Your round-up for a Halloween Saturday in Philly

Whether you want run off all that candy or go on a hayride before you see how much razzing you can withstand when you just can’t get a costume together in time for that party, there’s plenty to do in Philly on Halloween this year.

Now it’s understandable if you’ve had one too many “Fun Sizes” by now to feel good about standing on the sidelines of this one, but you have to admit, it sounds fun. The American Association for Cancer Research Rock 'n' Roll ½ Marathon is coming to Philly on October 31. Racers are encouraged to wear their best running gear or tackle the 13.1 miles (called “the flattest, fastest and most fun half marathon this fall”) in a costume.

The race starts and ends at Eakins Oval, with a 7:30am kickoff. Runners and spectators can enjoy a wide roster of live music along the route, from blues and jazz to indie rock and African drums (click here for the full list of bands, times, and locations). And the whole thing wraps up with a free Gin Blossoms concert for everyone (10:30-11:45am) at the Eakins Oval Finish Line Festival, free and open to the public.

There’ll be an awards ceremony at 10:15am, and the costume contest is at 11:45. If you want to offset your candy and support cancer research, you’re still able to register in person for the race at the Health & Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30 (online registration for the race is closed).

PumpkinFest

For more traditional family fun, there’s the new PumpkinFest at the South Street Headhouse District, coming to 2nd Street’s Headhouse Plaza between Pine and South Streets on Halloween from 12-5pm.

The afternoon will include horse and wagon hayrides, some kind of football challenge involving bungee cords (athletically inclined citizens can really have a field day this Halloween), and South Street’s first straw bale maze (“Just make sure to get out before the scarecrow finds you.”) The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts/Airplay Entertainment will perform at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Enjoy live music, plenty of vendors, seasonal crafts, and trick-or-treating for the 12-and-under set at South Street Headhouse District businesses. There will also be “Thriller lessons” at 1pm from Society Hill Dance Academy and a chance to donate to the One Warm Coat drive. All activities are free and open the public.

Fun in the Northwest

If you’re looking for a quirky crowd after-hours, Germantown’s iMPeRFeCT Gallery at 5601 Greene Street is having its monthly fundraising “Last Supper” on the 31st, dubbed A Masquerade Last Supper, from 7-10pm. Costumes or masks are encouraged, and there’s a minimum donation of $25 per person (to support the gallery’s monthly expenses), which will get you a special dinner featuring
Vampire-Fighting Garlic Chicken, Orange Maggot Rice, Ghostly Greens, Bloody Tomato Soup with Dogs' Eyes, and Fiery Cornbread, with devilish appetizers and dessert.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track Halloween movie night, the First United Methodist Church of Germantown (6001 Germantown Avenue) will be having its annual Halloween Silent Film Screening. This year, it’s 1921’s The Golem, with a live improvised organ score from music director Kevin O’Malia. Weavers Way Co-op is providing snacks. The show starts at 7:30, and there’s a $10 suggested donation.