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.
Celebrate the Harvest
In West Philly, 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 Fall Block Party on Oct. 24, complete with a costume contest and trick-or-treating. Pick pumpkins along the Delaware River at this citywide pumpkin patch or visit a farm in Philly’s suburbs.
Face Your Fears at These Halloween Haunts
The Lincoln Mill Haunted House and Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights are both officially open now through Nov. 7. If you like scary movies, see your favorite final girls of film on Oct. 6. The Glen Foerd Mansion is giving a haunted history tour inside the mansion on Oct. 7 and 14. Go on a ghost walk in Chestnut Hill on Oct. 17 (while giving back to the Free Library). Hear spooky stories while tasting wines from across the globe at Bloomsday on Oct. 27.
See World Premieres at This Film Fest
The Philadelphia Film Society’s largest festival returns for its 35th year, screening the best of cinema for 11 days straight. The initial festival lineup 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.
Cheer On Team USA at This Match
Head down to the home of the Philadelphia Union in neighboring Chester to see the best of women’s professional soccer. The U.S. Women’s national team will play Spain on Oct. 13. Tickets are still available. Need to brush up on your soccer knowledge? Head to Chinatown’s Lion Sports Bar the day before for a Soccer 101 crash course.
Marvel at Philly’s Murals
October is Mural Arts Month, so check out Philly’s iconic street art and learn the stories behind them by taking an official tour with Mural Arts. Or go on a Streets Dept excursion for a Solidly South Philly tour on Oct. 22 or a history of Philly’s murals on Oct. 24. Are you a runner? Join a run this month with Mural Miles.
Meat Me at the Market
Recreate an iconic scene from the “Rocky” movie at the Reading Terminal Market on Oct. 24. 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 Rocky Season, a celebration in honor of the movie’s 50th anniversary.
Taste Around the World
Dine Latino Restaurant Week returns on Oct. 4, with deals at local restaurants. After that, close out Hispanic Heritage month with food and Latin jazz on Oct. 15. The Southeast Asian Market’s last day of the season is Oct. 31, so head down to FDR Park – the market won’t return until the spring.
Collect $10,000 in Treasure
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 nationwide treasure hunt 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.
Come Out and Be Proud
In honor of National Coming Out Day, Manayunk is hosting a drag show, karaoke party, and performances of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 3. Then, head down to the Gayborhood on Oct. 11 for a festival with live poetry, dance parties, and a food truck market.
Attend This Museum’s Birthday Bash
The Please Touch Museum turns 50! The interactive museum is throwing a birthday party 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.
