Brotherly Love, coming up with new inventions all the while mumbling to himself.

This Halloween season, visit the Rosenbach Museum and Library for its annual Dracula Festival. With the continuous craze of Twilight, Philadelphia's got it goin' on when it comes to the vampire who started it all, Count Dracula. Learn all about Bram Stoker’s inspiration for his 1897 novel (still my absolutely favorite) and take a look at his original research notes and outlines for Dracula. Just tell the kids he’s Edward’s cousin, and you’ll have them in the car in no time.

Schedule:

The Growth of Stoker’s Dracula: Examine Stoker’s hand-written notes during this hands-on tour as Rosenbach staff discuss the elements of creating eerie tales. 10/22 and 10/24 3pm-4pm

Dracula DIY: Margaret McGuire, author of Witch Craft, and Candy DePew, owner of the Studio School for Decorative Art, join together as they guide visitors through creating Dracula-inspired crafts at this free event. 10/23 5pm-8pm.

Halloween Party for Families: Join as the Rosenbach and the Fitler Square Improvement Association throw a festival for all to enjoy with face painting, pumpkin picking, and craft making. 10/23 3pm-5pm in Fitler Square (Pine Street between 23rd and 24th Streets)

Admission to The Rosenbach is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and children, and free for children under 5. For museum hours and more information visit http://www.rosenbach.org/visit/visitor-information. 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Pumpkin Café: Get into the Halloween mood by fueling up at Pumpkin Cafe (we couldn’t resist), a few blocks away from the Rosenbach. The café specializes on offering local and sustainable products, and the all-day breakfast menu makes it worth the visit. Favorites include the Egg and Cheese Panini, Breakfast Burrito, and Nutella and Banana Panini. 1609 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146; 215-545-1173

For more information and other great ideas for what to see and do in Philadelphia, click here.

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