Things to do in Philadelphia ~ Oktoberfest, Halloween, Live Music and More!

Things to do in Philadelphia

‘Enjoy Excellent German Beers, Halloween Attractions & Much More’

Fall has arrived and that usually means Halloween attractions, Oktoberfest, more festivals, Thanksgiving and much more.

Who gets excited about this time of year! Get spooked at Eastern State Penitentiary with Terror Behind the Walls or Grim Philly’s scary tours. Oktoberfest technically has a few weeks left and don’t forget to check out the family fun at Peddler’s Village Annual Scarecrow competition and display. Lastly, who likes all kinds of museums? Check out Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live, offering free admission to several museums in the Philadelphia area. Bonus: Below, we have two links to all things Halloween and Oktoberfest, so check it out.

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  ~ September 27 – October 3 ~

  • Oktoberfest 2013 ~ Now until October 27 ~ Oktoberfest invades Philadelphia. Check out our list of events for Oktoberfest. ~ Oktoberfest 2013 in Philly ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ Now until October 5 ~ Come experience 3 course meals at some of the best restaurants in Manayunk for a fixed price.  ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
  • 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~ September 27 Last Day ~ Come experience 3 course meals at some of the best restaurants in Center City for a fixed price. ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~
  • Beethoven 9: Ode to Joy ~ September 27 & 28 ~ Friday the 27th at 2 pm & Saturday the 28th at 8 pm, come watch Yannick Nézet-Séguin conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra while playing some Beethoven’s revolutionary works. ~ Beethoven 9: Ode to Joy ~
  • Art After 5 ~ September 27Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Sherry Wilson Butler –  Sherry will pay tribute with a salute to those phenomenal women vocalists who have been trailblazers internationally in the entertainment industry by singing the night away. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! ~ September 28 ~ There will be more than 15 museums in the Greater Philadelphia are that will be opening their doors to the public for free! ~ Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! in Philadelphia ~
  • Campus Philly College Day ~ September 28 ~ FREE – From 10 am to 4 pm, come  to the Art Museum Steps (2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) as Campus Philly introduces new and returning students to Philadelphia. Get to enjoy music, food, recreational activities, free swag, art, culture and more all day. Students will also receive free admission to select museums and cultural attractions on the Parkway and in Historic Philadelphia with their valid student ids. ~ Campus Philly College Day ~
  • Parade of Chariots & Philadelphia Ratha-Yatra Festival of India ~ September 28 ~  Parade of Chariots will begin at 12pm near Love Park at 16th and Ben Franklin Parkway. It will proceed from there down the Ben Franklin Parkway to Eakin’s Oval in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the Festival of India will be held from 1 pm to 7 pm. Included in the parade will be a Large Garbha dance Ensemble, lila characters in costume, kirtan chanters and dancers, loving devotees pulling the huge chariot of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, Lady Subhadra and Srila Prabhupada. The festival will include a free vegan and vegetarian feast, devotional and contemporary musical performances, Indian classical dance performances and much more. ~ Parade of Chariots & Philadelphia Ratha-Yatra Festival of India ~
  • 40th Street Summer Series ~ September 28 ~ Starting at 6 pm, come listen to Millennial Territory Orchestra – Grammy nominated trumpet-composer Steven Bernstein (Sex Mob) leads his 12-piece ensemble featuring a top-flight roster of talent through the monumental songbook of Sly & The Family Stone to deliver unforgettable fun for all. ~ 40th Street Summer Series in University City ~
  • Opera on the Mall ~ September 28 ~ FREE (But You Must Register) – Show starts at 7 pm with pre-show activities starting at 6:30 pm, even for the kids. Taking place in front of Independence Hall in the Independence National Historical Park. ~ Opera on the Mall ~
  • Annual Scarecrow Competition & Display September 28 – 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 ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ September 28 & October 2 ~ 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ October 2 ~ (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 ~
  • Yoga on the Race Street Pier ~ October 3 ~ FREE – From 6 pm to 7:30 pm, come experience yoga with Dhyana Yoga Studios on the Race Street Pier. Donations accepted. ~ Yoga on the Race Street Pier ~
  • 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~
  • 1st Annual Philadelphia Wiffle Fall Classic ~ October 5 ~ Help support those in the Philadelphia Region who have Down Syndrome. You can sign up a wiffle ball team to help support or just donate money to help this wonderful cause. All proceeds will go to the T21 Club of the Delaware Valley, who support awareness and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome living in PA, NJ and DE. ~ 1st Annual Philadelphia Wiffle Fall Classic ~
  • 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!

.

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

  • First Friday Park After Dark ~ October 4 ~ 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 CityOctober 4 ~ 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 4 ~ 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 ~ October 4 ~  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 ~
  • Greater Northeast Philadelphia Oktoberfest~ October 5 ~ From 1 pm to 5 pm at Canstatter’s Volkfest Verein at 9130 Academy Rd, come and enjoy great beer, great food and great music. ~ Greater Northeast Philadelphia Oktoberfest ~
  • Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC ~ October 5 ~ Come to PPL Park as the Union take on Toronto FC at 7:30 pm. ~ Philadelphia Union Tickets ~
  • 1st Annual Philadelphia Wiffle Fall Classic ~ October 5 ~ Help support those in the Philadelphia Region who have Down Syndrome. You can sign up a wiffle ball team to help support or just donate money to help this wonderful cause. All proceeds will go to the T21 Club of the Delaware Valley, who support awareness and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome living in PA, NJ and DE. ~ 1st Annual Philadelphia Wiffle Fall Classic ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ October 6 ~ (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 ~
  • The Return of the Beach at Eakins Oval ~ October 10 – 13 ~ The Oval returns this fall, popping back up with food trucks, film screenings, live music, pumpkin painting, hay rides, a costume party to celebrate Halloween, a petting zoo and an Eagles game day viewing party. ~ The Beach at the Oval ~
  • Old City Seaport Festival ~ October 11 – 13 ~  Come enjoy ship tours, a sunset river tour, food, beer, live music and an actual pirate battle at the Independence Seaport Museum. ~ Old City Seaport Festival ~
  • Target Community Nights at Franklin Institute ~ October 16 ~ 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 ~
  • Third Thursdays Live & Local ~ October 17 ~ From 7 pm to 10 pm on Race Street Pier, come listen to live music and enjoy beers at a free beer garden on the pier thanks to Philadelphia Brewing Company. ~ Third Thursdays Live & Local ~
  • Movie Night in the Park ~ October 17 ~ FREE – Starting time unknown, come watch the Hunger Games at Penn Treaty Park. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~

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 27 – 29

 

Friday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 73°  | Low 55°

Saturday  |  Sunny |  High 74° | Low 51°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 73° |  Low 52°

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 ~

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page

Sign up for MyPhillyAlive’s Newsletter