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Which Philly Fall Festivals are Still On (or Online)?

Get those fall feelings, and toast the Philly events we look forward to, even if it’s just virtually.

It may not exactly feel like it this year, but fall is upon us! Yes, it’s time to pull out last year’s sweaters and jeans, then laugh and put on the same yoga pants you’ve been wearing since March and place a contactless order for a pumpkin spice latte.

 

But peek out from behind your Zoom call—the leaves are changing outside, and even though we can’t celebrate as large or grand as we’re used to, we’re bringing you all the ways you can still get those fall feelings, and toast the annual Philly events we look forward to, even if it’s just virtually.

 

Be sure to check back, as things are constantly changing and being planned—and we don’t want you to miss anything!

In Person Events

Autumn Harvest Social at Awbury Arboretum

September 20, 2–5 pm

1 Awbury Rd.

 

Come enjoy the beginning of autumn and being outdoors with live music, circus performers, and Sunday Fun Day at the Farm, featuring family photos with the goats! Registration is required for certain events to control crowd size and ensure social distancing, so be sure to check online and reserve your spot. Light refreshments will be provided by Peachtree Catering. Guests are required to wear masks.

Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest

September 23–November 1

Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

 

Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier always brings a full month of special events, fall food and drinks, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving, and Halloween fun as the festival goes on (stay tuned for details). The waterfront spot will be decked out with fall decor, and seasonal treats like pumpkin bread and apple empanadas will be added to the menu; plus lots of autumn-flavored cocktails and beers (hot toddy, anyone?) will join their selection of local brews.

 

On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am-5 pm, pumpkin carving will be available–pick a pumpkin from the Morgan’s Pier Pumpkin Patch for $5 or $10 and get started on your creation! Reservations, masks, and social distancing are required due to COVID-19.

Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk and Design Contest

October 3-November 1

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

 

Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for the 13th year with the 2020 theme, “Fairy Tale ‘Crows.” The creative scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum, and visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners!

 

Revolutionary Germantown Festival

October 3, 10 am—4 pm

Various locations throughout Germantown

 

Due to COVID-19, the usual entertainment, food, and re-enactments of the Battle of Germantown at this historic site are canceled, so this festival will take place in a different form. Families are invited to explore Germantown and its historic sites to learn how the American Revolution and the Battle of Germantown affected people in 1777. A variety of activities for the whole family will be available at Cliveden and Historic Germantown sites. Guidebooks with maps of the neighborhood, information about participating sites and activities, and locations of restaurants and cafes will be available at participating institutions and online.

Dilworth Park Harvest Weekend

October 9-11

1 S. 15th St.

 

Harvest Weekend will encompass the best elements of fall at Dilworth Park. Three distinct activation zones will feature unique offerings, including a family-friendly area on the lawn with pumpkin painting. A “deconstructed beer garden” will socially-distant seating and a full cocktail to-go menu, plus seasonal dishes, like bratwurst. There will also be live entertainment like music, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, circus arts, and other surprises. The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market will also be open, with local vendors offering unique items for sale.

Virtual Events

2020 Fringe Festival

September 10-October 4

 

This annual citywide celebration of contemporary art and performance will be predominantly virtual, featuring over 120 works across genres and platforms. While many performances are more for adults, there is something for everyone! Family-friendly picks include the streaming Baby Whale and the Plastic Oceanrequesting personalized music for your pets, weekly tap dance shows, and nightly performances by Kangaroo Zulu Dancers.

 

Fun and interactive Ants on a Log virtual concerts will be on Facebook Live on September 12 (10:30 am), September 13 (3 pm), and October 3 (10:30 am). And, looking forward, the festival closes out with the fantastic (and free!) Circus Midway on October 4, when you can join the circus from the comfort of your home with free live classes and workshops hosted by teachers and performers from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.

Greenfest Philly

September 12-26

 

Greenfest is entirely virtual this year, and will be bringing you over 25 different programs over the next 16 days all highlighting how to be more sustainable in your daily life. From DIY tutorials to live music, and much more, there’s something for everyone to make a difference and learn about how to help our planet.

Delaware River Festival

September 26-October 4

 

Every year, the Philly and Camden sides of the Delaware River come together for a “coast to coast” festival, usually taking place in one grand day. This year, the festival will be mostly online, with some on-the-river activities like family kayaking mixed in. Join online for kids’ activities, learning, yoga, performances, and much more. Plus, the morning of September 26, you can visit the Discovery Center for the Big Sit birdwatching event–due to COVID-19, registration is required and attendance is limited.

 

 

Lead photograph courtesy of FCM Hospitality/ Morgan’s Pier.

Contributing Writer

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