It’s time to pull out last year’s sweaters and jeans, place a contactless order for a pumpkin spice latte, and start filling your calendars with apple picking and fall fun. Even though we can’t celebrate as large or grand as we’re used to in the beforetimes, we’re bringing you all the ways you can still get those fall feelings, keeping track of what’s still happening.

 

Stay tuned for Halloween events– that’s a whole separate article.

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

2021 Fringe Festival

September 9-October 3

Citywide (and virtual)

 

This annual citywide celebration of contemporary art and performance will feature hundreds of both live and streaming performances throughout the city. While many performances are more for adults, there is something for everyone! Family-friendly picks include circus, Shakespeare, dance, and more (stay tuned for our Fall Arts Preview for more details). Streaming and virtual options include The Greatest Showman, The Frog Prince, and a scavenger hunt!

Philadelphia Honey Festival

September 10—12

Glen Foerd on the Delaware (Grant Avenue and Milnor Street) on September 10; Wyck Historic House (6026 Germantown Avenue) on September 11; and Bartram’s Garden (54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard) on September 12

 

The Philadelphia Honey Festival brings three days of sweet activities to three different historic locations—Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Wyck historic home, and Bartram’s Garden. The festival has fun for all ages, with beekeeping demos and talks, live music, food trucks, children’s activities, vendors, a guy with a beard of bees, and much more.

West Craft Fest

September 11, 11 am–5 pm

The Woodlands, 40th and Woodland avenues

 

Shop over 90 local artists, crafters, and makers of handmade jewelry, original artworks, prints, clothing, ceramics, baby gifts, stationery, candles, soaps, toys, tinctures, and treasures galore! Plus, enjoy live performances, including Tinycircus, and explore The Woodlands’ 54 walkable acres.

Poké Pier Event

September 11, 2–5 pm

Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.

 

Don’t miss the first-ever Poké Pier Event at Cherry Street Pier hosted by resident artist Keni “Thomcat23” Thompson! Enjoy a day on the Philly Waterfront celebrating all things Pokémon: art, vendors, music, cosplay, music, food, and more for all ages. The event is free and open to the public. Concessions are pay-as-you-go.

Weirdo: The East Kensington Arts and Oddities Festival

September 18, 2 pm

Kensington Community Food Co-Op, 2670 Coral St.

 

Art, oddness, music, food, beer, eclectic performances, stuff for kids, and more converge on this wonderfully weird street fair.

Delaware River Festival

September 24-October 3

 

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 both in-person and online, taking place in various locations over the week. Whether it’s live streams and lessons from field experts, or small in-person and physically distant events throughout Camden and Philadelphia, there’s something for everyone this year.

Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest

September 24–October 30

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 (pick a pumpkin for $5 to $10 and carve it!), fall decor, seasonal treats, and local brews. Reservations are recommended for table service; walk-ins are welcome for all bar areas.

Rittenhouse Row Festival

September 25, 10 am-6 pm

Rittenhouse Row, Walnut Street

 

Live music, shopping, and plenty of delicious food and drinks fill Walnut Street all afternoon. Rittenhouse Row has reimagined their signature spring festival for a new season and a new reality.

Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival

September 26, 11 am—5 pm

Germantown Avenue, between Willow Grove and Rex Avenues

 

This festival welcomes the season by bringing together the community as well as artists and vendors from around the county. Enjoy a day of live music, delicious food, and fun for the family including craft activities and train rides for children.

B[L]OK PARTY

September 26, noon–4 pm

1901 S. Ninth St.

 

Neighbors and friends are invited to celebrate all things Bok and South Philly. There will be activities for kids and adults of all ages: a bouncy castle, food trucks, doggie meet and greet, arts and crafts, live music, fire truck demos, and so much more! In case of rain, the festival will move indoors to the West Gym at Bok.

 

 

Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk and Design Contest

October 2-31

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

 

Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for the 14th year with the 2021 theme, Heroes! 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 2, 10 am—4 pm

Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave.

 

A day of family entertainment, food, music, and re-enactments of the Battle of Germantown at this historic site.

Dilworth Park Harvest Weekend

October 8-10

1 S. 15th St.

 

Harvest Weekend will encompass the best elements of fall at Dilworth Park. Live entertainment will be provided all weekend long, including local bands and DJs, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, apple cider making, roaming circus performers, and of course the return of the hay maze! Plus, celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian pretzels. The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market will also be open, with local vendors offering unique items for sale.

Applefest at Fox Chase Farm

October 16, noon — 4 pm

8500 Pine Road

 

Get a taste of the country at this lovely event at city-owned Fox Chase Farm. Enjoy a day of cider pressing, apple butter making, hayrides, seasonal games, pumpkin painting, music, and more.

Parktoberfest

October 16, 2–8 pm

Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.

 

Celebrate fall with food trucks, beer, local live music, and fun events to keep the whole family entertained!

Fall Festival in DiSilvestro Park

October 23, 11 am–1 pm

1701 S. 15th St.

 

Enjoy family-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating, a festive storytime, live music, treats, and more.

Roxtoberfest 2021

October 23, 1–6 pm

Ridge Avenue between Leverington Avenue and Lyceum Avenue

 

Reconnect with your favorite Roxborough businesses and neighbors– and get a head start on Halloween too– with great food and drink, music, performances, and kid’s activities.

 

 

Lead photograph courtesy of Philadelphia Honey Festival.