Kennywood was established in 1898 and it first opened to the public in 1899. The park was built on a piece of land called Kenny’s Grove and began as a recreational trolley park. It has evolved plenty over the years. The first of Kennywood’s signature Phantom Fall Fest was debuted in 2021 and has been there every year since, but this year, it’s arriving refreshed and with new attractions.
“We typically go to Kennywood about twice a month. I really enjoy it when Phantom Fall comes around. It makes the park a lot more fun and really gets us in the spirit,” commented Sophomore Cheyenne Work.
Typically, Phantom Fall Fest runs from September 12, 2025, through October 31, 2025, spanning 51 days. This is the first time the event has extended into early November, ending on November 1, 2025.
The fest, in past years, operated on select weekends in September and October. However, this year the event includes Thursdays and Fridays and expanded hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are around $38 when bought ahead of time on the Kennywood website.
Work added, “I LOVE trying new rides! I’m so excited to try the new Detached haunted house. I think it’s going to be really fun. Anytime they add something new, it means we’re in for a fun but still scary experience.”
This new haunted house at Kennywood is called Detached. It is a terrifying toy store where a deranged Puppet Master is “handpicking” parts from visitors for his creations. The elaborate walk-through maze features deranged dolls, manic marionettes, themed sets like a puppet theater and a crematory, plus immersive elements such as ambient lighting, fog and scents.
Their revamped schedule offers more opportunities for guests to experience the park’s Halloween-themed attractions, including six “Sinister Haunts,” four scare zones and over 30 rides and attractions.
Kennywood and its sister parks, Idlewild and SoakZone, plus Sandcastle Water Park, host 2.1 million guests annually and Phantom Fall Fest is no break in this attendance.
“Halloween is just such a fun time. All the high schoolers still get to dress up, and it lets everyone be themselves and embrace their inner child. I’m really excited for the extended season, and I think it’s gonna give people a lot more opportunities to get to Kennywood and see Fright Night and Phantom Fall,” added Senior Caden Miller.
Adding to the thrilling rides and haunting attractions, Phantom Fall Fest offers an array of seasonal treats and entertainment options. Attendees can indulge in a variety of fall-themed snacks, from caramel apples to pumpkin-flavored desserts, all while enjoying Halloween-themed live performances.
Local artists and performers fill the park with music, dance and interactive shows, providing a festive atmosphere that complements the eerie allure of the event.
This year, Kennywood has also put a focus on providing enhanced experiences for the guests with new pathways and themed decorations throughout the park.
As visitors wander through the decorated areas, they will encounter imaginative displays and eerie environments that draw them deeper into the spirit of Phantom Fall Fest. With an emphasis on family-friendly fun and spooky thrills, Kennywood remains a beloved destination for those seeking an unforgettable autumn adventure.
