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🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🛍️ Novelty stores 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 21
Mid-Autumn Festival Banner Art-Build – (3 to 6 p.m.)
Join volunteers in ainting and finishing up the banner 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 FACTS Charter School in Callowhill. FREE.
Podcast Club meeting – (6:30 p.m.)
This month’s theme is ethics in true crime. At Rittenhouse Square.
Tuesday, September 22
Fall Equinox Night Hike – (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Explore the trails of the Schuylkill Center with an evening hike celebrating the fall equinox. Tickets: $10.
Uncle Bobbie’s X Earl Hopkins & Jeremy McCool: “Raps of Resistance” – (7 p.m.)
A conversation about hip-hop and the impact it has on our movements. From Chuck D to 2Pac to Common to Kendrick – politics and rap music has had a long history. Book signing will follow the discussion and Q&A. All attendees can enjoy a 15% off in-store discount on your entire order during the event. $9.85 general admission or $39.19 for talk and book.
Wednesday, September 23
Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary – (12 to 1:40 p.m.)
Experience the story of Coltrane’s artistry, struggle, and spiritual search, and how his music continues to shape jazz today. This event supports the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts in preserving and teaching the legacy of jazz within our community. FREE, but complete the form to reserve your seat. At 736 S. Broad Street.
WHYY Open House Sustainer Summit – (4 to 7 p.m.)
An evening celebrating the people who make public media possible! Come behind the scenes at WHYY at this family-friendly event. Learn how TV productions are created, see where Studio 2 and Fresh Air are recorded, test your sense of taste and smell with The Pulse team and experts from The Monell Center, record your own newscast, play an environmental game with the Climate Desk, try Billy Penn quizzo, enjoy wine tastings and snacks, and engage in light-hearted debate with Bridging Blocks. FREE with RSVP.
Curator’s Tour: Glassmaking in Early America – (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Join Wyck Historic House’s curator for a special behind the scenes look at some of the rarest objects in the collection. Explore unique historic glass pieces and dive deep into Wyck’s connections to historic glassmaking. $16.30 tickets.
Market Street to South Street: Citizen Solutions for Corridor Vacancy – (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Researcher Brandon Engelhardt shares a four-part strategy to re-stabilize a historic cultural corridor in his Saving South Street project. For many years, South Street has struggled to keep its commercial storefronts full. Why? What is keeping this historic arts and culture corridor from thriving? Brandon Engelhardt, graduate researcher at Drexel University, takes a deep dive in to the data and compares the struggles of South Street to the success of East Passyunk. The solutions he has devised can help any commericial corridor in the city- including the larger, but not dissimilar, Market East. Community organizer Ellen Somekawa and community development researcher Melissa A. Thompson (Rutgers U) also join us to offer a response through a community development lens. At Love Now Media, 932 Market Street. FREE.
Philly Cringe Fest – (7 p.m.)
The Pen & Pencil and Philadelphia Citywide zine hosts this open mic for your most cringe-inducing childhood endeavors: art, diaries, fan fic and student journalism. Attend the live show/public humiliation! FREE.
Circle Jawn Singers’ Citywide Sing – (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
The final citywide sing of the season! 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. All skill levels welcome. At Philadelphia Ethical Society. FREE.
Bread & Puppet on Tour @ BOK – (7 p.m.)
The Bread & Puppet Circus returns to Philly. The one and only Bread & Puppet Circus is back to confront our upside-down situation! With stilt dancers, paper maché beasts of all sizes, and a riotous brass band, The Upside Down World Circus is an urgent spectacle of protest and celebration. After each show Bread & Puppet will serve its famous sourdough rye bread with aioli, and “Cheap Art” – books, posters, postcards, pamphlets and banners from the Bread & Puppet Press – will be for sale. $20 tickets; Free for kids under 12; No one turned away for lack of funds.
Coltrane Birthday Celebration – (10 p.m.)
Join Ars Nova Workshop for a very special Coltrane birthday celebration featuring DJ Spinna, Cosmo Baker, & Angelika Beener. At Forman Arts. $12.36 tickets.
Thursday, September 24
Revolutionary Family: The Biddles and American Independence – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Arch Street Meeting House and Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum are excited to partner on a special program highlighting Andalusia’s current exhibition Revolutionary Family: The Biddles & American Independence. Enjoy a screening of engaging documentary videos on the Biddle family and the Revolution, followed by a conversation and audience questions. A light reception will precede the program. FREE registration.
Friday, September 25
Neighborhood Jawnts: East and West Oak Lanes – (2 p.m.)
Explore centuries of history through iconic landmarks, green spaces, and the institutions that continue to define East and West Oak Lanes. Discover the rich heritage of East and West Oak Lane, where historic houses of worship, landmark schools, peaceful green spaces, and enduring civic institutions tell the story of two neighborhoods shaped by education, faith, and community. From nationally significant sites of African American history and Civil War remembrance to beloved libraries, parks, and commercial corridors, this tour explores the people and places that have helped define Northwest Philadelphia for more than two centuries. Meet at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. FREE registration.
North Philadelphia History Festival Opening Reception at Power Market – (5 to 7 p.m.)
Presented by Scribe Video Center, NPHF: The John Coltrane Edition is a multi-site celebration of African American and Puerto Rican cultural history in North Philadelphia. From September 25-27th, 2026, the festival will explore the creative and spiritual legacy of John Coltrane (1926-1967) through a series of exhibitions, video installations, and live experiences led by artists, historians, filmmakers, and others. All events are free and open to the public. At 1835 W. Oxford Street. FREE RSVP.
Friday Nights: Collier Plays Coltrane – (5 to 8:30 p.m.)
Part of Coltrane 100, this performance is in the Art Museum. Enjoy late night live music, special programs, tours, food and more. Isaiah Collier will present his Collier Plays Coltrane program to close the series with a special performance honoring the music and impact of John Coltrane through innovative interpretations and original compositions. This evening’s featured performance takes place from 7–8:30 p.m. Pay-what-you-wish.
Mid-Autumn Festival shopping at Aiyah – (6 to 9 p.m.)
Celebrate Mid Autumn with Aiyah in Fairmount! The shop is staying open late with free drinks and mooncakes. Donations to Asian Americans United. Vendor pop-ups. Limited edition Jade Bead Silk Knot jewelry collection! FREE.
High Black History Comedy Show – (6 p.m.)
At Two Locals Brewing. A live cultural fundraising experience celebrating overlooked Black stories through comedy, education, and community connection. Inspired by Drunk Black History’s platform. Tickets start at $28.52.
Screen & Table: A Screening of Fletcher Street – (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
Join a screening of the documentary Fletcher Street, followed by a live Q&A with members of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club (FSURC) and Out West Founder Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, accompanied by Fletcher Street-inspired bites. At Out West. $39.19 tickets.
Saturday, September 26
Gritty 5K – (7:30 a.m. race start)
The Gritty 5K presented by Penn Medicine is 3.1 miles of fun, complete with over 10 on-course activations, including Karaoke, Stop & Listen to 95, and more, along with brand-new surprises, and of course, a finish line hot dog. Your in-person registration includes a t-shirt, medal, and Flyers home game ticket. Virtual participants can purchase Flyers home game tickets for a discounted rate. Kids 12 and under can be registered at a discounted rate. Race starts and finishes in Lot E of Xfinity Mobile Arena. $75 registration; $55 for virtual 5K.
Block by Block Philly x Protect Our Paws Cleanup by Reach Eastern Liberties – (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Meet at 901 New Market Street to focus on that street and the I-95 underpass at Ellen Street for an Autumnal Cleaning! This is a community effort to beautify our neighborhood and create a safer, cleaner environment for our four-legged neighbors and their humans. Whether it’s broken glass, litter, or overgrown spots that need attention, we’re targeting the areas that matter most to our community’s dog owners and pets. Supplies provided. FREE RSVP.
Neighborhood Jawnts: East and West Oak Lanes – (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
Explore centuries of history through iconic landmarks, green spaces, and the institutions that continue to define East and West Oak Lanes. Discover the rich heritage of East and West Oak Lane, where historic houses of worship, landmark schools, peaceful green spaces, and enduring civic institutions tell the story of two neighborhoods shaped by education, faith, and community. From nationally significant sites of African American history and Civil War remembrance to beloved libraries, parks, and commercial corridors, this tour explores the people and places that have helped define Northwest Philadelphia for more than two centuries. Meet at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. FREE registration.
Oktoberfest at Yards Brewing – (12 to 4 p.m.)
A most wunderbar Oktoberfest experience as you fill Yards with Bavarian cheer. Includes access to normally off-limits part of the brewery! Every ticket comes with an exclusive Yards Oktoberfest 0.5-liter stein and your choice of one Fest-inspired beer. Enjoy live music, delicious Oktoberfest eats, games, and more. Test your strength with Masskrugstemmen, our authentic stein-holding competition. Best-dressed guests will win a prize! Ages 21+ only. $20 early bird; $30 general admission; $10 designated driver.
Delaware River Festival – (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Celebrate Philly’s biggest waterway with the Delaware River Festival. The annual festival is held on both sides of the water, and will include educational vendors, music and family-friendly fun. This includes a live-bird show and facepainting. You can celebrate in both Philly and Camden, by hopping on a ferry to explore both sides. 101 S. Columbus Blvd. and 2 Riverside Dr., Camden. FREE.
Market of the Macabre at Laurel Hill East – (12 to 5 p.m.)
Peruse all things magical and morbidly curious at the annual Market of the Macabre, featuring handmade wares and ceramics, assorted oddities and taxidermy, antiques, jewelry, spiritual goods, clothing, original artwork and more. $5 entry in advance; $10 at the door.
Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party – (12 to 6 p.m.)
Philly AIDS Thrift is not only a spot to get a fresh vintage fit, it’s also home to an annual all-day block party that’s back on the 26th. Expect a live DJ, a pie-eating contest, a celebrity dunk tank and more. According to the store, “family, friends, and even your enemies” are encouraged to attend. At 710 S. 5th Street. FREE.
31st Annual Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival – (RESCHEDULED to 10/3)
Food, dancing, lantern parade, live performances, martial arts demos, lion dancing and more! FREE. Pay-as-you-go.
South Street Fall Fest – (12 to 7 p.m.)
Festival season isn’t over quite yet. Spans eight blocks of South Street with a unique theme on each block! Live music, food and drink specials, immersive art, local crafts and more.
⚔️ 100 Block – Queen & Rook’s Renn Faire
🎃 Headhouse Plaza – Kid’s Pumpkin Playground (Activities, Bounce House, Mini Golf, Face Painting, & More!)
🌭 200 Block – Foodie Alley (Food Trucks, Speciality Drinks, & More!)
🛍️ 300 Block – Artisanal Goods, Shopping, & More
🎤 400 Block – Milkboy’s Anniversary Stage
🎶 Passyunk Ave – Record Riot’s Vinyl Block Party with Repo Records
🎈 700 Block of S 5th Street – Philly Aids Thrift’s 21st Anniversary Block Party
🛹 500 Block – Nocturnal’s Skate Park
👻 600 Block – DreamEerie’s Macabre Masquerade
🍺 700 Block – Brauhaus Schmitz’s Oktoberfest
Little Saigon Stage – (7 p.m.)
Vietlish Presents a night of laughs, glamour, and dancing! Join an unforgettable evening featuring stand-up comedy, a dazzling drag performance, and a DJ after party to close out the night. BYOB. Celebrate community, culture, and a whole lot of fun. At Cafe Walnut, 703 Walnut Street. $15 at the door.
Mortal Coil: Kensington Crankie Festival – (4 p.m. mini-market + 7 p.m. show)
Matchbox Crankie Workshop and artist mini-market at 4 p.m. and the inaugural Crankie Festival full of storytelling in scrolling panoramic art with live music and song at 7 p.m.! FREE RSVP required for the show. What is a crankie? A crankie is a storytelling device where an illustrated scroll is wound around two dowels held in place by a window box frame. When the dowels are cranked forwards, the illustrations play through in sequence for all to follow along. Originating from Europe in the late 1700s, crankies are now enjoying a global revival among anyone with a story to tell, meeting popularity for its low-tech whimsicality and accessibility. At 2223 E Dauphin St.
Philly Moon Jams: Drum Circle Edition – (7 p.m.)
Slow down and embracing a calmer, more intentional night of live music, movement, fire, and community. Start with Bass Yoga by Spirit Lab, followed by sound healing at 7:45 p.m., melodic live instrumentation at 8 p.m., and drum circle starting at 8:30 p.m.) Fire circle opens at 8 p.m. BYO drum, instruments, blankets, snacks, flow props. At Penn Treaty Park.
Sunday, September 27
Neighborhood Jawnts: East and West Oak Lanes – (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
Explore centuries of history through iconic landmarks, green spaces, and the institutions that continue to define East and West Oak Lanes. Discover the rich heritage of East and West Oak Lane, where historic houses of worship, landmark schools, peaceful green spaces, and enduring civic institutions tell the story of two neighborhoods shaped by education, faith, and community. From nationally significant sites of African American history and Civil War remembrance to beloved libraries, parks, and commercial corridors, this tour explores the people and places that have helped define Northwest Philadelphia for more than two centuries. Meet at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. FREE registration.
Kinkeeping Summit + Festival of Festivals – (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
At Cherry Street Pier. Hosted by DiasporaDNA Center. Enjoy two events in one day, as the afternoon launches the first-ever ‘Festival of Festivals’, A unique celebration of local festivals, block parties, night markets, genealogy workshops and unique vendors that fuel the cultural gatherings produced during Philly’s 250th anniversary. FREE RSVP.
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.
Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts – (RESCHEDULED To 10/11)
One of Chestnut Hill’s signature celebrations bringing together local artists, makers, and art lovers from across the region for a day filled with creativity, culture, and community. Stroll down Germantown Avenue and explore a curated mix of artists showcasing their work. From paintings and sculpture to handcrafted jewelry and pottery, there’s something for every art enthusiast. Meet the makers, learn about their craft, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces to take home. + Live music, demos and activities for the whole family! FREE.
Yours Truly Market @ BOK – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Support the beautiful work of talented local artists feat. handmade ceramics, jewelry, fine art, clothing, accessories, home goods, fresh flowers and more! Early bird special: the first 70 people will get a free tote bag printed by @potionsella. Entry costs $5 with proceeds going to the Black Visioning Group. Pay-as-you-go. Wheelchair accessible.
Albanian Food Festival – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
The Albanian American Association “Bijtë e Shqipes” (Sons of the Eagle) hosts this at its center on Willits Road in Northeast Philadelphia. FREE and familiy-friendly!
Philadelphia Hoagie Throwdown – (12 to 4 p.m.)
At Fishtown’s Other Half Brewing. More than 20 of Philadelphia’s best chefs, delis, and sandwich makers battle for the Hoagie Throwdown Championship Belt! Enjoy unlimited hoagie tastings, live pro wrestling featuring PWE vs. BTA, craft beer, and nonstop entertainment as you help vote to crown the champion. $63.75 adult tickets; $38.75 kids under 12.
Open Mic All-Stars – (1 to 4 p.m.)
At Boathouse Row. All of your favorite Open Mic performers in a Sunday afternoon show! All events are weather permitting. FREE.
Quaker Change Makers: The Women of 18th C. Philadelphia – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
A special screening featuring three episodes of “For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation.” For the Common Good docuseries tells the vivid stories of pioneering women who made important contributions to the founding of America. These women shaped our nation, leading the way forward as businesswomen, religious leaders, educators, and more. By embracing a fuller concept of what it took to shape our nation, we can help make our founding history more relevant, accessible, and inclusive. FREE registration.
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.
