Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Halloween Events and Activities, Parkway Soiree, Head Of The Schuylkill Regatta, East Passyunk Fall Fest and Spooky Saturday, Philly Specials During Philadelphia Eagles Game and More!

Eastern State Penitentiary

‘Halloween Fun In Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with the Parkway Soiree, Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, The Rocky Horror Drag Queen Show at Punchline Philly, Philadelphia Film Festival, Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, Halloween Activities & Events, the continuation of Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation, & the Design in Revolution: A 1960’s Odyssey exhibit, Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences, the Parkway 100 Celebration and more. 

During the weekend enjoy drink and food specials while watching the Philadelphia Eagles at bars and restaurants, the East Passyunk Fall Fest & Spooky Saturday, Fall Pumpkin Festival in South Street Headhouse District, Philadelphia Film Festival, Halloween Activities & Events, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy the Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, Halloween Activities & Events, Viking Fest at the Franklin Institute, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday, Philadelphia Veterans Parade, Marines Birthday Celebration 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 26 – November 1 ~

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 ~
• Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens ~ October 26 – 27 ~ Takes place from Thursday – Saturdays at 8:15 pm (30 minute show). Free with Gardens admission. Enjoy more than 1,700 jets and streams soar up to 175 feet in the air and are lit by a rainbow of colors during this popular program that’s set to classical music on Friday and popular movie soundtracks on Saturday.  ~ Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens ~
• Our Guide to Oktoberfest Events in Philadelphia ~ October 26 – 28 ~ Enjoy many festivals with German beer & food! Prost! ~ Our Guide to Oktoberfest events in Philadelphia ~
• Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 26 – 28 ~ Are you a dedicated film maker or film lover. The Philadelphia Film Festival brings to you the chance to get view some sneak previews to certain films, engage with others in the film industry, watch Independent films, and more. Depending on your ticket packages, you could even go to the opening or closing parties. Check it out. ~ Philadelphia Film Festival ~
• The Glow: A Jack O’Lantern Experience ~ October 26 – 28 ~ Enter a Halloween wonderland with over 5,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins that have been transformed to create jaw-dropping landscapes, structures and iconic figures. ~ The Glow: A Jack O’Lantern Experience ~ 
• Our Guide to All Things Spooky – Halloween Events & Activities in Philadelphia ~ October 26 – 31 ~ Halloween events and attractions in Philadelphia. Do you scare easily? We dare you to try some of Philly’s scariest attractions in the country. Check out our guide of Halloween attractions in Philadelphia.~ Our Guide to All Things Spooky – Halloween Events & Activities in Philadelphia ~
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ October 26 – November 10 ~ 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. Ticket Discounts Inside!  ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~
• Parkway 100 Celebration ~ October 26 to Nov 16 ~ The Ben Franklin Parkway is turning 100 and Philadelphia is set to mark this milestone with a year of special events, promotions, and family-friendly experiences through November 18, 2018. ~ Parkway 100 Celebration ~
• Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~ October 26 – December 31 ~ Held at the National Constitution Center.  The exhibition focuses on Alexander Hamilton and the challenging relationships and friendships he had with some of our country’s history makers such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Aaron Burr. ~ Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped A Nation ~ 
• Viking Fest ~ October 26 – until unknown ~ From 10 am – 3 pm at the Franklin Institute. Celebrate the opening of the new Vikings: Beyond The Legend exhibit with a festival that includes performances, demonstrations, reenactments and 21-foot long replica ship! ~ Viking Fest ~
• Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~ October 26, 2018 – January 21, 2019 ~ Come face-to-feet with nearly 20 massive, colorful, moving bugs! From a fluttering oversized monarch butterfly and a fluffy tri-colored bumblebee to a gigantic Madagascar hissing cockroach and a blood-sucking bed bug, these towering animatronics tell a rarely seen story of the behaviors and intricacies of extreme bugs. Get a bug’s-eye view of the world, explore critter calls, dig for ancient arthropods, and play an Xtreme bug facts game. ~ Xtreme Bugs At The Academy of Natural Sciences ~ 

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ October 26 – November 1 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• The Parkway Soiree ~ October 26 ~ Held at various locations throughout Philly, to include Logan Square at 200 N. 19th Street. Exactly one century to the day of the debut of Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, enjoy its centennial in grand style with the Parkway Soiree. The massive block party starts with the centennial cake-cutting at 5 pm inside The Franklin Institute and continues through the evening with several Parkway institutions offering extended hours and special programming. Highlights include a pop-up beer garden at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library, Night Market food trucks in Logan Square, Dinos After Dark at The Academy of Natural Sciences, a vintage-inspired BYO picnic in Sister Cities Park and the one-night-only return of the crowd-pleasing Rodin Museum Garden Bar.   ~ Scroll Down 25% – Parkway Soiree ~
• Friday Nights Art ~ October 26 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays: City of Ghosts -​ ​Enjoy $5 off at the door when you come in costume. Get prepped for All Hallow’s Eve with a hair-raising night of ghoulish fun. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~  
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ October 26 ~ 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 ~ 
• Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens ~ October 26 ~ 7 pm to 10 pm. Held at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street. This BYOBBS event (Bring Your Own Booze, Blanket, and Snacks) will allow you to enjoy music by local folk singer-songwriter Andrea Nardello; take part in a create-your-own wind chime and hanging sculpture art activity; and casually tour the creative space and current special exhibit, Ebb Tide. Guests are encouraged to relax and picnic in the space. ~ Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens ~
• The Rocky Horror Drag Queen Show at Punchline Philly ~ October 26 ~ Shows at 10 pm & 12:30 am at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel Street. Enjoy live stage performances of the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Featuring a next-level cast of talented drag queens from Philly and the hit show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Audience participation is welcome, and guests dressed to impress have the chance to win a costume contest. ~ 10 pm Show & 12:30 am Show ~
• Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 26 – 28 ~ Are you a dedicated film maker or film lover. The Philadelphia Film Festival brings to you the chance to get view some sneak previews to certain films, engage with others in the film industry, watch Independent films, and more. Depending on your ticket packages, you could even go to the opening or closing parties. Check it out. ~ Philadelphia Film Festival ~
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ October 26 – November 10 ~ 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. Ticket Discounts Inside! ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ October 27 ~ 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 27 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh organic 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 27 ~ 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 27 ~ 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 ~  
• East Passyunk Fall Fest & Spooky Saturday ~ October 27 ~ 11 am – 4 pm. Come on out to East Passyunk with the kids to enjoy the many fun Halloween activities! Kids will be able to decorate pumpkins, Halloween-themed create arts and crafts, participate in a costume contest, enjoy treats, listen to live music and much more. (All activities at The Singing Fountain (East Passyunk Ave and Tasker) unless otherwise noted.) ~ East Passyunk Fall Fest & Spooky Saturday ~
• Fall Pumpkin Festival in South Street Headhouse District ~ October 27 ~ Noon – 5 pm. The PumpkinFest in Headhouse Square Shambles is going to be loads of fun for all ages! There will be face painting, straw bale maze, circus performances, live music, hayrides, thriller lessons and more. Some come out for some family fun! ~ Fall Pumpkin Festival in South Street Headhouse District ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ October 27 & 28 ~ FREE – Saturdays & 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 27 & 31 ~ 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 ~
• Where To Watch The Philadelphia Eagles Playing The Jacksonville Jaguars ~ October 28 ~ Bars & Restaurants opening at 8 am to 9 am. Enjoy drink and food specials while watching the Philadelphia Eagles at bars and restaurants in Philly! Go Eagles! ~ Where To Watch The Philadelphia Eagles Playing The Jacksonville Jaguars ~
• Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 28 ~ Last day.  Are you a dedicated film maker or film lover. The Philadelphia Film Festival brings to you the chance to get view some sneak previews to certain films, engage with others in the film industry, watch Independent films, and more. Depending on your ticket packages, you could even go to the opening or closing parties. Check it out. ~ Philadelphia Film Festival ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ October 28 ~ 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 ~ 
• Irish Sessions ~ October 28 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Iriic while enjoying drinks and or your dinner.  
• Old City Farmers Market ~ October 31 ~ From 2 pm – 7 pm every Wednesday at Christ Church between 2nd & 3rd Sts until November. Purchase fruits, vegetables, ice cream, bread, dog treats and more. ~ Old City Farmers Market ~
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ October 31 ~ 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 ~ 
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ October 31 – November 10 ~ 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. Ticket Discounts Inside! ~ Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ 
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of November ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for November 2018 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• 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 ~ Now Open 2018 ~ 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 ~

Philly Beer Gardens

• Morgan’s Pier ~ It might still not feel like spring just yet, but the fun outdoor bar, Morgan’s Pier, is now open for business. Enjoy food, drinks, live music and more. ~ Morgan’s Pier ~

• PHS Pop-Up Garden ~ Relax while enjoying food & beer at two different locations! South Street, 1438 South Street and University City Square, 36th & Filbert streets. ~ PHS Pop-Up Garden ~

• Parks On Tap ~  Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 23 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! ~ Parks On Tap ~

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 ~ November 2  & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ November 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Josh Lawrence -​ ​This trumpeter/composer and his ensemble Color Theory present music inspired by painter Vasily Kandinsky’s Compositions. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~  
• First Friday’s in Old City~ November 2 ~ 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’s in Manayunk ~ November 2 ~ 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 4 ~ 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 ~ 
• Philadelphia Veterans Parade ~ November 4 ~ The 4th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade at noon at JFK Blvd & North 16 St. With more than 150 organizations involving over 3,000 participants including over 30 Veteran Service Organizations, it will be a great celebration honoring our veterans. The Parade runs through the heart of Philadelphia, beginning at 16th & JFK, past City Hall, and then on to Market Street, where it concludes at 5th & Market Streets.

Be sure to stop by the Festival, located at 5th & Market Street, which is open 12:30 pm – 4 pm. There will be a Beer Garden by Philadelphia Brewing and live entertainment by Savior Soul, Jean Therapy, Tony Flagiello of Philly Beat Alliance and a special song for our veterans by Lydia Myers! Be sure to bring the children out for some face painting by The Fresh Princess or Caricatures by Salvatore! The Salvation of Sorrows will also be on hand to provide free haircuts for our veterans! There will also be food trucks on hand. Such as: PJ Whelihan’s, Everything We Eat, El Tlacoc, Munchy Machine, Rita’s Water Ice, Jeremiah’s Custom Cuisine and Slider King! There will also be “A Million Thanks” letter writing table set up in the Festival area. ~ Philadelphia Veterans Parade ~

• Pay As You Wish ~ November 4 ~ 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 ~  
• Marines Birthday Celebration ~ November 10 ~ From 10 am – 10 pm at Cookie’s Tavern at the corner of 10th St & Oregon Ave in South Philly. Celebrate the Marines 243rd birthday with all-you-can-eat food & beer, live music, a special ceremony and more. ~ Marines Birthday Celebration ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ November 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 ~ 

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 26 – 28

Friday  |  Mostly Cloudy  |  High 54°  |  Low 48°
Saturday  |  90% Thunderstorms  |  High 57°  |  Low 46°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 56°  |  Low 47°

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 Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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