Last-Minute Philly Costume Ideas

‘Halloweekend’ is just around the corner. The City Cast Philly team has compiled these hyperlocal costume ideas to help you stand out at your next party, or just know the local icons fellow revelers may be referencing.

🧟 Group & Couples' Costumes

Finding one good costume is complicated enough, so when it comes to your group or couples' costume, we’ve got you covered.

One idea: Citywide Special. That’s a shot of Jim Beam bourbon and a PBR Lager for the low price of $4. Similarly thrifty, you can pick up a Jim Beam t-shirt from Amazon and Pabst Blue Ribbon t-shirt from Kohl’s for about the same price as four Citywides.
More group costumes: Fresh Prince of Bel Air cast, Abbott Elementary cast.

🐊 Philly Wildlife

If you want to go feral on Halloween, you might want to take some inspiration from our city’s wildlife.

One idea: Wally, the emotional support alligator. You can pay homage to Red October by throwing on your Phillies jersey and putting a stuffed alligator on a leash, or picking up your own alligator onesie.
Other wild costumes: Philly alley cat, spotted lanternfly.

🚦 Just Philly Things

Some things only make sense in Philly, and that's how we like it. Our third costume pick is integral to Philly’s most competitive sport: parking.

One idea: Savesies Cone. Cone costumes are available at Spirit Halloween and Amazon, but if you want to really commit to the bit, City Cast producer Abby Fritz says you need to rough it up. Run over your costume first.
Other jawns: SEPTA bus, greased pole.

🍗 Viral Figures

Thanks to social media, regular Philadelphians sometimes end up rocketing into the public eye.

One idea: Chicken Man. Alexander Tominsky went viral in 2022 for eating a rotisserie chicken every day for 40 days straight. Cop his look by donning a white tank top and jeans, and picking up a rotisserie chicken. He's also selling shirts with the catchphrase: “This is not a party.”
More iconic Philadelphians: Mayfair Mayor, Philly Elmo.

U.S. Senator John Fetterman is in on the joke that Pennsylvanians like to dress as him (and wife Gisele) for Halloween. (@johnfetterman)

🗣️ Politicians

Technically he lives in Braddock, Pa., but there’s one Pennsylvania politician with an iconic look you could steal for Halloween: U.S. Senator John Fetterman. Fetterman recently drew the ire of GOP senators for his work uniform: a hoodie and shorts. Grab those items, a bald cap and draw on his beard and his famous tattoos, and you’re good to go.