The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week and Weekend
This week in Philly: spooky stuff, fall festivals, Oktoberfest, open studios, and much more.
Oktoberfest at the Armory / Photograph courtesy of Brauhaus Schmitz
This week in Philly: spooky stuff, fall festivals, Oktoberfest, open studios, and much more. Here’s the best of the best happening.
FESTIVALS
St. Nicholas Festival
Chinatown Night Market
Neighborhood restaurants and local food trucks converge on Chinatown for a nighttime street festival that also includes live performances, arts and crafts stations, and a marketplace. October 8th, 6-10 p.m., 10th and Race streets.
DesignPhiladelphia
The oldest design festival of its kind in the country, DesignPhiladelphia celebrates the history, artists, and innovation that makes Philadelphia such an attraction for culture and design with over 100 open houses, workshops, exhibits, a kids’ festival, and more across two weeks. October 1st-11th, multiple locations.
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.
23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
The two-day Armory Oktoberfest returns, transforming the 16,000-square-foot fortress into a Munich-inspired festival tent with blue-and-white-striped ceilings, tables and benches imported from Germany, and a lofted stage for musical acts, along with German dancing. Expect traditional Oktoberfest food (soft pretzels as big as your head!) and beer from Hofbräu München in giant steins, naturally. Tickets are by the session — choose one of three four-hour timeslots across Friday and Saturday — and include one liter of beer (it’s pay-as-you-go after that). VIP options are available as well, which include more food and drink, reserved seating, and more extras. October 9th and 10th, 22 South 23rd Street.
See Also: The Best Oktoberfest Celebrations Around Philly
Made in Philadelphia Fall Fest
Get a jump on fall shopping at Dilworth Park’s Made in Philadelphia Fall Market, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Browse handmade jewelry, art, accessories, home goods, skincare and other wares from local makers, while enjoying a seasonal beer garden and family-friendly games and activities. October 9th & 10th, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.
Historic Mansions of East Fairmount Heritage Festival
Laurel Hill, Ormiston, and Woodford mansions open their doors for a family-friendly celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary, with costumed reenactors, colonial crafts, live music, and lawn games offering a glimpse at everyday life in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia. Colonial costumes are encouraged, so consider this your excuse to embrace the waistcoat. Free shuttles connect all three historic houses throughout the day. October 10th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in East Fairmount Park.
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Italian Festival
This annual festival takes over the 1700 block of South 9th Street, starting with a procession of saints and filling the day with Italian food, live entertainment, kids’ rides and games, and a joyous dance party.
October 11th, noon-8 p.m., 1700 block of South 9th Street.
OURfest
In celebration of National Coming Out Day, Pride 365 is planning a festival including a parade and a block party with grassroots organizations, live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, dance spaces, and interactive art installations. October 11th, 13th Street from Walnut to Pine and 12th from Locust to Pine.
Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival
This festival welcomes the season with over 100 arts and craft vendors, live art demonstrations, live music, shopping, food, and fun for the family all along Germantown Avenue October 11th, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Germantown Avenue between Willow Grove and Rex avenues.
Open Streets on Walnut Street / Photograph by Laura Swartz
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.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Children’s Halloween Spectacular
The orchestra is getting all dressed up for the kids with a show featuring spooky favorites from Coco, Harry Potter, and Ghostbusters, and more. Come early for some pre-concert fun in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza: arts and crafts, a photo booth, and a costume contest. October 10th, 11:30 a.m. (pre-concert activities at 10:30 a.m.) at the Kimmel Center.
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.
Philadelphia Ballet’s Stars and Stripes Forever!
American ballet gets a star-spangled showcase with this lively mixed bill from three of its defining choreographers. Jerome Robbins’s Fancy Free, George Balanchine’s jazzy Who Cares?, and patriotic Stars and Stripes, and Eliot Feld’s Variations on “America” explore different sides of the art form. October 8th-11th at the Academy of Music.
Philadelphia Ballet’s Stars and Stripes Forever! / Photograph by Alexander Iziliaev
Summer, 1976
David Auburn, the Pulitzer-winning playwright behind Proof, brings humor and poignancy to this story of friendship, ambition, and the choices that shape us. Kate Galvin directs the Philadelphia premiere. Through October 10th at St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th and Ludlow streets.
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
Spooky Philly-themed mini golf continues at Franklin Square this week / Photograph courtesy of Historic Philadelphia
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.
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.
“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
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.
Indigenous Peoples Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
Explore Native American history, culture, and the complicated choices they faced during the Revolution. Plus, stories from historical interpreters, Lenape dance performances, wampum-belt crafts for kids, and more throughout the weekend. October 10th-12th at the Museum of the American Revolution.
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
Bok Open Studios
Open Studios at Bok
The resident makers at Bok hold a community open house including art demonstrations, food and drinks, and pop-up performances. October 9th, 5-9 p.m. at the Bok Building.
Philadelphia Open Studio Tours
Take a self-guided tour the studios and workspaces of Philadelphia artists west of Broad — next weekend will be east of Broad. Plan your studio itinerary using the official POST online map, here. October 10th & 11th at multiple locations west of Broad Street.
8 Seconds Rodeo
“America’s premiere Black rodeo” celebrates the once-overlooked Black American cowboy culture with a live show featuring competitions in bull riding, bareback bronc riding, and more. Doors open at 3 p.m. for The Git Down — community vendors, music, line dancing, and roping lessons — before the show at 7 p.m. October 10th, 7 p.m. (pre-show activities at 3 p.m.) at the Liacouras Center.
Reel October
The Philadelphia Film Society kicks off its 35th-anniversary season with two weeks of films screened exclusively on 35mm — a celebration of the warm, flickering magic of actual film. (Looking ahead: This series runs through October 11th, then gives way to the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival beginning October 15th, bringing premieres, filmmakers, and international cinema to theaters around town.) September 30th–October 11th at Film Society Center.
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.
