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?️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
? Philly Halloween 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.
Artist Town Hall at Asian Arts Initiative – (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
Come together to pitch your latest projects, share resources, and see sneak peeks of new work. This Town Hall will be hosted by Cat Ramirez, with featured performances and works in progress by Mel Hsu and Taj Rauch. Connect with local art communities while enjoying delicious Sri-Lankan comfort food provided by Sri’s Company. FREE.
Native Plant Prep Party – (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
You ready to make Philadelphia a more biodiverse city? Join volunteer nights of prepping packets of native plant seeds for free distribution across the city! At Sulimay’s diner at 632 E Girard Ave. RSVP is free.
Nationals Open Stage Drag Contest – (8 to 11 p.m.)
Every Monday night, National Mechanics opens the stage to Philly’s drag community. Nationals is an open-call drag show where newcomers, rising performers, seasoned queens, kings, and wild cards can get on stage, test new material, and compete in front of a live audience. Hosted by Jenny Henny and Yari from Henn House, Nationals brings a different lineup every week, with performers competing for a $100 cash prize. Come to watch, support local drag, discover new performers, or take your own shot at the stage. Ages 21+, no cover.
Third Tuesday: Rituals & Recipes for Remembrance – (4:30 to 6 p.m.)
Monthly Second Tuesday writing workshop at the Dornsife Center, 3509 Spring Garden St. October’s workshop will be led by Steve Dolph and Ivonne Pinto Garcia, connected to their collaborative project Mujeres de Maíz (Women of Corn). Through the lens of food and family recipes, we will reflect on memory, loss, and rituals for remembrance inspired by Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions. FREE. Community Dinner immediately to follow.
cinéSPEAK x Dusky Projects present Blood Quantum (2019) – (7 p.m.)
Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with a special presentation of Jeff Barnaby’s Indigenous genre flick. BYO snacks. FREE with RSVP; donations welcome.
Day of the Dead Celebration: Community Art Workshop with Cesar Viveros – (4 to 6 p.m.)
Come out for a community art workshop to assist artist Cesar Viveros in putting together Día de los Muertos installation at Gateway Plaza at FDR Park. Learn more about Día de los Muertos and Mexican cultural traditions. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available. FREE with RSVP.
Best-Of Excursion: Solidly South Philly (Early Evening) – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Streets Dept Excursions are guided tours of Philly’s art and public space! On this excursion, from the Percy Street Project to Isaiah Zagar mosaic murals, to 9th Street Market art infrastructure, a mural made completely from bottle caps, and one of the most-used street art freewalls in the city–this section of Philly is home to a collection art in the public space that’s distinctly South Philly! Led by Conrad Benner. Tour starts at 9th and Reed streets. Tour ends at 9th Street and Washington Avenue. Rain or shine. $24.97 tickets.
Pocket Park After Dark – (5 to 10 p.m.)
Come out for a spooky night in Roxborough Pocket Park with local artists and makers, live music, Halloween fun, and plenty of reasons to dress up. Then stick around for a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 8 p.m. Dress to impress as costume prizes will be awarded for Best Rocky Horror Look, Most Outrageous, Best Couple/Group/Pet, Most Creative, and Sweetest Transvestite. FREE.
3rd Annual Impact That Inspires Gala – (6 p.m.)
Support Philadelphia’s youth at this event at the I.A.T.S.E. Ballroom at 2401 S. Swanson St. The evening features a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment, and an awards program honoring local change-makers to benefit under-resourced students. $100 tickets.
Board Game Speed Dating – (7 to 9 p.m.)
Best case scenario: You find true love, discover some awesome board games, and make some new friends. Bad case scenario: You accomplish only one of those three things, which is still pretty great. Worst case scenario: There will be alcohol. At Evil Genius Beer Co. $31-45 tickets.
Neighborhood Jawnts: River Wards – (2 p.m.)
An honest portrait of industrial roots, art scenes, resilience, and reinvention. Explore the River Wards, where generations of immigrant communities, industrial innovation, and neighborhood traditions intersect with one of Philadelphia’s most rapidly evolving urban landscapes. From family-owned institutions and boxing legends to independent bookstores, vibrant arts spaces, and revitalized commercial corridors, this tour uncovers the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that continue to define Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, and Bridesburg. Tour starts and ends at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. FREE with registration.
Halloween Hikes & Hayrides – (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Craft magical creations, make s’mores by the fire, take a hayride and search for nocturnal creatures, chat with our woodland friends on an evening hike, watch Halloween classics outside on the big screen, and so much more! Support the Schuylkill Center during our largest annual fundraising event and experience the woods in a whole new light. $20-33 tickets.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Jordon Ross Weinhold – (7:30 p.m.)
Lancaster actor Jordon Ross Weinhold brings a one-person adaptation of Washington Irving’s 1820 story of chilling events in the New York countryside. Who will win out? Modern science or the local legend of a diabolical specter? Perfect for all ages. A wine-and-cheese reception will follow the performances. Seating is limited. Advanced reservations strongly suggested. At the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion. $17.25-$38.25 tickets.
WHYY Be My Neighbor Day – (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Meet local firefighters and learn about what it means to be a community helper. Ride the carousel and get a chance to see Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat! Share the community helper spirit by donating gently used books to a local book bank and learn about organizations that provide fun resources for families in Philly and the surrounding area. FREE at Franklin Square Park. Registered guests will receive a goodie bag and a free carousel ride! WHYY will collect your gently used books when you sign in.
Neighborhood Jawnts: River Wards – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
An honest portrait of industrial roots, art scenes, resilience, and reinvention. Explore the River Wards, where generations of immigrant communities, industrial innovation, and neighborhood traditions intersect with one of Philadelphia’s most rapidly evolving urban landscapes. From family-owned institutions and boxing legends to independent bookstores, vibrant arts spaces, and revitalized commercial corridors, this tour uncovers the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that continue to define Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, and Bridesburg. Tour starts and ends at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. FREE with registration.
CultureFest: Día de los Muertos – (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
This full-day festival offers fun for the whole family, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional ofrenda (altar) installation. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a lively holiday blending of Indigenous Mexican beliefs and traditions with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. With roots in rituals dating back 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Día de los Muertos is observed across Latin America and in Latine communities worldwide. Tickets up to $23 to the Penn Museum.
Spooktacular Science Day – (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Celebrate Halloween with hands-on science, live demonstrations, festive photo opportunities, and family-friendly activities at The Franklin Institute. Included with $23-29 general admission.
Fall for Tacony Festival – (12 to 6 p.m.)
Come out for an amazing day featuring costume contests, carnival games, fun prizes, live music, food, and more. The 6800-6900 blocks of Torresdale Ave will be blocked off for this event. FREE.
Cresheim Trail Fall Foliage Festival 2026 – (1 to 3 p.m.)
Music, merch, movement and more! An inaugural event for the whole family. This is an activation of the Rail Trail corridor between Germantown and Stenton Avenues. Wear your favorite fall boots or walking shoes. We’ll make use of the full Rail Trail “rough draft,” plus Ed’s Loop, plus Wissahickon East, with music, nature walks, and community partners. Roughly 1.5 miles. Local artists will also perform music along the trail! Choose from three nature walks, which will meet in the tunnel under the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line. FREE.
Halloween Hikes & Hayrides – (3:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Craft magical creations, make s’mores by the fire, take a hayride and search for nocturnal creatures, chat with our woodland friends on an evening hike, watch Halloween classics outside on the big screen, and so much more! Support the Schuylkill Center during our largest annual fundraising event and experience the woods in a whole new light. $20-33 tickets.
Soul Crawl – (7 to 10 p.m.)
At these annual after-dark tours of Laurel Hill East, hear the storied lives of restless spirits from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Knowledgeable tour guides will lead visitors by flashlight down winding pathways, and the night will conclude with festive beverages around roaring fire pits. Tickets range from free for kids under age five to $25 general admission.
Sensory Friendly Halloween Event at The Franklin Institute – (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Designed for guests who prefer a more sensory-considerate museum experience. The event includes sensory-friendly shows, Halloween trick-or-treating, hands-on activities, community programming, and general admission access to the museum. Included with $23-29 general admission.
Neighborhood Jawnts: River Wards – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
An honest portrait of industrial roots, art scenes, resilience, and reinvention. Explore the River Wards, where generations of immigrant communities, industrial innovation, and neighborhood traditions intersect with one of Philadelphia’s most rapidly evolving urban landscapes. From family-owned institutions and boxing legends to independent bookstores, vibrant arts spaces, and revitalized commercial corridors, this tour uncovers the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that continue to define Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, and Bridesburg. Tour starts and ends at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. FREE with registration.
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.
Community Arts Center Fall Fest – (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Wallingford’s Community Arts Center Fall Fest is filled with 30 different art vendors, a pumpkin painting contest, kids activities and tours. Carmona Mobile Foods food truck will be on site, as well as Conshohocken Brewing Company. FREE.
Philly Flannel Fest – (Noon to 5 p.m.)
When it comes to fall fabric, flannel is the clear winner. Wear your coziest plaids to this year’s Philly Flannel Fest at the Braid Mill in Germantown. The party will have live music — plus cocktails, yummy food and a craft marketplace with clothes, gifts and more. At 441 High Street.
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.
WHYY’s Let’s Go Skating with Matt Guilhem takes over Hot Wheelz Skating Rink in Cherry Hill for an evening of music, games, and Halloween fun on Thursday, Oct. 29.
A $20 single ticket includes admission, skate rentals, a slice of pizza, a drink, and 20 arcade game credits. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best spooky attire, as the best Halloween costume wins a prize. The event runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at 664 Deer Road.
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.
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.
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