Hit the Philly streets for these fun fall events! From food to fiction, there’s an event with your interests in mind. Here are our October picks for YOU:
1. Federal Donuts Block Party
When: Sunday, October 1 from 1-4PM
Where: Sansom St. between 16th and 17th
Why You Should Be There: It’s “the ultimate food-of-your-dreams block party, featuring a complimentary showcase of its signature eats alongside a Rooster Soup Co. grill-out.”
2. Night Market Philly: Italian Market
When: Thursday, October 5 from 6-10PM
Where: 9th and Washington Ave.
Why You Should Be There: “Roast Cebu Lechòn, Isgro Pastries, Papermill Fresh Asian Kitchen, Cappuccio’s Meats, T & S Bake Shoppe, Babalouie BBQ and Cardenas Oil & Vinegar Taproom are participating. There will also be live entertainment from Max Swan and Flounder Warehouse.”
3. Halloween-Themed Movie Nights
When: Starting October 5 until October 31
Where: The Schmidt’s Commons, 1001 N. Second St.
Why You Should Be There: “Free screenings range from campy to chilling.”
4. Midtown Village Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 7 from 12-8PM
Where: 13th and Chestnut St.
Why You Should Be There: “Held every autumn, the Festival is one of Philadelphia’s premier outdoor events and attracts a whopping 50,000-plus attendees per year!”
5. Old City Fest
When: Sunday, October 8 from 11AM-6PM
Where: N. 3rd and Arch St.
Why You Should Be There: “Old City transforms from quiet cobblestone thoroughfares into a mecca for entertainment and al fresco eating during Old City Fest.”
6. OutFest
When: Sunday, October 8
Where: 13th and Locust St.
Why You Should Be There: “Now in its 27th year, the block party — spanning a dozen full blocks — consists of drag shows, games, bar crawls, music and shopping.
7. Bloktober Festival
When: Saturday, October 14 from 12-8PM
Where: South Street West
Why You Should Be There: “A true neighborhood festival that’s free to attend. The all-ages festival features several blocks of food, craft beer and live music all afternoon long. Pay-as-you-go and enjoy tasty dishes from favorite food trucks and special items from South Street restaurants.”
8. Party at the Barnes
When: Thursday, October 19 starting at 6PM
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Why You Should Be There: FREE party at the Barnes featuring live music and performances. Free collection access included. Each person registered is permitted to bring one additional guest. Register here!
9. Philadelphia Film Festival
When: October 19-29
Where: Various locations
Why You Should Be There: “Every year, the festival is bookended with blockbuster opening and closing night films. The festival also promises screenings of short films, feature-length films, animated movies and other genres at venues like the Prince Theater.”
10. Harry Potter Festival in Chestnut Hill
When: October 21 to October 22
Where: Various locations
Why You Should Be There: “For two days of spellbinding events that magically morph the neighborhood into the much-loved fictional world created by author J.K. Rowling.”
11. Philly Free Streets
When: Saturday, October 28 from 8AM – 1PM
Where: Check out this map
Why You Should Be There: Philly Free Streets temporarily closes streets to cars, inviting people to walk, bike, and play.
Find more fun things to do in our events calendar and Neighborhood page on. As always, share your adventures with us by tagging @campusphilly.
Photo by Darryl Moran
