Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Harry Potter Festival, Philadelphia Film Festival, Terror Behind The Walls and More!

Ben Franklin Bridge

Ben Franklin Bridge

‘Fall Is In The Air In Philly’

The weekend kicks off with the Harry Potter Festival, the Philadelphia Film Festival, Twilight In The Gardens at Magic Gardens, the continuation of Terror Behind the Walls, and the continuation of the exhibits at Penn Museum and the Academy of Natural Sciences.

During the weekend enjoy Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards, Harry Potter Festival, PHS Pop-Up Garden Closing Party, Philadelphia Shell Show at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Halloween in Manayunk, Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, Franklin Flea, FREE yogafarmers’ markets and much more. The weekend ends with the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, Clover Market, and the Philadelphia Eagles home game.

During the week enjoy Philadelphia Film Festival, East Passyunk Witch Craft Beer Crawl, Christ Church Farmers’ Market, Singing Fountain Farmers Market, Center City Sips, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Day of the Dead events & activities, South Street Pumpkin Fest, East Passyunk Fall Fest & Spooky Saturday, First Friday, First Sunday, Brawler Fest Marines, Birthday Celebration At Cookie’s Tavern, 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

Did you hear that Philadelphia was named best place to visit in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Read more, click here.

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 updatesMyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlivewe 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 21 – 27 ~

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 ~
  • Harry Potter Festival ~ October 21 & 22 ~ 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 ~
  • Independence After Hours ~ October 21 & 22 ~ Check out the Independence After Hours tours for the 2016 season that starts at 5:30 pm. Travel back to 1776 with your tour guide and fill up on a three-course meal from City Tavern. After dinner, visit Independence Hall for an after-hours tour of the national landmark. Tickets are available online.
  • Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ October 21 – 22 ~ 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 ~
  • Nightscapes at Longwood Gardens ~ October 21 – 29 ~  Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6 pm to 11 pm at  Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Enjoy the gardens as a backdrop for a spectacular display of light, sound, music and projection. Ideal viewing times are at or after 9 pm in August, 8 pm in September & 7 pm in October. ~ Nightscapes at Longwood Gardens ~ 
  • Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 21 – 30 ~ 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 ~
  • Halloween Activities & Events ~ October 21 – 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.  ~ Halloween Activities & Events ~
  • Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ October 21 – November 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, this exhibit illustrates what scientists can deduce from the fossil record when creating a reconstruction of a skeleton or model and what they must look to artists to interpret. It will also feature a touchable copy of a dinosaur skin impression & more. ~ Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~
  • Terror Behind the Walls ~ October 21 – November 5 ~ 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 ~
  • Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards ~ October 21 to November 6 ~ Held at Linvilla Orchards M – Su, visitors can enjoy all sizes of pumpkins, find a huge selection of straw bales, corn shocks, toys and fall decorations of all kinds. Don’t get lost in their Straw Bale or Cornfield Mazes! Also enjoy their hayrides, live music, train rides, pony rides, face painting, pick-your-own apples, candy and caramel apples, Jack-o-lantern exhibit and their annual Costume ParadePumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards ~
  • The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~ October 21 – November 27 ~ Held at Penn Museum, get acquainted with the Golden Age Of King Midas Exhibit and find out the hidden story of the golden touch, aka the Midas golden touch. A video experience lets visitors explore the tomb as if they were in the tomb itself when it was sealed nearly 3,000 years ago. ~ The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ October 21 – 27 ~

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Art After 5 ~ October 21 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Rhenda Fearrington – Former back-up singer for Roberta Flack whose soulful sound has become a staple of the city’s rich jazz scene. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. Art After 5 ~  
  • Twilight In The Gardens ~ October 21 ~ Held at Magic Gardens from 7 pm to 10 pm, guests are encouraged to BYOB, enjoy the live music and embark on special tours of the mosaics. ~ Twilight In The Gardens ~
  • Doreen Taylor ‘Happily Ever After’ Benefit Concert ~ October 21 ~ Doreen Taylor’s concert, ‘Happily Ever After’, takes place October 21 at the 2424 Skybox Event Center. Guests will enjoy a special one-night only Vegas-style “feast for the senses” concert that brings the sultry Philadelphia based songstress back home to release her highly acclaimed new album “Happily Ever After”. All profits will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County! ~ Doreen Taylor ‘Happily Ever After’ Benefit Concert ~
  • Harry Potter Festival October 21 & 21 ~ 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 ~ 
  • Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 21 – 30 ~ 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 ~
  • Halloween Activities & Events ~ October 21 – 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.  ~ Halloween Activities & Events ~
  • Terror Behind the Walls ~ October 21 – November 5 ~ 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 ~
  • Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards ~ October 21 to November 6 ~ Held at Linvilla Orchards M – Su, visitors can enjoy all sizes of pumpkins, find a huge selection of straw bales, corn shocks, toys and fall decorations of all kinds. Don’t get lost in their Straw Bale or Cornfield Mazes! Also enjoy their hayrides, live music, train rides, pony rides, face painting, pick-your-own apples, candy and caramel apples, Jack-o-lantern exhibit and their annual Costume ParadePumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ October 22  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 ~
  • Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ October 22 ~ 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 22  ~ 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 ~
  • Franklin Flea ~ October 22 ~ Outside Reading Terminal Market from 11 am to 6 pm, there will be vendors of antique, vintage and up-cycled furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, antiques, and delicious fresh cooked or small batch pre-packaged food, as well as a select number of jewelry, art, and handmade goods by local artisans and designers. ~ Franklin Flea ~
  • PHS Pop-Up Garden Closing Party ~ October 22 ~ From noon to 10 pm, at 1438 South Street (15 & South Streets), raise a glass to the Pop Up Garden with reduced prices on all draft beers and cocktails, canned beers and wine! Cozy up by the fire pit and toast to a great season. ~ PHS Pop-Up garden Closing Party ~
  • Halloween in Manayunk ~ October 22 ~ A day filled with activities for children and adults alike. From trick-or-treating along Main Street, face painting, corn maze, live music, a costume parade, pumpkin carving & much more. ~ Halloween in Manayunk ~
  • FREE Yoga Classes ~ October 22 & 23 ~ FREE – Held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Race Street Pier at the Delaware River Waterfront. Free classes run until October 30. ~ FREE Yoga Classes ~  
  • Philadelphia Shell Show ~ October 22 & 23 ~ Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, this event welcomes avid collectors and amateur scientists to display collections, shop a shell market, make crafts and see some of the 10 million specimens in the Academy’s Malacology Collection. ~ Philadelphia Shell Show at the Academy of Natural Sciences ~
  • Philadelphia Open Studio Tours ~ October 22 & 23 ~ Explore what an artists’s studio looks like. The tour allows you a chance to take a sneak peek inside the city’s most creative spaces. Artists around the city open their studios to curious visitors, inviting them to talk, check out how they work and purchase artwork. ~ Philadelphia Open Studio Tours
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours October 22 & 26 ~ 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 ~
  • Clover Market ~ October 23 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm at 7 N. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Bryn Mawr, browse jewelry, clothing, antiques, candles, furniture and more from many vintage vendors & crafters. ~ Clover Market in Bryn Mawr ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles vs Minnesota Vikings October 23 ~ 1:00 pm – Not going the Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles!
  • Christ Church Farmers’ Market ~ October 26 ~  Every Wednesday from 2 pm to 7 pm through the late-fall, there will be rotating pop-up vendors and food trucks with complement weekly vendors including Taproot Farm, Cherry Grove Farm, Beechwood Orchards, Lunaria Gardens, Weckerly’s Ice Cream, Big Sky Bread, Spruce Hill Preserves, Mycopolitan Mushroom Company, and more. Located on Church Street, between 2nd and 3rd.  ~ Christ Church Farmers’ Market ~
  • Singing Fountain Farmers Market ~ October 26 ~ From 3 pm top 7 pm at the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Ave. ~ Singing Fountain Farmers Market on East Passyunk Ave ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ October 26 ~ 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 ~  
  • East Passyunk Witch Craft Beer Crawl ~ October 26 ~ East Passyunk Avenue Witch Craft Beer Crawl is a fun time to mingle with other witches while enjoying craft beers and food at a discount from 15 different East Passyunk Avenue bars and restaurants. There will be prizes and such as well.  ~ East Passyunk WItch Craft Beer Crawl ~
  • Franklin Square ~ Open 2016 Season ~ The Franklin Square is a great place to bring the family or for a date. Located in the historical part of Philadelphia in Old City. This park offers a carousel, a miniature golf course, a storytelling bench, a playground, a picnic area and more. ~ 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 MuseumBest 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, Pop-Up Beer Gardens & Outdoor Bars

  • Independence Beer Garden ~ September  ~ The Independence Beer garden, across from the Liberty Bell, has beers, seating for food, games, fire pit & more! ~ Independence Beer Garden ~
  • Morgan’s Pier ~ September ~  Drinks, beer, live music, food & more all next to the Ben Franklin Bridge on Delaware Ave!    ~ Morgan’s Pier ~
  • Parks On Tap ~ September 2 – October 2 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company!  ~ Parks On Tap ~
  • Uptown Beer Garden ~   ~ Uptown Beer Garden ~
  • Pagano’s Beer Garden ~    ~ Pagano’s Beer Garden ~

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 28 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ October 28 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Día de los Muertos – Move to the vigorous percussion driving the sounds of Jarana Beat with their new interpretation of Mexican music. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. Art After 5 ~
  • 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ October 28 ~ 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 ~  
  • Day of the Dead ~ October 29 ~ Held at Penn Museum from 11 am to 4 pm! 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. Visitors will be able to visit the Day of the Dead Altar, enjoy traditional Mexican folk dances, crafts, food and much more. This visually gratifying event will take place at the Penn Museum in the University City section of Philadelphia.  ~ Day of the Dead ~
  • South Street Pumpkin Fest ~ October 29 ~ The PumpkinFest at 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, costume contests and more. Some come out for some family fun! ~ South Street Pumpkin Fest ~
  • First Friday’s in Old CityNovember 4 ~ 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 4 ~ 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 ~
  • Brawler Fest ~ November 5 ~     ~ Brawler Fest ~  
  • First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ November 6 ~ 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 6 ~ 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 At Cookie’s Tavern ~ November 10 ~ Details soon to follow! ~ Marines Birthday Celebration At Cookie’s Tavern ~

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 21 – 23

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 78°  |  Low 50°

Saturday  |  50% AM Showers & Wind  |  High 53°  |  Low 42°

Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 64°  |  Low 48°

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 By Jeff Belonger For MyPhillyAlive

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