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‘Exceptional Events In Philadelphia During October’
You think September was busy, wait as we head into October! We have mapped out 50 fun and entertaining events and attractions in October alone in Philadelphia! You’ll be able to experience everything from art, to beer tasting, enjoying food festivals, live music, scary surprises and much more! Enjoy our list!
October 2015
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1. Night Market
Date: October 1
From 6 pm to 10 pm on Frankford & Giarard, this is the last Night Market of the year. Enjoy food from local restaurants and some of Philly’s best food trucks. ~Night Market ~
2. King of Prussia Beerfest Royale
Date: October 1 – 3
The King of Prussia mall parking lot transforms into a German beer oasis at the annual Beerfest Royale, a two-day event consisting of more than 50 national and international breweries and over 100 types of beer. ~ King of Prussia Beerfest ~
3. The Art of Brick Exhibit
Date: October 1 – 4
Come explore the largest display of Lego Art at the Franklin Institute. Stop by this afternoon for details to this spectacular attraction. ~ The Art of The Brick Exhibit at the Franklin Institute ~
4. Oktoberfest Events in Philly
Date: October 1 – 26
Enjoy German beer, food, music, block parties and fun in the Philadelphia Region! ~ Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~
5. Philadelphia Historical Events & Activities for Adults & Kids
Date: October 1 – 30
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 ~
6. Beneath The Surface: Life, Death and Gold in Ancient Panama
Date: October 1 – November 1
Held at the Penn Museum, explore artifacts, gold & much more that came from the banks of the Rio Grande Cocle in Panama. ~ Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~
7. Halloween Events & Attractions
Date: October 1 – November 6
Our Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in the Philadelphia region. Scary rides, hayrides, Halloween activities, attractions, parties and more! ~ Halloween Events & Attractions ~
8. Scary Factual Stories with Grim Philly
Date: October 1 – November 24
If you love scary stories with factual events, while having fun and exploring parts of Philadelphia, check out Grim Philly Twilight Tours in the Old City District! Special Discount! Exclusively through MyPhillyAlive, we are offering 15% off all 4 tours being offered by Grim Philly now. Promotional Code: MyPhillyAlive15 ~ Grim Philly Tours ~
9. First Friday
Date: 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 ~
10. Terror Behind The Walls
Date: October 2 – November 6
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. Check it out. ~Terror Behind The Walls ~
11. Super Hero 5 K Run
Date: October 3
Registration at 7:30 am at the Philadelphia Zoo for a fun day of Superhero activities on behalf of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable children. Get to the zoo bright and early to pick up your registration packets, participate in superhero activities like face painting, arts & crafts, photo booth and warm-up exercises! ~ Super Hero 5 K Run ~
12. Dragon Boat Festival
Date: October 3
From 8 am to 5:30 pm – Spectators will enjoy more than 140 teams that will race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the Schuylkill River. ~ Dragon Boat Festival ~
13. Bloktoberfest
Date: October 3
Noon to 8 pm – Bloktoberfest is a neighborhood festival which is a free-to-attend all-ages festival which features four blocks of food, craft beer and live music from Broad to 18th Streets on South Street. Come enjoy the excitement! ~ Bloktoberfest ~
14. Midtown Village Fall Festival
Date: October 3
Noon to 8 pm ~ Enjoy beer, food, arts & crafts, live music, kids corner & more! ~ Midtown Village Fall Festival ~
15. Riverfront Ramble
Date: October 3
Now in its 11th year, the annual Riverfront Ramble in Chester is the largest riverfront festival in Delaware County. Held on the Wharf at Rivertown on the Chester Waterfront, the annual outdoor festival features an antique car show, live performances, food and craft vendors and much more. More info, Click Here.
16. Revolutionary Germantown Festival
Date: October 3
10 am to 4 pm: A day-long festival that celebrates the rich history of the historic neighborhood. The celebration features costumed characters, live music, food and drink culminating with a reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia. More info, Click Here.
17. Oktoberfest
Date: October 3
5267 Germantown Road – From 4 pm to 8 pm, head over to Historic Germantown, a 1744 colonial German country area, for a traditional Oktoberfest. There will be music, German food, beer, house tours, cider-pressing and more. ~ Oktoberfest at Grumblethorpe ~
18. Craft Phila
Date: October 4
Saturday 10 am to 7 pm & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm – Located 6th to 7th streets between Chestnut and Market streets, visitors can browse items made by a variety of artists at the Craft Phila art market, which takes place just a stone’s throw from Independence Hall. Purchase soaps, candles, jewelry, glass, wood and more. ~ Craft Phila ~
19. Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival
Date: October 4
11 am to 5 pm: Chestnut Hill transforms into an outdoor arts and crafts marketplace during the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival on October 4. More than 150 talented artists from throughout the country display and sell their creations in media ranging from watercolor paintings to jewelry. Live entertainment, children’s rides and alfresco dining round out the excitement during this free event. More info, Click here.
20. Vendemmia Festival
Date: October 4
Wine of all sorts fill Girard Park for the annual Vendemmia Festival. Sample an array of red and white wines while celebrating the local winemaking scene. Tickets online. More info, Click Here.
21. Puerto Rican Day Parade
Date: October 4
10 am on Ben Franklin Parkway, join hundreds of spectators on the streets of Philadelphia for a day of music, dancing and fabulous floats during the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. The annual Puerto Rican Day Parade is the city’s oldest and largest outdoor event celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino heritage. More info, Click Here.
22. First Sundays at Barnes Foundation
Date: October 4
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 ~
23. Magic Show at South Street Magic
Date: October 4
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 ~
24. Irish Session at Plough and the Stars
Date: October 4
From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~
25. Chinatown Night Market Yè Shì
Date: October 8
From 7:30 pm to 11 pm in Chinatown, come and experience Chinatown’s vibrant culture. It is a fun filled evening with over 60 food, arts, and crafts vendors with music and entertainment in one jam-packed evening that appeals to all ages. ~ Chinatown Night Market Yè Shì ~
26. Design Philadelphia
Date: October 8 – 16
The city celebrates the historic role of design in the region while showcasing the innovation yet to come during DesignPhiladelphia. There will be 120 events held throughout the city. DesignPhiladelphia aims to celebrate and promote Philadelphia a design capital and destination. For more info, Click Here.
27. Philly Photo Day
Date: October 9
Returning for another year of photo-centric fun, Philly Photo Day calls on all residents to capture and share their pictures depicting a day in the life of the city. For more info, Click Here.
28. PA Gild Fine Art Craft Fair
Date: October 9 – 11
Stroll around the Rittenhouse House Square and browse works from more than 140 artists with a variety and diversity of techniques, mediums and subject matter on display. For more info, Click Here.
29. Charlie Brown Pumpkin Ale Fest
Date: October 10
From 12 pm to 6 pm at The Institute. There is an hour session prior for VIP. This years tap list will consist of over 120 pumpkin beers, ciders, lambics & sours. This is the biggest pumpkin beer festival in the world. For more info, Click Here.
30. Roxtoberfest
Date: October 10
Come join the Roxborough community from noon until 6 pm on Ridge Avenue; between Green Lane and Leverington Avenue. Enjoy a beer garden, food trucks, vendors, a dunk tank, carnival games and more at Roxtoberfest. Rain date will take place on Sunday, October 4. ~ Roxtoberfest ~
31. Fishtown RiverCity Festival
Date: October 10
The 8th Annual RiverCity Festival is a waterfront party with live music, a 5k run, hospitality and wellness tents and food and drink aplenty — thanks to an on-site beer garden featuring a variety of local craft brews. For more info, Click Here.
32. East Passyunk Music & Arts Festival
Date: October 10
11 am to 9 pm – Come out for the first ever Passyunk Avenue Music & Arts Festival hosted by Art Official at the Mifflin Triangle. The event will feature 10 live bands and DJs, vendors, and live graffiti art. For more info, Click Here.
33. Outfest
Date: October 10
Outfest is a National Coming Out Day Festival that attracts over 30,000 people to the region. The annual block party embraces the GLBT lifestyle and freedom with music, performances, food, drinks and more. Bonus: This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary. For more info, Click Here.
34. Old City Fest
Date: October 11
Old City Fest will exploit the historical neighborhood as visitors enjoy a wide selection of food and beverages from local restaurants, a festival stage with live music and performances, a design showcase room, pop-up theatrical performances, and retail shopping. ~ Old City Fest ~
35. Magic Show at South Street Magic
Date: October 11
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 ~
36. Irish Session at Plough and the Stars
Date: October 11
From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~
37. Fashion Under The Shambles
Date: October 14
From 6 pm to 9 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, come celebrate The Philadelphia Collection 2015 at “Fashion Under The Shambles 2015,” a visually tantalizing evening showcasing the best of local Philly fashion with an exciting collaboration between some of the most innovative & creative boutiques, and salons in the South Street Headhouse District. For more info, Click Here.
38. Opera on the Mall
Date: October 16
FREE – From 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, enjoy a big-screen broadcast of Verdi’s classic romance, La traviata, in the shadow of Independence Hall. Pre-show activities include a photobooth and behind-the-scenes videos! ~ Opera on the Mall ~
39. Harry Potter Festival in Chestnut Hill
Date: October 16 – 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 ~
40. Harvest Festival
Date: October 17
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 ~
41. OctoberFest at Peddler’s Village
Date: October 17
At Peddler’s Village from 11 am to 6 pm, enjoy beer, tasty Bavarian food specialties, live music, kids’ entertainment and family friendly activities. ~ OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village ~
42. OktoberFest Live
Date: October 17
From 2 pm to 7 pm at XFinity Live, enjoy food, music and 200 + craft beers. For more info, Click Here.
43. Boyertown Pickfest
Date: October 17 & 18
Enjoy Blue Grass Bands, food, beer, pumpkin picking, experience the Secret Valley Railroad and more. For more info, Click Here.
44. 6th Annual Witch Craft Beer Crawl
Date: October 22
Grab your broomstick and fly around East Passyunk Avenue during the 5th Annual Witch CRAFT Beer Crawl on Wednesday, October 21, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, with registration at Garage (1231 East Passyunk). Five hundred witches will enjoy seasonal craft beers bubbling up in cauldrons at 15 bars and restaurants. Tickets are $6.66 and include $3.00 craft beers, a witch hat and a Witch CRAFT stamp card. For more details, Click Here.
45. 4th Friday in Headhouse District
Date: October 23
Starting at 5 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, Experience the creativity and energy of the fabulous Fourth Street and South Street business communities with an evening of extended hours, art, music, food and shopping along Historic Fabric Row (and beyond). ~ 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~
46. First Glance Film Festival
Date: October 23 – 25
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. ~ First Glance Film fest Philadelphia ~
47. Philly Cheesesteak Festival
Date: October 24
The first ever Philly Cheesesteak Festival from 11 am to 5 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. Taste 40 + cheesesteak vendors, cheesesteak contest, longest built cheesesteak, live entertainment, beer & much more. ~ Philly Cheesesteak Festival ~
48. Halloween in Manayunk
Date: October 24
11 am trick or treating begins, 11:30 am – 2 pm: Chew Philly Haunted Food Tour, 12 pm: Dog Parade/Costume Contest (Beginning at Canal View Park), 1 pm: Kid’s Parade/Costume Contest (Beginning at Canal View Park), 2 pm: Pumpkin Carving & Painting Contest at Venice Island, 6:30 pm: Kids Movie Night- It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! at Venice Island & 8 pm: Movie Night- Evil Dead (Rated R). ~ Halloween in Manayunk ~
49. Philly Zombie Prom
Date: October 24
Come give your Halloween costumes a test-run a week before the BIG night. Held at The Trocadero starting at 8 pm, mix in with the crowd of the undead of zombies, vampires and other ghoulish souls as you experience the Philly Zombie Prom! There will be live music and the crowning of the Philly Zombie Prom King and Queen at the end of the night! ~ Philly Zombie Prom ~
50. Day of the Dead Celebration
Date: October 31
The Day of the Dead, known as Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican Holiday starting on October 31 and ending on November 2 each year, honoring those that have passed away. This visually gratifying event will take place at the Penn Museum in the University City section of Philadelphia. ~ Day of the Dead ~
If you know of an event that we missed, please e-mail us at MyPhillyAlive@MyPhillyAlive.com
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