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An adults-only Halloween night of science, scares, movie magic, and after-hours access at The Franklin Institute Friday, October 16, 2026 | 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Tickets: $35 Members | $40 Non-members
Lights. Camera. Screams.
Looking for a 21+ Halloween event in Philadelphia? Science After Hours: Fright Nite brings together scary movie science, after-hours museum access, themed entertainment, food and drink, and rooftop stargazing for an unforgettable night out at The Franklin Institute.
For one night only, Science After Hours: Fright Nite transforms The Franklin Institute into an adults-only Halloween experience exploring the science, technology, and movie magic behind cinema’s most iconic monsters, creatures, and scary effects.
Come in costume as your favorite horror movie character and enjoy a night of science, scares, exhibits, stargazing, and Halloween-themed science programming designed for adults 21 and older.
Featured Programming:
- Dance among the stars with a live DJ set by Drootrax while watching full dome visuals with modified analog gear by Liquid Light Lab in the Fels Planetarium.
- Create movie magic with sound effects, Foley, and your own movie dubbing in this interactive audio experience from Dragonfly Audio Post.
- Can anyone hear you scream in space? Learn from our Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts on some of his favorite pop culture space horror moments on what is fact or maybe even stranger than fiction.
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at the art and special effects that bring movie monsters, creatures and gruesome characters to life with Trauma Queen FX.
- Get hands-on with Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty & Land of Dough in a The Blob-inspired experience celebrating Phoenixville’s connection to the classic film.
- Enjoy a curated collection of short films on real celluloid, presented by Philadelphia’s Secret Cinema.
- Discover how the chemistry of biopolymers is used in practical effects with the American Chemical Society, Philadelphia.
- Explore the medical conditions that inspired classic movie monsters through an interactive game from Forensic Medicine Program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Sample new brews with Wissahickon Brewery, including the premiere of a beer created just for Science After Hours: Fright Nite.
- Learn to spot cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) with The Mobile CPR Project.
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Event venue
222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19103
Tickets
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