As summer winds to a close, late-summer and early-fall festivals kick into high gear like Brauhaus Schmitz’s Oktoberfest (shown here). (Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
With all of the excitement and news around the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia later this month, it’s easy to forget about some of the other major festivals hitting Philadelphia in the next few weeks — but that’s why we’re here.
Read on for our full guide to more than 50 festivals hitting Philadelphia in the coming weeks, starting with some major events this weekend — the two-day Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, the two-day Doylestown Arts Festival, the Manayunk Street Food Fest, a fall festival at Spruce Street Harbor Park and more.
So get ready, Philadelphia your weekends are about to fill up with awesome festivals for the foreseeable future.
Fall Festival at SSHP and RiverRink Summerfest
Philadelphia’s blockbuster waterfront pop-ups on the Delaware River, Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, celebrate the pending autumn months with a festive weekend of music, family activities and local craft beer.
When: September 11-13
Where: 401 S. Columbus Boulevard and 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
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Philadelphia Honey Festival
The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild presents the Philadelphia Honey Festival for all lovers of things sweet and local (aka everyone!). From September 11 through 13, the Wagner Free Institute of Science, Wyck Historic House and Garden and Bartram's Garden open their doors to the honey connoisseurs of Philadelphia.
When: September 11-13
Where: Wagner Free Institute, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue; Wyck Historic House, 6026 Germantown Avenue; Bartram’s Garden 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
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Campus Philly CollegeFest
Philadelphia will welcome back thousands of college students during its annual Campus Philly CollegeFest, a city-wide day of discounts, giveaways, entertainment and free admission to museums and more. Continuing a 20-year tradition, museums and attractions along the Parkway, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will offer free admission to students with college I.D.
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: Dilworth Park, Broad and Market streets
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Northern Liberties Fall Music Festival
Live music fills Liberty Lands Park in Northern Liberties on Saturday, September 12 for the Northern Liberties Fall Music Festival. Bring a blanket and enjoy food truck fare and live tunes from an array of musicians. The fun is slated to begin at 4 p.m.
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: Liberty Lands Park, 926 N. American Street
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The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival hits the Chester County town on September 12 and 13.
(Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Great Philadelphia Food And Craft Beer Crawl
The Great Philadelphia Craft Beer & Food Crawl returns to the Fairmount area with food and drink specials at London Grill, Alla Spina, and Urban Saloon.
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: 10 restaurants and bars in the Fairmount/Art Museum area
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Phoenixville Blues Festival
More than 10 blues artists take the stage at the annual Phoenixville Blues Festival on September 12. The free festival keeps guests grooving all day long with regional musical acts and talented youth performers. Pair the performances with eats from the numerous vendors and you're set for some late-summer fun.
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: Reeves Park, 2nd Avenue and Main Street
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South Philly Sausage Fest
Chow down on sausages of all sort at the South Philly Sausage Fest on September 12. A number of local restaurants will serve up sausage dishes and breweries will pour craft beer.
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: Broad Street and W. Passyunk Avenue
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Philadelphia United Jazz Festival
Enjoy a day of live jazz and during the annual Philadelphia United Jazz Festival and Celebration in Graduate Hospital. The free fest on South Street features two blocks of food and shopping and more than 15 performers including the Apreggio Philadelphia Freedom Jazz Orchestra and the US Army Jazz Big Band.
When: Saturday, September 12
Where: Broad and South streets
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Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
The Mushroom Capital of the World puts the fun in fungi with a weekend of culinary events, amusement rides, a street fair, entertainment, an antique car show and more.
When: September 12-13
Where: 101 S. Union Street
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Food trucks line Main Street Manayunk for the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival. (Photo courtesy JPG Photography)
Doylestown Arts Festival and Bucks County Classic
The free two-day Doylestown Arts Festival takes place in the heart of beautiful Doylestown Borough in Bucks County. This annual festival has grown to include more than 150 exhibitors and a food court. Diverse entertainment is presented at numerous locations throughout the downtown area. Plus, the Bucks County Classic bike races will be held nearby on Sunday. The Bucks County Classic is a huge bike race on Sunday, September 13 that starts at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 1:10 p.m. The race winds through downtown Doylestown and brings even more energy to the festival.
When: September 12-13
Where: State and Main streets, West Oakland and Hamilton streets, Doylestown
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Many more festivals, below.
Autumn’s Colors at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens celebrates the harvest season with Autumn's Colors, a festive showcase of fall colors. Be sure to explore the recently opened 86-acre Meadow Garden, featuring three miles of trails through a gorgeous expanse of wildflowers.
When: Opens Saturday, September 12
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
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Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards
Bring the kids to Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards for a display of more than 100 tons of pumpkins, live music, hayrides, scarecrows, a corn maze and much more.
When: September 12-November 8
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
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Clover Market
Clover Market, an upscale, open-air marketplace event, returns this season to two beautiful locations in and around Philly. This crafty extravaganza features more than 100 vendors selling antiques and collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, handmade items and original art. The alfresco shopping place rotates between Chestnut Hill and Bryn Mawr.
When: September 13, October 4, 25 and November 8
Where: September in Chestnut Hill, 25 W. Highland Avenue; October and November in Bryn Mawr, 7 N. Bryn Mawr Avenue
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The annual Brazil Day Festival returns to Penn’s Landing this fall with music, performances, food and more.
(Photo by Matt Stanley courtesy DRWC)
GreenFest Philly
Honor Mother Nature at Greenfest Philly located in Headhouse Square, between Pine and South Streets on 2nd. Learn how to preserve the earth while enjoying bites from some of Philly's favorite food trucks Local 215 and Farm Truck to name a few.
When: Sunday, September 13
Where: From Pine to South streets on 2nd Street
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Yards Smoke ‘Em If Yous Got ‘Em BBQ and Beer Festival
Barbecue and beer come together for the annual Smoke ‘Em If Yous Got ‘Em Festival and barbecue competition at Yards Brewing Company. Enjoy a variety of smoked meats from some of the area's best amateur chefs while sipping more than 30 craft beers. Tickets are required and are available online.
When: Sunday, September 13
Where: Yards Brewing Company, 901 N. Delaware Avenue
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Mexican Independence Day Festival
The sights, sounds and tastes of Mexico take over the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing during the Mexican Independence Day Festival. This free celebration features arts and crafts, Mexican rock bands, face painting, Mexican food, dancing and more.
When: Sunday, September 13
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
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Feria del Barrio
Feria del Barrio returns to the El Centro de Oro section of North Philadelphia Philadelphia for its 31st year celebrating family, art and Latin American heritage. The free, annual event offers live entertainment, including art demonstrations, music, dancing and children's games. Bring an appetite as the festival features delicious dishes highlighting Latin American cuisine.
When: Sunday, September 13
Where: 2721 N. 5th Street
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LifeLine Music Coalition presents the 3rd Annual Philadelphia United Jazz Festival and Celebration on Saturday, September 12. (Photo courtesy of Lifeline Music Coalition)
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival & Restaurant Week
The Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival is a foodie's dream with dozens of the region’s best food trucks, gourmet food vendors and specials at Main Street's delectable restaurants. Between bites, attendees enjoy live music and sidewalk sales. The day after the bi-annual event marks the start of Manayunk Restaurant Week featuring special three-course prix fixe menus at favorite local restaurants from $15-35.
When: Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m. 5 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Manayunk
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Scarecrow Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village
The annual Peddler's Village Scarecrow Festival is a family-friendly weekend featuring more than 100 amazing scarecrow creations. Take part in scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin pie-eating contests, pumpkin painting and live music.
When: September 14-November 1
Where: Peddler’s Village, Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska
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Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
After a successful summer event in June, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll returns in September for an evening of live music and $1 deals. Businesses between 43rd to 51st Streets set up shop for the evening, offer $1 specials including food, gifts and services. Throughout the evening, enjoy street performances, live music and more.
When: Thursday, September 17
Where: 43rd to 51st streets on Baltimore Avenue
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Mt Airy Street Fare: Sip Savor, Stroll
Foodies come out in big numbers for the annual Street Fare: Sip, Savor Stroll, featuring some of the city's best restaurants and gourmet food trucks, artisans and entertainers — all turning Germantown Avenue into a giant party. The foodie fest runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
When: Thursday, September 17
Where: Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy
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The Mt. Airy neighborhood hosts its annual Mt. Airy Street Fare, a foodie extravaganza, on September 17.
(Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
FEASTIVAL
Held for the first time at the FringeArts space on Columbus Boulevard, FEASTIVAL is a wild celebration of Philadelphia's arts and food culture with cuisine from more than 75 of Philadelphia's most acclaimed restaurants and performances from cutting-edge performing artists. Now, tickets can be had for $75 off with code VISITPHILLY2015! Until the event sells out, partygoers can save when purchasing online.
When: Thursday, September 17
Where: FringeArts, Columbus Boulevard at Race Street
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Terror Behind The Walls
Halloween starts early at the massive Eastern State Penitentiary a gothic, castle-like structure in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood with one of the nation's largest and most ambitious and top-rated haunted attractions, Terror Behind the Walls. The seasonal event is not for the faint of heart, with six frightening attractions and new up close and personal scares.
When: September 18-November 7
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
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Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show
From September 18 to 20, more than 100 artists set up shop at Rittenhouse Square for its annual fall Fine Art Show. The historic festival dates back to 1932 when art students displayed their work from trees throughout the park. The festival now features artwork by local art students as well as professional artists.
When: September 18-20
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut streets
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Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest
The block of South Street in front of Brauhaus Schmitz and a portion of 8th Street shuts down in celebration of its epic Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 19. German beer, a pig roast and live music are the themes of the day. Beyond the block party, Brauhaus Schmitz hosts specials, games and giveaways from September 14 through 20. Prost!
When: Saturday, September 19
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 700 Block of South Street and 8th Street between Kater and Rodman streets
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Bloktoberfest returns to Graduate Hospital with craft beer, delicious food, live music and shopping. (Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
Frankford Hall Oktoberfest
Frankford Hall and Fette Sau team up to once again present a huge Oktoberfest celebration with games, family-friendly fun, beer, German food specials, live oompah music and much more.
When: Saturday, September 19
Where: Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Avenue
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Go West! Craft Fest
On September 19, the Go West! Craft Fest returns to The Woodlands in West Philadelphia. While browsing through handmade items from more than 70 vendors, festival goers enjoy performances by jugglers, hoop dancers and acoustic musicians. Kids engage in free crafts-related activities, and hungry patrons dig in to fare from local restaurants and food trucks.
When: Saturday, September 19
Where: The Woodlands, 40th and Woodland streets
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Clark Park’s Fall Festival
From noon to sundown on September 19, the Clark Park Music and Arts Festival brings local musicians to the stage for free performances all day long. Children are invited to create crafts at stations throughout the park, and adults are encouraged to browse fine goods from local artists and vendors.
When: Saturday, September 19
Where: Clark Park, 4398 Chester Avenue
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Mid-Autumn Festival at the China Friendship Gate
Chinatown’s mid-autumn festival hits the city for its 20th anniversary this year and brings with it a lantern parade through Chinatown, live music, games, a dragon dance and more.
When: Saturday, September 19
Where: 10th and Arch streets
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Celebrate the Fishtown neighborhood at the annual RiverCity Festival, slated for October 10.
(Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Brazilian Day Philadelphia
The flavors, music and festivities of Brazil take the spotlight a at Brazilian Day Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. The festival celebrates Brazilian Independence Day with food, shopping, performances and more.
When: Sunday, September 20
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
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Festival of Families on the Parkway (and the Pope’s Visit)
The Festival of Families is an afternoon-long affair with a concert featuring Andrea Bocelli with the Philadelphia Orchestra and a performance by Juanes. Sunday, of course, is the main event with a mass given by Pope Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
When: Saturday, September 26 (and September 27 for the mass)
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
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The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
Kids come in costume for The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Whether it's Elmo's Silly Bones Spooktacular Dine, Zoe's Monster Mash Dance Party, The Count's Batty Birthday Bash or Grover's Not So Spooky Birthday Bash, every weekend features rides, two new Halloween shows, mazes and everyone's favorite furry creatures.
When: September 20-October 26
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
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Downingtown Fall Fest
The sixth-annual Downingtown FallFest welcomes more than 5,000 guests for a day filled with festive events, including live music, food vendors, craft activities and displays from local businesses. The festival is presented by Victory Brewing Company, so expect a stellar beer garden with delicious brews and bites.
When: Sunday, September 27
Where: Between Wallace Avenue and Green Street on E. Pennsylvania Avenue
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Night Market Fishtown
Philadelphia’s preeminent festival of street food and neighborhood pride closes out 2015 with its first-ever event in the Fishtown neighborhood. Join thousands on Frankford Avenue for an evening of great food, live music, craft beer and more.
When: Thursday, October 1
Where: Girard and Frankford Avenues
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Great Pumpkin Beer Fest at The Institute
Get your pumpkin beer on at The Institute Bar's annual Great Pumpkin Festival. From 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the festival puts the spotlight on more than 90 pumpkin beers and ciders, in addition to pumpkin cocktails. The festival spans both inside and outside the Callowhill bar. Note that the event is ticketed but tickets include all-you-can-drink spirits.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: The Institute, 549 N. 12th Street
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As part of DesignPhiladelphia, the Old City Fest returns to honor our maker community with art demonstrations, shopping and more festival fun on October 3. (Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)
Ambler Oktoberfest
Downtown Ambler celebrates fall with its annual Oktoberfest, which is complete with a beer garden, food, shopping, music, kid-friendly activities and more. The festivities last all day long on Saturday, October 3. MORE INFO
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: Butler Avenue in Ambler
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Bloktoberfest
Taking over a stretch of western South Street every autumn, Bloktoberfest brings in big bands and a bevy of craft beer providers to make for a true neighborhood festival that's free to attend.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: From Broad to 18th streets on South Street
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Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival
More than 140 teams race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the Schuylkill River during this annual fall event that draws thousands of participants and spectators.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: Kelly Drive
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Riverfront Ramble
Now in its 11th year, the annual Riverfront Ramble in Chester is the largest riverfront festival in Delaware County. Held on the Wharf at Rivertown on the Chester Waterfront, the annual outdoor festival features an antique car show, live performances, food and craft vendors and much more.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: Chester City Waterfront
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Revolutionary Germantown Festival
History goes on full display during the Revolutionary Germantown Festival, a day-long festival that celebrates the rich history of the historic neighborhood. The celebration features costumed characters, live music, food and drink culminating with a reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: 6400 Germantown Avenue
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Midtown Village Fall Festival
Explore the restaurants and shops along 13th Street during the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival, a blockbuster festival that brings tens of thousands of people to the bustling neighborhood. The massive block party features music, food, sidewalk sales, beer gardens and much more.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: 13th and Chestnut streets
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Night Market celebrates its fifth year with its first-ever stop in Fishtown on October 1. (Photo courtesy The Food Trust)
Roxtoberfest
The town of Roxborough celebrates Oktoberfest with Roxtoberfest, an afternoon-long festival for the whole family. Adults can enjoy beer gardens and local beer, and the whole family can enjoy carnival rides, music, games and more.
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: Ridge Avenue between Green Lane and Leverington Avenue
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Philadelphia Open Studio Tours
Ever wonder what an artist's studio really looks like? Philadelphia Open Studio Tours allows everyone a chance to take a sneak peek inside the city's most creative spaces. For two weekends in October, artists around the city open their studios to curious visitors, inviting them to talk, check out how they work and purchase artwork.
When: October 3-4, 17-18
Where: Various Locations
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Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival
Chestnut Hill transforms into an outdoor arts and crafts marketplace during the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival on October 5. More than 150 talented artists from throughout the country display and sell their creations in media ranging from watercolor paintings to jewelry. Live entertainment, children's rides and alfresco dining round out the excitement during this free event.
When: Sunday, October 4
Where: From Willow Grove to Rex Avenues on Germantown Avenue
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Vendemmia Festival
Wine of all sorts fill Girard Park on September 28 for the annual Vendemmia Festival. Sample an array of red and white wines while celebrating the local winemaking scene. Tickets, which start at $50, are available online.
When: Sunday, October 4
Where: Girard Park, 2101 W. Shunk Street
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The Midtown Village Fall Festival will return with beer gardens, shopping, food and general festival fun.
(Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Puerto Rican Day Parade
Join hundreds of spectators on the streets of Philadelphia for a day of music, dancing and fabulous floats during the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. The annual Puerto Rican Day Parade is the city's oldest and largest outdoor event celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino heritage.
When: Sunday, October 4
Where: 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
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Design Philadelphia
Every fall, the city celebrates the historic role of design in the region while showcasing the innovation yet to come during DesignPhiladelphia. During the nine-day festival, approximately 200,000 people are estimated to explore the world of design during more than 120 events held throughout the city. DesignPhiladelphia aims to celebrate and promote Philadelphia a design capital and destination.
When: October 8-16
Where: Various Locations
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PA Guild Fine Craft Fair
Now in its 84th year, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show has the long-running distinction of being the nation's oldest outdoor original artwork show. Stroll around the park and browse works from more than 140 artists with a variety and diversity of techniques, mediums and subject matter on display.
When: October 9-11
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut streets
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Fishtown RiverCity Festival
The Fishtown Neighbors Association presents the RiverCity Festival, a waterfront party with live music, a 5k run, hospitality and wellness tents and food and drink aplenty thanks to an on-site beer garden featuring a variety of local craft brews.
When: Saturday, October 10
Where: Penn Treaty Park, 1341 N. Delaware Avenue
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Outfest returns to the Gayborhood with live entertainment, shopping, food and more this Sunday, October 11. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Philly Photo Day
Returning for another year of photo-centric fun, Philly Photo Day calls on all residents to capture and share their pictures depicting a day in the life of the city.
When: Saturday, October 10
Where: Various Locations
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Outfest
Don't miss Philadelphia's Outfest, a National Coming Out Day Festival that attracts over 30,000 people to the region. The annual block party embraces the GLBT lifestyle and freedom with music, performances, food, drinks and more. Bonus: This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary
When: Sunday, October 11
Where: 13th and Locust streets
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Old City Fest
The city's Old City neighborhood presents the second-annual Old City Fest, a full day of food, music and shopping from the neighborhood's businesses including Franklin Fountain, Scout Vintage and Smak Parlour.
When: Sunday, October 11
Where: Arch Street between 2nd and 4th streets and 3rd Street between Race and Market streets
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Harry Potter Festival in Chestnut Hill
October 16-17.
There will be wizardry and wonder in the air this October as Chestnut Hill transforms for the Harry Potter Festival. The annual blockbuster festival takes over the charming town for two days of spellbinding events based on the beloved magical world created by author J.K. Rowling.
When: October 16-17
Where: Throughout Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill
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The Harry Potter Festival is a super-popular festival that makes its way to Chestnut Hill every October.
(Photo by A. Sinagoga for Visit Philadelphia)