Fall is underway in the city of brotherly love and in between Eagles games and pumpkin lattes, there’s so much more to do! From all things spooky season, to mesmerizing candlelight concerts, to immersive experiences, we’ve got you covered on 15 outstanding things to do in Philadelphia this October.
1-5. Experience a mesmerizing Candlelight Concert featuring iconic scores from Neo-Soul to Halloween classics
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 the Candlelight 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
🍂 Where: various locations
6. Experience the macabre tales of Edgar Allan Poe at this chilling speakeasy
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is making its chilling return to Philly just in time for spooky season. The haunting sequel promised more thrills and eerie delights at The Fallser Club, where guests will experience four of Poe’s darkest tales—The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Each story is paired with a handcrafted cocktail designed to mirror the haunting mood of the tale it accompanies. For anyone building a Halloween bucket list in Philly, this literary-meets-spirits experience is the perfect blend of atmosphere and fright. Secure your tickets for a nigh of gothic storytelling and chilling sips here.
🍂 Where: 3721 Midvale Avenue
7. Philly’s biggest outdoor fall makers market returns to Dilworth Park this October
The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market is back at Dilworth Park from October 10-12, 2025, filling Center City with over 70 local artisans, food vendors, and makers for its 8th annual open-air festival. Visitors can shop handcrafted goods, enjoy seasonal eats like churros and roasted corn, and even get a head start on holiday shopping.
Admission is free, with extended hours from 12-8 p.m. all weekend. Families and pets alike are welcome to soak in the fall atmosphere right at City Hall.
🍂 Where: 1 S. 15th Street
8. This October don’t miss the 2025 East Fall Festival
East FallsFest returns Saturday, October 18 from 11 AM–5 PM with food, brews, live music, family fun, and the festival’s first-ever beer garden. Enjoy free pumpkin decorating, face painting, East Falls Trivia, a full music lineup, free rowing lessons, all day performances of The Give & Take Jugglers Little Circus, vendors and more—all taking in views of the Schuylkill River. Don’t miss this family-friendly event full of fall fun! For more information, visit here.
🍂 Where: Midvale Avenue & Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, PA
9. This October enjoy an immersive dining experience completely blindfolded
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.
🍂 Where: The Pyramid Club, 1735 Market Street 52nd Floor
10. Philadelphia to host America’s largest National Coming Out Day Festival
Philadelphia’s OURfest, the nation’s largest National Coming Out Day celebration, returns Sunday, October 12, 2025, 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.
🍂 Where: Gayborhood
11. Unwind at A BYOB after-hours party with live music in a magical mosaic garden
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.
🍂 Where: 1020 South Street
12. Visit A Local Pumpkin Patch For The Perfect Pepo
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.
🍂 Where: see list here
13. Celebrate Spooky Season With Our Ultimate Halloween Guide
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!
Where: see guide here
14. This October Cruise Through The City car-free at the annual Philly Bike Ride
The Philly Bike Ride is back again for the another year Saturday, October 18th, 2024 beginning at 7:30am. Cruise through 20 miles of city streets in a closed-course route. The closed-course route takes bicyclists from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and back while passing popular monuments and destinations during the route. Registration is required to participate in the bike ride. Cyclists of all levels are invited to register.
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
15. Take an October walking tour of Philly equipped with comedy and magic
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.
🍂 Where: S 4th St & Ranstead St