The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week and Weekend
This week in Philly: GOAToberfest, the Philly Music Fest, block parties, spooky stuff, and much more.
Philly Goat Project’s GOAToberfest / Photograph by Veracity Studios
This week in Philly: GOAToberfest, the Philly Music Fest, block parties, spooky stuff, and much more. Here’s the best of the best happening.
FESTIVALS
Helen Reynolds traveled from Pittsburgh to carve Gritty out of a slab of scrapple. / Photograph by Kae Lani Palmisano
Scrapple & Apple Festival
Reading Terminal Market’s annual festival brings one-day-only scrapple creations, apples from local Pennsylvania orchards, scrapple sculptures (the sculpting competition is on Thursday if you want to watch the artists at work!) and more regional-food fun. October 17th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Reading Terminal Market.
Philly Music Fest
Philly’s music scene takes center stage at the 10th anniversary of Philly Music Fest, a seven-night celebration of local talent playing the independent venues that keep the city’s music ecosystem humming. From indie rock and punk to folk, jazz, metal, and electronic music, this year’s lineup includes Gregory Alan Isakov, Sweet Pill, Mo Lowda & the Humble, RJD2, and the Dillinger Escape Plan, among two dozen other acts. Shows take place at venues around Philly and in Ardmore, with proceeds supporting music education for kids. Read more about the festival in our preview. (Editor note: Philly Mag and The Philadelphia Citizen are media sponsors of the festival.) October 12th-18th at multiple locations in Philadelphia and Ardmore.
Philadelphia Film Festival
The Philadelphia Film Society hosts 11 days of award contenders, international standouts, bold indie films, and discoveries from emerging filmmakers around town. There are also world premieres from local filmmakers, special screenings and events, and plenty of chances to catch a film before it hits theaters — or before everyone starts talking about it. Don’t know where to start? Head over to The Philadelphia Citizen‘s preview for film critic Carrie Rickey’s picks. October 15th-25th at multiple locations.
Manayunk Fall Fest
Manayunk’s Fall Fest returns to Main Street with live music, food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activities. But wait, there’s more: There’ll be a Mac n’ Cheese Crawl, where Manayunk restaurants will put their own spin on the classic comfort food. October 17th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Main Street, Manayunk.
Philly AIDS Thrift 21st Anniversary Block Party
Everyone’s favorite donation-drop-off spot and treasure-hunting destination is turning 21 and they’re throwing a birthday bash in Queen Village. The nonprofit thrift store benefiting HIV/AIDS service organizations will celebrate in style with live music, DJ Robert Drake, carnival games, a celebrity dunk tank, food trucks, shopping, a pie-eating contest, and more merriment. October 17th, noon-6 p.m., 710 South 5th Street.
Scenes from the Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party, just one of Philly’s many fall festivals / Photograph by Kelly Burkhardt
Weirdo Fest
Kensington’s wonderfully weird street fair returns. Expect outsider art, oddness, music, food, beer, eclectic performances, stuff for kids, and more. Wizards, circus performers, wrestlers … and you? Why not? October 17th, 2-10 p.m., Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Avenue.
GOAToberFest
If you’ve always wanted to drink beer and cocktails while playing with goats, Philly Goat Project’s fundraiser at West Laurel Hill is the party for you. They say that 13 goats will be present, which is delightfully specific. (If it were only a mere dozen of goats, forget about it!) Triple Bottom Brewing is Triple Bottom Brewing is releasing a special GOAToberFest beer — it’s actually their Oktoberfest Crunch Beer rebranded for the event with a special commemorative label designed by Philly muralist Symone Salib. Plus, s’mores around the fire pit, lawn games, a photo booth, and raffles for art created by goats! And finally, costumes are highly encouraged, as there will be a costume contest. The host? None other than drag queen Dominique Lee. The event is adults-only, and tickets are available online. October 17th, 2-5 p.m., Laurel Hill West Conservatory, 215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd.
Collective Futures
Philadelphia’s network of artist-run spaces, DIY venues, and community-based initiatives hosts this collaboratively organized project bringing together more than 40 independent spaces and organizations across the city through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public programs citywide. Through November 15th, multiple locations.
Awbury Arboretum Harvest Fest
Head to the Germantown farm for fall fun including live music, hayrides, horse rides, crafts, goats, food, and more. October 18th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Awbury Arboretum.
Open Streets: West Walnut
The Best of Philly-winning event returns. Take to the streets as 18th from Locust to Chestnut, and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. From 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on those days, the streets will be open to pedestrians, along with live entertainment (think music, dance troupes, strolling performers) and a kids’ zone with free activities. Sundays through October 25th, 10 a.m-5 p.m., 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th.
FallFest at Shady Brook Farm
Yardley’s famous farm is once again decked out in seasonal sights and activities — including a light show, farm animals, wagon rides, pick-your-own produce, and an America 250-themed corn maze. Tickets available online. Through October 30th Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley.
ON STAGE
The Addams Family at Walnut Street Theatre
The Addams Family: The Musical
Expect the whole creepy and kooky clan — Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, etc. — plus plenty of songs, secrets, and beautifully dysfunctional family drama, just in time for spooky season! September 22nd-November 1st at Walnut Street Theatre.
Liberation
Philadelphia Theatre Company opens its season with the Philadelphia premiere of Bess Wohl’s 2026 Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning play. Moving between the early 1970s and today, the story follows a daughter reconstructing a chapter of her late mother’s life through the women in her consciousness-raising group, exploring motherhood, marriage, work, identity, and freedom across generations. This is the play’s first production in the country following its Broadway run. October 9th–25th at Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
Witch
What if the devil showed up offering to make all your problems disappear? Adapted from the Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton, this sharp, darkly funny retelling mixes desire, desperation, and small-town suspicion into a fable about what people are willing to give up when hope starts running thin. September 30th-October 25th at Quintessence Theater.
SPOOKY STUFF
Halloween House at Fashion District / Photograph by Cody Aldrich
Science After Hours: Fright Nite
The Franklin Institute’s adults-only Science After Hours series is always a good time. You get to run around all the science museum’s exhibits after dark, as well as the roof deck with incredible views and stargazing. Their Halloween party includes scary movie science, a DJ dance party in the planetarium, stargazing, food and drink, and more fun. Costumes are encouraged.
October 16th, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.
“Bloodletting & Burials” Tours at Betsy Ross House
This tour takes you back to the 1700s, where you’ll hear true tales of disease, death, and burial. But not before you take a spooky after-hours visit to the Betsy Ross House with Betsy herself sewing a coffin lining in her workshop. After stopping at several sites on your tour, you’ll end at Garden at City Tavern, where your ticket includes a specialty cocktail (Widow’s Tea or Blood Moon).Tickets available online. Saturdays in October, 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. at the Betsy Ross House.
See Also: Halloween for Grownups: Pop-Up Bars, Spooky Soirées and More Philly Haunts
Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with decorations, lights, fog and other fun surprises. Stick around for the fountain show and grab a drink at the “Boo-zy Bar” to round out your night.October 1st–November 1st at Franklin Square.
Boo at the Zoo
During weekends in October, the Zoo gets decked out for the season with festive displays (perfect for photo ops), treat stations, and fun activities (for the kids and the animals!). Bring your own bag and come in costume for a trick-or-treat safari. The zoo residents are getting in on the fun, too, so if you want to see them chowing down on some pumpkins, check out the feeding schedule on the zoo map. Plus, a “Trick-or-Tree House,” Home Depot’s “12-Foot Skellys,” costume contests, and more. Boo at the Zoo is included with admission, and members get in free. Weekends in October at the Philadelphia Zoo.
See Also: Where to Celebrate Halloween With Kids in Philly
Halloween in the Historic District
Old City hosts a family-friendly candy crawl, with participating historic sites and cultural attractions offering treats and kids’ activities. Start at the Independence Visitor Center to pick up a trick-or-treat bag and map, then follow the trail to discover what’s happening around the district. October 18th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Old City.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Fairmount’s historic prison has been divided into separate haunted house attractions — including the Machine Shop, The Crypt, and Big Top Terror. There’s also the Bloodline Lounge (for vampire-themed cocktails), a speakeasy, live dance performances by the Boogie Monsters in Pumpkin Plaza, a beer garden, s’mores, and more. October 2nd through November 7th at Eastern State Penitentiary.
MUSEUMS
Fountain by Marcel Duchamp / Photograph courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art via Association Marcel Duchamp / ADAGP, Paris / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 2026
“Marcel Duchamp”
The first major U.S. retrospective devoted to the artist in more than 50 years brings together more than 300 works spanning his career, from paintings and sculptures to film, photography, exhibition design and the famously unclassifiable readymades. The exhibit traces how Duchamp upended just about every assumption about what art could be — and helped change the course of modern art in the process. October 10th-January 31st at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Revolutionary Philadelphia, 1776
Museum of the American Revolution is hosting dramatic vignettes, tours, and other events to paint a picture of life in Philadelphia at the star of the war. Meet merchants, artisans and neighbors debating their loyalties as British forces advance, haggle over goods at a colonial market, and try hands-on activities. Will you enlist with Washington’s army, stay loyal to the King or hedge your bets? Add a guided walking tour for a deeper dive into the people and politics of the Revolutionary capital. October 17th & 18th, Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street.
Museum of the Philadelphian
Billed as “an unapologetic micromuseum about Philadelphia’s people,” this brainchild of Brian Adoff (the same guy who brought us Join Philly) begins its limited run inside his Fishtown studio. Finally, Philly’s bad behavior gets the museum treatment. It will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with free admission, but admission is very limited, so reserve your spot online. Read more in our preview. September 25th-November 1st at 454 East Girard Avenue.
“Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America”
How did Japanese American incarceration during World War II shape the look of modern America? The Barnes’ new exhibit explores that question through the work of six influential Japanese American artists and designers, tracing how their experiences influenced the objects, furniture, sculpture, and design that helped define the postwar American aesthetic. Through January 10th at the Barnes Foundation.
MORE THINGS TO DO
Lucky Girl Market
Cherry Street Pier hosts a free shopping pop-up showcasing vintage sellers and handmade goods from women and queer creators. The market brings together vendors from across the East Coast for a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, crafts, and other treasures. October 16th, 3-9 p.m. at Cherry Street Pier.
SuperGameDay Takeover Outbreak
Gamers, cosplayers, fighting-game fans and curious onlookers assemble for a celebration of gaming and creative culture. Expect vendors, food and drinks, live music, streamers, cosplay, a martial arts showcase, family-friendly activities, and artwork by former pier artist Thomcat23. Feeling competitive? Enter a tournament featuring Street Fighter 6, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Tekken 8, or Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls (tournament entry is $15). October 17th, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Cherry Street Pier.
CityPickle at Dilworth Park
CityPickle will once again set up two Pickleball courts near City Hall, giving players a chance to rally in the middle of Center City. Book a court through the CityPickle app, or reserve a private court for your crew. Through October 18th in Dilworth Park.
