Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Pope Francis, 4th Friday, Last Weekend Of Spruce Street Harbor Park, Oktoberfest Festivals and More!

‘Autumn Is Upon Us In Philly’ 

This weekend kicks off with 4th Friday at Headhouse District and the continuation of the Lego Art exhibit at the Franklin Institute and Beneath the Surface exhibit at Penn Museum. During the weekend enjoy  Pope events, the end of Spruce Street Harbor Park, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with the Philadelphia Eagles playing the New York Jets and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

Visiting Philadelphia when the Pope is in town and you love art and some Philly keepsakes? Check out Bluestone Fine Art Gallery in Old City.

Please check out our ultimate guide to all September 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 Terror Behind The Walls, Bloktoberfest, Old City Fest, Fashion Under The Shambles, Harry Potter Festival, Harvest Festival, OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village, Octoberfest Live, Boyertown Pickfest, First Glance Film fest Philadelphia, Philly Cheesesteak Festival, Philly Zombie Prom, 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  ~ September 25 – October 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. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Ultimate Guide To Events In September ~ September 2015 ~ Check out the many events and activities taking place in Philadelphia in September. ~ Ultimate Guide To Events In September ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ September 25 – 27 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest will include a floating restaurant, boardwalk, hammocks, tons of colorful LED lights, new planted greenery, an outdoor roller rink, more Philadelphia restauranteurs, seating options, and a new family entertainment area! ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park & Summerfest ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ September 25 – 27 ~ The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will feature a full-sized roller skating rink with a high end roller hockey-grade flooring system, a skate rental facility (roller skates AND inline skates), and plenty of food and beverage options. ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~
• The Art of The Brick Exhibit ~ September 25– October 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 ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ September 25 to 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 ~
• Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~ September 25 – 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 ~ September 25 – 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 ~
• Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~ September 25 – October 26 ~  Enjoy German beer, food, music, block parties and fun in the Philadelphia Region! ~ Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~
• Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier ~ September 25 – October 31 ~  Six weeks of autumn-themed events including pumpkin ales, a seasonal menu, a Halloween party, and more. ~ Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier ~
• Terror Behind The Walls ~ October 2 – 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ September 15 – October 1 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• Art After 5 ~ September 25 ~ Closed with Pope in town.
• Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ September 25 ~ Last day to enjoy 3-course meals at discounted prices at local Manayunk restaurants.     ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ September 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 ~
• Philly Open Ride: Pope Night ~ September 25 ~ Starting at 9:30 pm at Washington Square Park, then ride around the Security Zone. ~ Philly Open Ride: Pope Night ~
• Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier ~ September 25 – October 31 ~  Six weeks of autumn-themed events including pumpkin ales, a seasonal menu, a Halloween party, and more. ~ Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier ~
• Terror Behind The Walls ~ September 25 – 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 ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ September 26 ~ 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 ~ September 26 ~ 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 ~    
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ September 26 ~  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 ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ September 26 & 30 ~ 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 ~
• World Meeting of Famlies & Pope Francis’ Visit to Philadelphia ~ September 26 – 27 ~  Tens of thousands of people from around the globe will converge on Philadelphia for the eighth annual World Meeting of Families. Throughout the week, 100 speakers will lead panel discussions and workshops at the Pennsylvania Convention Center focused on the theme “Love is our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.” Pope Francis will make his first visit to the United States (and the first visit to Philadelphia by any pope since Pope John Paul II in 1979) to say a public mass during the event. Love art and some Philly keepsakes? Check out Bluestone Fine Art Gallery in Old City.  ~World Meeting of Families ~ Info on what to do in Philadelphia during Popes visit ~ 
• Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~ September 26 – October 26 ~  Enjoy German beer, food, music, block parties and fun in the Philadelphia Region! ~ Oktoberfest Festivals in Philadelphia ~
• Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets ~ September 27 ~ 1 pm MetLife Stadium – Not going the the Eagles game, catch them live at the many sports bars throughout Philadelphia! Go Eagles! ~ Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 27 ~ 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 ~ September 27 ~ 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 ~   
• Free Parking! ~ September 30 ~ 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 ~ September 30 ~ 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 ~    
• 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 ~ 
• Night Market ~ 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 ~  
• Date Night Tour at Philly Magic Gardens ~ October 1 ~ From 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Philly Magic Gardens, enjoy a special tour catered for couples, complete with complimentary wine and lit by romantic candlelight! ~ Date Night Tour at Philly Magic Gardens ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ October 1 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through October 1, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Hardly Ables String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• 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 2 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ October 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Koresh Dance Company – Koresh Dance Company presents a savory collection of short repertory works created by Israeli-American Artistic Director Roni Koresh. These dance ‘dishes’ embody the rich range of his company’s trademark passion and precision. Koresh offers audiences a deep emotional charge, a bitter tang of human experience, salty strength, and hints of nutty humor. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ October 2 ~ 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 ~ October 2 ~ 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 ~  
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 2 ~ 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 ~  
• Terror Behind The Walls ~ October 2 – 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 ~
• Bloktoberfest ~ October 3 ~ 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 ~  
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ October 3 ~ 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 ~   
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ October 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 ~  
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ 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 ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ October 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 ~
• Old City Fest ~ October 11 ~   ~ Old City Fest ~
• Fashion Under The Shambles ~ October 14 ~    ~ Fashion Under The Shambles ~
• Harry Potter Festival ~ October 16 & 17 ~   ~ Harry Potter Festival ~
• Harvest Festival ~ October 17 ~ Held at reading terminal Market from   ~ Harvest Festival ~
• OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village ~ October 17 ~    ~ OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village ~
• Octoberfest Live ~ October 17 ~ Held at XFinity Live from 3 pm to 7 pm,   ~ Octoberfest Live ~
• Boyertown Pickfest ~ October 17 & 18 ~     ~ Boyertown Pickfest ~ 
• 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 ~  ~ 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 ~ More info to come next week. ~ Philly Zombie Prom ~
• PumpkinFest ~ October 31 ~ From noon to 5 pm at South Street Headhouse District,    ~ PumpkinFest ~
• Day of the Dead ~ November 1 ~   ~ Day of the Dead ~
• Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ November 7 & 8 ~     ~ Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~

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 September 25 – 27

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 87°  |  Low 61°
Saturday  |  Mostly Partly Cloudy  |  High 85°  |  Low 65°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 77°  |  Low 58°

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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