(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Get ready for a fun and fright-filled weekend as Circus Campus in West Mt. Airy transforms the historic 100-year old venue into one of the spookiest places in Philly. Philadelphia School of Circus Arts presents Haunted Circus Weekend: Scary Movie Edition on Saturday, November 1, 2025 with two shows - all ages/ families and adults only. Circus students and faculty will present a circus-style homage to horror classics inside the 26,000 sq/ft historic former church turned into a haunted haven for Halloween lovers of all ages.
This year's fright-tastic new theme Scary Movies will celebrate spine-tingling classics to cult horror favorites. Enjoy a spooky season tribute to the silver screen's most iconic scream-fests - all reimagined through the daring, dazzling lens of contemporary circus arts. Expect aerial homages to horror heroines, acrobatic zombies, juggling psychos, and more.
Haunted Circus will take place at Circus Campus and PSCA at 6452 Greene St, Philadelphia, PA 19119. Tickets for the all-ages show are advance $15 adults and $10 children, and at the door $20 adults and $15 children. The adult-only show is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
"Theatricality and storytelling have always been at the core of what we do," says Kitsie O'Neill, Executive Director of PSCA. "This year, we're diving into one of our favorite Halloween traditions - scary movies - and reimagining them through circus. Our Family Show gives a playful nod to classics like It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and Hocus Pocus, while the Adult Show pulls inspiration from cult favorites like Psycho, Black Swan, The Shining, and more. There are even a few surprise twists in store. It's a high-flying thrill ride through horror cinema – circus-style!"
These shows sell out every year – don't miss your chance to experience the circus like you've never seen it before.
FAMILY HAUNTED CIRCUS SHOW - Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 5:00pm. PG | All Ages Welcome. The popcorn is flying and the monsters are dancing in this lighthearted, family-friendly circus show inspired by spooky (but not-too-scary) movies from every generation. Featuring performances by PSCA's Youth Troupe, Performance Prep students, and adult students and faculty, this show is packed with aerial stunts, acrobatics, juggling, and circus storytelling that will thrill without traumatizing.
You'll see characters jump off the screen and into the rafters in a spooky spectacular that's perfect for kids, tweens, and adults alike. Think Goosebumps meets Hocus Pocus with a high-flying twist! Costumes encouraged. Screams optional. Smiles guaranteed.
ADULT HAUNTED CIRCUS SHOW (18+) - Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 8:30pm. Mature Themes, Horror, and Humor | Ages 18 & up. After dark, the circus gets dangerous — and deliciously twisted. The Adult Haunted Circus returns for its boldest year yet, channeling cult classics and iconic horror films through seductive circus acts, fire performance, physical theater, and sultry aerial storytelling.
Crafted and performed by PSCA's adult students and staff, this 18+ show pulls from the deepest corners of horror fandom, with acts inspired by The Ring, Carrie, The Exorcist, Jennifer's Body, and more. Expect acrobatic homages to the final girl, dangerous clowns, seductive monsters, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek gore and innuendo.
"It's part horror show, part burlesque, part tribute to the scary movies we love," says O'Neill. "And yes — there will be blood. Stage blood, at least."
Costumes are highly encouraged, especially your best horror flick cosplay. Think Elvira, Freddy, Wednesday, or any cinematic nightmare you can dream up. Just be ready to be shocked, delighted, and maybe a little disturbed.
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) is the region's premier destination for circus training, performance, and innovation. A "Best of Philly" winner for children's classes, PSCA serves students of all ages and skill levels through a robust curriculum that includes aerial silks, static trapeze, lyra, juggling, unicycling, tumbling, tightwire, and more. Housed in a stunning converted church in West Mount Airy, PSCA offers year-round classes, workshops, parties, professional productions, and community events.
Each October, the school transforms its venue into a Halloween playground — complete with immersive décor, themed performances, and a community-wide celebration of creativity, courage, and fun.
