There’s plenty else other than baseball going on in Philadelphia right now, especially this weekend. Streets across the city will be extra lively as several neighborhoods and organizations host annual fall festivals and Halloween gatherings.
You’ll find trick-or-treating opportunities, arts and crafts vendors, pumpkin carving, live music performances, art on display, a nighttime bike ride, and costume contests for everyone from kids to adults to furry friends.
There’s a lot happening in just a few days, so we put together a guide to some of the highlights.
Smith Playground Barely Scary Halloween Bash
4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
3500 Reservoir Dr. (East Fairmount Park)
Have little ones who love dressing up, but aren’t into frights? Enter Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse’s Barely Scary Halloween Bash. The event features arts and crafts, free food trucks (with allergen-sensitive options), and trick-or-treating onsite. treats, community resources, games and giveaways. Admission is free for Smith members and $10 for all other kids (chaperones enter free).
Germantown Arts District Fourth Friday Autumn Night
6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
5400 Germantown Ave. (Germantown)
The Germantown Arts District is upsizing its free monthly arts and crafts gathering for an October extravaganza with two portions: one that’s family-friendly, and one dedicated to adults
For the former, there’s face painting, a photo booth, trunk-or-treating from cars parked outside St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and kid-friendly spooky stories with Mighty Writers. Grown-ups can check out the Halloween beer garden with seasonal brews and a private screening of “Juniper Street.”
South Street Headhouse District PumpkinFest
12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
2nd & Pine (Headhouse Square)
Start at the Headhouse Shambles for free pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts, circus performances, face painting, and a costume contest.Then take the kids up and down South Street for trick-or-treating at over a dozen local businesses. Although the event is free, registration is suggested to reserve your spot.
East Passyunk Fall Festival
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
East Passyunk Avenue
Outdoor food and drink options will be plentiful and more than 80 arts and crafts vendors are promised at this fiesta along the South Philly corridor, which will also feature a pumpkin patch with hay bales. The singing fountain will be decorated, live music will play, and businesses will offer trick-or-treating for kids, plus discounts for adults.
Morris Arboretum Pumpkin Carving Party
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
100 E. Northwestern Ave. (Chestnut Hill)
The Chestnut Hill gardens are temporarily nicknamed ArBOOretum, and along with a costume and candy parade for all ages, there’s a pumpkin carving party for kids 8 years and up. The organization supplies pumpkins, equipment for carving, and patterns and ideas. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers.
Little Monsters on Market
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Hard Rock Cafe + Fashion District (Market East)
Bring kids 12 and under to Center City for a joint event that starts with a crafting session at the Hard Rock Cafe and then moves to the Fashion District for a store-to-store scavenger hunt. Free, with registration required.
Hound-O-Ween at Liberty Lands Park
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
913 N. 3rd St. (Northern Liberties)
Outfit your pup for a good cause, as Street Tails Animal Rescue hosts its annual dog costume contest. Furry contestants compete in a variety of categories, vying for the grand prize of $500. The event will also have food trucks, raffle prizes, and music.
MNYK Trick-or-Treating
10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Main Street (Manayunk)
Start with a costume parade at the Pretzel Park Farmers Market, then take the little ones up and down Main Street to participate in midday trick-or-treating at local businesses (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). There’s also a pet costume contest at 2 p.m. Also, if you hit up the Lincoln Mill Haunted House, show your ticket to get food and drink discounts at La Roca.
Stenton’s Halloween Harvest Festival
1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
4601 N. 18th St. (Logan)
This house where former William Penn secretary and city mayor James Logan once lived hosts a free fall party on its historic North Philly grounds. Expect games, crafts, face-painting, pumpkin painting, spooky storytime with Logan Library, and a cellar tour. Cider and snacks will be available.
Full Moon Bike Ride
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Fairmount Park
Put on your cycle-friendly costume and meet at the Art Museum steps (or join at 8:30 p.m. at the Manayunk Bridge) for a free group bike ride that takes a trip through the West Laurel Hill Cemetery and finishes at Wissahickon Brewery.
Philly Cider Week Finale Fall Street Fest
12 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
613 S. 7th St. (Bella Vista)
A celebration of all things fermented apple takes over the street surrounding local cidery Hale & True. Live bluegrass music sets the stage for a sip fest, and there’s a catwalk costume contest with dressed up dogs also welcome.
The $18 ticket includes samples from at least nine cidermakers, and food will be available for purchase. Pick up a $150 VIP pass and you’ll get access to a Neapolitan pizza party with special ciders on offer.
Liberty Lands Family Fall Festival
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
913 N. 3rd St. (Northern Liberties)
For the 25th year, this Northern Liberties green space hosts an autumn gathering with a costume parade, live entertainment, and food and drinks from local businesses. Proceeds benefit the playground’s renovation. RSVP in advance, and feel free to bring a blanket and candy to share.
