Things to do in Philadelphia ~ Harry Potter Festival, Halloween Activities, Harvest Festival and More!

‘Fall Colors in the City of Brotherly Love’

Halloween is around the corner and there are many Halloween events and activities for both kids and adults.

This weekend kicks off with the Harry Potter Festival in Chestnut Hill. Thrill yourself with Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, Grim Philly’s tours, pumpkin patches, Harvest Festival, FirstGlance Film Festival, Farmers’ Markets and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for more Halloween activities, Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District, First Sundays at Barnes Foundation, First Fridays 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  ~ October 17 – 23 ~

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 October 17 to End of November

• Harry Potter Festival ~ October 17 & 18 ~ Harry Potter Festival Returns To Chestnut Hill for a weekend of wizards, spells, potions, scavenger hunts, wizard chess, parades and more. Come see what the excitement is all about! ~ Harry Potter Festival ~
• 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 ~
• PHS Pop Up Garden ~ October 17 – October 19 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Taste Festival of Wine, Food & Spirits ~ October 17 -19 ~ Held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, this year’s Festival showcases the finest in wine, spirits and gourmet foods, along with the talents of local and celebrity chefs. ~ Philadelphia Taste Festival of Wine, Food & Spirits ~
• Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~ October 17 – October 26 ~  Enjoy German beer, food, music, block parties and fun in the Philadelphia Region! ~ Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~
• Halloween Events & Attractions ~ October 17 – November 3 ~ Our Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in the Philadelphia region.  ~ Halloween Events & Attractions ~
• Terror Behind the Walls ~ October 17 – November 8 ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary is the nation’s premier haunted attraction in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. Better than any scary hayride or haunted mansion. BONUS – Check out the article to see how you can win FREE tickets or get $3 off your tickets. ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~
• Grim Philly’s Scary Tours ~ October 17 – November 10 ~ Grim Philly’s Tours has a variety of different ghost tours, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Philadelphia. They have expert university professor led tours; one solid year of research & development into each ghost tour for the highest value in entertainment & fact. Special Discount! Exclusively through MyPhillyAlive, we are offering 10% off all 4 tours being offered by Grim Philly now. This discount is valid 6 days/nights a week, excluding Saturdays. Promotional Code:MyPhillyGrim   ~ Grim Philly’s Scary Tours ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ 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 ~ October 17 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 ~
• Independence Beer Garden ~ October 17 to February 2015 ~ Enjoy a relaxing area & taste good beers and food right across the street from the Liberty Bell & so many other historical sites. Drink like our Forefathers did in the past. ~ Independence Beer Garden 
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~ 
• Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy this 2,000 foot new extension bridging the South Street Bridge & the Locust Street bike trail. ~ Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~
• “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 ~ 
• 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 ~ October 17 – 23

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Art After 5 ~ October 17 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Afropop Dance Party featuring DJ Rahsaan – Journey into the musical soul of Africa. DJ Rahsaan kicks off the evening spinning the latest Afropop music—including hits from Ghana, where photographer Paul Strand spent time in the 1960s. During the second set, multi-instrumentalist Kinobe—the new voice of Ugandan music—takes the stage. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• City of Mural Arts Community Workshop ~ October 17 ~ FREE – From 5 pm – 8 pm at the Chew Recreational Center, enjoy story telling & free book making by Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. ~ City of Mural Arts Community Workshop ~
• Harry Potter Festival ~ October 17 ~ Harry Potter Festival Returns To Chestnut Hill for a weekend of wizards, spells, potions, scavenger hunts, wizard chess, parades and more. Come see what the excitement is all about! ~ Harry Potter Festival ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 17 ~ 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 ~
• 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 ~  
• Philadelphia Taste Festival of Wine, Food & Spirits ~ October 17 -19 ~ Held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, this year’s Festival showcases the finest in wine, spirits and gourmet foods, along with the talents of local and celebrity chefs. ~ Philadelphia Taste Festival of Wine, Food & Spirits ~
• Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~ October 17 – October 26 ~  Enjoy German beer, food, music, block parties and fun in the Philadelphia Region! ~ Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~
• Halloween Events & Attractions ~ October 17 – November 3 ~ Our Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in the Philadelphia region.  ~ Halloween Events & Attractions ~
• Terror Behind the Walls ~ October 17 – November 8 ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary is the nation’s premier haunted attraction in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. Better than any scary hayride or haunted mansion. BONUS – Check out the article to see how you can win FREE tickets or get $3 off your tickets. ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~
• Grim Philly’s Scary Tours ~ October 17 – November 10 ~ Grim Philly’s Tours has a variety of different ghost tours, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Philadelphia. They have expert university professor led tours; one solid year of research & development into each ghost tour for the highest value in entertainment & fact. Special Discount! Exclusively through MyPhillyAlive, we are offering 10% off all 4 tours being offered by Grim Philly now. This discount is valid 6 days/nights a week, excluding Saturdays. Promotional Code:MyPhillyGrim   ~ Grim Philly’s Scary Tours ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ October 12 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 5 pm, 100+ vendors will be along Pine & Lombard Streets from 3rd to 5th Streets. They’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ October 18 ~ 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 ~
• Harry Potter Festival ~ October 18 ~ Harry Potter Festival Returns To Chestnut Hill for a weekend of wizards, spells, potions, scavenger hunts, wizard chess, parades and more. Come see what the excitement is all about! ~ Harry Potter Festival ~
• Harvest Festival ~ October 18 ~ From 10 am to 4 pm at the Reading Terminal Market, visitors will sample locally grown fall fruits and vegetable while savoring some delicious barbecue. There will be freshly made donuts, candy apples, treats, live music, picture taking at the pumpkin patch and much more. ~ Harvest Festival ~
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ October 18 ~ 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 ~ October 18 ~  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 ~
• OctoberFest at Dilworth Park ~ October 18 ~ From noon to 6 pm at Dilworth Park, enjoy the Rosa Blanca – Philadelphia Cafe beer garden, featuring Victory Brewing Co. beers, music, entertainment, games, art projects! ~ OctoberFest at Dilworth Park ~
• The Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square ~ October 18 ~ FREE – From noon to 3 pm at Franklin Square, kids can pick their own pumpkin out of the Pumpkin Patch and decorate it with spooky designs to take home. ~ The Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square ~
• OktoberFestivus at Franklin Square ~ October 18 ~ From 5 pm to 10 pm at Franklin Square, enjoy Philly’s favorite food trucks and enjoy a selection of the season’s best beers at the OktoberFestivus Beer Garden. ~ OktoberFestivus at Franklin Square ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 18 ~ 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 ~ October 18 & 22 ~ 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 ~
• Clover Market in Chestnut Hill ~ October 19 ~ 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 Chestnut Hill ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ October 19 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 19 ~ 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 ~
• Doreen Taylor ‘Stripped (again)’ in Philadelphia ~ October 21 ~ At 7 pm at Paradiso in South Philly. More info to come this weekend. Stay Tuned. ~ Doreen Taylor ‘Stripped (again)’ in Philadelphia ~
• Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ October 21 ~ FREE – Watch the movie Million Dollar Arm (PG) at Dilworth Park starting at 7:30 pm. ~ Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ 
• Free Parking! ~ October 22 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ October 22 ~ 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 ~ 
• 5th Annual Witch Craft Beer Crawl ~ October 22 ~ From 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm on East Passyunk Ave, enjoy seasonal craft beers bubbling up in cauldrons at 13 bars and restaurants. Must purchase tickets for this event. ~ 5th Annual Witch Craft Beer Crawl ~ 
• Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~ October 23 ~ 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 ~
• Halloween Events & Attractions ~ October 23 – November 3 ~ Our Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in the Philadelphia region.  ~ Halloween Events & Attractions ~

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 ~ October 24 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Rhenda Fearrington – Vocalist Rhenda Fearrington has immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Philadelphia Jazz. A former backup singer for Roberta Flack and funk and soul group Mtume, Fearrington’s Art After 5 performance will honor legends including Phoebe Snow, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ October 24 ~ 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 ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ October 25 ~  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 ~
• Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ October 28 ~ FREE – Watch the movie Think Like A Man Too (PG-13) at Dilworth Park starting at 7:30 pm. ~ Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ 
• Pay As You Wish ~ October 29~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ 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 ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ November 2 ~ 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 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ November 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 ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ November 7 ~ 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 ~ November 7 ~ 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 ~

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 17 – 19

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 72°  | Low 57°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 66° | Low 47°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 53°  |  Low 39°

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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