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Halloween The Ball Philadelphia 2026
Philadelphia's longest running Halloween tradition returns each year for more than 50 years with a spectacular array of costumes and guests!
Halloween The Ball Philadelphia 2026
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
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates.
- 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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Where we stay!
The Element Downtown is where we stay
in Philadelphia. Great location.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Halloween The Ball, Facebook
Gay Map of Philadelphia
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
booking.com our hotel partner .
10 Ave Of The Arts, Philadelphia,
Across the street from Philadelphia City Hall, Ritz-Carlton offers extensive spa facilities and a restaurant. Rooms feature views of Centre City and a flat-screen TV.
The spacious rooms at Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia are decorated with warm colours and large windows facing the Business District. The marble bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower. Guests can use the complimentary luxury soap and shampoo products.
200 S Broad St, Philadelphia,
Located on the Avenue of the Arts, The Bellevue Hotel, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Philadelphia offers accommodations housed in a historic building.
The rooms and suites at The Bellevue Hotel, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt come equipped with Hyatt Grand Beds™. Onsite shops include Tiffany & Co., Nicole Miller and Williams Sonoma.
301 S 12th St, Philadelphia,
Offering free WiFi and private parking, in Philadelphia is 805 m from the Pennsylvania Convention Centre and 1.2 km from the Liberty Bell. Housed in a historic building, this boutique bed and breakfast is in close proximity to shops and restaurants.
All rooms come with private bathrooms, in-room safes and views of the city. Some rooms at the Alexander Inn also have bay windows and seating areas.
219 S Broad St, Philadelphia,
Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City is set in the Rittenhouse Row district of Philadelphia, and is 800 m from Pennsylvania Convention Center. Boasting a fitness centre and a rooftop restaurant and bar, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around a 14-minute walk from Mutter Museum and around 1.5 km from National Liberty Museum. Free WiFi is offered.
Each room features a microwave, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, flat-screen TV and a separate seating area.
130 S Juniper St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The Witherspoon offers accommodation with a flat-screen TV. Free WiFi is available All air-conditioned units include a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. A dishwasher, as well as a kettle & a coffee machine.
111 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Featuring vaulted ceilings, herringbone hardwood flooring, each furnished unit is decorated with Turkmen rugs, custom artwork and living plants, & is also equipped with a full-size kitchen and private bathrooms with Davines toiletries
1530 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Accommodation is fitted with a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer & free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave & oven are also provided, as well as a kettle & a coffee machine.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
You’ll feel right at home as soon as you step inside this historic home. fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, fully furnished with a comfortable, cushioned wrought iron dining table and lounge area Three bedrooms, each with flat-screen TVs,
202 S 13th St, Philadelphia,
Woody's gay bar, now in its 36 year, is an LGBT Landmark in Philadelphia
The comfortable and airy pub bar has many large screen TVs. Grab one of our 32 ice cold beers on tap.
The Suite is a micro-lounge club concept that opened in 2012. Old Hollywood inspired, the Suite hosts it's own dance parties
Woody's Pub/Video Bar is open every night. The Suite is open Friday and Saturday Nights, and the Dancefloor is open Thursday through Saturday
Globar- our hot new corner lounge bar is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 5PM-2AM and Happy Hour from 6PM-9P
206 S Quince St, Philadelphia,
Philadelphia's Home of the Leather LGBTQ Community for over 31 years! and one of the most popular gay bars in town
208 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
A fun destination for the queer and ally community providing a vibrant, bright, safe space and serving cocktails, wine, beer and delicious food
1509 South St, Philadelphia,
This gay bar has been around now for over 50 years and is still going strong, popular with everyone. Offering good price beer and regular jazz nights
1705 Chancellor St, Philadelphia,
Stir is a chic gay lounge bar offering a Daily happy hour from 5-7pm and regular shows nights
254 S 12th St, Philadelphia,
The largest LGBT bar located in the Gayborhood offering a sportsbar, dance floor, roof deck with regular cabaret
1220 Locust St, Philadelphia,
Down to earth gay bar popular with an older crowd 30+, friendly bartenders and a laid-back atmosphere
243 S Camac St, Philadelphia
A populargay bar, offering piano singalongs and party nights
Recommended Hotels in Philadelphia By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Philadelphia that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Hyatt Centric Center
4 Star – Luxury
- 4 Star – Fitness Center, Central Location
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Air conditioning, flat-screen TV
- Central Philadelphia location, fitness center, restaurant, bar, and rooms with modern amenities and breakfast option.
Sonesta Philadelphia
4 Star – Location
- 4 Star – Close to Pennsylvania Convention Centre
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Work desks, coffee makers, TVs
- Near Convention Centre, features fitness center, rooms with desks, coffee makers, and TVs, plus in-house art gallery.
Philadelphia Marriott
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star – Near Reading Terminal Market
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator
- Close to Convention Centre and Reading Terminal Market, offers room service, fitness center, and on-site restaurants.
Motto by Hilton
3 Star – Good Value
- 3 Star – Air-Conditioned Rooms, Fitness Centre
- Close to the gay bars
- Free WiFi, TV, private bathroom
- Set in Philadelphia, provides air-conditioned rooms, fitness center, terrace, bar, and Mexican cuisine restaurant.
Video Gay Philadelphia Guide
Discover the best of Philly!
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