Autumn is a magical time in Philadelphia full of adventure and excitement. Neighborhoods light up with communal events and festivals are plentiful. Art and cultural venues in the city offer endless entertainment to soak in. Aesthetically, the city comes alive as the leaves begin to change, making it the perfect time to go leaf-peeping.
From pop-up artisan shops to food festivals, harvest fun, spooky season and more, there’s plenty of events and festivals in Philadelphia to add to your fall bucket list.
1-15. Celebrate Spooky Season
Spooky season is upon us– an anticipated staple of the fall season. Secret Philadelphia compiled the ultimate list of things to do around Philadelphia to celebrate Halloween. From immersive haunted-houses, to candlelight concerts in a haunted cemetery, as well as adult-only events and festivals, there’s something to do for everyone. Check out are our guide to 15 events happening in Philadelphia for the Halloween season here.
🍂 Where: see list for event-specific locations
16. Allow Your Senses To Guide You During A Completely Blindfolded Dinner Experience
Take your fine dining experience to a new level! Imagine enjoying a delicious three course meal completely blindfolded. 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.
🍂 Where: The Twisted Tail, 509 S. 2nd St
17. Attend The Chrysanthemum Festival At Longwood Gardens
Fall in love with fall’s favorite flower, the chrysanthemum. From September 30-November 12, bask in the beauty of this distinct flower with its 13 different classifications. Moreover, this family-friendly event offers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a nature walk along the premises, free with garden admission. Indeed children of any ages will absolutely love the family-favorite Garden Railway display or pumpkin playground.
Tickets are required for entry into the garden, more information about hours and pricing can be found by visit their website here.
🍂 Where: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA
18. Enjoy A Mesmerizing Concert Surrounded By Flickering Candlelight
Located in some of Philadelphia’s most extraordinary venues, enjoy a magical evening of breathtaking music surrounded by flickering candlelight. Perfect for your fall bucket list, this immersive experience allows you to enjoy some of the most iconic musical scores like you’ve never experienced before. In the spirit of spooky season, current concerts include Halloween classics such as “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters”. See current concert schedules and get your tickets right here
🍂 Where: various locations
19. Taste Filipino Cuisine And Learn About The Culture At This Fun Festival
Apart of PECO’s multicultural series, Taste Of The Philippines is coming to Cherry Street Pier Sunday October 1st, 2023. Festival-goers can expect a day filled with delicious Filipino cuisine, vendors, entertainment and more. Indeed one of the most fun events and festivals of fall, Taste of the Philippines is open to the public and free to attend. Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro will be in attendance to present a proclamation recognizing October as Filipino American History Month.
Learn more by visiting their website.
🍂 Where: 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd
20. Revel In The Building Architecture & Design Of Philadelphia At This Unique Festival
Produced by the Center for Architecture and Design, DesignPhiladelphia is a 10-day fest highlighting the city’s design excellence, the skills of local designers, and the impact of design on everyday life. The festival kicks off October 4, 2023 with a launch party celebrating 19 years of the Design Philadelphia festival and runs until October 15, 2023. To see the full schedule of festival events, ticket prices, and more please visit their website here.
🍂 Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
21. Take In The Dazzling Sights & Lights Of Philly Aboard A Double Decker Bus
This fall, enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Big Bus Philly by Night Tour! Prepare to be dazzled by the vibrant lights of Philadelphia as you hop abroad a comfy double decker bus. Not only will you be captivated by the guide’s stories, you’ll also be spellbound by the cityscape. Furthermore, wait till you see the breathtaking view from the iconic Rocky Steps! This 90-minute excursion will have you fall in love with Philly all over again. Get your tickets here.
🍂 Where: 1201 Filbert St
22. Celebrate The Inaugural Philadelphia OURfest: National Coming Out Parade and Festival
Beginning Saturday, October 7, 2023, attend the country’s first coming out festival! OURfest: National Coming Out Parade will take place at 4:00pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The festival will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, with a resource fair and family zone from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, and last call for mobile bars/food trucks at 6:30pm.
OURfest stands for Our Uniting Resilience and these new events are being created to amplify the resilience of our people, our individual journeys in coming out, and how we hold and take up space everyday. OURfest weekend looks to make history as the only parade in the country dedicated and inspired by National Coming Out Day. Find out more about the OURfest events and festivals by visiting the website here.
🍂 Where: parade begins at 5th & Market Streets
23. Cruise Through The City At The 2nd Annual Philly Bike Ride
After the success of last year’s inaugural Philly Bike Ride, it’s back again for its second year Saturday, October 14, 2023 beginning at 7:30am. Cyclists of all levels are invited to register and cruise through 20 miles of city streets. The closed-course route takes bicyclists from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and back while passing popular monuments and destinations during the route. To celebrate the end of the course, the ride ends with a festival featuring music, food and activities that is open to the public and free to attend.
Find out more and register to ride by visiting their website here.
🍂 Where: 2600 Ben Franklin Parkway
24. Celebrate Apple Season AT The Apple Festival At Peddler’s Village
Don’t miss the celebration of fall’s premier fruit! The 48th Annual Apple Festival takes place on Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Peddler’s Village. There will also be vendors and food available for purchase (cash is preferred) as well attractions that is fun for the whole family.
The Apple Festival is one of the most popular annual events in the greater Philadelphia region and it is highly recommended to arrive early. For tickets and more information please visit their website here.
🍂 Where: 2400 Street Road New Hope, PA