Whim

7 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 281-9888
Hours: Thurs to Sat – 9 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.whimpitt.com

If you’re looking to dance the night away in your costume, bring your friends out to Whim (HalloWhim). With a capacity of over 16,000 square feet, state of the art lighting, and sound, there’s no better place for a Halloween-themed dance party. It has the largest dance floor in the city, and there’s plenty of drinks to go around with their six bars inside the club. Last year’s HalloWhim offered a number of different costume prizes, from overall top prize ($500), second place ($250), third ($100), most unique, sexiest and best group ($250 each). Look out for a balloon drop with prizes in it, ranging from cash, gift certificates, platinum cards and free bottle service. Dancing, great costumes and free cash—Halloween doesn’t get much better.

Altar Bar

1620 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 263-2877
Halloween Party: Sat, Oct. 29, starting at 9 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.thealtarbar.com

If you like your Halloween with a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll, then Altar Bar is one of the best. Formerly a church, Altar is much more than just your typical bar. In fact, its mission is to resurrect live music, and they’re doing just that in their 650 capacity venue. They’ve got a main floor with a full size stage, bar, runway and terrific sound system. Their upper balconies can hold about 150 people, offering the best view in the house for bar-hoppers looking to take in a great live show. And Halloween is no different. On Saturday, Oct. 29, there will be a Halloween Blowout, featuring a live performance by Buzz Poets and other special guests. Included in this Halloween bash will be a costume contest.

Hard Rock Cafe

230 W. Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 481-7625
Halloween Party: Monday, Oct. 31 starting a 7:30 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.hardrock.com

Known for its rock ‘n’ roll flair and great music, the Hard Rock Café in Station Square has become an annual hotspot for Halloween partiers throughout the years. This year’s Halloween party is no exception. Forty Oz. to Freedom-Sublime Tribute Band will hit the stage, along with special guests Reel a Peel, Blaming Murphy and Dash City Skyline. The night doesn’t end there either—a Halloween costume contest is also planned for bar-goers to compete for the top prize. The place has a great atmosphere and is right in the heart of Station Square, a great location for Halloween night.

Jekyll and Hyde Bar

140 S. 18th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 488-0777
Hours: Mon to Thu, Sun – 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Fri to Sat – 12 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info

It’s hard to refer to the word “bar” without South Side being mentioned in the same sentence. And it would be almost sacrilegious not to mention the Jekyll & Hyde Bar on Halloween, a bar which basically celebrates Halloween every day of the year. The drinks are Halloween-themed, and the bar is like stepping in a haunted house. This South Side destination offers a great Halloween party every year. Last year, costume contests went on all weekend, with cash prizes and goodies given away for the best costumes. So if you’re looking for a real deal Halloween experience, head on over to 18th Street for Jekyll & Hyde’s Halloween bash.

Carson City Saloon

1401 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 481-3203
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: http://carsoncitysaloon.com

If you’re a sports fanatic like most Pittsburghers, you’ve likely hung out at this bar plenty of times. They have tons of sports memorabilia and HD televisions that make watching the game a fun experience. And the fun continues every Halloween as well. Last year’s festivities included discounted drinks as well as a huge grand prize for best costume: $500 (not bad for the $20 you spent making your costume). They’ve even got a full menu, with soups, sandwiches, burgers and more. Of course they’ve got a great bar in a great location for bar-hoppers. Also, this place will likely be rocking on October 30—the New England Patriots are coming to town. So grab your Polamalu wig and a beer and enjoy the Halloween festivities at the Saloon (no guarantees you’ll win anything with that wig, though).

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley magazine.

Be resourceful!

Look around your home for materials and inspiration. Open your cabinets and survey your closets. Many brand mascots make for adorable costumes. The Utz Girl, Mr. Peanut, Pringles, Morton’s Salt, Captain Crunch, Count Chocula. Any of these have the potential to become immediately recognizable ideas.

Get crafty!

If you already own most of the necessary items to execute your idea, create the remaining parts yourself. If you need a sash for your Miss America costume or a cape for your classic vampire, head to JoAnn Fabrics or Pat Catan’s to complete the look.

Pat Catan’s
1250 Chartiers Ave
Mc Kees Rocks, PA 15136
(412) 771-0606
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00am-9:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Scour the thrift stores to reference classic thrillers.

Fasten a few plastic black crows to a vintage mint green skirt suit and suddenly you channel Tippi Hedren’s embattled character in Alfred Hitchcock’ film, The Birds. With a dirty shovel, tussled hair, a babydoll dress, and some zombie makeup, you can easily pull off Karen Cooper, the terrifying child character in Night of the Living Dead.

Goodwill Store
2700 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 481-5390
Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 9am-9pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Red White & Blue Thrift Store
890 Saw Mill Run Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
(412) 381-1060
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Turn to the experts.

If you are too stumped or too strapped for time to do it yourself, visit one of Pittsburgh’s best costume shops. Kim Brown, owner and president of Spotlight Costumes LLC, says that, “The Halloween industry in the U.S. is very much driven by the entertainment industry.” Television, film, and celebrity culture influence the types of costumes produced and customer demand. She predicts that popular costumes for this year will be inspired by Harry Potter, Glee, Cowboys and Aliens, and because of its local connection, Batman. If you are willing to spend the dough, the experts can certainly outfit you for any costumed occasion.

Spotlight Costumes LLC
1503 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-7733
Reviews, Directions & More Info

This month if you are stumped for costumes, think outside of the box, use brand mascots or the entertainment industry for inspiration, and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Click here for CBS Local’s list of free and low cost fun for all ages

Jessica Ghilani blogs about (mostly her own) shopping and dressing in Pittsburgh and beyond at Consume or Consumed

KDKA ZooBoo For Kids’ Sake

7340 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 665-3640
Event Dates: Sat., Oct. 22-Sun. Oct. 23; Sat., Oct. 29-Sun., Oct. 30
Event Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: children (ages 2-13), $12; adults, $14
Reviews, Directions & More Info

The zoo can be a magical place for kids who get the chance to see their animals up-close and personal. Add Halloween to the mix, and your kids won’t want to leave. At ZooBoo, kids can check out the zoo, while taking part in some Halloween festivities. While costumes aren’t required, dress up the whole family and take part in the Halloween Parade and Costume Contest at Water’s Edge. If you want to check out some “haunted” spots at the zoo, visit Gymkhana’s Haunted Hideaway, check out Docent Council’s Haunted House or take a ride on the “not so spooky” train. And what’s Halloween without a little candy? The zoo will provide trick-or-treat bags so that the little ones can collect candy throughout the day. Be sure to also look out for special animal activities.

Spooky Science Sleepover

Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-3400
Event Date/Time: Fri, Oct. 28- Sat, Oct. 29; 6 p.m. – 10 a.m., Sat.
Pricing: $35/per person
Reviews, Directions & More Info

If you and the family are science junkies, then this may just be the perfect Halloween celebration for you. The Carnegie Science Center hosts its annual Spooky Science Sleepover, a great event for families, scout troops, church groups, clubs and more. The staff recreates all of the floors of interactive exhibits into an all-night good time. There will be theme-related activities, a late night snack, a laser show and an Omnimax movie.

Bushy Run Battlefield’s Annual Haunted History Hayride

1253 Bushy Run Road
Jeannette, PA 15664
(724) 527-5584
Date/Hours: Oct. 22, 7 p.m.– 10 p.m.
Admission: $5, 12 and under (no children under 4 permitted); $8, adults
Reservations necessary
Reviews, Directions & More Info

With this family outing, you may even be able to sneak in a couple history lessons or two. Bushy Run Battlefield will put on its annual haunted hayride this Halloween. The hayride will take you through the American frontier, where you will pass by a soldier’s camp, Native Americans and Andrew Byerly. You never know who or what you may run into, but that’s half the fun. Also included in this fun outing is storytelling, admission to the museum, gift shop and concessions.

Trolley Rails & Spooky Tales

1 Museum Road
Washington, PA 15301
(724) 228-9256
Event Dates: Fri & Sat, Oct. 21,22,28,29
Event Hours: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Admission: $6, children (3-15); $9, adults: $35, family rate (2 adults and 4 children); $1 off admission with costume
Reviews, Directions & More Info

If you have a little boy or girl obsessed with trains, then you can’t miss Trolley Rails & Spooky Tales, a Halloween event put on by the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. If you’ve never heard of this unique place, it’s a museum entirely dedicated to trolleys and even includes some restored ones. A storyteller will recite spooky Halloween stories as you ride a trolley into the Halloween night. This excursion is recommended for adults and children, ages 5-12.

HallowBoo!

Rt. 30 East
Ligonier, PA 15658
(724) 238-3666
Dates: Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23
Hours: Park opens at 11:30 a.m.: attractions open, Noon – 6 p.m.
Admission: $24.99 (check participating Giant Eagle locations for discounts)
Reviews, Directions & More Info

If you and the family are into rollercoasters and Ferris wheels, then head on over to Idlewild’s HallowBoo! If you’re used to visiting the park in the scorching summer, then you may not recognize the park come Halloween. The park is decorated from entrance to exit in Halloween decorations, with pumpkins, cornstalks, scarecrows and more. Of course, you can check out their many rides, which are very kid-friendly and specially – themed. Head on over to Story Book Forest for some fun trick or treating. Concessions will be available as well as a tricky hay bale maze.

The Great Pumpkin Spooktacular

Fern Hollow Nature Center
1901 Glen Mitchell Rd.
Sewickley, PA 15143
(412) 741-6136
Event Date & Hours: Sat., Oct. 22; 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission: FHNC Members, $15 per family; non-members, $25 per family; pre-registration requested
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Most parents can remember gathering around their television sets to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” every time Halloween rolled around. Continue that tradition with your kids in a unique and spooky setting at Fern Hollow Nature Center’s The Great Pumpkin Spooktacular. You’ll hear some scary stories and munch on S’mores around the campfire. Once it’s dark, grab a flashlight and you and your family can go on a hunt for nocturnal creepy crawlers. And that’s not it—you’ll finish the night watching the classic Charlie Brown flick. Now, you can start another Halloween tradition of your own.

Phipps’ Halloween Happenings

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh PA, 15213
(412) 622-6914
Event Date/Hours: Fri., Oct. 28: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission: $9, children, $12, adults.
Free event with regular admission
Reviews, Directions & More Info

What better way to celebrate this fall holiday than to spend it in a beautiful setting—at the Phipps Halloween Happenings. Grab your kids, dress them up in costumes and take part in some great activities organized by the Conservatory. While you’re there, be sure to take in the scenery, with 17 distinct botanical experiences.

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley magazine.

Creepy Harvest Party

Millvale Riverfront Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Time: 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Kids can get into the spirit of Halloween with this Creepy Harvest Party at Millvale Riverfront park. The already affordable $4 price was just dropped to only $3, and includes a hot dog, apple cider, an apple, and a pumpkin per child. The event is for ages 12 & under (adults are free with child and must be present), and features pumpkin painting, a creepy story walk, a crazy train, scarecrow stuffing, face painting, and much, much more! Wear your costumes! Visit Millvale’s website!

2011 Pittsburgh Bone Bash

Pittsburgh Opera
2425 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Date: Thursday, Oct. 27
Time: 9 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Here’s a fun Halloween event for the grown-ups! Purchase a 2011 Pittsburgh Bone Bash Devilish Dance Party ticket for only $35… which includes open bar drinks and admission to a dance party hosted by DJ Scott Alexander. All proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation, so it’s for a good cause too! Visit Bone Bash Pittsburgh online!

Zom-B-Rama

Monroeville Mall
Inside the mall, near the Old Clock Tower (now Steelers Court)
Monroeville, PA 15146
Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Time: 12 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Zom-B-Rama brings a day of bloody good events back to the Zombie Mecca of the World. The event is presented by Monroeville Zombies, a zombie-themed attraction located inside Time & Space Toys, lower level of the mall, and hosted by Barnabus Bailey. The event will feature a zombie-themed carnival overrun with the living dead, which will feature themed carnival games and prizes, and zombie-themed sideshow acts and entertainment. There will even be be a zombie costume pageant. Better yet, it’s free to attend! Visit Zom-B-Rama online!

Bakery SCARE!

Bakery Square
6425 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Time: 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

An all ages event, Bakery SCARE! is more fun than scary. Enjoy live music, trick-or-treating, spooky crafts & activities, costume contests for grown-ups, kiddos and pups, fall shopping at the Bakery Square Shops & the artists of I Made It! Market, and the ultimate HOWL-o-ween spectacle: the 2nd Annual Running of the Wieners! What could be more fun than watching small dogs race in hot dog costumes? Attending for FREE, of course! Visit Bakery Square’s Facebook page!

Bloomfield Citizens Council 43rd Annual Family Night Halloween Parade

The length of Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
412-606-3969
Date: Thursday, Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Talk about tradition (and we all know ‘Burghers love a great parade)! The Annual Family Night Halloween Parade is the largest night-time parade in Pittsburgh, with over 10,000 spectators! Expect live music, floats, a costume contest, and of course… CANDY! This is a great all ages FREE event in Pittsburgh’s very own Little Italy. Visit Bloomfield’s website!

Cockroach

Other than a bedbug, what could be scarier to apartment dwellers like myself? Sure, you could go for bedbug, but you’ll likely encounter tears and stories of great tragedy instead of tequila shots. To make this costume, just conjure up a cardboard box, tape, a headband, safety pins and a brown non-toxic marker. Draw and cut the wings out of the cardboard and safety pin them to the black or brown t-shirt of your choice. Create additional legs and safety pin them to your clothing. Cut out a pair of antennas and duct tape them to your headband. Lastly draw two brown marks on your cheeks so that people understand that you’re really going for it.

A Glitter Bomb

Normally there is nothing more annoying than glitter. But Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in the sparkly substance. Glitter bombing—primarily conducted by non-violent activists and drunk girls wearing obscene hats at bachelorette parties—is when you run up to someone and dump a ton of glitter on their heads. For this costume, dress up in all red , perhaps using a red shirt you no longer care about. Write a random countdown time onto your shirt. Find a piece of rope and artfully place this somewhere on your body—this will be your fuse. Buy a ton of red glitter and sporadically cover yourself in it. Finally, create a small pouch to carry around a bunch of red glitter. This way you can literally glitter bomb your friends. Though this costume will probably cause your friends to laugh at your inner-prankster, you’ll also ensure that everyone around you has to take a nice long hangover shower the next day.

Kim Kardashian

Friends are going to snap your photo all night, so why not dress up as everyone’s favorite celebutante? Then you can pretend the flashing cameras are the paparazzi documenting your night of fame. Take this occasion to wear that sequined super-tight tube dress you bought for New Year’s Eve but never wore. Stuff your tights with extra padding around the bum to resemble her famous derriere. Find some fake jewels and a black wig, and coat on the bronzer and eyeliner. With enough photos of you posted on Facebook, you may just land your own reality show by the end of the night.

Sexy-Whatever

Creating the Sexy-Whatever is like playing a game. Come home after work, pour yourself a drink and look around your home. Find the very least sexy thing you can. Is it a spatula, a shower curtain or a box of tampons? Now go into your closet (or if you’re a guy, the closet of a girl you know) and pick out the most scandalous outfit. This should be something you’d never be caught dead wearing in public… stripper heels and ruby red lipstick, for example. Now somehow connect the two. The spatula can be a dangling necklace. The shower curtain can be a cape. And the tampons can be duct taped onto your outfit. Now you have a sexy costume full of dichotomy and humor.

Maude Standish is a writer who lives in a tiny coach house in Brooklyn. She is currently working on a screenplay and blogs daily about trends at The (t) Files.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

One of the all-time classic holiday specials, Charlie Brown and the gang’s trick-or-treating adventures are almost half a century old now. But some things will never change. Charlie ends up with a bag full of rocks. And Linus believes in the power of the Great Pumpkin. It’s a touching display of naive stubbornness that speaks just as well for kids today as it did back then.

Trick or Treat

The first-ever trick-or-treating on screen happened with none other than Donald Duck. Nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie try and get candy from their uncle, who decides to prank them instead. In turn, the boys get help from a friendly witch and payback with interest on their stubborn uncle.

The Haunting

Modern horror movies rely on the gruesome, but shock, blood and gore don’t necessarily make for more chills. In this 1963 classic horror, four people spend a few nights in a house to determine if it’s haunted. Scary sounds, a woman losing her sanity and only one special effect make this movie’s creepiness pretty timeless.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

This classic collection of stories is comprised of familiar tales, or new spins on old concepts. While Alvin Schwartz does a terrific job with the phrasing, it’s up to you (or whoever is brave enough to be the storyteller) to really get the whispers, the long pauses and the big scary shouts just right. Stephen Gammell’s extra scary pencil drawings add another layer of terror for your audience.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Soundtrack

There’s plenty of tired old music choices for you to listen to. Thriller? You know the moves by heart. “Monster Mash“? Not again! But Danny Elfman’s terrific score for The Nightmare Before Christmas stands the test of time.

The Pumpkin King Jack Skellington’s discovery of Christmas and his completely distorted take on it make for a great musical concept. “What’s This” combines a Christmas tune with spooky lyrics like “there’s children throwing snowballs/instead of throwing heads/they’re busy building toys/absolutely no one’s dead!” Danny Elfman adds new life to the Halloween song.

Dan Morgridge is a writer from Chicago. He has switched to pumpkin butter and jelly sandwiches for the fall.

Spider Cupcakes

Supplies:

* 12 cupcakes

* 1 can white frosting

* A few drops black food coloring

* 2 feet of thin black licorice string

* 24 red hot candies

Instructions:

1. Make cupcakes or buy prepared cupcakes.

2. Mix white frosting with black food coloring. Spread on cupcakes.

3. Cut black licorice strings into 3-inch pieces. On either side of the cupcakes, insert the licorice for legs, 4 on each side, and bend them so they look like they have knees.

4. Place red hots where the eyes would go.

5. Cover with wax paper. Place in fridge to keep fresh until serving.

Bloody Banana Finger Pops

(Makes 12 pops)

Supplies:

* 4 bananas

* 1 cup chocolate chips melted (optional)

* 1-1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

* 4 sliced or whole almonds

* Tube red food coloring gel

* 2 teaspoons black frosting

* 4 popsicle sticks

* Wax paper

Instructions:

1. Take 1/3 of a banana. Trim it into the shape of a finger (thinner). Insert a stick in the bottom through the center about an inch up.

2. Roll the banana in chocolate and then shredded coconut (or just coconut if you don’t want to use chocolate), pressing down so it sticks.

3. Color the almonds with the black frosting and press the sliced or whole almond at the tip for the “nail.”

4. Place on a plate covered with wax paper.

5. Place in freezer for 2 hours.

6. Once the banana is frozen, ooze on the red gel to look like blood.

7. Serve cold as popsicles.

Eyeball Cake Pops

(Makes about 30 pops)

Supplies:

* 1 cake mix (any flavor) or a store-bought cake

* 1 can chocolate frosting

* 2-pound bag candy melt discs, white or yellow (can get at party store)

* Lollipop sticks

* A piece of Styrofoam or old egg carton (to hold cake pops)

* 1 tube black decorating frosting (Duff Goldman makes a good one)

* 1-2 tubes blue decorating frosting

* Red decorating gel

Instructions:

1. Make a 13×9 cake (homemade, box mix or store-bought). Let it cool.

2. Crumble the cake in a large bowl. Then stir in in 3/4-1 can of frosting until combined and thick enough to make balls, but not too goopy.

3. Freeze for 15 minutes.

4. When cold, form cake mixture into balls and place balls onto wax paper on cookie sheet.

5. Freeze the mixture for 15 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, melt your candy melt discs in a double boiler.

7. Dip lollipop stick into candy melt.

8. Dip candied stick into the cold cake ball.

9. Dip each cake pop into your melted candy melt discs.

10. Place the cake pop stick into a Styrofoam block or old egg carton while the shell hardens.

11. Spread a little blue frosting on the tips and create a circle. Surround the circle with a thin outer circle of black frosting and place a dot of black frosting in the center to make it look like an eye.

12. Drizzle red decorating gel down the white eyeball to look like veins.

English Muffin Mummy Pizza with Eyes

Supplies:

* 1/2 English muffin, preferably multi-grain

* 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

* 2 sliced black olives

* 2 small pimento pieces

Instructions:

1. Toast the multigrain or white English muffin.

2. Then, sprinkle white mozzarella cheese in the same direction horizontally, all over the toasted muffin except for one 1/2″ strip near the top of the muffin. Make sure there is some cheese melted above the blank strip.

3. Melt the cheese by placing the muffins back in the toaster oven or oven.

4. Remove when cheese is melted and place two sliced black olives in the blank spot for eyes. Fill the olives with small pieces of red pimento to make the eyes look scary.

Alma Schneider is a licensed Clinical Social Worker helping individuals overcome their psychological and practical obstacles to cooking and parenting on her blog and consulting business, Take Back the Kitchen. She is a native New Yorker transplanted to the suburbs with her husband, four children and loving yet stubborn Beagle Shiloh.

Floating Eyes in a Blob

Supplies:

* Empty clear bottle/jar (with or without a lid, but with a lid is safer!)

* Corn syrup

* Green, blue or yellow food coloring

* Plastic googly eyes from craft store

Instructions:

1. Pour corn syrup into your jar. Fill an inch or two away from the top.

2. Add 2-3 drops of food coloring and stir.

3. Drop in the googly eyes, which will float.

4. Cover if you don’t want a mess!

Spider Hats

(Can also double as a costume worn with a black outfit )

Supplies:

* Black foam visor or foam cut out in a long strip like a headband

* Hole puncher

* 4 black pipe cleaners

* Glue or tape

* Googly eyes

* Red construction paper

Instructions:

1. Take your hole puncher (or just stick the pie cleaner through) and make 4 holes on each side of the hat/headband.

2. From the inside of the hat/headband, thread the pipe cleaner through one hole and out the other, then back through to the top again. Use 2 holes for one pipe cleaner.

3. Bend each pipe cleaner to make it look like the legs have knees.

4. Add tape or a dot of glue to the back of each eye, and then place the eyes on the front of the hat/headband.

5. Optional: Cut out a mouth from construction paper and glue or tape that on as well.

Scary Hands

Supplies:

* Black construction Paper

* Yellow construction Paper

* Glue stick

* Scissors

* Glitter (be careful with this!)

* Crayons

* Optional: Chewed up gum (for nasty warts)

* Optional: Nail decals or small stickers

Instructions:

1. Trace hands on green paper and cut out hands.

2. Draw and cut out fingernails on yellow paper.

3. Draw warts or use chewed-up gum on the hands.

4. Decorate the fingernails with glitter and glue/decals/stickers to the hands.

5. Hang as decorations on your door or in windows.

Balloon Ghost Decorations

Supplies:

* 2 round balloons

* Black construction paper

* Clear tape or glue

* White string or yarn

* Old white sheet or big old white t-shirt (cut up to look like a sheet)

* Scissors

Instructions:

1. Blow up balloons. Tie off with string or knot the balloon itself.

2. Cut up a sheet to size of your desired ghost body.

3. Place balloon in the center, wrap sheet or t-shirt around the head and tie off a knot with the string or yarn at the bottom of balloon so sheet hangs freely below the balloon head.

4. Cut out eyes with the construction paper and tape, or glue on the covered balloon where you would like the eyes to go.

5. Tape the balloon to your front door or hang with string from nearby tree or bushes.

Orange Spider Decoration

Supplies:

* 2 black pipe cleaners

* 1 orange

* Plastic vampire teeth

* 1 red hot or Skittle candy

* 2 googly eyes

* Tape, glue or frosting

Instructions:

1. Cut pipe cleaners into 3-inch pieces.

2. Insert 4 pipe cleaner pieces into one side of the orange and bend the legs at the midpoint. Do the same on the other side.

3. Tape, glue or frost the eyes to the front of the orange.

4. Place a dot of frosting under the eyes for the nose, and place a red hot or Skittle candy.

5. Make two small slits with a knife at the outer edges of the vampire teeth, and stick the teeth into the orange where the mouth should be.

6. Prop up the orange on a little cup, and place anywhere as a decoration.

Alma Schneider is a licensed Clinical Social Worker helping individuals overcome their psychological and practical obstacles to cooking and parenting on her blog and consulting business, Take Back the Kitchen. She is a native New Yorker transplanted to the suburbs with her husband, four children and loving yet stubborn Beagle Shiloh.

The Salem Witch Trials

Perhaps the most underplayed event in American history, the Salem witch trials and the large number of executions to follow, gave Colonial America its first few tastes of the supernatural. In the 1500s, hundreds of women were burned, hanged, drowned or beheaded after accusations of witchcraft. Though historians would later attribute the panic and outbreak to a bad crop during harvest, documented reports suggest these women possessed powers associated with the dark arts. From casting homemade spells to taking flight to falling into fits, there is a legacy of unexplained events. Now a tourist hot spot during autumn, Salem still possesses an eerie energy. Were these witch trials the result of settlers adjusting to a new world? Or did the early colonial women uncover something darker that had already been there lurking?

Bigfoot

Perhaps the most famous of the modern American legends, Bigfoot (sometimes referred to as Sasquatch) has been a topic of conversation for years. Biologists and animal experts have gone on record a number of times saying that it is possible for a creature like this to both exist and survive in the heavily wooded areas of our country. Since these areas are uninhabited by humans on a regular basis, it is not unlikely that a creature could live untouched by man. Many photos, footprints and reports of personal encounters have been proved to be hoaxes. However many other stories cannot be disproved and therefore must remain mysteries.

The Stanley Hotel

Often hailed as one of the most haunted places in the country, The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for Steven King’s novel The Shining. Reports of paranormal activity are daily occurrences, especially in the ballroom. Guests have reported seeing people walk the hallways and then suddenly disappear, hearing the sounds of children laughing in empty sections of the hotel and having objects move completely on their own. Many ghost hunting teams and researchers have done specials on the Stanley and come out with different and contradictory conclusions, meaning the cause of these events has yet to be determined. Keep this in mind next time you fall asleep in a strange bed far from home and hear something go bump in the night.

The Jersey Devil

The woods of New Jersey hold many secrets, one of which is the legend of the Jersey Devil. Though there is no solid accurate description of what this entity looks like, it is often portrayed as a winged creature with demonic features. The legend states that an unknown woman gave birth to a child, who she immediately offered to the devil. Shortly thereafter, the child grew wings and flew off screaming into the night, where it has remained ever since. Every year, hundreds of eye witnesses report a flying creature in the Jersey woods. Some even say that it has claimed the lives of lost hikers and campers who wander too far. Whether or not you buy into the story, it’ll make you think twice about that evening woodland stroll.

Tyler Paterson is a writer and performer out of Chicago who can be seen touring with his critically acclaimed comedy band The Shock T’s. Currently, he is working on a book documenting his family’s haunted history. It’s possible he’s a medium, but he’ll never admit it.

Going for Distance

Pumpkin Chunking is the flinging of pumpkins for distance using some sort of mechanical contraption. Slingshot, trebuchet… you name it, it’s probably been tried. Competitions happen all over the United States every fall, usually after harvest time. Now in its second decade, Delaware’s Punkin Chunkin’ contest is the gold standard for tossing pumpkins as far as backyard scientists can manage. (The current world record is 5,545.43 feet!)

Pumpkin Destruction

While some people fling pumpkins for distance, others use them for for more destructive purposes. Ever wonder how much damage an 1100 pound pumpkin falling out of the sky would do to a car? You’re about to find out.

Some people just want to celebrate the majestic pumpkin as one of the glories of Mother Nature. Watch this pumpkin grow to half a ton in size over the course of a summer. And then watch it blow up.

Body by Pumpkin

We consume a lot of calories around Halloween with all the candy and other treats. But the pumpkin has got you covered. This versatile gourd can help keep you thin and make your workout a little more festive in the process.

Pumpkin Picasso

Pumpkins are for carving. But all pumpkin carvers aren’t created equal. Some people, like Ray Villafane, are regular Picassos of the trade. This guy can turn an average pumpkin into a masterpiece. And he’s spent the last 15 years perfecting the art of pumpkin carving, with amazing results.

Mad Scientist Pumpkin Carving

Art isn’t everyone’s strong point. Steve Spangler adds a little mad science to his jack-o’-lantern to create an oozing monstrosity perfect for any porch.

Dan Morgridge is a writer from Chicago. He has switched to pumpkin butter and jelly sandwiches for the fall.

Soergel Orchards

2573 Brandt School Road
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 935-1743
Hours: Market, Bakery, and Deli, Mon to Fri – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sat to Sun – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.soergels.com

Soergel Orchards is a North Hills tradition for their annual festival celebrating apples, pumpkins, and all things fall. Stop by on September and October weekends for children’s activities, enjoy apples in all its tasty forms—apple cider, apple pie, caramel apples, and more—and, most importantly, do some pumpkin picking and painting. There’s even a pumpkin catapult!

The Fall Festival takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 24 to October 31. It includes family activities, pumpkin painting, a cornstalk maze, and hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Get there early because they really pack them in for the festival.

Trax Farms

528 Trax Road
Finleyville, PA 15332-9605
(412) 835-3246
Hours: Mon to Sat – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fall Harvest Tour (hayride) Hours: Mon to Fri – 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost $7 per person.
Price: $8.00 adults/$6.00 children 4-12 years old/children 3 and under free (hayride, maze, and pumpkin patch shuttle)
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.traxfarms.com

Trax Farms holds its Fall Festival on weekends from September 17 to October 30. Take a scenic hayride, pick your own pumpkin, and visit the 2.5 acre cornstalk maze. That’s right, 2.5 acres! Trax also offers midweek Fall Harvest Tours from September 26 to October 31 that are perfect for classes and other groups looking for a day out to experience the gorgeous fall weather. The scenic hayride tours the fruit and vegetable fields around the farm for approximately 25 minutes and tells a brief history of the farm. The tour includes an apple, a sample of cider, and a small pumpkin; you can also purchase a box lunch in advance as part of your trip. Register in advance online.

Triple B Farms

823 Berry Lane
Monongahela, PA 15063
(724) 258-3557
Hours: Wed to Fri (starting October 5) 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat to Sun – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.triplebfarms.com

If you’re looking for a fall festival mixed with a carnival check out Triple B Farms this fall. Their festival includes standards like a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and hayrides on the farm, and adds some fun but unexpected activities like the Liberty Tube and Squirrel Hill Tunnel Slides, a haunted barn, and more. The Fall Family Apple & Pumpkin Festival takes place September 24 to October 31 and you can find pumpkins in all its forms for cooking, eating, stewing, carving, and decorating. In addition to the pumpkins, the festival also includes Storybook Pumpkinland, the Big Blue Boo Barn, hay and pony rides, two tube slides, the Children’s Farm Playground and much more to entertain festival-goers of all ages.

Laurel Highlands Adventure

Christian W. Klay Winery
Highlands Harvest Festival
412 Fayette Springs Road
Chalk Hill, PA
(724) 439-3424
Special Events All Month Long
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.cwklaywinery.com

Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
Bedford, PA 15522
October 8 to 9, 2011
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: www.bedfordfallfestival.com

Fort Ligonier Days
Ligonier
120 E. Main St.
Ligonier, PA 15658
(724) 238-9701
October 14 to 15, 2011
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 16, 2011 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: $8.00 adult/$5 children 6-14 years old/children 5 and under free (Fort Ligonier admissions); $5 parking
Website: http://ligonier.com/fld.html

Finally, an option for the scenic crowd—take a weekend to drive out through the Laurel Highlands. You’ll enjoy the fall foliage while traveling to your choice of Saturday country farm markets and local fall festivals along the way. Somerset, Labtrobe, and Vandergrift all offer weekend farm markets. Some of the local festivals include the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, and Fort Ligonier Days, which features a living history encampment and reenactments at the fort, a community parade, and many food and craft booths. The Christian W. Klay Winery has a weekly music series and a Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Theater every Saturday night in October. Check out the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau website for a full list of fall activities and events: www.laurelhighlands.org/Event.

Sara Petyk loves showing off the city of Pittsburgh and the Great Allegheny Passage. Her tours of Pittsburgh and bike tour services for the Great Allegheny Passage can be found at www.youractivecity.com and www.Bike-the-GAP.com .

FAMILY-FRIENDLY:

Fright Farm

2043 Springhill Furnace Road
Smithfield, PA 15478
(724) 564-7644
October Wed to Sunday – Dusk to 10:00 p.m.; Fri to Sat – Dusk to Midnight
Admission: TBD
Website: www.richfarms.com

Fright Farm has a unique niche on the haunted house market with a carnival fair ambiance about it. This is definitely a family friendly event – the farm has plenty for the kiddies to do during the day – and then it turns into one big party. Families can hang out in a field listening to music, enjoying food, beverages, vendors and light shows. After sundown, the daring visitors can hop on a haunted hayride complete with outdoor fright scenes and scary monsters. There’s also a scary corn maze element this year! At the conclusion of the hayride, immediate entry to the haunted mansion ensues. Fright farm has been around for 21 years — and for good reason.

Demon House

417 Coyle Curtain Road
Monongahela, PA 15063
Hours: Starting at 7:00 p.m. sharp
Weekends in September, various dates in October: (Schedule)
General Admission: $17
RIP Pass: $25
Website: www.demonhouse.com

I have never visited the Demon House, but based on the story surrounding this mansion, it is on my must see list this year. It’s the only one on the circuit that’s allegedly a real haunted mansion! Legend has it that a widow named Carla arrived in the late 1800’s and commissioned the mansion. During construction they found 70 unmarked graves, but continued building anyway. It is also rumored Carla was a healer and people traveled miles to visit her to remove their demons. One day a man brought his daughter to the mansion for help – but it was deserted and what authorities found in the basement was horrifying. The mystery to what happened to Carla and family was never solved. The home lay empty from 1894 until 2004. The story alone piques my interest to research it more.

Today there are plenty of activities on the property to keep you busy while you wait your turn to enter the house of horrors – campfires, music, hot apple cider and the only haunted attraction with an outdoor movie theater playing horror movies! There’s also a special “lights-out” event on November 4 & 5th.

Castle Blood

2860 Main Street
Beallsville, PA 15313
(724) 632-3242
Open Fri – Sun in October starting October 7th – October 31st
Price: Regular pass $15
Reviews, Directions & More Info
Website: www.castleblood.com

Castle Blood follows the fictional MacCabre Family, a cast of characters set to entertain you. This haunt has been around for 19 years and has been featured on the TV show Midnight Monster Hop. Members of the family, ranging from werewolves, vampires, zombie maids and more, scare the daylights while you walk through this frightening attraction. As seems the trend with most haunted houses, this one also includes a 3D finale during which you wear glasses and navigate to the end. While this is definitely not a kid-friendly scarehouse – they do offer children a “Daylight Tour” from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Oct 24th and 31st. For $5 you get a spook free castle tour, games, trick or treat from friendly monsters and a good bag!

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART:

The Scarehouse

118 Locust Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15223
(412) 781-5885
Weekends in September, various dates in October: Tickets
Hours: Wed to Thurs & Sun – 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Fri to Sat – 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
General Admission: $18
RIP Admission: $30
Website: www.scarehouse.com

The Scarehouse — located in Etna — definitely lives up to its name. Scarehouse is ranked amongst the top of the pack for haunted houses nationally. The Travel Channel calls it “One of America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions.” I visited this haunt last year and they are not kidding! Admission includes entry to three attractions and you can buy a ticket only for immediate entry. If you choose to wait on the long line outside – don’t be put off by the cheesy actors who attempt to scare and annoy you. And by the way, the wait is well worth it. Inside there are multiple rooms of fright. The most memorable moments were definitely the endless maze of punching bags that never ended, and the cool Delirium 3-D rooms. It takes about 30 anxiety-ridden minutes to work your way through so you won’t feel cheated by the admission price.

Moundsville State Penitentiary

818 Jefferson Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041-2235
(304) 845-6200
Hours: depends on kind of tour
Price: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Kids ages 6 -16 $6
Website: www.wvpentours.com

Located not far from Pittsburgh in West Virginia, the Moundsville Prison is reported to be one of the most haunted places in the U.S. This former penitentiary has been closed for over 10 years and continues to operate year round hosting ghost tours, overnight events and an annual haunt during the fall. This jail was home to over 200 executions, multiple riots and prison killings. Those who have visited claim that it is the most haunted place they have ever been to and the overnight experience is said to be terrifying. Combine those things with a state of the art haunted house experience and you will find a chilling event. Walk through this abandoned prison and feel the evil souls of those who have roamed the corridors before. The hour drive is well worth the visit to this unique attraction.

Insider tip: Each tour has a strict age requirement – at least 13 for one tour. Most are 18 and over only! This is not a family –friendly expedition!

MORE: Hundred Acres Manor Offers Chills For Charity!

Daniel Cooper has resided in Pittsburgh for over 10 years. He enjoys a wide variety of music and arts. On most weekends he can be found enjoying the public parks of the county.

Mudlick Hollow in Brighton Township

Mudlick Hollow Road
Beaver, Pa. 15009

In the 1800s, a young newlywed couple died in an accident on their way home after their wedding. At night, so the legend goes, there is a fog across the road and you can hear a carriage approaching behind you. But before it gets to you, there is a crash and a scream, then silence and the fog disappears.

Frick Mansion – Clayton House in Shadyside

7227 Reynolds Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15208
http://www.frickart.org/index.php

Some believers suspect that the ghost that haunts Clayton House is Helen Clay Frick, continuing to watch over her childhood home. Helen moved back to the house in 1981 after being away from the Pittsburgh area. She remained there until she died three years later at the age of 96. Security guards have reported hearing footsteps on the third floor of the building. Also, depressions have been spotted many times on the bed of Adelaide Frick.

McConnells Mill State Park in Butler County

Ellwood City, Pa. 16117
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/mcconnellsmill.aspx

Rumor has it that this is one of the most haunted areas in Butler County. It is the home to many spirits who roam the hills and Slippery Rock Creek. If you park your car above the mill, a man can be seen walking down the hill to the mill. When he goes in, a light appears to turn on and screams can be heard coming from within. There is the spirit of a caretaker on the property who chases people away, too. Legend also has it that a girl who died in a car accident can be summoned by parking in the middle of the Slippery Rock Creek covered bridge, turning off your lights and honking the horn three times. It is said that she will appear in your rearview mirror, but be gone when you turn around to look.

Andrew Bayne Library

34 North Balph Avenue (Bellevue)
Bellevue, Pa. 15202
http://www.baynelibrary.org

This three-story Victorian home was built in 1875 and was given to the borough by Amanda Bayne Balph in her will. The only provision was that no trees be removed from the property. This was going well until the 1990s when the trees began to die from Dutch Elm disease. The last elm tree, called “The Lone Sentinel,” died in 1998 and paranormal activity has spiked since that time. Lights and fans have been said to turn on and off, computer screens have flashed random numbers and a woman has been seen dressed in a Victorian-era outfit. The ghost of Amanda Bayne Balph is said to be friendly but lost. The haunted site even attracted author Jeff Belanger, who featured the library in his book “The World’s Most Haunted Places.”

Byers Hall at CCAC’s North Campus

8701 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15237
http://www.ccac.edu/default.aspx?id=137125

This old mansion turned into an administration building is said to have a dark history. According to the story, a couple who lived in the mansion left their baby at home with a nanny. The nanny later went to check on the child but found her dead in her crib. Distraught, the nanny hung herself. The parents came home later to find the nanny hanging over the staircase and the ghost of their baby watching. While the second story of the building is closed off, it is said that there is a window you can look up into and see the nanny hanging with the baby’s ghost watching.

Allegheny Center, Building #7 on the North Side

Allegheny Center
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
http://www.alleghenycenter.com

Nicknamed “Agony #7″ by a student, this building has a high turnover rate for those living there due to a supposed “bad vibe.” There have been several incidents of paranormal activity from cold spots, knocking, poltergeist-like activity and visual sightings. These energies are said to move freely around the building.

Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park

101 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/secondary.aspx?id=296

The Battle of Grant’s Hill was fought on the museum site during the French and Indian War. A re-enactor was also murdered there during the early 1970s. Security guards have reported seeing people on their monitors who weren’t really there. Objects have disappeared and strange sounds have been heard in empty areas of the museum.

Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland – Part of Point Park University

222 Craft Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
http://www.pittsburghplayhouse.com/

Some say the Pittsburgh Playhouse is one of the spookiest places in Pittsburgh. The building itself has a colorful history. Throughout the years, parts of the buildings have been used as a church, a reception hall, a bar and even a brothel – which is where the dressing rooms now stand. There are at least five ghosts said to haunt this spot. Actor John Johns died in the Playhouse basement of a heart attack and his footsteps can be heard climbing to his old dressing room, and Point Park students have also reported seeing him. The Lady in White is a scorned bride who either shot herself or plunged to her death off of a balcony. You can also hear crying in a dressing room from Weeping Eleanor. That’s where she and her daughter died in a fire. Gorgeous George is anything but gorgeous, with a green, rotting face. It is said that he likes to sneak up on people and give them a good scare. The most recent ghost is the Bouncing Red Meanie, who first appeared on Halloween Night in 1974 during a séance.

Restland Cemetery in Monroeville

990 Patton Street Ext.
Monroeville, Pa. 15146

“Walkin’ Rosie,” a young woman buried at the cemetery, is rumored to stroll across the cemetery grounds at night. Rosie’s history is not known. Other sightings have involved Revolutionary War soldiers. Orbs have been seen and documented in photos. One investigator reported feeling a sharp pain in his lower abdomen that let up as soon as he exited a hedged area. Some feel like they are not welcome inside and have reported getting cold sensations.

Coulterville Cemetery in McKeesport

Coulterville Road
McKeesport, Pa. 15131

According to history, this cemetery and its surrounding area features an orphanage and church that burned down in the 1800s. It is said that you can see an eerie glow in the woods of the long-gone fire. Children have been seen and heard in the area. At the bottom of Coulterville Road, if you turn up 8th Street, make a left at the top and continue to the end, you should see an old church and a small cemetery. You can hear footsteps and children, as well as see figures out of your rear-view mirror. Cameras have also been known to malfunction.

Pumpkinland at Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse

1714 State Route 30
Clinton, Pa. 15026
Saturdays & Sundays in October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Halloween.
724-899-3438
www.janoskis.com/pumpkinland

The mother of all pumpkin patches is Pumpkinland at Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse in Clinton. Often imitated, but never duplicated, it’s the number one stop for pumpkins and everything fall.

Soergel Orchards Fall Festival

2573 Brandt School Rd.
Wexford, Pa. 15090
Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 24 to Oct. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
724-935-1743
www.soergels.com

Soergel Orchards in Franklin Park has a fine selection of fresh field grown pumpkins along with lots of great activities for kids.

Trax Farms Fall Festival

528 Trax Rd.
Finleyville, Pa. 15332
Sept. 17 to Oct. 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
412-835-3246
www.traxfarms.com

Trax Farms in Finleyville off Route 88 has an amazing pumpkin selection including one that’s been bred by the family for generations. This is one-stop shopping for everything gardening as well.

Honorable Mentions:

Cheeseman Farm Pumpkin Festival

147 Kennedy Rd.
Portersville, Pa. 16051
Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 24 to Oct. 30, Noon – 5 p.m.
724-368-3233
cheesemanfrightfarm.com

Cheeseman’s Farm offers hayrides to their pick-your-own pumpkin patches as well as a petting zoo and corn maze. After dark, the Fright Farm opens, and guests can embark on a haunted adventure until 10 p.m.

Pittsburgh’s Finest Family Apple & Pumpkin Festival at Triple B Farms

823 Berry Lane
Monongahela, Pa. 15063
Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
724-258-3557
www.triplebfarms.com

Triple B Farms offers pick-your-own pumpkins, pony rides and hay rides as well as other activities for children. Each week has a new activity theme and kids can play all day! Triple B Farms also has a market where they sell their homemade jams, jellies and sauces as well as a variety of fresh and canned produce.

Costumes Etc!

1095 Pittsburgh Rd.
Valencia, Pa. 16059
(724)-898-1053
(866)-665-2844
Visit the Costumes Etc! website!

You can’t miss Costumes Etc! Its colorful castle located in Valencia, Pa. has been serving up fun since 1975. Costumes Etc! is open year-round because dressing up isn’t just for Halloween.

Regular Hours
Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. –  6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed.

Costume World

1690 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh. Pa. 15222
(800)-243-1211
Visit the Costume World Pittsburgh website!

The Strip District’s Costume World has provided costumes to the Pittsburgh community for over 30 years. They are open year-round for all of your costuming needs.

Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed.

Spotlight Costumes

1503 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15203
(412)-381-7733
Visit the Spotlight Costumes website!

Spotlight Costumes has produced costumes for stage, television, and film productions since 1988. They also provide costume rentals for individuals. The store is open year-round and has extended Halloween hours.

Regular Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed.
Closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops

Thrift stores and consignment shops are an excellent way to find cheap, original costumes. You never know what you’re going to find, but that’s half of the fun! Pair that oversized sequined green sweater with black leggings and you’re ready to go to an ’80s party. Found some old jeans and a flannel shirt? You could be a werewolf! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Some popular thrift and consignment stores are listed below, but there are many more in the Pittsburgh area!

• Avalon Exchange
• Goodwill
• Junior League Of Pittsburgh Wear After Shop
• Hey Betty! Vintage Clothing & Collectibles
• Red White & Blue Thrift Store
• Salvation Army

The Beauty Barnes

http://www.thebeautybarnes.com/

412-467-9867

The Beauty Barnes doesn’t have a brick and mortar store for patrons to walk in and pick out a high quality wig, so purchasing your ‘dos online will have to do for now.  You can get a human hair wig ranging in length from six inches to thirty inches and prices from $85 to $495. Since most of the wigs are black you will pay more for a different colored wig.

Two Cousins

1860 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-566-2888

Rows and rows and rows of human hair and synthetic wigs can be found inside Two Cousins on Centre Avenue. The wigs range from platinum blonde to fire engine red and prices depend on the type and quality of the wig.  Don’t worry if you can’t decide for yourself.  Help is available to make sure you’re purchasing something that works best for you!

Penn Wig and Fashions

307 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-232-0812
www.pennwig.com

You can see from the windows at the front of Penn Wig and Fashions that this little store is jammed back with wigs in various colors, shapes, styles and quality. The wigs range from ladylike do’s to ‘please only wear during Halloween’ — all at reasonable prices.

Dean of Shadyside Salon

5404 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-621-7900

http://www.deanofshadyside.com/

Trained stylists are on hand to provide you with expert opinions on what will work on you, plus they’ll be able to provide a great cut in the wig of your choice if you want a bit of a change. If you change your mind on the wig they’ll be able to show you how to make what you have look good.