Prepare to Be Scared at Sinking Spring’s Shocktoberfest

If you're looking for a frightfully fun event to explore on a road trip to Berks County from Philadelphia, here's one you shouldn't pass up. 

Shocktoberfest opens today, Friday, Sept. 12, in Sinking Spring, Berks County, for its 35th season of chills and thrills for Halloween. From zombies soaring over the haunted hayride wagon to unprecedented scenes and stunts, the experience has become one of the area's most prominent haunted attractions.

“We employ over 100 people to put this event together,” said owner Patrick Konopelski to WFMZ-TV 69 News. “From security to actors to food service … and before we even open, we need welders, carpenters, electricians to put all of the scenes together and build everything.”

The Shocktoberfest experience offers something for guests of every age. 

Early in the evening, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the park hosts families with young children by offering a lighter, less scary Halloween experience. The full-fledged Shocktoberfest, however, kicks in at 7 p.m., with guest-favorite attractions such as the Prison of the Dead and the Unknown.

Shocktoberfest will run every Friday and Saturday in September, and every weekend in October. Nov. 8 marks the final day of the season.

Learn more about Shocktoberfest and purchase tickets for the experience on the scream park's website. The park is at 94 Park Ave. in Sinking Spring, located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Reading.