Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Old City Fest, OutFest, Oktoberfest Events, Terror Behind The Walls and More!

‘Exploring Philadelphia In The Fall!’

The weekend kicks off with Oktoberfest in Dilworth Park, Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair, Terror Behind the Walls, LGBT History Month, DesignPhiladelphia, National Pizza Month, Franklin Square Fountain Show, Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Jack’s Pumpkin Glow in Fairmount Park, Oktoberfest in Dilworth Park, Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village, Harvest Festival at Evil Genius, Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair, OutFest, Old City Fest, Vegan Restaurant Week, Franklin Square Fountain Show, National Pizza Month, Terror Behind the Walls, LGBT History Month, DesignPhiladelphia, Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy Quizzo at Plough and the Stars, Vegan Restaurant Week, LGBT History Month, Terror Behind the Walls, National Pizza Month, Franklin Square Fountain Show, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Philadelphia Magazines Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival, After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday, First Sunday 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. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

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 11 – 17 ~

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 or Seasonal

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelpha Museums ~   
• National Pizza Month ~ Month of October ~ Enjoy our guide to some of the best pizzerias in Philadelphia!  ~ National Pizza Month ~
• Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair ~ October 11 – 13 ~ Pay-As-You-Go. Friday & Saturday 11 am – 6 pm & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Held at Rittenhouse Square at 18th & Walnut streets.  Guests can explore booths of more than 150 talented artists within the region. Browse American-made works like sculptures and paintings along the perimeter of the square. ~ Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair ~
• DesignPhiladelphia ~ October 11 – 13 ~ This year’s event features two festival hubs which will be held at Cherry Street Pier and the Center for Architecture and Design. They will both host special exhibitions, workshops, discussions and more. Special events this week include the official festival kickoff party at Cherry Street Pier (Wednesday), open studio tours at Strada Architecture, k YODER design and The Center for Art in Wood, and a quirky sock-design workshop for kids (Saturday). ~ DesignPhiladelphia ~ 
• Pennsylvania Ballet Presents Don Quixote at the Academy of Music ~ October 11 – 13 & 17 – 20 ~ Held at the Academy of Music at 240 S. Broad Street.  Don Quixote has it all – romance, comedy, and, of course, the artistry of our dancers. Angel Corella’s restaging of the love story of Kitri and Basilio brings his unique Spanish flair to this lively classic. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or falling in love all over again, Don Quixote is sure to delight. ~ Pennsylvania Ballet Presents Don Quixote at the Academy of Music ~
• Scarecrows In The Village At Peddler’s Village ~ October 11 – 27 ~ FREE – Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Visitors can roam around and explore one hundred handmade scarecrows created by local residents and organizations for a seven-week scarecrow showcase and competition.  Also enjoy the Scarecrow Festival: September 14-15.  This weekend event features scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and more kid-friendly activities. ~ Scarecrows In The Village At Peddler’s Village ~ 
• LGBT History Month ~ October 11 – 31 ~ Enjoy attractions and groups across the city that celebrate the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer icons with festivals and other special events. This list is brought to you by UWISHUNU. ~ LGBT History Month ~ 
• Our Guide To Oktoberfests ~ October 11 – November 2 ~ Enjoy many different Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the Philadelphia region! ~ Our Guide To Oktoberfests ~
• Ghost Ship on the Delaware River ~ October 11 – November 3 (Wednesdays – Sundays) ~ FREE – 7 pm – 10 pm at Race Street Pier at Race Street & North Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Visitors get to vision a 50-foot-tall and 90-foot-wide “ghost ship” from the 18th century that is part of the Waterfront Arts Program. The light and water based installation, held at Race Street Pier and Pier 12, explores the impact that migration and forced migration via the Delaware River had on Philadelphia. ~ Ghost Ship on the Delaware River ~ 
• Our Halloween Guide In Philadelphia ~ October 11 – November 9 ~ Enjoy our 2019 Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in the Philadelphia region!  ~ Our Halloween Guide In Philadelphia ~
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ October 11 – 31; November 1 -3 & 8 – 9 ~ Held at Eastern State Penitentiary at 2027 Fairmount Avenue. Get $3 off with discount code XMYPHILLY. Rated as one of the top 10 haunted attractions in the country, here is your chance to see how brave you are! Guests can walk through six haunted attractions with different themes all set within the halls of the abandoned prison. Beware of creepy zombies, deranged nurses and spooky ghouls around every corner. ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ 
• Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre ~ October 11 – November 17 (select dates) ~ Held at The Forrest Theatre at 1114 Walnut Street. Hello Philadelphia! Welcome Hamilton! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s record-breaking Broadway show about the Founding Fathers features a historic story line set to a modern-day score of hip-hop, blues, R&B and jazz. Prices start at $129. Fans can enter a lottery daily for the chance to win $10 tickets. ~ Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre ~ 
• Jack’s Pumpkin Glow In Fairmount Park ~ October 11 – November 3 (select dates) ~ Guests can enjoy meticulously carved pumpkins that are illuminated. There are also pumpkin-carving demonstrations and seasonal food and drinks. ~ Jack’s Pumpkin Glow In Fairmount Park ~ 
• Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village ~ October 12 – 13 ~ Free to attend – pay-as-you-go. 11 am – 5 pm both days. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Guests can enjoy cold beer, bratwurst and shopping during the two-day event, plus live music from a German brass band, yard games and kid-friendly activities. ~ Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village ~ 
• Vegan Restaurant Week ~ October 13 – 19 ~ Participating restaurants throughout Philadelphia will either offer a three-course vegan menu or one special vegan dish. ~ Vegan Restaurant Week ~
• City Winery Philadelphia ~ Now Open ~ Thanks to Founder & CEO Michael Dorf and his team, they have brought you a venue that offers excellent tasting wine, food and music, all in one place. For those music lovers, you’ll enjoy great shows in either their loft, that holds approximately 150 people or their main room, which holds approximately 350 people, to listen to some of the best performers around the country! The shows will begin September 27. Tickets for many shows are going quickly, so get them now! Get Tickets! ~ City Winery Philadelphia ~
• CandyTopia ~ Now Open ~ Located at 901 Market Street. Candytopia is an outrageously interactive candy wonderland that transports guests to an imaginative confectionery world with a one-of-a-kind full sensory experiences—you can expect larger-than-life installations inspired by pure, sugary bliss throughout Candytopia’s dozen unique rooms, along with candy samples and lots of fun surprises. ~ CandyTopia ~ 

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ October 11 – 17 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park ~ October 11 ~  From noon to 9 pm, enjoy Dilworth Park with beer, food, music, beer garden, arts and crafts, and more. ~ Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park ~
• Friday Nights Art ~ October 11 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ October 12 ~ 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 ~
• Liberty Lands Market ~ October 12 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh org8nic produce to hand crafted wears and lotions. Hand made soaps, Ice Creams, sauces, organic teas and coffees and more. Part of the market, you will find animal rescues with adoptables & pet products. ~ Liberty Lands Market ~ 
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ October 12 ~ From 9 am to 3 pm from 18th & Walnut Streets, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, fresh seafood, fresh bread and much more! ~ Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ October 12 ~ 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 ~     
• Harvest Festival at Evil Genius ~ October 12 ~ Free to attend – Pay-As-You-Go. From noon – 6 pm at Evil Genius at 1727 N. Front St.  Expect a “Treat Yoself” station, Ron Swanson-approved grilled food, and a potential appearance by a tiny horse. Plenty beer and food, lawn games, and a DJ! ~ Harvest Festival at Evil Genius ~
• Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park ~ October 12 ~  From noon to 8 pm, enjoy Dilworth Park with beer, food, music, beer garden, arts and crafts, and more. ~ Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park ~ 
• Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village ~ October 12 – 13 ~ Free to attend – pay-as-you-go. 11 am – 5 pm both days. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Guests can enjoy cold beer, bratwurst and shopping during the two-day event, plus live music from a German brass band, yard games and kid-friendly activities. ~ Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ October 12 & 13 ~ FREE – Saturday & Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm at Yards Brewery, enjoy a wonderful tour of the brewery! All tour-goers must be 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bus tours, private tours and guided tastings are offered by appointment only. Please contact events@yardsbrewing.com for booking information. ~ Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ 
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ October 12 & 16 ~ 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 ~ October 13 ~ Established in 2007, this market is located in the historic Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Featuring more than 40 vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village ~ October 13 ~ Free to attend – pay-as-you-go. 11 am – 5 pm. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Guests can enjoy cold beer, bratwurst and shopping during the two-day event, plus live music from a German brass band, yard games and kid-friendly activities. ~ Oktoberfest at Peddler’s Village ~ 
• Old City Fest ~ October 13 – Free to attend – pay-as-you-go. From 11 am – 6 pm. Centered at Third & Arch streets in the Old City District. Festivalgoers can enjoy crafts, exhibitions and demonstrations along the closed-to-traffic thoroughfares. In addition to arts events, the restaurants, bars and shops of Old City take it outside for alfresco eats, drinks and shopping. ~ Old City Fest ~ 
• Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park ~ October 13 ~  From noon to 6 pm, enjoy Dilworth Park with beer, food, music, beer garden, arts and crafts, and more. ~ Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park ~ 
• OutFest ~ October 13 ~ FREE to attend – Noon – 7 pm – Centered at 13th & Locust streets. OutFest celebrates the country’s largest National Coming Out Day! The celebration takes place in the Gayborhood streets with drag shows, bar crawls, festival-ready food, shopping, live music! ~ OutFest ~
• Irish Sessions ~ October 13 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm (tonight 4 pm – 8 pm because of the Eagles Sunday Night game) at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Irish music while enjoying drinks and or your dinner.  
• Vegan Restaurant Week ~ October 13 – 19 ~ Participating restaurants throughout Philadelphia will either offer a three-course vegan menu or one special vegan dish. ~ Vegan Restaurant Week ~
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ October 14 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy Quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~   
• Quizzo at Tankie’s Tavern ~ October 15 ~ Win Prizes! At 1720 W. Moyamensing Ave in South Philly. Starting at 7 pm, enjoy Quizzo which is hosted by Tim Gunn! Chance to win prizes! ~ Quizzo at Tankie’s Tavern ~ 
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ October 16 ~ 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 ~ 
• The Rail Park Opening ~ Now Open ~ This awesome new public space is FREE to the public.  This space allows visitors to enjoy seating, public art, greenery and elevated city views! The area stretches from Broad and Noble streets, jumps up to the Reading Viaduct overhead and ends above the 1100 block of Callowhill Street. ~ The Rail Park Opening ~
• Franklin Square ~ Open Now 2019 ~ Enjoy mini-golf, a carousel, food and drink options and an outdoor space for kids or to simply hang out at Franklin Square. ~ Franklin Square ~
• 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 ~
• 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 ~

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 ~
• Museum of the American Revolution – The Museum of the American Revolution tells the full story of the American Revolution and explores its ongoing legacy, showcasing a vast collection. There are over 3,000 artifacts that have been collected to include General George Washington’s marquee and much more. The museum anchors the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
• 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 ~ October 18 & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ October 18 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~ 
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ October 121 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~
• Philadelphia Magazines Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival ~ October 24 ~ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm at Lincoln Financial Field at 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way. Experience over 200 premium spirits from around the world. Sample whiskey, scotch, bourbon, tequila, gin, rum, vodka and more. PLUS – Meet the industry’s top representatives, talk one-on-one with master distillers and enjoy delicious fare from Philly’s top restaurants at this exclusive event! There will be live entertainment as well. ~ Philadelphia Magazines Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival ~
• Dinos After Dark ~ October 25 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this fall, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ October 25 ~ 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 ~ 
• First Friday in Old City~ November 1 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 in Manayunk ~ November 1 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ November 3 ~ 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 ~ November 3 ~ 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 ~ 
• 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ November 9 ~ From noon to 4 pm every 2nd Saturday until October. Held at various locations including Johnson House Historic Site at 6306 Germantown Avenue. Visitors can explore 18 total Historic Germantown sites and pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy special activities, refreshments and extended hours at sites like Awbury Arboretum and Johnson House. ~ 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ 

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 11 – 13

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 67°  |  Low 50°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 73°  |  Low 49°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 69°  |  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 ~

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Tibor Puskas for MyPhillyAlive

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