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🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🛍️ Novelty stores guide
🍁 Fall festivals guide
🥊 “Rocky Season” events
🧡 Pumpkin spice latte recs
🍓 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, October 12
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philadelphia – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
At Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty Park), 1301 N Beach Street. Live music, speakers from several tribes, storytelling and dancing, a ceremony honoring Indigenous knowledge keepers, raffles, workshops, shopping and more. FREE.
Postcards, Pastries, & the Polls – (4 to 6 p.m.)
Join the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia to write postcards encouraging fellow Philadelphians to vote in the November 3 midterm elections and access trusted election information. Pastries and light refreshments will be provided. FREE RSVP.
Bridges to Our Roots – (5 to 9 p.m.)
A celebration of the food, culture, and resilience that define Philadelphia’s Latine immigrant community. On October 12, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, join us on the rooftop of the Bok Building for an evening of connection, featuring signature dishes from seven beloved Philadelphia restaurants and chefs (Casa México / South Philly Barbacoa, El Chingón, Tequilas, El Merkury, Café Tinto, Mucho Perú and Amy´s Pastelillos), live cultural performances, free salsa lessons and a live DJ. $75 tickets includes samples of all dishes, plus your choice of two drinks (wine or beer) or one cocktail. A cash bar will be available. Profits go to Puentes de Salud.
Tuesday, October 13
Wednesday, October 14
The Stamp Act Crisis: Catalyst of the American Revolution – (6 to 8 p.m.)
To help reduce the massive debt incurred during the French and Indian War, Parliament passed The Stamp Act in March of 1765. The North American colonies immediately protested through pamphlets, newspaper editorials, political cartoons, intimidation of tax collectors, and economic protest. Recognizing the negative economic impact of the resulting American Non-Importation agreements, Parliament repealed the tax in May of 1766. This pattern of taxation, protest, and repeal would repeat itself over the next decade, giving rise to key arguments and rallying cries—such as “taxation without representation” and “government by consent”–that culminated with independence a decade later. $25 tickets include refreshments. At the Athenaeum.
Spooky Ladies Night Out – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Lovelie Links and Yards Brewing host a spooky-themed vendor market. The evening features a heavy lineup of local creators including flash tattoos, plus permanent jewelry, clothing, a perfume bar, a design your own cup bar, hair tinsel, tarot and energy readings, a blind date book bar, and treats. Attendance is 21+ with ID required. No tickets necessary for entry.
Bella Vista Social Hour – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
A fun and casual neighborhood social hour at Carbon Copy South Philly! Hang out, meet neighbors and shop Peruvian-inspired vegan eats from La Llamita Vegana! FREE, but register to save your spot.
Thursday, October 15
Reading Terminal’s Scrapple Sculpting Competition – (11 a.m.)
Sample local scrapple and apple bites and enjoy live music while watching competitors sculpt scrapple masterpieces! Check out the completed sculptures on Saturday at the Scrapple and Apple Festival. FREE to attend.
Poetry in the Garden at Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. – (6 to 8 p.m.)
Enjoy live poetry, an open mic, great food and drinks. Featuring Shan-Tay Mercedes Watson and Angel Hogan.
35th Philadelphia Film Festival begins – (through Oct. 25)
One of the city’s defining cultural events. From October 15 – 25, they’ll continue our three-decade tradition of bringing the best in contemporary world cinema to Philadelphia. From highly anticipated award contenders to bold independent voices and international standouts, the world will meet in Philadelphia this October.
Friday, October 16
Neighborhood Jawnts: North Philly Black Artists, Culture & Resistance Tour – (2 p.m.)
Experience the creative energy of North Philadelphia through inspiring murals, community gardens, and neighborhood spaces where art, innovation, and grassroots leadership are transforming the urban landscape. From historic centers of Black entrepreneurship to vibrant public art and community-driven revitalization, this tour highlights the people and projects shaping the neighborhood’s future while honoring its rich cultural legacy. FREE with required registration. Tour begins and ends at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets.
“Olney Is Where We Belong: Past, Present, Future” Mural Dedication – (3:30 to 6:15 p.m.)
At 5701 N. Broad Street. Join a dedication ceremony for a vibrant new mural honoring the stories, aspirations, and memories of the people who call the neighborhood home. Designed by artists Priscilla Bell, Carolina Gomez, and Raelis Vasquez, the mural brings together the voices of local families and beloved Olney business owners to celebrate Olney’s past, present, and future. Free food, art, live music and more. FREE RSVP.
Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue 2: An International Wheatpaste Art Show (Opening Night Party) – (5 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
The second edition of the beloved international wheatpaste show & THE event for wheatpaste artists to meet, exchange ideas & share their love for the art form. With over 200 artists from 15+ countries submitting pieces for the first edition, they’re once again bringing together some of the best wheatpaste art from around the world, right here at Tattooed Mom! Philly’s ONLY wheatpaste art show, 100% produced by artists. Co-produced by Doomed Future & Tattooed Mom, with support from the Step Outside Team. FREE to attend.
Saturday, October 17
Philly Coffee Fest – (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
“An immersive coffee experience” with live entertainment, snacks, as well as beans and drinks from specialty roasters. Kids are welcome, and if you’re more of a tea person, they have that too. At the 23rd Street Armory. $25-50 tickets.
Neighborhood Jawnts: North Philly Black Artists, Culture & Resistance Tour – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
Experience the creative energy of North Philadelphia through inspiring murals, community gardens, and neighborhood spaces where art, innovation, and grassroots leadership are transforming the urban landscape. From historic centers of Black entrepreneurship to vibrant public art and community-driven revitalization, this tour highlights the people and projects shaping the neighborhood’s future while honoring its rich cultural legacy. FREE with required registration. Tour begins and ends at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets.
Reading Terminal’s Scrapple and Apple Festival – (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
What could be more Pennsylvania fall than Reading Terminal’s Scrapple and Apple Festival? The festival will have local scrapple and apple bites to try, as well as live music and family entertainment. What’s more, you can check out the various scrapple sculptures on display from the market’s scrapple sculpting competition, which takes place Oct. 15.
Manayunk Fall Fest – (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Autumn vibes are headed back to Main Street. Manayunk’s Fall Fest returns with local artisans, live music, food trucks, games and last but not least, a mac n’ cheese crawl. If you are curious to sign up for the cheesy fun, tickets are available here.
East Falls Fest – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
If you love the Schuylkill, but have never actually been on it, East Falls Fest will launch boats from the East Falls River Landing. The neighborhood celebration will have live music, artisan tents, free pumpkin decorating, a beer garden, tacos and sweets and cookies from LeBus and Famous Fourth Street.
Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue 2: An International Wheatpaste Art Show – (12 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
Day 2 of the beloved international wheatpaste show & THE event for wheatpaste artists to meet, exchange ideas & share their love for the art form. With over 200 artists from 15+ countries submitting pieces for the first edition, they’re once again bringing together some of the best wheatpaste art from around the world, right here at Tattooed Mom! Philly’s ONLY wheatpaste art show, 100% produced by artists. Includes an afternoon artist talk and panel. Co-produced by Doomed Future & Tattooed Mom, with support from the Step Outside Team. FREE to attend.
Chestnut Hill Conservancy Discovering: “St. Martins Neighborhood” – (2 to 4 p.m.)
An in-person walking tour talk by local architect Richard Bartholomew. Details are online.
GOAToberFest – (2 to 5 p.m.)
Proceeds for this fundraising festival help the Philly Goat Project. The event takes place at the Conservatory at Laurel Hill West Cemetery. Halloween costumes and Bavarian tracht are welcome. You can also go on a goat walk, take a pic with a goat, and even win a special goat-made painting! At 225 Belmont Ave.
Ghost Walk Stories-Library to Hilltop Books – (5 to 7:30 p.m.)
Love scary stories? We’ve got four spooky stories from four different storytellers, told on a short walk from the Chestnut Hill Library to Hilltop Books. Sign up for a ghost walk slot, available every half hour between 5 and 7 p.m. At each stop, participants will enjoy a short story from a live, costumed storyteller. This event is suitable for kids and families ages 6 and up. Each story is 5-10 minutes in length. Expect the full Ghost Walk experience to be approximately an hour in length. Costumes encouraged! $10-25 tickets; Ticket sales support the Chestnut Hill Library.
Sunday, October 18
Philly Coffee Fest – (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
“An immersive coffee experience” with live entertainment, snacks, as well as beans and drinks from specialty roasters. Kids are welcome, and if you’re more of a tea person, they have that too. At the 23rd Street Armory. $25-50 tickets.
Neighborhood Jawnts: North Philly Black Artists, Culture & Resistance Tour – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
Experience the creative energy of North Philadelphia through inspiring murals, community gardens, and neighborhood spaces where art, innovation, and grassroots leadership are transforming the urban landscape. From historic centers of Black entrepreneurship to vibrant public art and community-driven revitalization, this tour highlights the people and projects shaping the neighborhood’s future while honoring its rich cultural legacy. FREE with required registration. Tour begins and ends at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets.
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.
West Mt. Airy Historic House Tour – (Noon to 4 p.m.)
Back by popular demand and presented by Mt. Airy Learning Tree and West Mt. Airy Neighbors. New homes featured each year! Onsite registration until 2 p.m. at Commons & Commons LLP, 30 Pelham Road. This self-guided tour will showcase the unique features of six 19th- and 20th-century residences, with knowledgeable docents on hand to enrich the experience. Participants will enjoy an inside look at the history and stunning architecture of our community. Advance tickets are $35, day of tour tickets are $40. Register online at www.mtairylearningtree.org, by calling 215-843-6333, or by visiting the MALT office at 6601 Greene Street, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is not a walking tour; participants should plan to drive or bike between houses.
Philadelphia Open Studio Tours: East of Broad Street – (Noon to 6 p.m.)
Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), a program of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, is the largest tour of artist studios and creative workspaces in the region. Explore East of Broad on October 17-18. FREE.
Through October
35th Philadelphia Film Festival – (through Oct. 25)
One of the city’s defining cultural events. From October 15 – 25, they’ll continue our three-decade tradition of bringing the best in contemporary world cinema to Philadelphia. From highly anticipated award contenders to bold independent voices and international standouts, the world will meet in Philadelphia this 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.
