Fall is underway in the city of brotherly love and in betweenEagles games and pumpkin lattes, there’s so much more to do! From all thingsspooky season, to mesmerizing candlelight concerts, to immersive experiences, we’ve got you covered on 15 outstanding things to do in Philadelphia this October.
Step into the Forbidden Forest this October — spells, creatures and Butterbeer await under the trees. If you’re up for an after-dark adventure near Philly, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience returns to Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) State Park in Westchester from October 16, 2026 to January 3, 2027, featuring an illuminated woodland trail packed with magical creatures, interactive spell moments, themed food and exclusive merch. Tickets start from $28.90 for children and $35.90 for adults; join the waitlist for pre-sale access.
First, enter a beautiful location in the city– a rooftop even, or a classic auditorium. Next, take in your surroundings- magical flickers of candlelight envelop you, immediately setting the soothing tone. Lastly, allow your senses to take over as your ears delight in the sounds of iconic musical scores. Welcome to theCandlelight Concert series on offer right now in Philadelphia. This is a perfect way to rediscover the magic of the city, enjoy a unique date night, or even a self-care night out.
This month concert series includes a Halloween-themed concert and even a rooftop concert. Purchase tickets for October concerts below:
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B
- Candlelight Jazz: The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole
- Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
If you’re looking for an October night out that feels truly one-of-a-kind, LUMINISCENCE is finally coming to Philadelphia after wowing more than a million people across the world—with a special series of shows inside the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul. This immersive experience blends Philly’s history, incredible visuals, and music to showcase the cathedral in a way most people have never seen it before. With America 250 approaching, it’s also a chance to experience a different side of Philadelphia that many people didn’t even know exists.
Elevate your next dinner experience with this exciting twist! Imagine enjoying a delicious three course meal completely blindfolded. Indeed, studies show that 80% of people eat with their eyes — and with that sense eliminated, the theory is that your other senses (namely, taste and smell) take over to elevate your meal to a whole new level. With Dining in the Dark, immerse yourself in a mysterious and original dining experience you won’t forget. Get your tickets here.
A free, multigenerational street festival with procession, live performances, and classic Italian‑American food. For an early-October staple in South Philly, the Annual St. Nicholas of Tolentine Authentic Italian Festival returns on Sunday, October 4, 2026, to the 1700 block of South 9th Street in South Philadelphia, featuring a religious procession, live music including The New York Tenors, and numerous Italian food vendors.
Watch Genny and Button enjoy fall-themed treats during this adults-only, after-hours aquarium event. For a fun October night out just across the river, Adventure Aquarium in Camden is hosting Harvest with the Hippos on Friday, October 2, 2026, a 21+ after-hours event from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring hippo feedings, the Fintastic Pumpkin Glow, and themed drinks with an optional Ultimate Date Night package.
Philadelphia’s OURfest, the nation’s largest National Coming Out Day celebration, returns Sunday, October 11, 2026, with the theme “Out Loud, Out Front: Power, Protection & Pride.” Presented by Philly Pride 365, the festival will bring a fresh lineup of events to the Gayborhood, drawing tens of thousands for drag and music showcases, queer art, family-friendly programming, food trucks, vendors, and more. At its core, OURfest 2025 is a bold call for visibility, equity, and resilience–where joy becomes protest and community becomes protection. For more information, visit here.
South Street has never been more magical! Friday October 24th, 2025 from 7:00-1o:00 p.m., the final Twilight in the Gardens takes place. Guests can enjoy an evening of music, art, and creativity. Moreover, immerse yourself in lively bluegrass, folk, and a old-time performance by Noggin Hill. Next, design your own bucket hats at a custom hat bar by Aubrey Loftus of Modern Misfits, and explore floral and autumnal designs to create wearable art. The night also includes self-guided tours of the mosaicked basement and access to the current exhibition, Reframed Realities: Works by Anthony Smith Jr.
Lastly, visitors are encouraged to bring drinks and snack to enjoy picnic-style in the mosaicked courtyard for a truly unique fall experience. For tickets and more information, visit here.
October is the optimal time of year to go pumpkin-picking at local pumpkin patch. Fun for the whole family, visiting a pumpkin patch is a great way to bond and get outdoors while enjoying all the staples of harvest fun. We’ve rounded up a list of local pumpkins patches to check out this fall for the perfect pepo.
Looking for spine-tingling fun things to do this spooky season? We’ve got you covered on the the ultimate Halloween guide for the 2023 season. From haunted houses, to ghoulishly great immersive experiences, candlelight concerts in a cemetery, ghost tours, and more, our Halloween guide has it all. There’s something to do for the entire family including kid-friendly fun to adult-only parties. Trick-or-treat!
Be amazed and discover Philadelphia in a whole new light! Join award-winning magician Robert Malissa on a one-of-a-kind walking tour through Old City Philadelphia. Discover historic and offbeat spots while being treated to a comedic and mind-bending magic experience at each location.
Perfect for a unique date or a fun time out with friends. Get your tickets here.
Over 80 vendors will fill Dilworth Park for three days of local handmade goods — admission is free. If you’re in the mood for some fall shopping in Center City, the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market returns to Dilworth Park from October 9–11, 2026, with more than 80 vendors selling handcrafted art, jewelry, food and home goods; admission is free.
If you’re looking to mix live music with a little getaway this October, turn a concert night into an overnight escape at the new Parxview Hotel just steps from the Xcite Center. Parx Casino’s fall concert series brings throwback favorites, rock legends and R&B icons to the Xcite Center in Bensalem this fall, with four shows on the calendar. Concertgoers can now pair tickets with an overnight stay at the new Parxview Hotel located adjacent to Parx Casino.
Taste creative scrapple-and-apple bites at Reading Terminal Market on October 17 — admission is free. For a classic October food outing in Philly, the Scrapple & Apple Festival returns to Reading Terminal Market on Saturday, October 17. This indoor celebration runs 10:00–17:00 with free admission, and vendors will be serving up creative scrapple-and-apple dishes alongside apple tastings.
Step into 60 minutes of glowing LED choreography and iconic 2000s hits. If you’re looking for a high-energy night out in Philly this October, Neon Moves is a 60-minute LED-driven dance spectacle by THE BLACKOUTS in Philadelphia that pairs synchronized LED costumes and choreography with iconic 2000s tracks to create an immersive, story-led visual journey.
