Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Harry Potter Festival, Harvest Festival, Octoberfest Live and More!

 ‘Enjoy Festivals, Scary Attractions, Eagles Football & More In The City of Brotherly Love’

This weekend kicks off with the Harry Potter Festival, Opera On The Mall, the continuation of Terror Behind The Walls, Scary Factual Stories with Grim Philly and the Beneath the Surface exhibit at Penn Museum. During the weekend enjoy Harvest Festival, OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village, Octoberfest Live, Boyertown Pickfest, Temple football, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars. During the week, enjoy the Philadelphia Eagles playing the New York Giants, the Witch Craft Beer Crawl and the State of Craft Beer event at St. Benjamin Brewing Company. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

Please check out our ultimate guide to all October events in Philadelphia! Click Here

For some family fun, head on over to Independence National Historical Park and allow your kids to join the Continental Army for marching drills and musket etiquette. How about raise the flag with Betsy Ross or listen to historians as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence.

In upcoming weeks get ready for 4th Friday in Headhouse District, First Glance Film fest Philadelphia, Philly Cheesesteak Festival, Philly Zombie Prom, Pumpkin Fest, Day of the Dead, Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village 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.

Are you prepared for the Papal visit to Philly? Know about the road closures? For the article, Click Here. #PhillyRocks #WhyILovePhilly

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 16 – 22 ~

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. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Ultimate Guide To Events In October ~ October 2015 ~ Check out the many events and activities taking place in Philadelphia in October. ~ Ultimate Guide To Events In October ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ October 2015 ~ 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 ~
• Harry Potter Festival ~ 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 ~
• Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~ October 16 – 26 ~  Enjoy German beer, food, music, block parties and fun in the Philadelphia Region! ~ Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~
• Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier ~ October 16 – 31 ~  Six weeks of autumn-themed events including pumpkin ales, a seasonal menu, a Halloween party, and more. ~ Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier ~
• Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~ October 16 – 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 ~  
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ October 16 – November 1 ~ From 9 am to 10 am, every day except Wednesdays, head to Race Street Pier for free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~
• Terror Behind The Walls ~ October 16 – November 3 ~  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 ~
• Our Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in Philadelphia ~ October 16 – November 7 ~ Do you scare easily? Check out our list of many haunted attractions, rides, hayrides & parties both for the young and old. ~ Our Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in Philadelphia ~
• Scary Factual Stories with Grim Philly ~ October 16 – 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ October 16 – 22 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Art After 5 ~ October 16 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Rhenda Fearrington – New York based vocalist Rhenda Fearrington has immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Philadelphia Jazz. Her Art After 5 performance will honor legends like Flack, as well as those who have most influenced Fearrington’s style 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 ~ 
• Opera on the Mall ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 16 ~ 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 ~  
• Harry Potter Festival ~ 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 ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ October 17 ~ 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 ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ October 17 ~ 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 ~ 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 ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ October 17 ~  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 ~
• OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village ~ 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 ~
• Octoberfest Live ~ October 17 ~ From 2 pm to 7 pm at XFinity Live, enjoy food, music and 200 + craft beers. For more info, Click Here.
• Temple Football ~ October 17 ~ Temple vs University Central Florida at 7:30 pm at Lincoln Financial Field. Go Owls! ~ Temple vs University Central Florida ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 17 ~ 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 ~  
• Boyertown Pickfest ~ October 17 & 18 ~   Enjoy Blue Grass Bands, food, beer, pumpkin picking, experience the Secret Valley Railroad and more. For more info, Click Here.
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ October 17 & 21 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 18 ~ 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 ~ 
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ October 18 ~ 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 ~   
• Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orlean Saints~ October 19 ~ 8:20 pm at Lincoln Financial Field – Not going the the Eagles game, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles! ~ Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins ~
• Free Parking! ~ October 21 ~ 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 21 ~ 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 ~    
• 6th Annual Witch Craft Beer Crawl ~ October 21 ~ Grab your broomstick and fly around East Passyunk Avenue during the fifth 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. ~ 6th Annual Witch Craft beer Crawl ~
• State of Craft Beer Event ~ October 22 ~ Held at St. Benjamin Brewing Company at 6 pm, go inside the craft beer industry with Brooklyn Brewery chairman and co-founder Steve Hindy as your guide at a live podcast recording featuring the brewers on the front lines of the craft beer revolution. Tickets are $6, which will include Brooklyn and DogFish Head. They will also be pouring Defender IPA & Sorachi Ace.  Get Tix Here – ~ State of Craft Beer Event ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2015 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ 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 ~
• 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 23 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ October 23 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Dahi Divine – Tenor saxophonist Dahi Divine’s impressive credentials include sharing the stage with the Dave Matthews Band at the Grammys. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ 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 ~
• First Glance Film Fest Philadelphia ~ 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 ~
• Philly Cheesesteak Festival ~ 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 ~
• Philly Zombie Prom ~ October 24 ~ 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 ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ October 25 ~ 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 ~
• PumpkinFest ~ October 31 ~ From noon to 5 pm at South Street Headhouse District,    ~ PumpkinFest ~
• Day of the Dead ~ 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 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ November 6 ~ 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 6 ~ 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 ~  
• Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ November 7 & 8 ~     ~ Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ November 8 ~ 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 8 ~ 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 ~

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 16 – 18

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 68°  |  Low 45°
Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 57°  |  Low 36°
Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 54°  |  Low 43°

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: Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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