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🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🍁 Fall festivals guide
🍓 Farmers market guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
☕ Philly coffee shop guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
NOTE: This list will be updated throughout the week.
Monday, September 7 (Labor Day)
39th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade & Family Celebration – (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Join the SAG-AFTRA Philly local in celebrating “Our Day” with family and friends by walking in the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO’s annual parade. Rally before the 10 a.m. parade start and 11 a.m. outdoor/indoor celebration with food, vendors and more. At Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union Hall at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. RSVP required to participate. FREE to spectate.
Walk Around Philly: The Northeast – (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Join Walk Around Philadelphia for a segment of their fall journey walking the circumference of the city. Group A will be walking counter-clockwise, starting in Torresdale and making their way to Somerton, while Group B will be walking clockwise, starting in the same location but ending up in Bridesburg. Pay-what-you-wish. Register separately for Group A or Group B.
Labor Day Birding – (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Celebrate the unofficial end of the summer with us at FDR Park as we stroll through the park in search of early avian migrants. Meet at the boathouse. FREE.
Labor Day at the Lakes – (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Gather for archery, crafts, DJ, water ice, backpacks and more at FDR Park while picking up a Park Passport to collect 7 stamps to earn a prize. FREE.
154th Annual Labor Day Volksfest – (12 to 8 p.m.)
Founded in 1873 and modeled after Stuttgart’s historic harvest festival, it’s an Oktoberfest-style celebration featuring live music from bands like Heimatklänge and The Adlers, along with traditional folk dance performances by groups including GTV Almrausch. Food offerings include German menu staples like bratwurst, schnitzel, leberkäse, maultaschen and kassler rippchen, alongside American fair staples, and, as you might expect, German beers. Tickets are $10 Saturday and Monday, $15 Sunday.
Tuesday, September 8
Save The Academy of Natural Sciences Museum Rally – (10 a.m.)
Philly Science Action, Green Philly, and Skype a Scientist invite the people of Philadelphia to join a rally to hold Drexel accountable and ask them to find a way to keep the museum open to the public past September of 2026. FREE.
Bridging Blocks | Environmental Injustice: Who Bears the Burden? – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Environmental Justice is the principle that everyone deserves equal protection from environmental hazards and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their communities. Pollution and environmental challenges have significant public health consequences. Socioeconomic factors such as race, income, and geographic location are closely intertwined with these issues. What are the next steps in addressing environmental challenges? What responsibilities do governments, institutions and individuals have in protecting the environment and public health? This is a guided discussion of these issues with fellow Philly neighbors. This event will be live-streamed for attendees who wish to join virtually. A viewing link will be sent to all registered participants on the day of the event. At Parkway Central Library. FREE.
Justice 101: Redefining Rehabilitation — From Norway to Pennsylvania – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
A conversation exploring Norway’s “normality principle,” a groundbreaking approach to incarceration that prioritizes humanity and rehabilitation, and learn about ongoing efforts to replicate the model and research its impact through the Scandinavian Prison Project or “Little Scandinavia” at SCI-Chester, a state correctional institution near Philadelphia. In-person and Zoom options available. At Eastern State Penitentiary. FREE.
Wednesday, September 9
Rittenhouse Bird Walk – (4:45 p.m.)
Join expert birder Holger Pflicke in Rittenhouse Square Park for a guided birdwatching tour where you will have the opportunity to see some of the birds that call Rittenhouse home and learn more about our city’s avian life. FREE.
Designing the Future of Fairmount Park – (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
As the new CEO of Fairmount Park, Tony Sorrentino will share his vision for the future of Philadelphia’s largest and most significant public landscape. Speaking to members of the Philadelphia Design Advocacy Group, he will explore how thoughtful leadership, design excellence, environmental stewardship, and community engagement can shape the park’s next chapter. The presentation will highlight priorities for enhancing accessibility, preserving natural and historic resources, strengthening neighborhood connections, and creating welcoming spaces that serve all Philadelphians. This event will be held at The Village of Industry and Art at 320 South Broad Street. RSVP welcome, but not required. Light refreshments will be served.
Circle Jawn Singers Citywide Sing – (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
If you love music, improv, and expanding the horizons of what your voice can create in community, Circle Jawn Singers is the group for you. Join vocal improvisation games, and a cappella jams. No experience? No problem! This gathering is for singers of ALL skill levels- no special musical talent or training is required to participate. At the Philadelphia Ethical Society. FREE with RSVP.
Thursday, September 10
Uptown Rhythm Festival – (4 to 9 p.m.)
On the 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue. Live Music by Breakwater, Urban Guerrilla Orchestra @ugoanybodywannadance, The Ladies of Skyy, DJ Diamond Kuts , Afrobeats set by Dj Superfli, House DJ’s Cory DST and Kevy Kev. FREE.
Radicals, Rebels, and Riff Raff in the American Revolution – (7 to 8 p.m.)
In this illustrated lecture at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, history researcher and writer Michael Schreiber will describe how many “lower-class” and laboring people contributed in exciting ways to the American Revolution. He will show how recent research has uncovered the activity during the Revolution of a number of people who were members of the Gloria Dei congregation and subsequently buried or memorialized in the churchyard. $10-12 tickets includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Optional donation to join the post-event dessert reception.
Philadelphia Firefighters at Night with photojournalist Ted Lieverman – (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
Over a period of four years, documentary photographer Ted Lieverman spent 45 nights with Delta platoon at the Engine 8, Ladder 2 fire house in Old City. They shared dinner and quiet times together, as well as the race to alarms for fires and medical emergencies. Now, Tursulowe Press has published a collection of Lieverman’s photos from this project, “Engine 8, Ladder 2: Philadelphia Fire Fighters at Night.” At the Pen & Pencil Club. FREE with RSVP.
2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour – (7:30 p.m.)
Doors open at 7 p.m. for this screening of a curated collection of six standout short films from this year’s Festival, including three Festival Award–winning titles. A 99-minute program that offers a mix of stories that highlight bold perspectives and next-gen storytellers. $14.52 tickets.
West Philadelphia Orchestra at Black Squirrel Club – (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
An avant-folk village brass band since 2006, you will find WPO at parties, stages, beer gardens, protests and wedding celebrations throughout the Philadelphia region. West Philadelphia Orchestra found inspiration in the Romani brass “orkestars” and “fanfares” of Eastern Europe. Known for stellar musicianship and dynamic live shows, the band’s sound is vibrant, powerful and extremely danceable. Fishtown’s Black Squirrel Club has a full bar, but BYO/order your own food. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $13.24 tickets.
Friday, September 11
Retro Fitness Spring Gardens 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb – (5 a.m.–11 p.m.)
Climb 110 flights, or 2,071 steps, equivalent to the height of the World Trade Center towers, to honor the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters who died in the 9/11 attacks. Participants will make the climb on one of the gym’s StairMaster machines. Those interested can sign up online. Registration is free.
Philadelphia Fringe Festival 9/11 Memorial – (8:30-9 a.m.)
A remembrance tribute for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Held at the World Trade Center memorial under the Chestnut Street Bridge on the Schuylkill Trail, the event will feature music, a moment of silence and a time for attendees to share stories. Tickets are free and available on the Philadelphia Fringe Festival website. Enter via Locust Street.
25th Anniversary Ceremony to Honor First Responders Representing Philadelphia at Ground Zero on 9/11 – (11:30 a.m.)
A special plaque featuring the 34 First Responders will be presented to the Mayor, which will be hung in City Hall. There will be reflections/remarks by some of the first responders being honored.
Honor, Remember, Reflect: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service – (12 to 1 p.m.)
Join Laurel Hill Cemetery for a solemn and community-focused memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Set against the peaceful and historic backdrop of our sacred grounds, this gathering offers a dedicated space for neighbors, families, and veterans to come together in shared remembrance of the lives lost and the enduring spirit of resilience that followed. FREE.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: West Philadelphia – (2 p.m.)
Explore the many layers of West Philadelphia, where vibrant public parks, world-renowned universities, pioneering scientific research, and historic cultural landmarks reflect one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. From the nation’s oldest zoo and one of America’s most storied athletic venues to thriving community gathering spaces and centers of innovation, this tour showcases how West Philadelphia continues to shape Philadelphia’s cultural, educational, and scientific future. FREE with RSVP. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.
Yellow Fever Tour – (5 p.m.)
Uncover the tragedy and heroism of Philadelphia’s 1793 epidemic on a guided tour through historic Christ Church Burial Ground. This guide-led tour leads you through the grounds where both victims and key figures of the outbreak. As you walk among the headstones, you will explore 18th-century medical theories, the breakdown of civic life, and the remarkable stories of care and courage that emerged during a citywide crisis. $12.51 tickets.
Mid-Autumn Fest Banner Art Build – (5 to 7 p.m.)
Help make a banner for the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern parade! 🏮 The first session will focus on sketching out the banner and if we have time, start painting. The second session (Monday, 9/21) will be painting and finishing up the banner. The banner will be painted after the festival’s theme: Building the World We Want. Light snacks and tea will be provided. Everyone is welcome, no art experience needed! At 1023 Callowhill Street.
Coltrane 100: Friday Night Jazz – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Celebrate the cultural significance of jazz and the 100th anniversary of saxophonist, composer, and bandleader John Coltrane’s birth. Enjoy a night of live music from Yolanda Wisher & The Afroeaters, artmaking that takes inspiration from the improvisational nature of jazz, gallery talks highlighting the influence of jazz on the visual arts in the exhibition A Nation of Artists, and explore local organizations at community tabling. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. At the PMA.
Storyville: Africa’s Cultural Landmarks by Sosena Solomon – (7 to 9 p.m.)
Africa’s Cultural Landmarks, a series of short documentaries directed by Sosena Solomon, examines some of Africa’s most notable cultural landscapes. With striking visual storytelling, the films document current preservation efforts against the backdrop of an array of challenges ranging from perishable materiality to rapid urbanization. $5 tickets; $3 for Scribe Video Center members.
“Hoppers” outdoor screening – (7:45 p.m.)
cinéSPEAK’s FREE outdoor family friendly screening series presented by The Lawn at UCity Square.
Saturday, September 12
Philly Fishing Fest – (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
Enjoy a morning of free catch-and-release fishing and friendly competition on Schuylkill Banks! The Fishing Fest is perfect for anglers of all ages and levels of experience and is ADA accessible. No fishing license is required during the fishing competition, and fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. FREE to RSVP.
Fairmount Stoop Sale – (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Shop local at the second annual stoop sale in Fairmount! Map available online. FREE to attend.
Fairmount/Eastern State Penitentiary Vintage Flea Market – (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
150+ vendors surround the historic prison for this annual market, selling vintage goods, antiques and more. FREE to attend.
Sensory-Friendly Morning – (9 to 10 a.m.)
Join a sensory friendly morning at the Mütter Museum. Neurodiverse visitors of all ages and their families are invited to the Museum for special pop-up exhibits with touch objects, a scavenger hunt, and a quiet room with a coloring activity. Pay-what-you-wish. Register for free.
National Day of Service at Philadelphia National Cemetery – (10 a.m.)
In partnership with the Philadelphia National Cemetery, the Travis Manion Foundation, a nonprofit that honors fallen military members and veterans, is inviting community members to participate in a day of service honoring the lives lost on 9/11. Volunteers will remove debris, clean headstones and help preserve the cemetery as a place of remembrance. Register on the Travis Manion Foundation website. Street parking is available near the cemetery.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: West Philadelphia – (10 a.m. & 2 p.m.)
Explore the many layers of West Philadelphia, where vibrant public parks, world-renowned universities, pioneering scientific research, and historic cultural landmarks reflect one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. From the nation’s oldest zoo and one of America’s most storied athletic venues to thriving community gathering spaces and centers of innovation, this tour showcases how West Philadelphia continues to shape Philadelphia’s cultural, educational, and scientific future. FREE with RSVP. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.
Philadelphia Honey Festival – (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
At Wyck House, in partnership with the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild. Vendors and activites that celebrate and educate about our important friend, the honey bee! This always-popular event includes honey tastings, extractions, presentations, bee-bearding, a mead and beer garden, and much more! FREE to attend.
52 Weeks of Firsts: Firstival for the First Continental Congress at Carpenters’ Hall – (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
At 320 Chestnut Street. The First Continental Congress met in the Hall from September 5th to October 26th, 1774. Enjoy family-friendly activities including special coloring sheets and a Lego building station. The museum will also be open until 4 p.m.
VetFest 2026 – (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Food trucks, brews, vendors, and live music – family friendly fun for everyone. At 400 Chesterfield Parkway, Malvern.
Second Saturday: G-town Gatherings – (12 to 4 p.m.)
At Grumblethorpe at 5267 Germantown Avenue. From May through October, each gathering is hosted at a different historic site, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the neighborhood while creating space for connection and joy. Expect live music, food trucks, and a mix of local vendors at every event. Stop by when you can, stay as long as you like, and be part of what’s happening in Germantown.
Grassstains Psychedelic Stoop Fest – (12 to 7 p.m.)
It started on a single block where artists got together for performances and community. Now it’s a full-blown festival at Lemon Hill Park, featuring live bands, 80+ art vendors, food vendors and interactive workshops from yoga to floral design. FREE.
3rd annual Spring Garden Sunflower Festival – (12 to 8 p.m.)
From 1700 to 1900 Fairmount Avenue. FREE.
Black Wine & Spirits Fest – (3 to 8 p.m.)
The biggest Black Wine Fest in Philadelphia’s history. Experience wine culture, music, food and more. od vendors, live entertainment, installations, and more. Tickets start at $44.52.
Sunday, September 13
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: West Philadelphia – (10 a.m. & 2 p.m.)
Explore the many layers of West Philadelphia, where vibrant public parks, world-renowned universities, pioneering scientific research, and historic cultural landmarks reflect one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. From the nation’s oldest zoo and one of America’s most storied athletic venues to thriving community gathering spaces and centers of innovation, this tour showcases how West Philadelphia continues to shape Philadelphia’s cultural, educational, and scientific future. FREE with RSVP. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.
Open Streets: West Walnut – (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Open Streets once again converts Center City streets into car-free thruways across an eight-block span for its fall run. From Broad to 19th streets, and along 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust streets. 8 Sundays through October. FREE.
Feria del Barrio 2026 – (12 to 5 p.m.)
Enjoy the annual block party at Taller Puertorriqueño on North 5th Street between Huntingdon and Lehigh. This event is RAIN OR SHINE!
Mexican Independence Day Festival – (2 to 8 p.m.)
Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest site. FREE.
Through September 19
20/20 Photo Festival
A citywide celebration of contemporary photography brings together Philadelphia’s photographers through exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and a large-scale photo book fair. It’s centered at Cherry Street Pier but spread across galleries and creative spaces throughout the city, showcasing the work of 100+ emerging and established photographers. FREE.
Through October
A People’s Exposition!
Join us for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on solutions that address our greatest challenges. At the Kensington Engagement Center.
Into November
Dia de los Muertos tribute to Isaiah Zagar
“Viviendo a través de la Muerte” will remain on view at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens through the Day of the Dead, Nov. 1, before closing on Nov. 8.
Roach Show – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Featuring roach-inspired roach-sized art by 30 local Philly artists, including sculpture, painting, mixed media, fiber art and bolo ties! At STITCH AND DESTROY, 523 S 4th Street. The exhibit ends November 1.
