Things to do in Philadelphia ~ Bloktoberfest, Halloween, Eagles and More!

Things To Do In Philadelphia

‘End of Oktoberfest, Scary Attractions & Eagles Football’

Fall is here and Halloween is in full swing. Check out our Halloween guide to all things spooky in the city.

Check out one of the last Oktoberfest events, Bloktoberfest. How about creative designs at the DesignPhiladelphia Festival or family fun at Sister Cities Park or Franklin Square. Let’s not forget about one of best football rivals when the Dallas Cowboys come into town to play the Philadelphia Eagles!

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below.

What event or activity this weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named 1 of the top 10 US travel destinations for 2013. Also named for having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share fun and exciting events and attractions with you. Check out what’s happening for you this weekend in Philly and for the upcoming week and put these events on your calendar.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ October 18 – 24 ~

  • Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in Philadelphia ~ Month of October ~ A fun & scary list of Halloween events & activities! ~ Things to do for Halloween in Philadelphia ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • DesignPhiladelphia Festival ~ Now until October 18 ~ Welcome to the ninth annual DesignPhiladelphia Festival!  This year’s theme, EXPERIENCEdesign!, showcases the experiential and emotional aspects of design by engaging festival goers’ five senses. More than 120 events are held in a variety of locales across the city, including boutiques, museums, warehouses and public spaces. ~ DesignPhiladelphia Festival ~
  • 22nd Annual Philadelphia Film Festival ~ Now until October 27 ~ The Philadelphia Film Festival is presented by the Philadelphia Film Society and celebrates the art of cinema with more than 100 films from around the world. The festival also includes industry panels, post-screening Q&As and special events with filmmakers at venues across the region. ~ 22nd Annual Philadelphia Film Festival ~
  • Annual Scarecrow Competition & Display Now until October 27  ~ FREE – At Peddler’s Village there will be bigger than life scarecrow creations that will be displayed outdoors and compete for over $5000 in cash prizes. Be sure to vote for your favorites! Don’t forget to visit the shops at the Village. ~ Scarecrow Competition at Peddler’s Village ~
  • Oktoberfest 2013 ~ Now until October 27 ~ Oktoberfest invades Philadelphia. Check out our list of events for Oktoberfest. ~ Oktoberfest 2013 in Philly ~
  • Pay What You Wish ~ Now until October 31 ~ Stop in at The National Museum of American Jewish History and pay what you wish until the end of October. ~ Pay What You Wish at The National Museum of American Jewish History ~
  • Terror Behind the Walls ~ Now until November 9 ~ This massive retired prison, Eastern State Penitentiary, is rated as one of the top 10 haunted houses in the country. There are 6 attractions inside the cell blocks of scary prison. ~ Terror Behind the Walls ~
  • Philly Photo Day! ~ October 18 ~  Amateurs and professionals are all welcome. Share the fun of Philadelphia, or capture something interesting. Join in the fun! ~ Philly Photo Day ~
  • Art After 5 ~ October 18 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Rhenda Fearrington –  Vocalist Rhenda Fearrington has immersed herself in Philadelphia jazz. Once a backup singer for Roberta Flack, she has toured internationally. This program honors legends like Flack, Phoebe Snow, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • LivingSocial’s Beer Fest ~ October 18 & 19 ~  Head to The Piazza at Schmidt’s for 2-days of fun and excellent beers. Starting 10/18 at 6 pm and 10/19 from 11 am to 6 pm, there will be 80 craft beers to taste, live music, food, backyard lawn games & activities and BeerFest mini stein to take home ~ LivingSocial’s Beer Fest at The Piazza at Schmidt’s ~
  • 3rd Annual Harry Potter Festival ~ October 18 & 19 ~   Chestnut Hill will be non-stop with Harry Potter-mania. There will be a neighborhood-wide costume party, a Horcrux Scavenger Hunt, Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, Quidditch, Dumbledore’s Maze and much more. Click the link for details: ~ 3rd Annual Harry Potter Festival ~
  • Bloktoberfest ~ October 19 ~ From noon until 8 pm, this free event to attend is a four-block festival on South Street, from Broad to 18th Streets. In its 5th year, there will be German beer, food, live music, with food trucks and much more.  You can purchase tickets online for a discount up until noon on 10/18. If not, bought at the event then. ~ Bloktoberfest ~
  • Fall Family Fun Days ~ October 19 ~ Held at Sister Cities Park every Saturday in October from 11 am – 2 pm.  Enjoy family-friendly activities, music and you can purchase pumpkins from Urban Jungle. ~ Fall Family Fun Days ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~  October 19 & 23 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. ~ Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~
  • History Beneath Our Feet ~ October 19 to 26 ~  FREE – From 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Second Bank of the U.S., between 4th and 5th Sts., join a park ranger for a 30-minute slide show and learn about the different archaeological digs that have taken place throughout the years at Independence National Historical Park. ~ History Beneath Our Feet ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles Week 7 ~ October 20 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys at 1 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. If not going to the game in New Orleans, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~ EXTRA – Tailgating Philly Style ~ Come stop by One Crazy Fan tailgating to see how real tailgating takes place. In the Wells Fargo lot, Lot D6. For ticket info, go to the main site. Tickets must be purchased by Saturday, 10/19, prior to game. ~ One Crazy Fan Tailgating ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ October 23 ~ (Wednesdays) Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every Wednesday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections.  ~ Pay What You Wish ~
  • Cemetery, Serial Killers; Blood & Beer! ~ Now thru November~This tour takes you from grave robbers to psychopathic killers, and to the pub at the end of the tour. Check out Grim Philly’s other tours also. ~ Cemetery, Serial Killers, Blood & Beer! ~
  • The Artifact Lab – Mummy Conversation at Penn Museum ~ Now until (no date set) ~ Here is your chance to get up close and personal. Watch conservators clean, examine, & preserve Egyptian Mummies at Penn Museum. Best of all, there are special times during the week to where you can ask them questions in person. ~ Conserving Mummies at Penn Museum ~
  • Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2013 Season ~ Enjoy miniature golf, take a spin on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, enjoy food at Square Burger and special weekend events for the kids. ~ Franklin Square ~
  • Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide~
  • Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event ~ October 26 ~ From 9 am – 2 pm, help Stop Hunger Now & MyPhillyAlive, in packaging meals for those who are hungry or make a donation.  ~ Stop Hunger Now ~

Come Back later this afternoon or evening for more things added to the Philly to do list!

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Visiting Philadelphia

Are you Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too the many historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

  • The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
  • Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
  • Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell ~
  • Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
  • Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall~
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art ~
  • Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House ~
  • Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
  • National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
  • Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Those visiting who need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more, please ask us in the comments below, Tweet us at @MyPhillyAlive or ask us on our Facebook Page. ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

  • Halloween Hoedown ~ October 26 ~ Starting time unknown, come play in the Pumpkin Patch at Penn Treat Park. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
  • Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event ~ October 26 ~ From 9 am – 2 pm, help Stop Hunger Now & MyPhillyAlive, in packaging meals for those who are hungry or make a donation. ~ Stop Hunger Now ~
  • The University of Arts Open House ~ October 26 ~ Thinking about a career in Art, Music, Design, Film, Dance or Photography? Find out what The University of Arts is all about from 9 am to 4 pm. ~ The University of Arts Open House ~
  • Healthy Halloween at Smith Memorial Playground ~ October 26 ~ From 10 am to Noon, kids 10 yrs of age & younger will get healthy treats, decorate your own trick-or-treat bag, slime-making, facepainting, hula hoop lessons, Soccer Shots demonstrations, live music by The Ticklebombs, the Junior League of Philadelphia and Greener Partners’ Farm Explorer truck. ~ Halloween at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse ~
  • Explore Philly’s Buried Past ~ October 26 ~ FREE – From 10 am until 3:30 pm at the Kirby Auditorium in the National Constitution Center, hear about new features on the Brandywine Battlefield, more about historic Bartram’s Garden, The “Indian Pole”, which was an ancient Philadelphia landmark and much more. ~ Explore Philly’s Buried Past ~
  • East Passyunk Avenue Fall Fest & Spooky Saturday ~ October 26 ~ From 11 am to 4 pm at the Singing Fountain at Tasker & East Passyunk Ave. There will be a costume contest, trick or treating, live music, great street food and activities for the kids! Such activities as pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts by the Young Rembrandts- Philadelphia, a Ben FM dance party 95.7 WBEN-FM, free trick or treat bags courtesy of Aversa PR for the first 500 kids & much more! ~  East Passyunk Avenue Fall Fest & Spooky Saturday ~
  • 5th Annual Pumpkin Fall Festival ~ October 26 ~ FREE from noon to 5 pm at the South Street Headhouse Shambles. Free pumpkins for the kids to paint, seasonal snacks and drinks, beer, live music, hayrides, circus performances, a magic show, and kid-friendly shows throughout the duration of the festival. ~ 5th Annual Pumpkin Fall Festival ~
  • Philadelphia Union vs Sporting Kansas City ~ October 26 ~ Come to PPL Park as the Union take on Sporting Kansas City at 3:00 pm. ~ Philadelphia Union Tickets ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles Week 8 ~ October 27 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the New York Giants at 1 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. If not going to the game, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
  • Tailgating Philly Style ~ October 27 ~ Come tailgate at One Crazy Fan prior to the Philadelphia Eagles game vs the New York Giants with Butz & Butz doing a live sports broadcast, a live DJ – Mike Rossi of East Coast Group, and those crazy Eagles fans. For ticket info, go to the main site. In the Wells Fargo lot, Lot D6. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, 10/24, prior to game. ~ One Crazy Fan Tailgating ~
  • Kids’ Fall Festival at Liberty Lands Park ~ October 27 ~  FREE – From 2 pm to 5 pm Liberty Lands Park, 926 N. American Street, in Northern Liberties.  Costume parade to kick off the festivities at 1:45 pm. There will be seasonal treats like apple cider, baked goods and candy. Also live pumpkin painting, face painting, live music, dance performances and live theater. ~ Kids’ Fall Festival at Liberty Lands Park ~
  • First Friday Park After Dark ~ November 1 ~ From 5:30 pm to 9 pm, come enjoy regional artists performances presented by FringeArts at the Race Street Pier. ~ First Friday Park After Dark ~
  • First Friday’s in Old CityNovember 1 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
  • First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ November 1 ~ Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~
  • First Friday Movies Under the Stars ~ November 1 ~  Movie night at the Betsy Ross House starting at 8 pm.  Grab a chair or blanket, bring a snack, dinner or beverage of your choice and enjoy a big-screen movie in the courtyard. Featured movie is Night of the Living Dead. $5 admission gets you a tour of the house also! ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
  • 2013 Apple Festival ~ November 2 & 3 ~  FREE – From 10 am to 6 pm at Peddler’s Village, enjoy scrumptious apple treats, live entertainment, apple pie-eating contests & more. ~ 2013 Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ November 3 ~ (1st Sundays of each month) Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections.  ~ Pay What You Wish ~
  • Target Community Nights at Franklin Institute ~ November 20 ~ FREE fun at the Franklin Institute from 5 pm – 8 pm on the third Wednesday of the month unless otherwise specified (until January 22, 2014). Tonight’s theme is Construction, Build It! ~ Free Fun at Franklin Institute ~
  • Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ November 28 ~ Starting at 8:30 am, come out with the family and enjoy the Disney characters, marching bands, large colorful balloon characters and much more. ~ Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade ~

As always, no matter if you are visiting Philadelphia or live in the City of Philadelphia, we hope our list of things to do in Philadelphia helps you out.

If you have stumbled upon something else that we did not mention, please let us know in a comment or in an e-mail. If you are a business or organization that has an event coming up, please contact us. MyPhillyAlive

If you happened to visit any of the things mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here or on that article describing what you liked about that event or attraction. As always, we would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, MyPhillyAlive

Philadelphia Weather for the weekend of October 18 – 20

 

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 67°  | Low 46°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 68° | Low 48°

Sunday  | Sunny  |  High 63° |  Low 43°

Disclaimer : This blog post is a weekly update of things to do in Philadelphia. Please check the date above, when such article was posted. If an earlier date appears above, just go to this link for current events and attractions in Philadelphia. ~ Click : Things to do in Philadelphia ~

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