Whether you're sad to see summer go or are looking forward to cooler temps, fall in Philly is here, and with it comes a whole new season of festivals, events, and activities. Not to mention the return of pumpkin-flavored everything, crisp autumn air, and changing leaves.

From spooky Halloween celebrations and hayrides to the return of football season (go birds), Philly has a range of ways to make the most of sweater weather. We rounded up the top events and fall activities happening in Philadelphia this autumn.

15 Things to Do in Philly This Fall

Kick Off the Season at the Fishtown Feastivale

Happening on September 23—the official Fall Equinox—this food and drink extravaganza brings together some of the city's best bites including burgers, brisket, and Bavarian pretzels paired with Fishtown favorite cocktails and beer, plus over 50 local art and retail vendors. And that's all on top of live DJs, carnival games, and a dunk tank. There's no better way to welcome fall!

Where: Franklin Ave from Girard Ave to Palmer St
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Find the Perfect Pumpkin at Linvilla Orchards

It's not fall until you've picked out the perfect pumpkin. Take a short drive to Linvilla Orchards and make your way through a straw bale or corn maze, enjoy a moonlit hayride, and pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving. If you're bringing little ones, a ride on the train is a must, but they also have face painting, pony rides, farm animals, fishing, and more.

Refuel with a woodfired pizza, and make sure to grab a cider donut or caramel apple for the drive home. Open through November 5!

Where: 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA
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Watch Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood

See the Longwood Gardens fountains all lit up this fall as water in all shapes, sizes, and heights combines with music and a rainbow of colors for an enchanting dusk and nighttime show. Blankets and chairs are permitted after 12pm, so feel free to get comfy while you watch.

Pro-Tip: Come early and celebrate fall’s favorite flower—in its many forms, hues, and varieties—during the Chrysanthemum Festival, running from September 30 though October 28.

Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
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Prost to Roxtoberfest

The 11th Annual Roxtoberfest will take place on October 7 this year with all the staples of an authentic Oktoberfest celebration, plus much more. Find over 70 crafters and community organizations from delicious food trucks and craft brews to live brass bands and performances. There will also be a Keg Tapping Ceremony, Stein Holding Competition, kids activities, and more.

Where: Ridge Avenue between Lyceum and Leverington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
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Join the Philly Bike Ride

Experience the only car-free bike ride in Philly on October 14! This all-ages event is a 20-mile journey on two wheels along car-free streets that take you past iconic monuments and Philly landmarks. The adventure culminates at the Finish Festival, located at the base of the Rocky Steps by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with food trucks, fun activities, live entertainment and more!

Bonus: A portion of the ride’s proceeds are donated to the Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling initiative. There's also a scholarship program to ensure participation of riders who cannot afford the ticket fee.

Where: Race begins and ends by the Philadelphia Museum of Art: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA. Visit the site to see a route map.
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Attend the Midtown Village Fall Festival

Join the Midtown Village neighborhood in their Fall Festival, happening on September 30 this year. This one-day event features boutique shopping, craft vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, kids activities, and more!

Where: Midtown Village, see the website for a festival map.
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Admire Fall Foliage at Fairmount Park

New York may have Central Park, but Philly has the largest landscaped urban park in the world. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Fairmount Park and soak up the crisp fall air and breathtaking fall foliage. With more than 2,000 acres of rolling hills, trails, woodlands, and waterfronts, Fairmount Park has no shortage of incredible leaf-peeping spots.

Where: 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA
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Shop and Dine at Old City Fest

Old City Fest is a celebration of the historic heart of Philadelphia and the art and design, fashion and food, and creativity and culture that make it what it is. Explore the cobblestone streets, and enjoy live music, artisan markets, delicious food and drink, and live performances. Happening October 8 from 11am to 8pm!

Where: 231 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Face Your Fears at Eastern State Penitentiary's Halloween Nights

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary are back for 2023! As if the abandoned prison wasn't eerie enough, the historic site will transform into a thrilling attraction with five haunted houses, plus themed bars and lounges, live performances, historic tours, and more. In other words, the perfect bone-chilling experience for spooky season.

Where: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
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See the Scarecrows at Peddler's Village Village

For some less terrifying fall fun, head to Peddler's Village for their Scarecrows in the Village festival. Stroll through over 100 scarecrows lining the brick pathways of their autumn-themed Village. You'll find a variety of characters, all of which are carefully handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations. The display is free and on view every day through October 29.

If you want to make a day of it, head up on October 14 and 15 for the 7th Annual OktoberFeast, complete with a beer garden, food trucks, live entertainment, and family activities. Or swing by on November 4 and 5 for the Apple Festival!

Where: Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, Bucks County, PA
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Tour Local Art Studios at POST

Every October, Philly's artists open their doors for the largest, self-guided, free-to-attend tour of artist studios in the region. The Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) spans 26 neighborhoods throughout the city, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes peek into the creative workspaces and processes of local visual artists. 

This year, studios East of Broad will be open on October 14 and 15, and studios West of Broad on October 21 and 22. Along with tours, you can also attend special events, receptions, and demonstrations.

Where: Various locations. See the map and participant directory for details.
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Grab a Bite at the Chinatown Night Market

Satisfy your taste buds at the Chinatown Night Market, featuring a wide array of delicious Asian cuisine from dozens of local vendors. The one-night only street festival is happening on October 12 from 6pm to 10pm, and apart from a smattering of food trucks and tasty bites, you can expect a full night of live music, entertainment, shopping, and crafts.

Where: Chinatown, along 10th St and Race St., Philadelphia, PA
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See the Latest in Cinema at the Philadelphia Film Festival

Catch screenings of new and independent films from around the world from October 19 through 29 at the Philadelphia Film Festival. PFL curates a lineup of the year's most highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films from Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Toronto and more. You'll also have a chance to chat with actors, directors, and industry guests, sit it in on panel discussions, attend receptions, and more.

Where: Various locations. Visit the site for details.
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Trick-or-Treat at Boo at the Zoo

Visiting the zoo is more fun when there are pumpkins for the animals to play with (or eat). Boo at the Zoo is back for another year and the Halloween Extravaganza will kick off on Saturday, October 14th and run for three weekends (through October 29). Come dressed in costume and trick-or-treat your way through the 42 acres of wildlife, exhibits, and attractions, and find ghoulish treats and activities for the whole family along the way. This year visitors can expect more traditional fall fun, including a hay maze, seasonal decor, and plenty of photo ops.

Where: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA
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Catch an Eagles Game

Finally, no fall in Philadelphia is complete without the Eagles. Obviously you can watch the game at home or at one of the many sports bars in town showing the game, but cheering on the birds at Lincoln Financial Field is an experience like no other, and should be on every Philadelphian's bucket list. Get tickets for the week 7 or week 12 games to see Jalen Hurts and team sporting the return of the Kelly Green jerseys. Go Birds!

Where: One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA
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