Do the Monster Mash

Just as Santa at the end of the Thanksgiving Day parade signals the beginning of the holidays, the Zombie Prom ushers in the Halloween season in Philadelphia.

Now in its fourth year, the Philly Zombie Prom isn’t just for the undead.

“About 40 percent of the people at the prom aren’t obsessed with zombies,” says the Zombie-in-Chief, DJ Robert Drake (who is, for the record, obsessed). “They’re just looking to have a good time.”

No prom would be complete without a zombie king and queen, and other prom traditions include awkwardly posed photos, live music and dancing — and then there’s the zombie makeup stations, trapeze artist and first-ever zombie wedding.

“The Trocadero has finally heard the calls of the undead, and the prom will take place on a Saturday night,” says Drake of the move from the traditional Sunday. “The fact that it’s not a week night will add more energy to the night.”

Well, as much energy as zombies can have.