Things To Do In Philadelphia – Halloween, Mural Arts Month & more

‘Halloween in Philly, Mural Arts Month, Art, History & Many Festivals’

Halloween is in full swing in the City of Brotherly Love. Who loves Halloween, the cooler weather, and the Fall festive events in the city. There are several festivals this weekend, Mural Arts Month, and a few special art exhibits.

Want to get spooked? Check out the many Halloween activities that will be sure to scare your socks off.

Important reminder – If you haven’t checked out the Open Air nightly event, it ends this Sunday evening, October 14, and it’s a must see.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ October 12 – 18 ~

• DesignPhiladelphia ~ October 10-14 ~ Many free events. The festival demonstrates, supports and promotes the ability that design has to generate innovation, solve problems, enhance daily life, and influence both the perception and economics of the region. Come on check out the many events, lectures, and parties. ~ DesignPhiladelphia Festival ~
  
• Halloween in Philadelphia ~ October 12 – November 4 ~ MyPhillyAlive’s guide to Halloween activities & events in Philly. ~ Things to do in Philadelphia for Halloween ~
• Mural Arts Month ~ Whole month of October 2012 ~ There will be events that will include exhibitions, mural dedications, celebrity mural tours, murals and meals tours, book signings, lectures and much more. Stay tune for more information by this weekend. ~ Mural Arts Month on Philly ~
• Annual Scarecrow Competition ~ Now until October 28 ~ Bigger than life scarecrow creations are displayed outdoors and compete for over $5000 in cash prizes. ~ Scarecrow Competition at Peddler’s Village ~
• Oktoberfest in Philadelphia ~ Now to October 29 ~ Our guide to all things Oktoberfest in Philly. ~ Oktoberfest in Philadelphia ~
• A Journey of Colors ~ October 12 ~ From 5 pm-8pm. Come meet Jerry Adam Puryear, local Philadelphia Artist and his electrifying creations of art. The event is at ~ About Jerry Puryear ~
• Art After 5 ~ October 12 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Manuel Valera and the New Cuban Express – Manuel Valera and the New Cuban Express mix elements of jazz, R & B, fusion, and funk with Cuban music styles. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Head House Square Antique & Vintage Flea Market ~ October 13 ~ Free. From 9 am – 5 pm, vendors featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, jewelry, glassware, pottery & much more ~ Head House Square Antique & Vintage Flea Market ~ ~ More info on Philadelphia Flea Market ~
• ‘Explore Philly’s Buried Past’ ~ October 13 ~ Free to the public, from 9 am-3 pm. Come explore the most recent artifacts and archaeological site discoveries from Philadelphia. Held at the The National Constitution Center ~ Program Schedule ~
• Fun at Sister Cities Park ~ October 13 ~ Many events, from Soccer Shots for ages 3-8 from 9:30 am-11:30; Art in the Park for ages up to 14 from 11 am-1pm; and food & drinks at Milk & Honey Cafe; open 7 am-7pm. ~ Art in the Park ~ ~ info on Sister Cities Park ~
• “Stoker’s Dracula” is coming to Elfreth’s Alley ~ October 13 ~ The count is coming… Come see the bloodthirsty fiend of legend as he stalks through America’s longest lived-on street, Elfreth’s Alley. Doors open at 7:30 pm and starts at 8 pm and is $15 per person.  ~ Dracula comes to Elfreth’s Alley & tickets ~ ~ Info about Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Harvest Festival at Reading Terminal Market ~ October 13 ~ Come out to the Market from 10 am to 4 pm and enjoy great food, music, and a hayride. ~ Harvest Festival ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ October 13 & 17 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-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 ~
• Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival ~ October 14 ~ From 11 am-5 pm, over 150 artists & craftsmen with oils, watercolors, photography and more. Also, live entertainment, face painting, arts & crafts activities, a rock climbing wall, & much more. ~ Fall arts festival in Chestnut Hill ~
• Philadelphia Eagles Game 6 ~ October 14 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Detroit Lions. If are not going to the game at Lincoln Financial Field, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
• Dead Sea Scrolls ~ Now until October 14 ~ The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of ancient Israeli culture with more than 600 artifacts and 20 of the rarest scroll. ~ Dead Sea Scrolls ~
• Open Air on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~ Now until October 14 ~  How awesome is this! How about interactive spotlights making light patterns by using your voice messages and GPS location. Check it out.  ~ Open Air Light exhibit ~
• Philadelphia Film Festival ~ October 18 – 28 ~ 21st Philadelphia Film Festival. Come check out Independent Films, sneak previews, meet the actors & film makers, and attend parties.  ~Philadelphia Film Festival ~
• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ Now until November 10 ~ There are 6 scary attractions inside the cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary which should put a little fear in your shoes. Do you dare? ~ Terror Behind the Walls ~
• Ghost Tour of Philadelphia ~ Now until November 10 ~ This company has 3 main types of Ghost tours to choose from. Either way, you are bound to be spooked. Keep in mind that these tours run all year round, but are mostly concentrated around Halloween, so you need to check their calendar of events for dates. ~ The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia ~
• Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~  The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
• Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
• The Swedish American Line Exhibition ~ Now until February 24 ~ From the early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish cruises, visitors will get a look into the fleet’s history, exquisite style and personal stories and anecdotes from former passengers. Taking place at The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. ~ The Swedish American Line Exhibit ~
• Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide~

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.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Shakespeare in the World comes to the Barnes Foundation ~ October 19, November 16 & December 21 ~ From 6:30 pm to 8 pm, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre partner with the Barnes Foundation with a critical discussion around Shakespeare with guest speakers, live performances and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $30 General Admission & $20 members and can be reserved online or via phone at (866) 849-7056. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
• Ghost Hunting 101 at Elfreth’s Alley ~ October 20 ~ Starts at 8 pm. Join the Elfreth’s Alley Museum and the Oakford Paranormal Society for a special investigation of America’s longest lived on street. Get hands-on training with state of the art equipment led by a team of experienced paranormal investigators. $20 admission. ~ Ghost Hunting 101 info & tickets ~ ~ Info about Elfreth’s Alley ~
• The Original Family Dance Party ~ October 21 ~ Arts&Crafts * Face Painting* Temporary Tattoos & Free Children’s ID cards * Family Photo Booth * Jugglers * PLUS – all the juice boxes that your kids can drink – plus a cash bar for n0n-driving parents.  Lastly, lots of dancing. Young Rembrandt’s will be there giving Free Drawing lessons. Special Guest partners include: Nest Philly * Young Rembrandts * Lisa Hurwitz Art Studios * NY LIFE * Honest Tea * The Arden Theater * and much more..
• Yellow Fever Tour at Elfreth’s Alley ~ October 28 ~ Events at 1 pm, 2 pm, & 4 pm. Looking much like it did in the 1793 epidemic, Elfreth’s Alley was the home of countless fever victims. Come hear their stories of fear and courage, despair and self-sacrifice from actor Trish Troilo. $10 admission.  ~ Yellow Fever event info & tickets ~ ~ Info about Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Tailgating Philly Style ~ October 28 ~ Come tailgate at One Crazy Fan prior to the Philadelphia Eagles game vs the Atlanta Falcons with Butz & Butz doing a live sports broadcast, a live DJ – Mike Rossi of East Coast Group, and those crazy Eagles fans. For ticket info, go to the main site. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday prior to game. ~ One Crazy Fan Tailgating ~
• Philadelphia Eagles Game 6 ~ October 28 ~ The Philadelphia Eagles play the Atlanta Falcons. If not going to the game, then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game. ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
• 2012 Apple Festival ~ November 3 & 4 ~ Scrumptious apple treats including country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and everyone’s favorite — apples dipped in caramel! Held at Peddler’s Village. ~ Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• First Glance Philly Film Festival ~ November 9 to 11 ~ Held at the Franklin Institute.  Independent Film Festival bringing you many great films, movie producers, and actors. ~ First Glance 15th Annual Film Festival ~
• Deck the Alley 2012 at Elfreth’s Alley ~ December 1 ~ From 4 pm to 7 pm. Come celebrate  a Colonial Christmas on Elfreth’s Alley. Featuring: tours of Elfreth’s Alley’s private historic homes, holiday treats, caroling in the alley, colonial artisans, and a one-of-a-kind raffle! ~ What is Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley ~ ~ Deck the Alley tickets ~

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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of October 12-14

 

Friday  |  Sunny |  High 57°  | Low 34°

Saturday  |  Sunny |  High 57° | Low 45°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 70° |  Low 59°

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 ~

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