Event Dates
From: Thursday, October 31, 2024
To: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Philadelphia’s longest running Halloween tradition returns each year for more than 50 years with a spectacular array of costumes and guests!
Philadelphia’s longest running Halloween tradition returns each year for more than 50 years with a spectacular array of costumes and guests!
- Visiting Philly for Halloween? Stay close to Rittenhouse Square and Midtown Village, home to the city’s busy gay nightlife district. The Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia is rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms, a modern gym and close to the party.
The Ball
- One of the year’s most-colorful gay parties in Philadelphia takes place on Halloween night.
- Host and Antique Row jeweler Henri David has presided over this glorious bash since its humble start in 1968 — his costume is always the evening’s big reveal — although his guests’ getups certainly offer competition.
- Celebrate a night full of fantasy, horror, originality and of course, complete decadence.
- The party takes place at The Kimmel Centre, Broad and Spruce Streets Philadelphia from 7.30 pm on Halloween night.
The Contest
- Contest at Midnight for: Most Hysterical, Most Original Couple, Most Sensual Fantasy, Most Horrifying, Most Believable Female Impersonator, Most Beautiful Female Impersonator, Best Celebrity Lookalike, Most Unbelievably Spectacular
The Venue
- The Kimmell Centre is a 2-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from the bars along Rittenhouse square.
- The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is a large performing arts venue at 300 South Broad Street and the corner of Spruce Street, along the stretch known as the Avenue of the Arts in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- This glass & steel space is home to the city’s orchestra, plus ballet, opera, drama & student works.
- Stay at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia: This upscale, boutique hotel is known for its stylish interiors and is LGBTQ+-friendly. It’s located just a short walk from the heart of the Gayborhood.
Popular Gay Venues during Halloween
- The Gayborhood: Part of the larger Washington Square West neighborhood in Center City, the Gayborhood is marked by rainbow-colored street signs and is bounded roughly between 11th and Broad Streets and from Chestnut to Pine Streets. It’s filled with LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Woody’s Bar: Arguably the most iconic gay bar in Philly, Woody’s offers multiple dance floors playing different types of music. It’s a go-to spot for many locals and visitors.
- Voyeur Nightclub: This multi-level nightclub often hosts renowned DJs and throws some of the biggest gay parties in the city. It’s particularly popular for late-night dancing.
- U Bar: Located on a prominent corner in the Gayborhood, U Bar offers a laid-back ambiance with big windows, making it a great spot for people-watching.
- Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar: A multi-floor venue that offers a sports bar vibe on the main floor and a performance space upstairs for events like drag shows and burlesque.
- Bike Stop: Philly’s main leather and bear bar, the Bike Stop has multiple floors, each with its own vibe. It’s been serving the LGBTQ+ community for decades and is known for hosting themed events and parties.
- Knock: A more upscale bar and restaurant known for its cocktails and sophisticated ambiance. It attracts a diverse clientele and is a great spot for a more relaxed evening.
- Stir Lounge: Located just outside the main Gayborhood area, Stir is known for its modern and chic atmosphere and attracts a younger crowd.
Philadelphia Hotels
The following hotels are popular with our readers and are close to the city’s top attractions.
The Ritz-Carlton, The Bellevue Hotel, Cambria Hotel, Alexander Inn
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The Element Downtown is where we stay
in Philadelphia. Great location.
For further information and advice on
Halloween The Ball, Facebook
The Philadelphia Gay District or “Gayborhood”: The tiny Gay District is anchored by the tiny Colonial alley Camac Street (pronounced cuh-mack) and the quaint blocks near it, between Walnut and Pine streets
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