BOO! October’s nearly here — and between the city hitting peak fall vibes and many Halloween-y activities, there’s a ton to look forward to in Philadelphia. Most importantly, it’s Red October.
So as we do every month, the City Cast Philly team put together our recommendations for how to spend the month. Hear even more on today’s episode of the City Cast Philly podcast!
👻 Celebrate Spooky Szn
Eastern State Penitentiary’s “Halloween Nights” kicked off in September and lasts through early November. The annual event held in a real-life abandoned prison includes five haunted houses, themed bars, and more.
You can also scare yourself at the movies: The Landmark Ritz 5 in Old City is hosting Retro Replay Wednesday Fright Nights all month long, with $6.25 movie showings that range from 1974’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” to 2007’s “Trick ’r Treat.”
For more family-friendly (i.e. less scary) movie options, check out Free Friday Flicks in Fairmount Park, where outdoor screenings this month include movies like “Hocus Pocus” and “The Addams Family” (2019 version).
🍎 Taste Some Fall Flavors
If you missed September’s Oktoberfest events, worry not: Yards is holding its beer-and-pretzel-filled celebration on Oct. 5, and Brauhaus Schmitz has another coming up at the 23rd Street Armory on Oct. 11 and 12.
Also on Oct. 12, appreciate a classic seasonal food along with one of Pennsylvania’s signature delicacies at Reading Terminal Market’s Scrapple & Apple Festival, where you’ll find a bluegrass band, activities for kids, the first ever (but hopefully not last) Scrapple Sculpting Contest, and a long menu full of creative scrapple/apple fusion dishes. Or, you can opt to celebrate fermentation season that morning at Wyck Historic House’s Crocktoberfest.
🍁 Enjoy Other Autumn Activities
The Phillies’ quest for their third world championship in their 141-year history begins the first weekend in October at Citizens Bank Park. Bookmark this playoff schedule to block off your calendar for the games and get your tickets.
October is also Mural Arts Month! The beloved local nonprofit is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a series of artist talks, tours, and mural dedications. The big celebration — Mural Arts Fest — is happening on Oct. 6 in LOVE Park.
Come back to City Hall between Oct. 18 and 27 for Dilworth Park’s “Maze Days.” You may stumble on a storytime for the kiddos, pumpkin carving, apple-cider making, or even some goats.
In late October, it’ll be time to take yourself on a leaf-peeping adventure (see here for some location recommendations from Hey Philly readers) — or, you can enjoy the fall colors from Kelly Drive while you watch the annual Head of the Schuylkill Regatta on Oct. 26 and 27.
