The air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and the Eagles season is in full swing. Even if it hasn’t technically started yet, fall is here in Philadelphia. While some might lament autumn as the end of summer, we know that fall is arguably one of Philly’s best seasons for indoor and outdoor entertainment. Here are a few places and events guaranteed to get you in the fall spirit:
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of everyone’s favorite pop-up park! Spruce Street Harbor Park is open through October 1. Located at Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street, the free park is open daily and easily accessible by public transportation. Check out the Fall Festival, which runs September 14-24:
- Sample The Beers of Eastern PA on September 16 and 23. Try local fall flavors like Saucony Creek Maple Mistress and Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin. Don’t miss these two and many more on Thursday, September 21 when the Beer Garden will feature pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers.
- All Festival long, sample treats like pumpkin funnel cake, pumpkin caramel zeppolis, and sea salt caramel filled pretzels (yum).
- Make a flower crown with 7textures, press some apple cider with Greensgrow Farms, and put your carving skills to the test with the Pumpkin Genie.
A complete list of events is available on Facebook.
- Manayunk Restaurant Week
Missed the Manayunk StrEAT Festival on September 14? Fear not! The food fest was just the beginning of Restaurant Week, which runs from September 15 through September 28. Choose from three menu pricing options at some of Manayunk’s best eateries:
- $15 -end your meal at Cactus Cantina with Cinnamon Apple Funnel Cake.
- $25 – start things off at Winnie’s Manayunk with Pumpkin Soup or Fall Pear Salad.
- $35 – center your meal at Bourbon Blue around Pork Tenderloin, paired with maple sweet potatoes, green beans, and topped with an apple chutney.
Be sure to look at the complete list of participating restaurants and menus for every price point!
- Mural Masterpieces West Trolley Tour
Did you know that the Benjamin Franklin Parkway turns 100 this year? Philadelphia is known for its history and culture, and there is no better time of year to enjoy it than autumn. To join in on the Parkway 100 celebration, tour Philly’s iconic murals on October 7:
- Party like it’s 1929 and ride a trolley through the city. Explore Broad Street, Strawberry Mansion, and West Philadelphia in a whole new way.
- The tour starts at 10:00 A.M. and highlights the public art that makes Philly unique.
- Get your tickets in advance here. The tour is rain or shine, so let’s hope for some of that breezy, blue sky fall weather we all know and love.
The Parkway 100 celebration is just getting underway! Keep an eye out for countless events taking place through November 2018.
- Philly Ghost Tours
When it comes to ghost tours, Philly leads the pack. Spend a crisp, fall evening searching for spirits in the heart of our nation’s haunted history, if you dare:
- Take a candlelight walking tour through Old City and Independence National Park. Be on the lookout for colonial specters as you stroll through back alleys and graveyards. If you’re feeling brave, ask about the tour of the allegedly haunted USS Olympia.
- Indulge your dark side on a Grim Philly Tour. I’ll just leave this here…
- Want to make ghost hunting a party? Book a private tour through Free Tours By Foot. While the private tour option isn’t free, you’ll get all the sights of the regular ghost tour with your own personal guide.
1.Terror Behind the Walls
America’s largest haunted house is located right here in Philadelphia! Go inside one of the country’s most notorious penitentiaries for Terror Behind the Walls, a truly terrifying, six-attraction event at Eastern State Penitentiary. Tickets are available online or at the door, but it’s best to schedule your trip to the pen in advance. Once you’re there:
- Take The Hex Challenge and become part of the show! During each of the six attractions, you’ll enter a secret room, where you will dive into the storyline while trying to escape the prison. Bring some back-up, as this experience takes place in groups of six.
- Want to learn more about the history of the penitentiary? Take an After Dark VIP tour, a guided flashlight tour through the prison’s concrete halls. If you tour the cellblocks, be on the look out for the ghost of Al Capone, who spent one year behind bars at Eastern State. When you’re done, jump to the front of the line for Terror Behind the Walls!
- On your walk to freedom after you’ve escaped the walls, stop by the prison yard to grab refreshments or Terror Behind the Walls merchandise. Listen up for live music and other entertainment. If you want to plan your last meal before prison, and a spooky dinner date is something you’re into, consider the Fright and a Bite
Take a peek at the FAQ page before you go to answer all your questions about the experience.
Bonus!: Even though this list is meant to highlight the best of fall in Philly, we couldn’t pass up this adorable spot…
Linvilla Orchards
This place is worth venturing outside of city limits, so pack some friends in a Zip Car and go. Located about 30 minutes from downtown, Linvilla offers all the classic fall favorites:
- Drop by the Pick Your Own stand, hop on a wagon, and head out for some Instagram-worthy apple picking. With over 25 varieties grown at the farm, you’re sure to find something for everyone. Check out the Pick Your Own page before you go for what you should know and to find out when the picking is good!
- Get lost in the Corn Maze or take a scenic hayride around the farm. If you go in the evening, enjoy an Autumn Moon Hayride from October 6 to October 29. The best part? Roasting marshmallows and making s’mores by the fire! Get ticket and pricing info here.
- Before you leave, find your perfect pumpkin at Pumpkinland, which features over 100 tons of fall’s most popular gourd.
By no means inclusive, this list should serve you well as a fall fan starter pack. Check out Visit Philly for details on all the upcoming fall festivals and events within city limits. Fall in Philly won’t last long!
