A nor’easter is bringing a soggy, windy weekend to the Philadelphia region, with the strongest winds expected Saturday evening into Sunday morning, according to meteorologists. While the storm’s biggest impacts are expected along the Jersey Shore, Philly is also in for periods of rain and gusty conditions. As a result, several outdoor events have been canceled or postponed.
If you had weekend plans, here’s what you need to know before heading out.
Events canceled or postponed this weekend due to the Nor’Easter
- South Street Fall Fest | Saturday, September 26 – CANCELED
- The annual South Street Fall Fest has been canceled because of the forecast. There is no new date announced at this time, but fall festivities are still coming to South Street later this season, including Halloween on South Street and the Holiday Night Market.
- Asian American Mid-Autumn Festival – POSTPONED
- Originally: Saturday, September 26 – New Date: Saturday, October 3
- Open Streets: West Walnut – CANCELED FOR SEPT. 27
- This Sunday’s Open Streets: West Walnut has been canceled due to the weather. The series is scheduled to return Sunday, October 4, with Walnut Street and 18th Street again becoming a pedestrian-friendly space.
- Philadelphia Zoo Car Show – POSTPONED ONE DAY
- The Philadelphia Zoo Car Show Presented by Pep Boys is moving from Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, September 27. The event runs 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is included with Zoo admission
- The Neighborhood Classic Block Party featuring Tyrese Maxey — MOVED INDOORS
- This one is still happening Saturday, September 26. The located is and time is changing. Instead of Schuylkill River Park, the block party will move indoors to St. Joe’s Prep from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tyrese Maxey will also introduce his new shoe as a part of the event.
- Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Run | Saturday, September 26 — CANCELED
- Philadelphia Marathon Weekend has canceled the training run because of the expected high winds and the risk of falling branches along the route. A new date has not yet been announced.
- Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest | Saturday, September 26 — MOVED INDOORS
- While South Street Fest has been canceled, Oktoberfest at Bauhaus Schmitz is still on. The celebration is moving indoors at the South Street German beer hall, giving guests a way to keep Oktoberfest festivities.
Will there be any road closures or SEPTA detours?
At this time, there are no additional storm-specific road closures or blanket SEPTA shutdowns announced. Check SEPTA’s System status and trip-planning tools before leaving home for the most up-to-date service information.
Heading to the Jersey Shore?
Think twice before making the drive. The shore is expected to see the worst of the storm, including strong winds, coastal flooding, rough surf and beach erosion. NBC10 says gusts could reach around 50 mph along the coast.
Several shore events have already been affected:
- Monsters on the Beach in Wildwood — POSTPONED: The monster truck beach event has been moved to October 17–18 because coastal flooding left the beach arena underwater.
- Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration — CANCELED: The September 26 celebration has been canceled because of the forecast for extremely high winds.
- Oceans Calling in Ocean City, Maryland — WEATHER IMPACTED: The festival canceled its entire Friday, September 25 lineup because of weather and beach erosion. Saturday and Sunday were still being planned at the time of publication, so anyone traveling should check the festival’s official channels before heading to Ocean City.
Even events that remain scheduled can be affected by changing coastal conditions due to the Nor’Easter. Check directly with organizers before making the trip.
What to do instead
If the weather has you looking for an indoor plan, Philly still has plenty happening.
- The Franklin Institute: The Air We Share Showcase runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy hands-on activities, live science demonstrations and interactive programming focused on air quality and respiratory health. It’s included with museum admission.
- Science History Institute: Stop by for Stories of Science: Back to School. This family-friendly program runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or catch the Unwell Waters Highlights Tour at 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m.
- Woodmere Art Museum: Saturday also marks the opening of Listen With Your Eyes: A Moe Brooker Retrospective, a major retrospective of the Philadelphia artist’s work.
So, if your outdoor plans are getting washed away this weekend, don’t write off Philly entirely. Swap the street festivals and outdoor adventures for a museum, science showcase, indoor workshop or another cozy city outing. Keep an eye on official event and transit updates before you head out.
The weather is changing quickly due to the Nor’easter, and so are weekend plans.
