While Halloween has become a widespread commercial success in the U.S., with the National Retail Federation estimating that Americans will spend more than $13 billion on Halloween festivities in 2025, including almost $4 billion on costumes, West Philly’s celebration remains mostly handmade. 

For more than three decades, West Philly has produced do-it-yourself indie Halloween — traditions that wink at pop culture while honoring the quirky, the whimsical, the scary and the brave. From the unwieldy Dumpster Derby to the triumphant Tot Parade, this neighborhood’s spooky lineup sparks connection and shines with collaborative imagination. 

A parade of little monsters

Now in its 26th year, the Spruce Hill Tot Parade closes the streets between 43rd and 45th streets from Baltimore to Larchwood avenues. The parade culminates on the 4200 block of Osage Avenue — dubbed “Little Osage” — where tots, tweens and adults alike enjoy baked goods and treats made by generous neighbors as well as beloved local businesses like Dottie’s Donuts and Lil’ Pop Shop.

The block party starts early (4:30 p.m.) to accommodate toddler sleep schedules, but the parade draws crowds of all ages, and the celebrations continue well after the dusk light fizzles out.  

Josie and Annie sewed their own costume, with just a little help. (Hanbit Kwon)

Elliott as Optimus Prime gets a little help to demonstrate his transformation. (Hanbit Kwon)

Steve, Emma and Toby depicting beloved Richard Scary neighborhood characters. (Hanbit Kwon)

A family depicting “the people and the parts of a castle,” including a castle rat. (Hanbit Kwon)

Peter handcrafted his X-wing with care several years ago then stored it on the third floor of his West Philly house. To bring it back down the narrow staircase, he had to disassemble then reassemble this classic Star Wars craft. (Hanbit Kwon)

Alexa, Micah, Matilda and Ari dress as their favorite suspects in the game of Clue. (Hanbit Kwon)

Kris poses with kitty cat Quinn and Lego character Elliott. (Hanbit Kwon)

A handmade costume (minus the sash and the balloons) depicting the Pixar movie “Up.” (Hanbit Kwon)

West Philly Gothic. (Hanbit Kwon)

For those in the know, Gregor Samsa from Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, or (perhaps equally existential), a bedbug. Through puppeteering, the legs articulate. (Hanbit Kwon)

UPenn Police’s Canine Ambassador got lots of treats, no tricks. (Hanbit Kwon)

A pile of stuffies makes for a cozy costume on a windy evening. (Hanbit Kwon)

West Philly creativity was in full display throughout the Tot Parade. (Hanbit Kwon)

Racing with refuse: The West Philly Dumpster Derby

Earlier in October, another beloved neighborhood spectacle rolled through West Philly — quite literally. The West Philly Dumpster Derby brings together artists, tinkerers and neighbors for a collaborative test drive of up-cycled vehicles, each built from repurposed carts, trash, bicycle parts and scrap materials. The Derby celebrates sustainability and DIY creativity. Costumed collaborators push and steer their creations down the steep slope on Pine Street while crowds cheer them on. For many, the Derby is the unofficial kickoff to the Halloween season — a warmup for the parades and porch displays to come.

Support for public transit showed up in several of the Dumpster Derby rides this year. (Hanbit Kwon)

Transit Forward Philadelphia embeds a joyful message, and a petition, in their Dumpster Derby cart. (Hanbit Kwon)

A literal Tush Push “Trantifa” celebrates the Eagles (Go Birds!), stands against the violence of ICE raids, and engenders support for Palestine. (Hanbit Kwon)

Political terror at the Porch of Doom

Since 1996, the Porch of Doom on the 4800 block of Baltimore Avenue has drawn long lines of spectators spanning the spectrum from terrified to delighted, jittering in line to tour the haunted porch. The Porch of Doom is not just jump-scares, each year the Porch of Doom features a bone-chilling cultural commentary as well. Past themes include Billionaires in Space, and the Climate Apocalypse, while this year’s theme explored “Haunted History,” 250 years and Democracy’s expiration date. Benjamin Franklin and George Washington made cameos amidst a jumble of reclaimed materials.

Petri hula-hoops in colonial gear outside the 2025 Porch of Doom. (Hanbit Kwon)

West Philly Fright Registry invites community participation

As dusk falls, the neighborhood’s quieter streets begin to glow. Longtime Halloween creator Dyresha Harris launched the West Philly Fright Registry, a map of homes and spaces celebrating Halloween from 45th to 60th streets. Some stops have names — The Witch of Walnut, Larchwood Jack-o-Lantern Lair — and each listing can be sorted by category, such as candy and treats, decorations, or non-food giveaways. 

Harris and her partner Eo Trueblood, known for massive interactive displays like the 20-foot robot they displayed in 2020, hope that this neighborhood resource helps bring awareness to hidden pockets of the neighborhood where the imaginative artistry of Halloween is displayed in its fullest potential: “We had an idea to connect neighbors so that they could find each other, and to shout people out,” Harris said. “Halloween is one of the few holidays where you go to your neighborhood and go door-to-door.”

Eo Trueblood and Dyresha Harris in front of their crafted display based on “The Last of Us.” (Hanbit Kwon)

Creating community through imagination

By the time trick-or-treaters make their final rounds, West Philly hums with more than spooky excitement. Every porch light and homemade attraction becomes part of a larger story — a celebration of joy, artistry and belonging. From the tiniest parade-goers to the dumpster racers and haunted-porch performers, West Philly’s Halloween reminds us that imagination, shared freely, block by block, is what keeps this community aglow long after the jack-o-lanterns fade.

Steve and his housemates have been decking out their West Philly porch since 1992 with creations crafted from found and upcycled objects. (Hanbit Kwon)

Kate styled her West Philly porch after the fantasy miniseries Over the Garden Wall. (Hanbit Kwon)

Dressed as Ned and Maude Flanders, West Philly neighbors pose with their Simpsons-inspired display. (Hanbit Kwon)