Phillies, Eagles, Frightland, beer fest, free Winterthur top weekend fun

Delaware News Journal
·4 min read

Hey, wait a minute, wasn't it just Labor Day weekend?

Here we are, teetering on the brink of October and all the holiday fun beyond.

There are lots of Halloween events already happening across Delaware and the Philadelphia region if you are ready to dive in. And lots of other things going on if you aren't much into zombies and candy corn.

The Phillies take on the Mets today at 4:10 p.m., and the Eagles play the Washington Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Whatever you do this weekend, be safe out there.

Vets salute heroes at rocking event

Former Grand Funk Railroad member Mark Farner will perform at Vet Fest in Middletown on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Former Grand Funk Railroad member Mark Farner will perform at Vet Fest in Middletown on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Military and civilian communities are united to benefit active duty and military families. Vet Fest also is intended as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide, according to its website.

The festival features a free concert from former Grand Funk Railroad member Mark Farner with Club Phred at 3 p.m. Saturday.

There will be a variety of physical fitness activities, each $30 to register, such as a 5K Run, Family Fun Walk, 10K Ruck, Vet Fest Motorcyclist and Vet Fest Virtual (a virtual component that allows anyone to participate in an event from any location).  

Town of Whitehall (801 Mapleton Ave., Middletown) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. To register, visit whitehallde.com/events/vet-fest.

Frightland brews up more scares

Delaware’s premier haunted attraction is now in its 27th season and seeks to terrorize more victims. The venue features several frightful attractions.

Frightland has a lot of prestige, having generated a buzz from media outlets such as Travel Channel, Huffington Post and Forbes. 

Frightland (309 Port Penn Road, near Middletown) is open now from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Sundays; 6:30 to 10:45 p.m. Saturdays. Last day of the season is Saturday, Nov. 4. General Frightpass is $40 on Friday and Sunday; $50 on Sunday. VIP pass is $80. For more info, visit frightland.com.

Visit Winterthur for free

Tracy Reese dresses are featured among the work of other contemporary designers inspired by Ann Lowe during a preview of the "Ann Lowe: American Couturier" exhibition at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library near Centreville on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. The exhibit features 40 Ann Lowe gowns and runs from Sept. 9 to Jan. 7, 2024.
Tracy Reese dresses are featured among the work of other contemporary designers inspired by Ann Lowe during a preview of the "Ann Lowe: American Couturier" exhibition at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library near Centreville on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. The exhibit features 40 Ann Lowe gowns and runs from Sept. 9 to Jan. 7, 2024.

Have you been meaning to get to Winterthur to see the new exhibition "Ann Lowe: American Couturier?,'' which highlights the life and legacy of pioneering a Black fashion designer, you can check it out for free.

You also can play in the Enchanted Woods, or enjoy a hayride without paying an admission fee at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.

This Discover Winterthur” offers children’s activities, live performances, beekeeping demonstrations, and other fun, according to press materials. Guests can also watch a performance by the Wilmington Ballet and I AM Art N Motion.

The event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A sensory-friendly hour will also be offered for self-guided tours from 9 to 10 a.m. Guests can expect "reduced crowds and noise, quiet spaces for respite, and on-hand support from skilled and friendly volunteers.''

Winterthur is at 5105 Kennett Pike, near Wilmington. Registration is recommended but not required. Visit winterthur.org.

Philadelphia All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival

USA Today stamped this ambitious festival as one of the best in the world.

Held at the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, this event will give folks access to unlimited samples from more than 250 craft beer, wine and cocktail options. 

The Philadelphia All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival also features free parking, games, giveaways, music and more.  

Citizens Bank Park (1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia), Saturday, Sept. 30. Day session: 1 to 4 p.m. (noon for VIPs); night session: 6 to 9 p.m. (5 p.m. VIPs). Visit ballparkfestival.com.

Eastern State Penitentiary is no joke

Carnival character in Big Top Terror at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Carnival character in Big Top Terror at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Folks from the tristate love taking a trip to Philly for the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, a place that's back to scare the yell out of you with its annual Halloween Nights festival.

Aside from the crazy clowns and other disturbing characters, the scariest thing about Eastern State is it's a real prison. It was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, according to its website, and even housed Al Capone.

The Halloween festival features a wide array of events, from jump scares, haunted houses and themed bars to the typical fall experiences of pumpkins and hay bales.

Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia) from Friday, Sept. 22, through Nov. 1. Visit easternstate.org or (215) 236-330.

Andre Lamar contributed to this story.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Frightland, Philly beer fest, Discover Winterthur top weekend fun