Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Fringe Festival, Mt. Airy Street Fare and More!

‘Oktoberfest Events Begin, Food Festivals, The Arts & More’

This is a great time of year in Philadelphia. Many food festivals, the Philadelphia Eagles are back in action, Oktoberfest events and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for free music, Oktoberfest Street Festival at Brauhaus Schmitz, Fashion Under the Shambles, Fourth Friday’s at Headhouse District, Opera on the Mall, Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, Manayunk Restaurant Week, Night Market in Chinatown and much more.

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

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below. Are you a fan of our facebook fan page. Follow us here for exciting daily updates! MyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

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  ~ September 12 – 18 ~

FYI – There are many events & attractions listed below that have been open prior today which are listed as “Now”. Also, check back daily for updates!

Informational Posts For Things To Do Year Round

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~

Events & Activities Happening Everyday From September 12 to End of October

• PHS Pop Up Garden ~ September 12 – October 2014 ~ The PHS : Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is back with its Pop Up Garden. In its 4th year, the garden is located on South Street next to the Jamaican Jerk Hut. Lots of beer, cocktails, food, live music & much more.  ~ PHS Pop Up Garden ~
• 2014 Fringe Festival ~ September 12-21 ~ 17 days filled with hundreds of performances of theater, dance, visual arts, music and spoken-word and more. ~ 2014 Fringe Festival ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ September 12 to October 2014 ~ Explore the many historical activities and events throughout the year in Philadelphia. Many of which are free and are made just for kids, allowing quality family fun time.  ~ Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~
• Colonial for a Day ~ September 12 to November 30: Saturdays, 10 am – 6 pm; Sundays, 11 am – 5 pm – Kids can now rent Colonial-themed costumes and immerse themselves in their Historic Philadelphia adventure with the *Brand New* Colonial for a Day costume program! Costumes are available exclusively at the Historic Philadelphia Center at 6th & Chestnut Streets. ~ Colonial for a Day ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ September 12 – September 28 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park is an outdoor paradise that allows visitors to enjoy an oasis surrounded by colorful chairs, tables, food and drinks. The park will also have hammocks, a boardwalk with games and food and much more. ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park ~
• Independence Beer Garden ~ September 12 to February 2015 ~ Enjoy a relaxing area and taste good beers and food right across the street from the Liberty Bell and so many other historical sites. Drink like our Forefathers did in the past. ~ Independence Beer Garden ~  
• Center City Restaurant Week ~ September 12 & September 14 – 19 ~ Enjoy 3-course $35 dinners or 3-course $20 lunches from participating restaurants in Center City. ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~
• “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ Now Open ~ A permanent exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Travel through a two-story tall neural network climbing structure with dynamic lighting and sound effects that are triggered by your footsteps. Kids can act as a Doctor by scanning the brain with an MRI machine, explore your brain, challenge your brain & much more.   ~ “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ 
• Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~ Now Open ~ Come relax outside with great food & drinks. Enjoy food by Executive Chef in residence, David Gilberg – the critically-acclaimed owner and chef of the much-missed three bell-reviewed KoozeDoo, and James Beard Award nominee—as well as the reintroduction of Sunday Brunch, and the world-class entertainment!  ~ Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~
• Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park  ~ Now Open ~ From 10 am to 5 pm, BYO boat or purchase them at the Sister Cities Park! Small boats are $5 and large boats are $7 (two large boats are $12).~ Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park Officially Opens ~
• Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~ Now Open ~ Stop over at Penn Museum in University City and learn about contemporary issues in Native America. Uncover the rich history and identity of the Native American people through 200 plus objects on display & much more. ~ Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2014 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ Franklin Square ~
• Ride The Ducks ~ Now Open for the 2014 Season ~ The 70 minute amphibious (land and water) sightseeing tour takes you through the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District and then on a relaxing cruise along the Penn’s Landing waterfront. Monday – Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Reservations, made 24 hrs in advance, must be made with Ride Ducks by calling 877-887-8225, or by visiting the Ride the Ducks kiosk inside the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. ~ Ride The Ducks ~
• 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ September 12 – September 18

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• 2014 Fringe Festival ~ September 12 – 21 ~ 17 days filled with hundreds of performances of theater, dance, visual arts, music and spoken-word and more. ~ 2014 Fringe Festival ~
• Art After 5 ~ September 12 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. The Philadelphia United Jazz Festival Preview Party – The Philadelphia United Jazz Festival and Celebration returns with another round of outstanding Philly jazz this summer. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Caribbean Night at Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ September 12 ~From 5 pm to 10 pm at Spruce Street Harbor Park, enjoy Caribbean music & more. ~ Caribbean Night at Spruce Street Harbor Park ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 12 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• East Passyunk Sidewalk Sale ~ September 13 ~ From 8 am to 4 pm on East Passyunk Ave, enjoy antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, jewelry, clothing and accessories, glassware, pottery, artwork, and much more from 60 + vendors. ~ East Passyunk Sidewalk Sale ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ September 13 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 5 pm, 50+ vendors will be along East Passyunk Avenue between Morris & Tasker Streets in South Philly. They’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ September 13 ~ From 9 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 23rd and Pine Streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ September 13 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 43rd St and Baltimore Ave. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ 
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ September 13 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at 2nd Street & Lombard St location in the South Street Headhouse District. Come enjoy shopping as you find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Arts Star Pop Up Market ~ September 13 ~ From 11 am to 3 pm at  Spruce Street Harbor Parkpp, guests can expect a variety of handmade goods that will be affordable with most items priced under $50. ~ Arts Star Pop Up Market ~
•  Opening of Dilworth Park ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 13 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ September 13 & 17 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 115-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 ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ September 14 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds the city’s largest outdoor market at 2nd and Lombard streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
• Clover Market in Chestnut Hill ~ September 14 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Chestnut Hill, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Armore ~
• Mt. Airy Village Fair ~ September 14 ~ Starting at 11 am, enjoy live music, food, games, parades, free beer, crafts and much more.  ~ Mt. Airy Village Fair ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 14 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Center City Restaurant Week ~ September 14 – 19 ~ Enjoy 3-course $35 dinners or 3-course $20 lunches from participating restaurants in Center City. ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~ 
• Philadelphia Eagles ~ September 15 ~ Not going to the Philadelphia Eagles game in Indianapolis that starts at 8:30 pm? Hang out at the many bars/restaurants at XFinity Live. Go Eagles!!
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 16  ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to Joe Arnold on violin at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Center City Restaurant Week ~ September 16 – 19 ~ Enjoy 3-course $35 dinners or 3-course $20 lunches from participating restaurants in Center City. ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~  
• Yappy Hour ~ September 16 ~ From 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Twisted Tail.  Come out and support the dog community in Queen Village and enjoy dog themed food & drinks for QVK9. Dogs are welcomed.~ Yappy Hour ~
• Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ September 16 ~ FREE – Watch the movie Ratatouille at Dilworth Park starting at 7:30 pm. ~ Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ September 17 ~ 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 ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 18 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to Music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~ September 18 ~ From 3 pm to 7 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 22nd and Fairmount Avenue. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~
• Mt. Airy Street Fare ~ September 18 ~ From 6 pm to 10:30 pm, enjoy fabulous food, live music and more. ~ Mt. Airy Street Fare ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 18 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Hardly Ables String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~

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 ~ September 12 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ September 19 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. OutBeat: America’s First Queer Jazz Festival featuring the Fred Hersch Trio – Come enjoy the return of Grammy® Award-winning pianist Fred Hersch and his trio. Proclaimed by Vanity Fairmagazine, “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade or so,” five-time Grammy nominee Hersch balances his internationally recognized instrumental skills with significant achievements as a composer, bandleader, and theatrical conceptualist, as well as remaining an in-demand collaborator with other noted bandleaders and vocalists. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ September 20 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at The Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Oktoberfest Street Festival at Brauhaus Schmitz ~ September 20 ~ From noon to 8 pm at Brauhaus Schmitz, enjoy German food, beer, music and much more! ~ Oktoberfest Street Festival at Brauhaus Schmitz ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 23 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Fashion Under the Shambles ~ September 23 ~ More to come soon.
• Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ September 23 ~ FREE – Watch the movie Ratatouille at Dilworth Park starting at 7:30 pm. ~ Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 25 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ September 26 ~ From 5 pm – 9 pm, come enjoy art, music, food & shopping along Historic Fabric Row in South Street Headhouse District. ~ Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~
• Opera on the Mall ~ September 27 ~ FREE –  Pre-show at 6 pm, broadcast at 7 pm. Listen to live music by the Philadelphia Opera.  ~ Opera on the Mall ~
• Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~ September 28 ~ From 11 am to 5 pm,   ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~
• Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ September 28 – October 10 ~    ~  Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ October 2 ~ From 6 pm to 10 pm, held in Chinatown. Enjoy great food by some of Philly’s best food trucks while listening to live music. ~ Night Market Philadelphia 
• First Friday’s in Old City~ October 3 ~ 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 ~ October 3 ~ 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 Park After Dark ~ October 3 ~ From 7 pm – 9 pm at Race Street Pier, enjoy regional artists’ performances presented by FringeArts, just across from their future home on the waterfront, and then stroll up Race Street to explore the galleries in Old City. ~ First Friday park After Dark ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ October 5 ~ FREE – On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes Foundation will enjoy free admission, family entertainment and informative seminars from 10 am to 6 pm. Free tickets can be obtained at the Barnes Foundation beginning at 9 am. Advance reservations are not available for Free First Sundays. ~ First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ October 5~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every 1st Sunday of the month from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• FirstGlance Film Festival ~ October 17 – 19 ~ Taking place at The Franklin Institute, the festival features Documentaries, Shorts, Animation, Web Series, Student Directed and International films from across the globe. It’s a way for filmmakers to get their projects shown in public venues, getting exposure, yet at the same time, for those to appreciate the fine arts of film making.  ~ FirstGlance Film Festival ~

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 September 12 – 14

Friday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 78°  | Low 63°

Saturday  |  60% Showers  |  High 72° | Low 54°

Sunday  | Sunny  |  High 73°  |  Low 55°

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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