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 17 outstanding things to do in Philadelphia this October.
1. 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 Twisted Tail, 509 S. 2nd St
2. Listen To The Works Of Edgar Allan Poe In This Pop-Up Interactive Speakeasy
For literature buffs and Poe fans -this one is for you! For a limited time in October, this immersive experience will be in Philadelphia. Firstly, the event takes place inside a dark speakeasy. Secondly, four of Poe’s most famous stories will be retold and reimagined by Poe historians. Next, the speakeasy’s lead mixologist will transform each of those stories into a 4-part cocktail experience.
Tickets are selling fast, get yours while you can right here.
🍂 Where: 901 N. Delaware Ave
3-5. Iconic Scores Come Alive At These Mesmerizing Candlelight Concerts In Philadelphia
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 Halloween: Haunted Classics at Laurel Hill Cemetery
- Candleligt Open Air: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at The BOK Rooftop Bar
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
🍂 Where: 1901 S. 9th St
6. Enjoy A Magical Motown Concert Under The Stars At This Philadelphia Waterfront
Do you remember the first time you heard a Motown track? The rhythm, the sounds, the lyrics- yes we remember too! Now you can relive the magic of Motown with an unforgettable concert under the stars at Liberty Point, Philly’s exclusive waterfront location. Iconic scores include:
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
- My Girl – Temptations
- Dancing in the Street – Martha & The Vandellas
- The Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
- and more!
Tickets are selling fast! Get on your dancing shoes and purchase your tickets here.
🍂 Where: 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
7. Unwind At A BYOB After-Hours Party With Live Music In A Magical Mosaic Garden
South Street has never been more magical! Friday October 27th, 2023 from 7:00-1o:00 p.m., come to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens for a vibe fest under the stars. This BYOB after-hours party is perfect for taking in those chill Autumn nights in Philly. Bring a blanket, snacks, and drinks to picnic in this artsy space while you catch a performance by pianist & singer Black Buttafly. Next, make your own monster magnet with artist Emily Smith. Lastly, visitors will have the chance to learn more about Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens through a fun, casual self-guided tour of the mosaicked basement.
Tickets are required for this event as space is limited. Tickets go on sale October 13th, 2023 and can be purchased here.
🍂 Where: 1020 South Street
8. This October Visit A Thought- Provoking Exhibit Centered Upon Interconnectedness Between Past And Present
On view in Philadelphia from September 28, 2023 – January 28, 2024, Earth, Sky, Water is an exhibit by artists Mindy Flexer and Michael Williamson.
Through a display of collected paintings, the artists reflect on their individual identities and family histories. Earth, Sky, Water is a thought-provoking exhibit that parse questions involving belonging, inheritance, and survival. Allow your mind to ponder what’s real and what’s imaginary, what is remembered and what is possible. Feel an interconnectedness between past and present as you revel in the intricacy and beauty of the artistry.
Earth, Sky, Water exhibition is open to the public seven days a week from 10 AM – 7 PM. Learn more and plan your visit by visiting their website here.
🍂 Where: 121 N. 2nd St.
9. Don’t Miss Philadelphia Navy & Marine Corps Week
Bring the entire family out for a week of educational and exciting events to learn more about our brave Navy and Marine Corps. Beginning Oct 9-15, 2023, more than 200 visiting Sailors and Marines from across the nation will be in Philadelphia and Camden, N.J., to discuss why the Department of the Navy matters to our area.
Enjoy free live music by Navy Band Northeast at various venues throughout the week as well as free public ship tours that will be offered Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Penn’s Landing (across from the Independence Seaport Museum).
For more information a list of the week’s scheduled events, read more here.
🍂 Where: 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
10. 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
11. 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
12. Cruise Through The City At The 2nd Annual Bike Fest
The Philly Bike Ride is back again for a second year Saturday, October 14, 2023 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
13. 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
14. Attend An Unforgettable Film Premiere Featuring Stories From Philly Youth Affected By Gun Violence
Don’t miss the highly anticipated premiere of the Bout Mine I Matter Full Circle Documentary. Presented by 5Shorts Project and directed by founder, Shameka Sawyer and Etderick Bettie, this documentary is riveting and timely.
Bout Mine I Matter: Full Circle is a powerful documentary crafted by the youth of Philadelphia, who have witnessed the devastating effects of gun violence. This documentary offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those deeply affected by this crisis, featuring a survivor who tragically lost his father to gun violence and a courageous young individual with family members who are both victims and survivors.
Not only will you hear the heartbreaking stories of our youth but also their insightful and innovative solutions to combat gun violence in our city. The voices of the youth matter because they live it, they see it, and they want to change it.
Show your support for this powerful event by purchasing a ticket to the premiere right here.
🍂 Where: 699 Ranstead Street #1
15. Attend A Live Poetry Reading From Grammy-Nominated Artist Jessie Reyez
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books presents an intimate evening of poetry and vibes. Come listen to Grammy-nominated artist Jessie Reyez read live from her new poetry book, Words Of A Goat Princess. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to hear the words and the thoughts and motivations behind this collection of work.
Words of a Goat Princess is the debut poetry collection about life’s struggle and triumphs from Grammy-nominated and JUNO-award winning songwriter Jessie Reyez.
A Q&A will follow so make sure you have your questions ready for Jessie. You can purchase tickets to this event by visiting here.
🍂 Where: 5445 Germantown Ave
16. Be Apart Of The October Sisterly Love Cookbooks & Convos
Running from September 25 to October 25, Sisterly Love Cookbooks & Convos features special dinners, author meet-and-greets, and engaging culinary events.
Brought to you by the Sisterly Love Collective, this experience is set to empower and celebrate the talented female chefs and authors that make Philadelphia’s culinary scene thrive. Inspired by the beloved “The Book and The Cook” food festival from 1984 to 2007, Cookbooks & Convos carries forward this tradition with a fresh twist.
Tickets are required to attend one of the experience and cookbooks are included with ticket purchase. Come hear from renowned female chefs in Philadelphia including Ellen Yin, Jennifer Carroll, Sofia Deleon, Jill Weber and more.
For October lineup and tickets purchases, visit here.
🍂 Where: various locations
17. Embark On An October Halloween Spirits Tasting Party with Mark Makers
Add some spice to your Halloween festivities! Mark Makers is hosting a Halloween, Bourbon-tasting, Costume Party with The Whiskey Club at SMC’s Farmhouse in Conshohocken. Oct 26, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM enjoy the taste of smooth bourbon. Tickets are required for this event. Ticket purchased include cocktails, candy, and bourbon of course. Small bites will also be available for additional purchase.
Indeed, seats are limited. To purchase tickets visit their website here. Add some warmth to the chilling atmosphere of Halloween at this festive event.
🍂 Where: 164 Barren Hill Rd, Conshohocken, PA 19428