Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Dates vary by event

Hispanic Heritage Month hits the home stretch for 2026. This week, don’t miss:

• the blowout Hispanic Heritage Block Party Fest in South Philly, featuring local taquerias, food trucks, live music and more (Saturday);

• an evening of simmering salsa music and dancing surrounded by stunning skyline views during Salsa Sunday at Bok Bar (Sunday); and 

• the sixth annual Concierto de la Hispanidad at LOVE Park, showcasing traditional sounds and rhythms from across Latin America, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Colombia and Cuba (Sunday).

Through Saturday, October 17, 2026

You always save your veggies for last, right? 

Philly Vegan Restaurant Week wraps up its seven-day indulgence where veteran vegan eaters and veg-curious foodies devour prix-fixe meals and limited-time menu items at over a dozen vegan eateries and omni kitchens across the city.

Spots like Nourish in Northern Liberties, Fat Salmon in Center City, and Queen & Rook on South Street continue to set the plant-based standard, with pop ups like La Llamita Vegana and Tutu Mary’s at Tattooed Mom joining this year’s festivities. 

Don’t miss: Second District Brewing in Newbold is featuring its popular vegan meatball grinder, complete with a fermented chili relish and roasted garlic marinara. 

Through Sunday, October 18, 2026

Celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary this year, Philly Music Fest enters its final weekend by bringing out the best in Philly’s music scene. As founder Greg Seltzer likes to say, this is a genreless festival: “Our genre is our geography.” 

Through Sunday, more than 25 bands and musicians are taking the stage at independently owned venues throughout the area, including Johnny Brenda’s, Underground Arts, Solar Myth, Milkboy, Ardmore Music Hall and The Fallser Club. 

Philly-raised singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov headlines the festival, with riveting live performances by Madi Diaz, Noah Richardson, Clover Stevie, Owen Stewart and more. Check out the full lineup at the official festival site.

Good for: Discovering new local acts at beloved local venues

Through Sunday, October 18, 2026

Another exhibition takes its last bow at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this week. 

Workshop of the World: Arts and Crafts in Philadelphia showcases the region’s industrial craft legacy as part of the museum’s 150th anniversary programming. 

Don’t miss your last chance to see 250 objects — like ceramics, furniture, textiles, stained glass and more — that tell the story of how Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition and reputation as the “workshop of the world” contributed to American craftsmanship. 

Good for: Learning about Philly’s role in the American arts and crafts movement

Now open

Get ready for jerk chicken tacos with a side of Stooge. 

Rising star restaurateur Kevin Dolce opens his newest venture underneath the iconic Larry Fine mural (honoring the Middle Stooge) on South Street. This 60-seat taco joint churns out authentic Mexican handhelds — three corn tortillas per order — and an impressive margarita bar, infused with Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino tequila. 

Taste Taco Bar relies on high-quality ingredients (think: green salsa aioli and two kinds of cabbage) and creative side dishes like birria ramen, sweet plantains and street corn topped with chipotle mayo and queso fresco. 

Don’t miss: Taste Cheesesteak Tacos, which draws on the droolworthy recipe from Dolce’s first restaurant, Taste Cheesesteak Bar

October 13 & 17, 2026

The Philadelphia Flyers look for some home cooking against Seattle (Tuesday) and Ottawa (Saturday) after a dubious start to the season. Captain Sean Couturier leads the Orange and Black, with star defenseman Travis Sanheim looking to continue his hot streak on home ice. 

Fans can look forward to fun promotions, too. Tuesday is a $1 Pretzel Game, and Saturday is a special Flyers Carnival Game where everyone gets a chance to win Sign & Snap tickets. Saturday’s game also offers an opportunity to purchase tickets for the annual Flyers Charities Carnival, set for February 28, 2027. 

Vibe: Nostalgia. The Flyers are celebrating their landmark 60th anniversary season throughout the 2026-27 campaign. 

Penn Live Arts celebrates India’s rich history and culture of music and dance with more than three weeks of events during the Arts of India Festival. 

This week, don’t miss Chrysalis, an exhibition featuring the paintings of Pragya Gupta (opens Thursday). An Indian-born artist with close ties to Philly as a Wharton grad, Gupta debuts her new series of meditative tetraptychs, or four-paneled artworks, exploring the question of “What does it mean to become more intimate with your own life?”

Don’t miss: A free opening reception celebration (Thursday). 

The Black Hero’s Journey celebrates the evolution of the Black superhero, from Miles Morales and Luke Cage to Black Panther and Storm, during a seven-month exhibition at the Goldstein Library, located on the sixth floor of Penn’s Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. 

On Thursday, Emmy-winning television host Christian Cooper leads a wide-ranging conversation about who gets to be a hero and why, while examining comics through the lens of the Black experience in America. Afterward, The Black Hero’s Journey is free to view during the library’s normal operating hours, seven days a week. 

Good for: Learning about (and meeting) some real-life superheroes

Are you ready to bask in the trippy lo-fi world of alt-R&B wunderkind Steve Lacy’s making? 

A mix of Prince, Stevie and Harry (Styles) wrapped up in an artsy next-gen package, the Compton singer-songwriter, producer and prodigy tours his first album in four years — Oh, yeah? — bringing songs like viral No. 1 hit Bad Habit to the amphitheater at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. 

Know before you go: Steve’s riding solo for this tour with no openers or supporting acts. Translation: Be on time so you don’t miss the beginning of the show. 

Celebrate spooky season by watching pumpkin-carving artists shape over 70 giant pumpkins into autumnal masterpieces. The three-day, beloved Chadds Ford tradition kicks off with intricate carvings on Thursday, with all pumpkins lit and displayed Friday and Saturday.

The native pumpkins, farmed in Lancaster County, weigh in at a whopping 150 to 400 pounds each. There’s also a Haunted Trail, raffle prizes, live music from Kenny Thompson & Friends, and local vendors with pay-as-you-go food and drinks. 

Know before you go: Park for free next to the Chadds Ford Historical Society. 

Lights, camera … action! Each year, the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) travels to festivals around the globe in search of innovative new films. 

The Philadelphia Film Festival’s milestone 35th season showcases dozens of the best world, U.S. and Philadelphia premieres. Held at each of the PFS’ three theaters, the blockbuster fest packs over 140 screenings into its 11-day run, plus dozens of star-studded red carpet moments, special guest appearances, inspiring Q&A sessions, and more. 

Major highlights this week include 14th, Ava DuVernay’s follow-up to her 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary (Sunday), and BEHEMOTH!, starring Pedro Pascal (Sunday).

Don’t miss: A number of free screenings, like the feature Flies (Friday), the documentary Naza (Sunday) and the aforementioned 14th (Sunday).

October 16, 2026 – October 2027

Steve Tobin, a renowned sculptor and conceptual artist, brings his most ambitious project yet to Tyler Arboretum in Delaware County, showcasing more than 50 monumental sculptures in this love letter to nature. 

Steve Tobin in the Light invites guests to meander the arboretum’s 650-acre landscape (across 24 sites) over the course of a full year while asking people to discover new connections between art and the living world. Opening weekend debuts his first three pieces: Bronze Roots, Steel Roots and Clouds, each one touching on themes of expression. 

Know before you go: If you want to become a member of Tyler Arboretum, show your receipt and have your admission cost subtracted from the membership fee. 

Have a blast in West Fairmount Park at Play for Parks! This free evening under the stars sets a spectacular mood, enhanced by fireworks over the refurbished John Welsh Memorial Fountain.

Listen for the sounds of Moody’s Klubhouse, presented by music impresario Chill Moody, a local music collective featuring live performances from local artists like Lester London, Hiruy Tirfe and Sovei. Look for enticing bites from food trucks (including K’Tor Etair LLC, Lil Trents Grille, Taqueria Morales and more), plus a fireworks finale at 8:50 p.m. 

Know before you go: Guests are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on.

On Friday, drape a lab coat over your costume and grab a beaker. The Franklin Institute comes alive after hours for a night of science and scares. Boo!

Hands-on experiments and activities transform the Philly museum into a secret laboratory exploring the chemistry, technology and movie magic behind horror’s most iconic monsters. 

Meanwhile, a live DJ brings the party vibes for dancing under the stars in the Fels Planetarium. Also on deck: pay-as-you-go food and drink, Wissahickon Brewing samples, and full after-hours access to the museum exhibitions. 

Know before you go: Costumes are encouraged but not required. Note: Full-face masks are not allowed, and shoes, tops and bottoms are required. 

Ready to get plastered — no alcohol involved? 

Overnight, South Street’s favorite dive transforms into an epic street art gallery for Philly’s only wheatpaste art show. Over 1,000 hand-drawn post-ups, prints, silkscreened works and collages cover the walls, ceilings, doors and floors of Tattooed Mom’s second floor. 

Kicking off with an opening night party on Friday, the two-day international art show features 200-plus artists hailing from all over the world, representing over 15 different countries. You can even hear from a few during a Saturday afternoon artist talk and panel.

Know before you go: Toast the show with a limited-edition specialty cocktail, plus eats from the bar’s regular menu.

Fall is for flowers in full bloom as the master horticulturists at one of the greatest places in the world — Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens — transform the attraction’s conservatories into colorful chrysanthemum-filled wonders for the annual fall festival.  

Organizers promise “supersized surprises” at this year’s Chrysanthemum Festival, including a double chrysanthemum arch that visitors can walk under in the East Conservatory. Expect Longwood’s fanciful floral artistry to shine with flower-filled walls, columns and even a pagoda. 

Know before you go: Festival access comes with regular admission. Timed tickets are required. 

The Philly Bike Ride invites cyclists of all skill levels to cruise through 20 miles of car-free streets in this non-competitive, open-to-all event (everyone’s a winner!)

The closed-course route takes bicyclists from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and back, ending with a festival featuring music, food and activities.

Registration is required to participate in the 5th annual Philly Bike Ride, but the finish line festival is open to the public and free to attend.

Know before you go: Need a ride? Opt for the rent-and-ride pass to participate.

After two years of research, it’s showtime for artist Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz’s moving tribute to Puerto Rican culture, heritage and migration stories. 

Donning a custom-made processional wardrobe inspired by the landscapes, history, symbols and colors of Puerto Rico, the artist leads a parade of revelers and community members on a four-mile walk from City Hall to the historically Puerto Rican community of Norris Square. 

Vámonos Pa’l Monte (or Let’s go to the mountains) culminates at a celebratory bombazo with dancing, commemorative photos and a meal (RSVP required). 

Don’t miss: This week’s Mural Arts Month programming also includes free food, crafts and DJ performances at the dedication celebration for Philly’s newest mural, Olney Is Where We Belong: Past, Present, Future on Friday.

Celebrate 50 years and a thousand memories during the 50th Annual Historic Bristol Day, where Bristol’s rich history and vibrant community come to life. 

Spend the day meandering the streets of one of Bucks County’s true hidden gems, then tour private historic homes, shop a local vendor’s market, enjoy a tea party at South Lawn and experience a kids’ petting zoo on Mulberry Street. 

Oh, and don’t miss the antique boat show and sailing regatta on Bristol Wharf. You can even climb aboard the tall ship Gazela, which was built in 1901. 

Don’t miss: A classic car show takes over Snyder-Girotti Elementary School with awards for Best in Show and People’s Choice. 

If you still don’t know what scrapple is, well, it’s time to find out. 

Reading Terminal Market’s Scrapple & Apple Festival returns this Saturday to celebrate the intersection of a Philly favorite food and a beloved fall staple. The Scrapple & Apple Festival happens inside the 1.7-acre Center City landmark.

Attendees at the free-to-attend, pay-as-you-go feast enjoy small bites, entrees and sweet treats — crafted by Reading Terminal Market merchants, cranking out limited-edition scrapple dishes ranging from classic breakfast favorites to new school recipes — themed around the flavors of scrapple, apples … or both! The family-friendly event also features live music and fun kids’ crafts.

Don’t miss: An opportunity to try your hand at scrapple sculpting

Philly’s yearlong events series highlighting the groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began right here — 52 Weeks of Firsts — is back again with a new Firstival celebration. 

In 1775, Philly gave birth to the Navy and Marine Corps, launching fearless sailors and marines into a tradition of service and adventure. Celebrate the founding of the two military branches at Arch Street Meeting House with free family-friendly activities, entertainment and giveaways. 

Don’t miss: Local muralist Sean Bryant’s No. 1 sculpture marking the historic first. Paying tribute to the service, dedication and sacrifice of all those who have protected the nation, the three-dimensional sea-inspired piece reflects the strength and legacy of these military branches. 

Call Linus and find your blue security blanket.

The Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square sees one of Philadelphia’s original public squares transformed into an urban pumpkin patch for the day. Children 10 and under can peruse the patch and pick out their very own pumpkin, which they can decorate and take home for Halloween and harvest season. Follow the hay bales and look for changing leaves!

Although the event is free, space is limited, so organizers encourage pre-registration to guarantee your spot. A limited number of walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Vibe: The Great Pumpkin comes to Philly.

Kobe Bryant’s hometown invites you to Schauffele Plaza for Ardmore Day. This small-town festival, hosted by the Ardmore Business Association, brings the neighborhood together in support of the local business community. 

Ardmore Day, established in 2019, has a few new tweaks in 2026, including a classic car show and family corn maze, in addition to usual stalwarts like the Ardbark Dog Parade & Costume Contest. Look for bumper cars and a trackless train (bring the kiddos!) while perusing sidewalk sales and artisan stalls as live music blares from a stage in the center of the plaza. Admission is free. Pets are welcome. 

Know before you go: Bella Italia, located next to Schauffele Plaza, was one of Kobe Bryant’s favorite pizza spots. The more you know! 

One of Philly’s favorite riverfront neighborhoods joins the fall festival fun with a fete of its own. 

Returning for its second year, the Manayunk Fall Fest shuts down Main Street for a day full of local vendors and artisans to shop, food-truck fare to devour (confirmed vendors: 2 Street Sammies, Bablouie BBQ, Cannoli Capeesh, Moocheese and more) and a slew of family-friendly activities. 

Highlighted events include a rowdy cowboys line dancing competition on Cotton Street, as well as a pop-up pumpkin patch at RichardsApex and a moon bounce at Venice Island PAF Basketball Courts. 

Also on deck: live music and a ticketed mac n’ cheese crawl where 18 area restaurants compete for the most creative take on America’s favorite comfort food. 

Don’t miss: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, located nearby, is open throughout Manayunk Fall Fest.

Live music? Check. Beer garden? Check. Tacos? Triple check. Philly’s East Falls neighborhood pulls out all the stops for this all-ages day of autumnal fun. 

The free-to-attend riverside celebration features plenty of entertainment — à la live music curated by the Fallser Club, pumpkin decorating and free fitness classes. 

On the menu? Pay-as-you-go treats like tacos from Taqueria Cresta, sweets from LeBus East Falls and Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, and craft beer at the Wissahickon Brewing Company beer garden. 

Don’t miss: The chance to pick up new treasures from local shops and vendors, offering goods like jewelry, clothing, candles, fragrances and glassware.

Calling all wannabe Johnny Appleseeds! AppleFest at Fox Chase Farm puts fall’s other favorite fruit in the spotlight with pome-forward programming and outdoor demonstrations, presented by Pennypack Environmental Center. 

This family-friendly event (admission costs $5, cash only) features fresh-pressed apple cider, harvest hayrides, candle-dipping classes and apple-butter tastings, along with live music and food trucks. Also: shop for local honey and participate in pumpkin picking. 

Know before you go: Visitors can park on Pine Road and in the Pine Road Parking Lot.

A little bit of rain — or a nor’easter — can’t stop us. South Street put a temporary pause on its September Fall Fest due to Mother Nature’s mood swings, but the party’s back on, with a twist. Stroll block after block of fun along one of Philly’s most electrifying streets during The Big Pivot. 

Don’t miss Queen & Rook’s fantasy-inspired Renaissance Faire along the 100 block of South Street, Philly AIDS Thrift 21st Anniversary Block Party on the 700 block of South 5th Street, and a pop-up performance by the Philly Pops on Headhouse Plaza. 

With nine blocks of themed activities to explore, be sure to check the official website for the full list of happenings.

Vibe: An eclectic modge-podge of all-ages shenanigans 

The Trane’s legacy choo-choos into October through a recreation of his famed 1966 benefit concert at the Church of the Advocate, his next-to-last performance.  

A Sacred Return: The Spiritual Legacy Of John Coltrane (part of Coltrane 100 Philly festivities) celebrates the jazz legend with a special performance from the Ruth Naomi Floyd Quartet (listen for Aaron Graves on piano and Abraham Burton on tenor saxophone), followed by a moderated panel discussion, live audience Q&A and a concert featuring rearrangements of Coltrane’s compositions. 

Know before you go: Ruth Naomi Floyd is an internationally acclaimed vocalist who was the first African-American woman to serve as the founding director of a university jazz studies program in the U.S. 

The billies, nannies and does of the Philly Goat Project (PGP) take over the Conservatory at Laurel Hill West Cemetery for the “spirited” GOAToberfest shenanigans. 

Take your Halloween costume out for a spin a couple of weeks early at the annual Halloween-meets-fall festival. Tour the historic cemetery and get your fill of free eats, including s’mores around the fire pit, and brews. Of course, expect plenty of face time with the main attraction: our four-legged friends from the Philly Goat Project. 

Know before you go: Halloween costume still TBD? In addition to the costume contest, there’s also a contest for the person with the best Oktoberfest-inspired get-up.

This is one life decision you won’t have to wrestle with. Weirdo Fest at Philadelphia Brewing Company comes flying off the top rope for this festival celebrating everything absurd and weird (that’s a compliment!) 

Here, you’ll see tights-wearing, high-flying, toxic-masculinity-bashing wrestlers from AWFUL Wrestling enter a makeshift ring alongside blacklight-masked marauders from ArcheDream for Humankind and roller-skating circus clowns from Philly’s Roller Circus. Yes, it’s going to get really, really, really weird!

Know before you go: Food and drink are available for purchase, including craft brews from Philadelphia Brewing Company and ramen and rolls from Tokio Sushi. 

Have you caught Cavan Fever yet? Grab a thermometer!

Cavan Sullivan, the 17-year-old wunderkind, returns home when the Philadelphia Union hosts Charlotte in a pivotal match with playoff-clinching implications. Sullivan has been in the news a lot in recent days, especially after becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer in the history of the U.S. Men’s National Team. 

The Union plays just five more games (including this one) before Major League Soccer’s postseason begins, so dribble your way down to Subaru Park before tickets become harder to get than the new Big Dom sneakers! 

Know before you go: Union Yards, located across from the Sons of Ben tailgate lot, throws spirited pre- and post-game parties during all home matches. 

As the nation’s Semiquincentennial year winds down, Old City’s Museum of the American Revolution keeps the year-long celebration going on Saturday and Sunday with an immersive living history festival recreating 1776 life. 

Walk through the marketplace to see what 18th-century artisans are making and selling. Enjoy hands-on activities, and maybe even get embroiled in a friendly neighborhood debate about the war with Great Britain, including which side you’ll want to support — Washington’s Army (the Patriots) or Philadelphia Associators (the Crown).

Activities stretch out across the museum’s outdoor plaza and are free and open to the public. Also: Adults can attend a book signing with author Tom Hand (Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) while kids can take part in a Halloween costume contest (Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Know before you go: Take a Revolutionary Philadelphia guided tour for an additional $10 beyond regular museum admission. 

Did you know the gallery collection in the country’s best city for street art is just as enviable as its murals? (We’re not bragging.) 

Each fall, Philadelphia Open Studios Tours (POST) invites hundreds of artists, workshops, galleries and other creative spaces to open their doors to the public, with a mission of making art more accessible. Popping up across about 20 neighborhoods, POST clocks in as one of the largest open studio events in the nation. 

Know before you go: Expect free self-guided tours, live demonstrations, exhibitions and more at dozens of studios east of Broad Street, like Fleisher/Ollman and 3rd Street Gallery.

Ex-spresso yourself! The Philly Coffee Festival returns to the 23rd Street Armory for the third straight year with 25-plus roasters signed up for a two-day festival dedicated to showing off Philly’s emerging bean scene. 

Of course, you can’t pay tribute to coffee culture without live music. (Where else are you going to hear bangers like Smelly Cat, right?) Gabrielle Chapman (indie soul diva from Cherry Hill) and Dandy (soulful brother duo from Harrisburg) headline Saturday’s session, with Love Said The Commander and Joseph Alton Miller taking Sunday’s session. 

Know before you go: Coffee tastings are unlimited, and you can bring your favorite mug inside for free fill-ups. 

Bartram’s Garden — located in what was Lenapehoking, or the ancestral homeland of the Lenni-Lenape people — hosts an outdoor Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in collaboration with Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac (OYC), a local nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and preserving indigenous American cultures. 

The free-to-attend event promises live performances, vendors, workshops and more, all surrounded by the riverfront botanical gardens’ natural beauty.

Don’t miss: New for 2026, Indigenous artists showcase their work in the Meeting of the Eagle and the Condor Indigenous Art Exhibition. 

Hopefully everyone’s over the jet lag by now.

The Philadelphia Eagles return home after a quick trip to London to take on the defending NFC South champion Carolina Panthers. Bad-luck injuries (and retirements — we miss you, Lane Johnson!) have hit this team hard, but it’s onward and upward. 

Jalen Hurts leads the offense into battle while second-year linebacker Jihaad Campbell looks to keep pace with the league leaders in tackles. Can they contain Bryce Young? We’ll find out. The Carolina quarterback is among the early candidates for NFL MVP honors, coming off his bye week with 1,268 passing yards and nine touchdowns.

Vibe: Fly, Eagles, Fly … on the road to victory!  

Through Thursday, December 3, 2026

Building off the success of Rocky Day in 2023 and RockyFest in 2024, Philadelphia debuts Rocky Season in 2026 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original movie. 

This multi-month celebration of all things Rocky features everything from musical performances and curated tours to light projections and a meat-punching (!) challenge. 

Don’t miss: Continuing this week, the Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours take fans on a citywide tour of Philly sites featured in the franchise. Jump on at the base of the Rocky Steps, departing at 10 a.m. Tickets are required (Friday and Saturday).

Dates vary by event

Halloween is a time for masking your identity (not your feelings), and these are the Philly spots turning up the spooky vibes and posing costumed conundrums … 

• A Tribute to The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Fabrika: Let’s do the time warp, again! Brad and Janet’s adventures through Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s haunted mansion come to life, live and before your eyes. More than a drag show, this immersive experience plummets you into the crazy, sexy world of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (October 16 to 31, 2026, select dates).

• Hound-O-Ween in Northern Liberties: Grab your little Joan of Bark and head on over to Liberty Lands Park for a doggie costume contest, hosted by Street Tails Animal Rescue. This family-friendly tradition isn’t just for bragging rights — the winner receives a $500 prize. Look for howling good treats from New Trail Brewing Company along with pierogies from Mom Mom’s Kitchen (Saturday).

• Halloween in the Historic District: Trick or treat the way the Colonials did, only we won’t make you eat firecakes and hard tack. Halloween in the Historic District turns Philly’s cobblestone streets into a candy-filled Revolutionary road, with stops at Arch Street Meeting House, Betsy Ross House, Carpenters’ Hall, Shane Confectionery, Royal Boucherie and more (Sunday).

Dates vary by screening

Thought outdoor movie season was over? Think again! Bust out the popcorn and BYO blankets and chairs for a lineup of spooky flicks on screens across Greater Philadelphia:

• Last Man on Earth (1964) at Uptown’s Haunted Mansion (Wednesday)
• Scream (1996) at Jet Wine Bar (Thursday)
• Vampyr (1932) with Live Music at Glen Foerd (Thursday)
• Evil Dead (2013) at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. (Thursday)
• Hocus Pocus (1993) at Independence National Historic Park (Friday)
• Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) at Elmwood Park Zoo (Saturday)

Dates vary by event

Save the date (and your appetite) for these phoodie finds happening in the city The New York Times called out for having one of the country’s most exciting dining scenes.

• Fall Menu and Programming at The Garden at City Tavern: The Historic District’s newest warm-weather hotspot embraces its spookiest self with fall ales and cocktails, autumn décor, Halloween-themed historical programming, and more (through October 2026). Spooky Friday Happy Hours kick off this week with DJ MO’NAE taking inspo from scary movie scores and the Founding Fathers’ playlists (Friday).

• Fire and Spice at Love City Gardens: Bundle up for an evening of cozy flavor when Love City Brewing opens up its outdoor beer garden in Callowhill for its annual Fire & Spice festival. Roast s’mores around the fire pits, chow down on pay-as-you-go spicy snacks and try a beer flip — a toasty caramel concoction made by plunging a hot poker (!) into a frosty beer. The popular annual event is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go bites and brews (Saturday). 

• Monster Mash Bloody Mary Crawl in Northern Liberties: Once again, Northern Liberties takes an iconic beverage to the max with a neighborhood-wide cocktail challenge. The Monster Mash (a graveyard smash, in case you haven’t heard) is back and bigger than ever, inviting 18 local bars to make their most creative Bloody Marys. Patrons vote on their faves, and to the victor, the highly coveted bragging rights. All drinks are pay as you go. Busy this weekend? The ghouls and goblins are running it back next weekend, too (Saturday & Sunday). 

Dates vary by event

Soak up these live performances at venues across Greater Philadelphia. Who says the show has to end when the curtain closes?  Turn your evening at the theater into a full night out with our theater dining guide. 

• Kathy Griffin at the Keswick Theatre: Did we hear Philly’s about to get its fair share of unapologetic pop culture takes, a ripping sense of humor, and round after round of no-punches-pulled jokes? Kathy Griffin — the self-proclaimed queen of the D-list — must be in town. The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian’s New Face, New Tour stops at the Keswick Theatre this week for a full night of punchlines and laughs (Thursday). 

• Marian and Paul: The Music & The Orations Concert at Settlement Music Hall: Philly-based artists of today pay tribute to two of the most influential Philadelphia artists and activists of all time this week. The music, speeches and spirit of generational talents, Civil Rights icons and close friends Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson take center stage during this inspirational concert — a collaboration between the Marian Anderson Museum and Paul Robeson House (Friday).

• Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert With the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center: Danger follows Harry Potter — or the “Boy Who Lived” — wherever he goes. When the third-year wizard-in-training returns to Hogwarts only to find out that a murderous criminal is after him, it really isn’t all that crazy. The bewitching 2004 movie returns to the big screen for one night only, backed by Philly’s equally magical classical music orchestra performing the score live (Friday to Sunday).

• Little Big Town at The Met: Break out the ballads! Faced with the ubiquity of smartphones, social media and (eek!) AI, Little Big Town is staging a protest. Back with their latest album It’s a Dying Art, the harmonizing quartet — hailed as the Fleetwood Mac of country by some — takes the stage at The Met for an evening of deeply inspired, deeply human and deeply personal songwriting and storytelling (Saturday).

• Beck at The Met: For a self-proclaimed loser, Beck’s been winning for like 30 years. The Grammy-winning alt-rocker is known for mixing a little hip-hop, a little dance-pop and just about every other sound you can think of into his catalogue. Inspired by the artist’s latest single, the Ride Lonesome Tour takes you on a wild, musical roller coaster ride across genres (Sunday). 

Dates vary by tour

Crispy weather is back, so back! Grab your favorite fall sweater and fuel up on pumpkin spice before hitting the streets for one of these leaf-peeping strolls. 

• A “Grotesque” Tour at Dusk at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum: Master of the Macabre Edgar Allan Poe penned some of his scariest stories in Philly, and in 1840 — the year he published Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque — the author paid a visit to Andalusia, leaving behind a signed copy of the book. See the historic estate through the eyes of Poe during this eerie, after-dark tour of its gardens and grounds (Thursday & Friday).

• Ghost Walk Stories in Chestnut Hill: Take a walk on the other side of the veil during this guided tour of Chestnut Hill. Starting at the Chestnut Hill Library, your undead docent leads you along the cobblestoned streets, spilling spooky tales along the way. The tour is ticketed and recommended for ages 6 and older (Saturday).

• The West Mt. Airy Historic House Tour: This self-guided driving or biking tour of Mt. Airy invites visitors to explore six stunning 19th- and 20th-century private homes, with each home showcasing distinctive architecture and imaginative interior design. The 2026 edition of the tour offers a rare glimpse into newly selected houses in the Pelham and French Village sections of the Northwest Philly neighborhood, and expert guides are on hand at each home to offer information and stories about the properties’ rich histories (Sunday).

• History Haunts This Alley: A Journey Into the Past Along Elfreth’s Alley: Do you believe in ghosts? For one day only, six former residents of Elfreth’s Alley — which dates back to 1703 — are coming home. Stop by the haunted homecoming and chat up the Philadelphians of yesteryear during this immersive theatrical experience, part of America’s continuing 250th anniversary activities (Sunday).

• Bartram’s Mile Fall Bird Walk: Feel free as a bird this weekend on a guided stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail. Taking place during our feathered friends’ fall migration, the beginner-friendly bird walk introduces eagle-eyed veteran birders and birding-curious hikers to some of the species that call Philly home. Pro tip: No need to buy any fancy tools. Birding backpacks with binoculars and field guides can be borrowed for free from all Philly libraries (Sunday).

Dates vary by attraction

Halloween is a real scream in Philadelphia. As one of the nation’s oldest — and possibly most haunted — cities, Philadelphia is home to a bevy of haunted houses, ghastly ghost tours and other nightmare-inducing attractions.

Along with faves like Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary (more above), you can get your fill of thrills and chills at attractions like Lincoln Mill in Manayunk, the Fright Factory in South Philly, The Bates Motel in Delco, Pennhurst Asylum in Bucks County and more. 

Dates vary by attraction

When the air gets crisp and the leaves start crunchin’, it’s harvest fest time. 

Soak up all the autumn fun you can handle at harvest festivals throughout Greater Philly, like Cityside Pumpkin Patch along Philly’s Delaware waterfront, Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards, FallFest at Shady Brook Farm, Fall Festival Weekends at Charlann Farms, and the Harvest Hayride at Arasapha Farm.

Check out our full roundup of fests and attractions for classic fall fun in our 2026 guide.  

Dates vary by pop up

Enter if you dare! Philadelphia’s award-winning bars, restaurants and beer gardens put their haunted twists on things, reimagining their spaces as immersive windows into the underworld. 

Devilishly over-the-top decor and scary good cocktails, mocktails and small bites are on the menu at spots like:

• every spooky, scary skeleton’s favorite pub, McGillin’s Olde Ale House; 
• Craftsman Row Saloon’s whimsical Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired set-up, The Enchanted Forest; 
• super-secret vampy hang hidden inside Hotel Indigo in West Chester, the Bloodline at 109;
• summer-watering-hole-turned-spooky-season pumpkin patch, Walnut Garden; and
• The Pumpkin Press, the Newsroom’s library-style pop up that takes a page out of horror’s most terrifying tales.

Ongoing

Arts and culture take center stage with the Philly Arts Event Finder, a brand-new, easy-to-use tool, brought to you by yours truly. 

Discover concerts, performances, exhibitions and more from over 180 local arts organizations — all in one place, personalized just for you. Browse the calendar, filter by performance type and plan your next night out right now. 

That, friend, deserves a standing ovation. 

Good for: Discovering everything from big Broadway musicals to experimental comedy shows and under-the-radar gallery exhibitions

Ongoing

Give the City of Brotherly Love a standing ovation: The internationally renowned TKTS ticket booth service is now here in Philly. Joining the ranks of New York City, Tokyo, and London, TKTS Philadelphia offers an unbeatable deal: 30% to 50% off tickets to select Philly theater and performing arts shows within 72 hours of the performance.  

Want the full scoop? Read on in our guide.

Know before you go: Tickets must be purchased in person at the Independence Visitor Center and include shows by Ensemble Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Wilma Theater and many more.

Through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Sundays only)

Roam the streets and shop till you drop on Sundays — through October — as one of Philadelphia’s top shopping and dining destinations transforms into a car-free oasis.

During Open Streets: West Walnut, pedestrians can shop, dine and mosey along seven car-free blocks while enjoying acoustic music, strolling performers and family-friendly activities. Check out the official website for an entertainment schedule and a list of retailer and restaurant happenings.

The Open-Streets zone runs on Walnut Street between Broad Street and 19th Street, and on 18th Street between Locust Street and Chestnut Street. 

Vibe: Car-free and care-free strolling

Through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only)

Philly has always been a city of neighborhoods, and for 20 weeks this spring, summer and fall, you can take free, insider-curated tours to explore what makes each neighborhood special.

Each week, the Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series heads to a different ‘hood to visit local restaurants, shops, parks and historical landmarks — all led by an experienced guide. 

Where to this week? North Philly. 

Tours happen Fridays at 2 p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Registration is required in advance, so hit this link to sign up. Bonus: Participants get a free neighborhood tote!

Vibe: Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man chartered a tour bus. 

Through Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)

This beloved culinary treasure returns to the heart of South Philly’s FDR Park, ushering in outdoor market season. A nationally renowned seasonal market, the Southeast Asian Market pops up every weekend (except for occasional special events), showcasing some of the best Lao, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine in the city.

This year’s market sees over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. 

Know before you go: Pack a picnic blanket and don’t forget to bring cash — some vendors are cash-only, and there’s no ATM on site.

Through Sunday, November 1, 2026 (Fridays through Sundays)

Admission is free. Booing is expected.

The Museum of the Philadelphian opens its limited run inside a cozy Fishtown rowhome, where the “bad behavior” of Philly’s notoriously finicky fans get The Louvre treatment. That is, they are showcased and honored with the same respect due a Da Vinci. 

Using Jason Kelce’s epic Super Bowl parade speech as inspiration — “No one likes us, we don’t care!” — this “unapologetic micro-museum about Philadelphia’s people” doubles as a tongue-in-cheek time capsule. Look for tributes to HitchBOT, the ill-fated robot who met his demise in Philly, as well as great moments in booing history, like the time football fans threw snowballs at Santa (he had it comin’).

Know before you go: The Museum of the Philadelphian holds 12 visitors at a time, so there may be a short wait. 

Through Sunday, November 1, 2026

They’re creepy, and they’re kooky, that Addams family. Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday and the crew take the stage at Walnut Street Theatre this fall for a musical performance perfect for Halloween season. 

Wednesday has fallen in love with a “normal” boy and asks her pop to keep that information under wraps. But Gomez feels torn between honoring his daughter’s request and keeping secrets from the love of his life. When Wednesday’s love interest and his parents come over for dinner, all bets are off. 

Know before you go: Want to see the show without breaking the bank? Check out Walnut Street Theatre’s options for discounted tickets on the official website.

Through Sunday, November 1, 2026 

Painted a palette of rich reds, bewitching browns and oranges, this award-winning botanical garden in Chester County is especially enchanting this time of year, all on its own.  

Add in festive harvest displays by day, ooky-spooky fountain shows by night and the nostalgia of the garden railway, and what do you have? The perfect recipe for a magical autumnal adventure.  

Catch fall’s fleeting beauty — plus pumpkins and gourds galore — at one of the region’s best destinations for leaf-peeping and autumn’s finest blooms, Longwood Gardens. 

Don’t miss: A family-friendly calendar of programming with weekly storytimes for kids, new and returning illuminated fountain shows, and live music under the stars 

Through Saturday, November 7, 2026 (select dates)

I scream, you scream, we all scream … because we’re inside an abandoned prison at night. Eastern State Penitentiary has opened its cell blocks after dark each fall for 35 years for Halloween Nights, one of Philly’s most beloved Halloween attractions.

The legendary prison offers numerous frightful attractions across its 10 acres, including the lair of some thirsty vampires at The Crypt, expanded for 2026; an eerily abandoned fishing village; a creep-filled carnival; and much more. Get express entry with the new Quick Pass admission, and add on premium experiences for even more scares.

Don’t miss: Not-so-scary sips at Triple Bottom Brewing’s Fair Chance Beer Garden 

Through Sunday, December 13, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only)

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Philly PHLASH! Everyone’s favorite way to conveniently travel from one iconic Philadelphia attraction to another is back for a brand-new season. 

All-day passes run just $5 (free for SEPTA Key holders), and stops include Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo and many more. For the first time ever, the distinct purple bus also stops at 30th Street Station, the Mütter Museum and the Fashion District.

Vibe: Paul Revere took over SEPTA. 

Through Thursday, December 31, 2026

Stamp your ticket for LGBTQ+ history — and really neat swag — with the Pride Passport, a brand new collaboration between the Philly Pride Visitor Center, right here in the Gayborhood, and the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City. How does it work? Glad you asked! 

Step 1: Pick up your free passport from either site.

Step 2: Visit both locations before the end of the year and collect a stamp at each.

Step 3: Show your completed passport to staff at either visitor center location to score a limited-edition Baron von Steuben tote bag and rock it with pride. 

Don’t miss: Head over to Valley Forge National Historical Park to see the General Baron von Steuben statue, erected in 1915. 

Through Sunday, January 3, 2027

“When in the course of human events …” The document from which that seminal phrase originates is the centerpiece of the Museum of the American Revolution’s 2026 programming. The Declaration’s Journey exhibition traces the history of America’s founding charter and its continuing influence, inspiring over 100 independence movements worldwide.

The Declaration’s legacy is explored through records, art and artifacts, including Thomas Jefferson’s chair, a Marquis de Lafayette-annotated draft of the French Declaration of Rights, the prison bench where Martin Luther King Jr. penned “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” a spinning wheel presented by Gandhi and more.

Don’t miss: George Washington’s war tent, aka the First Oval Office. 

Through Sunday, January 10, 2027

Part of the Barnes Foundation’s America 250 programming is this groundbreaking exhibition highlighting Asian American artists affected by forced relocation and incarceration during World War II and their subsequent art that helped establish American aesthetic trends.

Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America showcases the works of six artists: designer and sculptor Isamu Noguchi, world-renowned furniture designer George Nakashima, sculptor Leo Amino, graphic designer S. Neil Fujita, weaver and fiber artist Kay Sekimachi, and sculptor Ruth Asawa.

Know before you go: Access to the exhibition comes with regular museum admission.

Through Sunday, January 31, 2027

Ta-Dada! Marcel Duchamp, one of the leaders of the Dadaist movement, has landed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

This new retrospective exhibition  — the largest in the world in more than 50 years — showcases art in various mediums, from paintings and sculptures to film and photography. Arranged chronologically to see Duchamp’s evolution through cubism, dada and surrealism, the exhibit features 300 works, including Nude Descending a Staircase (No. 2), The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even, Fountain, L.H.O.O.Q. and many more. 

Know before you go: Timed tickets are required for entry into the exhibition and include general admission to the rest of the museum. 

Through mid-2027 (dates vary by museum)

With storied histories of their own, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (the country’s very first art school and museum) delve into the richness and diversity of American art history for this blockbuster exhibition, timed to coincide with the Semiquincentennial.

Threading together 300 years of American art, the collection — which includes pieces from Phillies Owner John Middleton and his wife Leigh’s incredible personal collection — features over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across both museums. Viewers find some of art’s biggest names — including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale — exhibited side-by-side with oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists and contemporary talents.

Know before you go: The exhibit is included with general admission at both museums. Purchase a full-price ticket to either museum for 50% off admission to the second museum (valid within seven days). 

It’s true: Philly is an award-winning, headline-grabbing kinda town. Need help keeping up with all the buzz? Get the scoop with this weekly roundup of our favorite Philly stories. Hot off the presses:

• Union prodigy Cavan Sullivan scores a birthday gift he’ll never forget. 
• What the heck even is that? Here’s what to know about Philly’s new roving pink robot. 
• Meet the homegrown musical talent recently named the nation’s youngest MacArthur Fellow. 
• Philly crowns its first parallel parking champion after a fierce competition. 
• From middle school to med school: A new Philly program is growing the next generation of doctors.

Locked in your plans for the week? Check. Submitted your Things to Do This Week & Weekend survey? Double check. Next: Give visitphilly.com’s latest content a gander …

• So you’ve hit the haunted houses, crawled through the devilishly decorated bars and monster-mashed till midnight at your fair share of spooky shindigs. That’s just the tip of the candy corn for Philly’s Halloween happenings. Check out our new round-up of 10 unexpected Halloween attractions, events and experiences in Philly. 

• After a record-breaking Philadelphia debut last January, Unrivaled’s running it back to the City of Sisterly Affection this winter for another evening of high-octane, 3-on-3 basketball games featuring some of the best competitors in all of women’s sports. Get the deets here. 

• Nowhere in Philadelphia is quite like Chinatown. Established in 1871, the Center City neighborhood offers a world of authentic Asian cuisine, eclectic shops, towering artworks and exciting street festivals in Philadelphia. Get the rundown on it all in our updated guide.