It’s September already?!
Summer flew by didn’t it! Now it’s back to work or school and getting refocused. There are still a lot of things to do around the city now that summer is calming down and fall is approaching. From fall festivals to immersive experiences, below is a list of 17 spectacular activities and things to do around the city this month!
1. Learn How To Make Pasta At This Homemade Cavatelli Cooking Class
Learn how to make your own delicious fresh pasta dish! Enjoy a homemade pasta class where you don’t need to bring anything but yourself. However, guests are invited to BYOB wine, champagne or beer.
During your experience, fresh ingredients, and the best equipment will be provided. At the end of class, enjoy the mouth-watering meal you’ve created. Yummy! 😋 🍝
🍝 Where: get your tickets here
2. Take Your Senses Up A Notch While You Feast Completely Blindfolded
Step inside a restaurant cloaked in mystery and unlock the full potential of your senses with the Dining in the Dark experience in Philadelphia. Taking place at a lively spot in Philly, this one-of-a-kind event includes far more than questionable eyewear.
At The Twisted Tail, you will spend the evening distinguishing between flavors, focusing on sounds and smells, and debunking the age-old adage of “we eat with our eyes”. Dining in the Dark is an exclusive, 90-minute culinary experience and places are limited. Don’t miss out on the chance to taste the eclectic gastronomic offerings at The Twisted Tail in an entirely new way!
🍱 Where: 509 S 2nd St
3. Enjoy A Magical Night Of Music Lit By Dazzling Candlelit
The world-renowned Candlelight concerts in Philadelphia are returning with a wide-ranging lineup and their signature sea of flickering candles. Unleash your inner goddess at a tribute to Beyoncé and TLC or unwind to the sounds of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Audiences across the historical city of Philadelphia will be spellbound by these sensational performances.
R&B, anime themes, pop hits, and so much more are coming to magnificent venues in Philadelphia. Adventure Aquarium, which boasts the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, and the Art Deco-style BOK Auditorium are among the unique spaces hosting Candlelight this season. Take in the amazing architecture, sit back and let the soothing sounds of a string quartet wash over you.
🕯️ Where: get your tickets here
4. Enjoy A Walking Tour Of Philly With Magic & Comedy
Join a fun walking tour led by award-winning magician Robert Malissa. First, discover some of the most historic and offbeat spots in Old City Philadelphia. Next, witness incredible magic tricks along the way. Lastly, one member of your party will assist the magician in a chance to win a prize.
🪄 Where: get your tickets here
5. Partake On An Adventure To Uncover Who Cracked The Liberty Bell
Transport yourself to the moment when America has just won its independence from Great Britain and the new nation is abuzz with talk of Liberty! The old “State House Bell” has been rehung and now rings out to signify important events, the coming of news…and the start of classes for students at the University. You are now one of those students and you are eager to get to class. Shockingly you’re not sure when classes will begin because the great big bell that has tolled so faithfully all school year has been cracked! Who could it have been? That’s up to you to find out! Get your tickets now to Who Cracked the Liberty Bell, an interactive mystery game in Philadelphia!
🔔 Where: get your tickets here
6. Sip Cocktails While Solving A Whodunit Murder Mystery
Looking for an electrifying night out filled with suspense, secrets, and spine-tingling thrills? Look no further and sign up for an unforgettable evening of mystery and mayhem! Don’t miss this thrilling and hilarious murder mystery theater experience. Engage your detective skills, interrogate suspects, and decipher clues in this immersive show. An evening of suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable fun awaits. Get your tickets now for Cocktails and Mystery in Philadelphia!
🔪 Where: get your tickets here
7. Shop, Dance, & Eat At The Inaugural East Passyunk Music Festival
Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 11:00am to 6:00pm, South Philly will be filled with the sounds of music, delicious food aromas, and lots of laughter. This is a family-friendly event for all ages . Festival-goers can expect an all day, all ages celebration of music, food and fun.
🎹 Where: East Passyunk from Broad to Dickinson streets
8. OktoBEARfest Returns To The Philadelphia Zoo
Head to The Philadelphia Zoo for the return of their OktoBEARfest on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 7:00-10:00 pm. This signature fall beer festival will jumpstart the Oktoberfest events in Philadelphia.
New for this year, the Zoo’s Peacock Pavilion will be transformed into a Bavarian beer tent with authentic Oktoberfest beers on tap, stein-holding and pretzel-eating competitions (with prizes!). You’ll also enjoy live music, food trucks, and of course, animal observation.
🍺 Where: 3400 W. Girard Ave
9. Visit A Center City Pop-Up With Over 20 Local Vendors
The Philadelphia Marketplace is returning to Dilworth Plaza! Every Saturday and Sunday, from September 2, 2023 through Sunday, October 1, 2023, shop local vendors. Each weekend offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse array of distinctive arts and crafts with everything from handmade stuffed pals, modern artwork, and more.
🛍️ Where: 1 S. 15th St
10. Watch Movies Under The Stars At This Cozy Courtyard
Enjoy the September breeze in a cozy center city courtyard. The Logan Hotel in Center City is bringing the ultimate chill vibes to the city with the return of their outdoor movie screenings.
Spend the night under the stars watching nostalgic cult classic films such as Back to the Future (9/7) and 10 Things I Hate About You (9/28). This experience is perfect for your next date night or a night out with friends.
🎬 Where: One Logan Square
11. Enjoy A Mind-Bending Immersive Experience
Bend your imagination and play tricks on your mind as you discover some of the coolest immersive experiences Philadelphia has a to offer. From alien otherworlds, to optical illusions at its finest, you surely won’t get bored during these excursions. Check out our list of immersive experiences on offer right now in Philly!
👽 Where: see list here
12. Go Leaf-Peeping Around The City During Peak Fall Foliage
Philadelphia’s fall foliage is expected to peak mid October making it a great chance to go leaf-peeping. Start in the charming neighborhood of Old City. Next, continue your leaf-peeping journey by visiting the stunning and expansive Fairmount Park.
Lastly, finish your leaf-peeping journey in the city at other popular places including Bartram Gardens, Locust Walk, Schuylkill Banks, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the picture-perfect Independence Hall.
🍂 Where: start here
13. Take The Kids For A Day Of Exploring & Learning
Philadelphia is a city filled with many kid-friendly things to do to keep your little ones engaged and active. It’s no secret, as children develop and grow, much of their learning and understanding of the world around them involves play. Children play to learn, to explore, to understand. We’ve rounded up five kid-friendly things to do in Philadelphia this fall.
🏛️ Where: see list here
14. Spend time with your four-legged best friend at a dog park
Dog parks are not only a great opportunity for you to get some fresh air and go out of the house for a bit, it’s also good for your pupper to run around in an open space and socialize with other doggos. It’s so many things to do with your four-legged friend!
We’ve curated a list of dog parks in different neighborhoods that you can visit, but it’s important to make sure your dog is registered at the park before going, to keep your dog and others safe.
🐶 Where: see list here
15. Watch the game at a sports bar with fans like you
With the fall season approaching it means football season is back! It is such a good feeling to walk into a sports bar and see other fans supporting the same team as you. Rallying and cheering together as your team scores a touchdown at a sports bar is a lot of fun. Go to one of the many bars on game day and watch the tense game with other enthusiastic fans just like you!
🏈 Where: see list here
16. Try Something New For Date Night
Spice up your date night routine with one of these unique and flirty date night ideas. From candle-making to pottery-making to a date night in a bookstore, there’s always something new to try! Whether you are trying to impress a new crush or keep things fun and fresh in a longer relationship, you’ll be sure to impress your significant other with these options!
💋 Where: see list here
17. Enjoy A Concert At One Of These Live Music Venues
Experience your favorite acts at one of these live music venues! Live music allows you to not only connect with the artist on stage, but also the other concertgoers. Similar to when Taylor Swift came to Philly this past summer, there’s something downright magical about strangers singing together in total unison. If you’re looking for the next place to enjoy live music in Philadelphia, we’ve got you covered. See our list of eight live music venues in the city for the best experience.
🎶 Where: see list here