‘Halloween, First Friday, Mural Arts Month, & Many Festivals’
The month of October in Philadelphia is full of many wonderful events. Choosing which ones might be the hardest part. Do you love the arts? Not only is today First Friday, but it’s Mural Arts Month. Want to get spooked? Check out the many Halloween activities that will be sure to scare your socks off. Love the cooler weather and festivals. Check out the Old City Seaport Festival, in which you can see a Pirate Battle, or hang out at the Midtown Village Fall Festival with many foods, a beer garden, and much more.
Important reminder – If you haven’t checked out the Open Air nightly event, it ends October 14 and it’s a must see.
Did you know : Philadelphia was named 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 these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.
Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of ~ October 5 – 11 ~
- Halloween in Philadelphia ~ October 5 – November 4 ~ MyPhillyAlive’s guide to Halloween activities & events in Philly. ~ Things to do in Philadelphia for Halloween ~
- Mural Arts Month ~ Whole month of October 2012 ~ There will be events that will include exhibitions, mural dedications, celebrity mural tours, murals and meals tours, book signings, lectures and much more. Stay tune for more information by this weekend. ~ Mural Arts Month on Philly ~
- Oktoberfest in Philadelphia ~ Now to October 29 ~ Our guide to all things Oktoberfest in Philly. ~ Oktoberfest in Philadelphia ~
- First Fridays in Old City~ September 7 ~ 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 ~
- Art After 5 ~ October 5 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Weimar Cabaret – After World War I, Weimar Berlin gained a reputation for decadence as avant-garde artists and intellectuals struggled to create a modern German culture. Come listen to whathas been created. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
- Old City Seaport Festival ~ October 5 – 7 ~ There will be a beer garden, food, live music, craft vendors, land and in-water activities, river tours, and a pirate battle on the 7th. ~ Old City Seaport Festival ~
- Midtown Village Fall Festival ~ October 6 ~ From noon until 8 pm, come enjoy the block party excitement with a beer garden, food, arts & crafts, and a dunk tank. ~ Midtown Village Fall Festival ~
- Revolutionary Germantown Festival ~ October 6 ~ A day-long festival that celebrates the rich history of Germantown and features the annual reenactment of the Battle of Germantown. ~Revolutionary Day ~
- River City Festival ~ October 6 ~ From Noon to 5 pm at Penn Treaty Park. Kicks off with a 5k run. Also, live music, lots of food & drinks, circus performers, and much more for the family. Young Rembrandt’s will be there giving Free Drawing lessons from 12-6pm. ~ River City Festival in Fishtown ~
- Community Cook Out at the Piazza at Schmidt’s ~ October 6 ~ From 2 pm to 5 pm. Community Cookout on Liberties Walk-open to the public! Join us for a celebration of local flavor and festivities including Fashion, BBQ and fun. ~ Community Cook Out at the Piazza ~ ~ Info about the Piazza at Schmidt’s ~
- Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ October 6 & 10 ~ 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 ~
- Philadelphia Eagles Game 5 ~ October 7 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Pittsburgh Steelers. If are not traveling out to Pittsburgh, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
- Northern Liberties Sips & Social ~ October 11 ~ From 5 pm until Midnight, there will be $2.00 beers, $3.00 drinks, $4.00 wines and $5.00 select appetizers at PYT, Gunners Run, King’s Oak & Darling’s Diner. ~ Info about the Piazza at Schmidt’s ~
- Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~ Now until October 12 ~ Your chance to enjoy some excellent meals at fine restaurants at a discounted price. ~ Restaurant Week in Philadelphia ~
- Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ Now until to October 12 ~ Your chance to enjoy some excellent meals at fine restaurants at a discounted price. ~ Restaurant Week in Manayunk ~
- Dead Sea Scrolls ~ Now until October 14 ~ The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of ancient Israeli culture with more than 600 artifacts and 20 of the rarest scroll. ~ Dead Sea Scrolls ~
- Open Air on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~ Now until October 14 ~ How awesome is this! How about interactive spotlights making light patterns by using your voice messages and GPS location. Check it out. ~ Open Air Light exhibit ~
- Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ Now until November 10 ~ There are 6 scary attractions inside the cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary which should put a little fear in your shoes. Do you dare? ~ Terror Behind the Walls ~
- Ghost Tour of Philadelphia ~ Now until November 10 ~ This company has 3 main types of Ghost tours to choose from. Either way, you are bound to be spooked. Keep in mind that these tours run all year round, but are mostly concentrated around Halloween, so you need to check their calendar of events for dates. ~ The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia ~
- Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~ The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
- Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
- The Swedish American Line Exhibition ~ Now until February 24 ~ From the early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish cruises, visitors will get a look into the fleet’s history, exquisite style and personal stories and anecdotes from former passengers. Taking place at The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. ~ The Swedish American Line Exhibit ~
- 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~
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.
Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.
Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia
- Tailgating Philly Style ~ October 14 ~ Come tailgate at One Crazy Fan prior to the Philadelphia Eagles game vs the Detroit Lions 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. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday prior to game. ~ One Crazy Fan Tailgating ~
- Philadelphia Eagles Game 6 ~ October 14 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Detroit Lions. 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 ~
- “Stoker’s Dracula” is coming to Elfreth’s Alley ~ October 13 ~ The count is coming… Come see the bloodthirsty fiend of legend as he stalks through America’s longest lived-on street, Elfreth’s Alley. Doors open at 7:30 pm and starts at 8 pm and is $15 per person. ~ Dracula comes to Elfreth’s Alley & tickets ~ ~ Info about Elfreth’s Alley ~
- Harvest Festival at Reading Terminal Market ~ October 13 ~ Come out to the Market from 10 am to 4 pm and enjoy great food, music, and a hayride. ~ Harvest Festival ~
- Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 18 – 28 ~ 21st Philadelphia Film Festival. Come check out Independent Films, sneak previews, meet the actors & film makers, and attend parties. ~Philadelphia Film Festival ~
- Shakespeare in the World comes to the Barnes Foundation ~ October 19, November 16 & December 21 ~ From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre partner with the Barnes Foundation with a critical discussion around Shakespeare with guest speakers, live performances and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $30 General Admission & $20 members and can be reserved online or via phone at (866) 849-7056. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
- Ghost Hunting 101 at Elfreth’s Alley ~ October 20 ~ Starts at 8 pm. Join the Elfreth’s Alley Museum and the Oakford Paranormal Society for a special investigation of America’s longest lived on street. Get hands-on training with state of the art equipment led by a team of experienced paranormal investigators. $20 admission. ~ Ghost Hunting 101 info & tickets ~ ~ Info about Elfreth’s Alley ~
- Yellow Fever Tour at Elfreth’s Alley ~ October 28 ~ Events at 1 pm, 2 pm, & 4 pm. Looking much like it did in the 1793 epidemic, Elfreth’s Alley was the home of countless fever victims. Come hear their stories of fear and courage, despair and self-sacrifice from actor Trish Troilo. $10 admission. ~ Yellow Fever event info & tickets ~ ~ Info about Elfreth’s Alley ~
- 2012 Apple Festival ~ November 3 & 4 ~ Scrumptious apple treats including country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and everyone’s favorite — apples dipped in caramel! Held at Peddler’s Village. ~ Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
- First Glance Philly Film Festival ~ November 9 to 11 ~ Held at the Franklin Institute. Independent Film Festival bringing you many great films, movie producers, and actors. ~ First Glance 15th Annual Film Festival ~
- Deck the Alley 2012 at Elfreth’s Alley ~ December 1 ~ From 4 pm to 7 pm. Come celebrate a Colonial Christmas on Elfreth’s Alley. Featuring: tours of Elfreth’s Alley’s private historic homes, holiday treats, caroling in the alley, colonial artisans, and a one-of-a-kind raffle! ~ What is Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~ ~ Deck the Alley tickets ~
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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of October 5-7
Friday | Partly Cloudy | High 81° | Low 59°
Saturday | 30% PM Showers | High 74° | Low 48°
Sunday | 70% Rain | High 51° | Low 41°
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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