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City Cast Philly

Find the best that Philadelphia has to offer.

Siani Colón

We’re in the final stretch of our fall membership campaign, and a big theme we keep talking about is community. Here at City Cast Philly, we don’t want you to just read about the city. We want you to become curious and explore it! That’s why we created 

, so we can help you beat the FOMO and get out in the community with like-minded Philadelphians.

You have plenty of your own recommendations on where we should all be hanging out. Every time someone signs up for the City Cast Philly newsletter, they get a welcome message with the question, 

“What’s your favorite local spot to meet new people in Philly?”

 Here’s what you had to say. And who knows, maybe one of these will be the site for our next members-only event? Enjoy perks like exclusive gatherings, ad-free listening, and weekly event previews when you 

. “My favorite places to meet a friend for a coffee or a drink.”

 says the “best place in Philly” is Chestnut Hill’s 

. “There’s a weekly dance in Mt. Airy on Thursday nights, with a newcomer lesson at 7:30 p.m., and then there’s a monthly dance at the Ethical Society in Rittenhouse Square on a Saturday night about once a month. It’s the most IRL thing we can do. My face hurts from smiling at the end of the night. Live music and it’s easy to learn, and everyone is friendly.”

Want more recommendations? Listen to our conversation about third places on 

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts

Is Philly Food Becoming Kinda Mid? Plus: Philadelphians’ Inventions & Cheap Third Places

City Cast Philly readers shared their top spots to meet new friends around town. 


Readers Share Their Favorite Spots in Philadelphia

Philly’s Favorite Spots To Meet Neighbors

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

We have no tricks, only treats, to share with you this month. After a rainy September threw a wrench in our plans, Philly’s festival scene is showing no signs of slowing down. Pull out your cardigans and costumes, and venture the city streets to listen to ghostly tales, line up at the theater, or hunt for treasure.

, you can paint pumpkins, compete in a game of Family Feud, and make seasonal crafts on Oct. 10. The Northern Liberties Farmers Market is hosting a 

 on Oct. 24, complete with a costume contest and trick-or-treating. Pick pumpkins along the Delaware River at this 

Face Your Fears at These Halloween Haunts

Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights

 are both officially open now through Nov. 7. If you like scary movies, 

 on Oct. 6. The Glen Foerd Mansion is giving a 

 in Chestnut Hill on Oct. 17 (while giving back to the Free Library). Hear 

 from across the globe at Bloomsday on Oct. 27.

Philadelphia Film Society’s largest festival

 returns for its 35th year, screening the best of cinema for 11 days straight. The 

 includes Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine” and Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden.” The full lineup drops Oct. 7, and the festival runs Oct. 15 through Oct. 25. Members and guests with festival badges can expect additional perks.

Head down to the home of the Philadelphia Union in neighboring Chester to see the 

. The U.S. Women’s national team will play Spain on Oct. 13. 

. Need to brush up on your soccer knowledge? Head to Chinatown’s Lion Sports Bar the day before for a 

October is Mural Arts Month, so check out Philly’s iconic street art and learn the stories behind them by taking an 

. Or go on a Streets Dept excursion for a 

 on Oct. 24. Are you a runner? Join a run this month with 

Recreate an iconic scene from the “Rocky” movie at the 

. Filbert Street will be shut down with frozen beef hanging for a photo-op. Participate in a look-alike contest and win a $200 giftcard for the market. The event is part of 

, a celebration in honor of the movie’s 50th anniversary.

 returns on Oct. 4, with deals at local restaurants. After that, close out Hispanic Heritage month with 

’s last day of the season is Oct. 31, so head down to FDR Park – the market won’t return until the spring.

If you are a coin collector, like scavenger hunts, or just want to win a grand prize, this one’s for you. Stack’s Bowers, a rare coin dealer, is hosting a 

 that arrives in Philly Oct. 13 through Oct. 17. Follow the clues to find hidden certificates for rare coins to add to your collection or sell them back for cash.

 karaoke party, and performances of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 3. Then, 

 on Oct. 11 for a festival with live poetry, dance parties, and a food truck market.

The Please Touch Museum turns 50! The interactive museum is 

 on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 with free admission, free cupcakes, a collaborative birthday card, and live performances. This event kicks off a year of celebratory programming for the kids.

Mark your calendars with these frights and delights. This month, visit Philly’s pumpkin patches and haunted houses, or explore the city on a mural tour or scavenger hunt. 

Your Guide to Philadelphia in October 2026

How to Spend October 2026 in Philly

Oktoberfest is officially underway in Philadelphia! Known as the largest folk and beer festival in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest has spawned spinoffs celebrating Bavarian culture, music, and food. Dress to impress in your lederhosen, and party on at these local festivals.

Chestnut Hill Brewing Company Oktoberfest

 is celebrating Oktoberfest for four weeks. Upcoming activities include Oktoberfest Bingo and a Hammerschlagen Tournament (good luck nailing that). Capture the moment at the brewery’s selfie station and take home a special CH Festbier with a custom label.

 in Fishtown for beers and brats. This year’s celebration will have a new format by moving into the beer garden, with 

. Attendees can expect EDM Oompah music, a stein-holding contest, four exclusive German-style beers, and a best-dressed contest.

 will be jam-packed with a different party spanning each block, including Oktoberfest. Brauhaus Schmitz is shutting down the 700 block of South Street for the event. The free event includes live music and a dozen German draft beers. If you opt for the 

, you get access to an exclusive buffet, seven beer tokens, swag, and access to private bathrooms. Be sure to check out the other festivals happening along the corridor that day.

. The event will have three main stages for live entertainment. Test your strength with the beer stein competition (the kiddos can participate in a root beer stein contest). Attendees can also participate in a pet costume contest, scarecrow walk, pumpkin carving, and history tours.

If you miss the big party on South Street, 

 is offering you another chance. The beer hall is once again taking over the 23rd Street Armory for the biggest Oktoberfest event in the city. Tiered tickets are available for Friday night, Satur-DAY, and Saturday night. Local German clubs will lead the opening ceremonies.

 dining on pig roast, drinking imported German beer, and dancing to folk music. A caricature artist will capture your likeness on the big night. As for the youth, kid-friendly games will be available, with the chance to win prizes.

 is hosting a night of music and dancing. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The Philly German Brass Band and the 

, one of the oldest Schuhplattler Vereine clubs in North America that’s keeping folk traditions alive, will perform.

Sip on beer and see how long you can raise your glass at Philly’s Oktoberfests. 

Where To Celebrate Oktoberfest in Philly in 2026

The Best Oktoberfest Activities in Philly

Abby Fritz

Happy fall! Both meteorologists and astronomers agree that September marks the beginning of the fall season.

Whether or not Philly's weather will chill out is TBD.

Your Guide to September 2026 in Philly

Hispanic heritage and culture are honored across the country with a month-long celebration starting Sept. 15, and Philly is getting the party started early. Kick off the festivities on Sept. 13 with the largest Latino arts and culture festival in the city, 

. And that's just the beginning: Throughout the month, you can also go to the 

Concilio’s Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade

Philly tends to get a bit sleepy over Labor Day weekend, with folks flocking to the Jersey shore for the three-day weekend. If you stick around, celebrate Philly's history as a loud and proud union town with the city's 

Every September, the city celebrates artists creating out-of-the-box performances with the 

. From Sept. 8 through 27, you'll be able to choose from more than 350 shows happening across the city. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, creative producer Siani Colón wrote 

 breaking down this year's festivities by cost, location, and vibes.

Don't just see art this month, learn to make it! At 

 on Sept. 9, local film connoisseurs and animators from the movie club 

 will be your guides through an animation workshop at Fireball Printing in East Kensington. For a suggested donation of $10, both experienced and brand-new animators can learn about the lighting techniques, materials, and creative juices that go into producing stop-motion works.

You may be surprised to learn that Oktoberfest isn't just in October. The 16-day German festival starts at the end of September and was originally a celebration of the love of two Bavarian royals. It has evolved into one of the 

. While I won't be catching a flight to Munich, I will be grabbing some pints at 

 for an eight-hour beer-extravaganza on Sept. 26. The event is free, but if you want indoor seating, a buffet, seven beers, and private bathrooms, Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street is offering just that 

Raise a glass or a sax to the late and great jazz genius, John Coltrane. While he wasn't born here, he made Philly his home for over a decade and grew his musical practice in his Strawberry Mansion house. To celebrate what would've been his 100th birthday on Sept. 23, local jazz presenter Ars Nova Workshop is hosting iconic jazz composer 

 in West Philly. This kicks off a week of events honoring Coltrane and his legacy.

Summer may be ending, but the party continues with festivals, John Coltrane's 100th, and local farm boxes.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in September 2026

How to Spend September 2026 in Philly

September is set to be the busiest month for performing arts in the city thanks to the return of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Inspired by the historic Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, Philly has been putting its own spin on the international “Fringe” movement for 30 years. To celebrate this major milestone, 2026’s lineup consists of roughly 330 performances. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Philadelphia hosts one of the largest Fringe Festivals in the country. What sets the annual event apart is its dedication to pushing the boundaries of what constitutes art by delivering performances in a variety of genres, from dance to puppetry. It even pushes the boundaries of where to host said performances, ranging from theaters to yoga studios to the 

Once concentrated solely in Old City, Philly Fringe takes place across the city in various neighborhoods. 

 are hosting performances throughout the event at one or more locations. 

 is the largest hub, with a third of Fringe performances at the Asian Arts Initiative, Icebox Project Space, and Box Spring Gallery.

Unless you’ve figured out how to clone yourself, teleport, or time travel, it’s impossible to see all 300+ shows. To narrow down your picks, you can browse through Philly Fringe’s 

 at a neighborhood partner. You can also 

 (Do you like circus arts? Cabaret? Magic?) or search keywords.

Some performances run for several days so if you can’t catch it one night, pencil in the next showing! With performances happening all over the city, choose what’s closest to you or explore a new neighborhood. If you find a cluster of back-to-back performances, why not turn it into a theater crawl?

If price is a factor, some events are free or pay-what-you-can. 

 are offered for students, industry workers, and FringeArts members. If you participate in 

, a curated experience of multiple shows in one day, that’s $250. Check individual event listings for exact pricing.

If you need someone to tell you what to see, here’s what’s on my Fringe Festival lineup.

“A Murder Most Felt; or It’s Not Easy Bleeding Green”

: A dramatization of a clash between Dr. Anthony Fauci and playwright Larry Kramer during the AIDS crisis

 An exploration of fractured memory through dance and spoken word

: A gathering of Philly’s clown community, complete with improv, comedy, and plenty of hijinks

The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an expanded lineup of performances. 

Your Insider’s Guide to Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2026

What To See at 2026 Philly Fringe 

This is your friendly reminder that summer isn’t technically over until mid-September, so we still have an entire month to make the most of it.

August is National Sandwich Month, so what better way to celebrate than to go to a festival dedicated to one? A cemita is a sandwich associated with Puebla, Mexico, and Cantina La Martina is inviting local restaurants and chefs to put their own spin on the iconic sandwich at its 

 across from Mural City Cellars on Aug. 9. The sandwiches are pay-as-you-go. Mural City Cellars will be providing wine and other drinks. There will also be traditional folk dances.

The Reading Terminal Market is hosting its annual 

 on Aug. 15. Pay-as-you-go and enjoy cold treats from ice cream vendors. You can also participate in contests and kid-friendly activities. Want the scoop on where else to get the best ice cream in the city? Check out 

Philly’s sporty summer isn’t over. The 

 is coming to our area for its championship game on Aug. 15. The top teams will compete at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, just outside the city in Chester, PA.

North Philly has a rich jazz history, once home to several jazz clubs and social halls that saw legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald. That legacy is being honored at 

 on Aug. 15. Cecil B. Moore Avenue will be closed to traffic and filled with live performances, a Kidz Zone, and community resources.

Not all of us can catch a flight to the Caribbean this summer, but luckily the Caribbean is coming to us. The 

 is celebrating its 40th year on Aug. 16. The party is at Cherry Street Pier. It will have live entertainment by international Caribbean artists, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, and of course, the best Caribbean cuisine.

If you’re falling behind on your summer reading, now’s the time to bounce back. The 

 returns Aug. 22, encouraging readers to support independent bookstores around the city. Participating stores will offer discounts, autographed books, and giveaways.

After Robert Capron shaved his head last June, he said it was “one of the best months of my life.” To spread the joy of a hairless scalp, 

, inviting the bald and bald-at-heart to come together. Now he’s 

, this time at The Lawn at uCity Square on Aug. 29. Shave your head, bring a bald cap, or come as you are. The day will have live music, vendors, and raffles.

The semiquincentennial may officially be behind us, but Philly’s keeping the party atmosphere going through the rest of this summer. 


Your Guide to Philadelphia in August 2026

How To Spend August 2026 in Philly

After hyping it up all year long, the country’s semiquincentennial celebration is here. Independence Day is the buzziest topic in July, and we encourage you to participate in the remaining 

 festivities. But after the Fourth, what else is there to do for the rest of the month?

The World Cup wraps up this month, with Philly’s last game on July 4. If you’re looking for another sport to root for, Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game return to Philly July 13 and 14. But that’s not all. MLB is taking over for several days, including the 

 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center July 11 through 14.

The American Revolution isn’t the only revolt being celebrated this month. Bastille Day is July 14, celebrating the French Revolution. As the 

 on July 12 to raise funds for Alliance Française de Philadelphie, which supports the study of the French language and Francophone cultures. Also on July 12, local French organizations are 

celebrating 250 years of French-American friendship

 at Rittenhouse Square’s French Quarter. Speaking of that friendship, the Museum of the American Revolution is zooming in on France’s role in the American Revolution with 

“Red White & Bleu: Revolutionary Alliances.”

 runs from July 2 through 12, offering patrons discounts on dishes from African, African American, and Caribbean cultures. The series will also include a music and food festival at Love Park on July 11. Want to learn more about the cultures across the African continent? Visit 

The Philly Youth Music Fest returns for its third year, showcasing young performers participating in the city’s music programming.

 This year’s event is at Spruce Street Harbor Park

 on July 19. Attendees can listen to over 25 live performances, participate in workshops, and win prizes.

One of Philly’s prestigious art institutions is celebrating summer with its annual 

 event on July 12. The Barnes Foundation will have live DJs, art workshops, and a craft market. If you’re a Philly resident, take advantage of free admission not just that day, 

It’s market season, so stock up on goods from Philly’s small businesses. The 

takes over the Sheet Metal Workers Union on July 17 through 19. The 

 will shut down the 900 and 1000 blocks of South Street on July 31.

Honor and learn about Philly’s Mantua neighborhood at 

, an outdoor dance festival. The daylong movement event at Miles Mack Playground is on July 11. Over in Manayunk, go beyond your typical post-work happy hour experience with 

. The seasonal event features pop-up vendors, movie nights, and art demos every Thursday evening throughout July.

If you have a weird sense of humor, this alternative comedy festival is for you. 

 returns to the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake from July 9 through 13. The event features a mix of improv workshops, game shows, live readings, and screenings. After that, head to Helium Comedy Club on July 18 for the 

 featuring touring headliners and local acts.

Summer’s just getting started in Philly, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied after America’s birthday.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in July 2026

How to Spend July 2026 in Philly

Philadelphians are lucky to be surrounded by 

 whether they’re right in the city at Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, or in the surrounding counties. With 

, you can cover new ground by finding people to share these adventures with.

The robust local trail system has fostered a community of hiking groups that bring together enthusiasts and newbies alike. Joining a trail club can introduce you to new hikes, help you feel safer on trails, and get you outside.

“BATONA” is an acronym for the phrase "back to nature," and 

 gave its moniker to a 53-mile trail in South Jersey back in 1961. This club goes back all the way to the 1920s and organizes meetups every weekend for both long and short hikes in and around Philly.

Body Liberation Hiking Club: Greater Philly Area

 gathers on the trails to celebrate the outdoors and all body types by making space for folks with marginalized bodies. 

 does more than just hike meetups; the group also organizes regional hikes paired with camping and swimming, and other day trips such as tubing and festival hangouts.

Focusing on wellness by prioritizing hiking and mental health, 

 is for Black women who want to share outdoor adventures. For over three years the group has organized hikes, trail runs, and meetups, sometimes partnering with other local organizations such as 

 centering health offers hikes, fitness challenges, social activities, travel experiences, and philanthropic opportunities. In the summer, the organization focuses on its 

 designed with the Upper Darby Township Recreation Department to introduce girls ages five to 12 to the outdoors.

, the nonprofit has been around since 1931. For $10 a year, you can become a member and join in on hikes most Saturdays and Sundays and bigger excursions like a yearly outing which has taken participants to Croatia, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The group also offers 

. Every event listing specifies the distance, location, time, and difficulty.

. While the focus is on the free seasonal hikes, you can also rock climb and bird watch with the group.

 has a membership-based program that aims to connect people through the outdoors. For $350 annually, you can participate in hiking, walking, classes, a book club, and other activities. With partners like REI, Free People Movement, and HOKA, this club has expanded significantly since its inception. It does host some free community hikes and other ticketed offerings if membership isn't your jam.

Hike with friends, or make new ones, by joining these Philly-area clubs.

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