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City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly staff

✏️ Find past crossword puzzles below:

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines. 

Can You Solve This Philly-Themed Crossword?

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

Marie Albiges

Your farmers market is covered. Now, where do you go to get your pumpkin fix before Halloween?

 has turned Liberty Point on the Penn’s Landing waterfront into a pumpkin-filled fall attraction, with locally sourced pumpkins, spooky photo ops, carnival games, and even a pumpkin-smashing zone. Open through Nov. 2.

 in Chestnut Hill is featuring its annual 

 through Oct. 31. General admission to the gardens also gets you access to the scarecrow walk, a Hagrid-style cottage covered in pumpkins, and of course, all the fall foliage you could ever want.

 in Bucks County. Its Pumpkin Festival runs on weekends through Oct. 25, with tractor hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pumpkins available to buy, and rotating live music. Admission and parking are free.

Where to Pick Up a Pumpkin in the Philadelphia Area

Where to Pick Up a Pumpkin in Philly (and Beyond)

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Philly

Keep It Local

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

October officially means cozy season in Philadelphia, and there are plenty of places around the city that capture that fall feeling. Here are four spots worth venturing out for that will give you maximum coziness.

In my opinion, few cafes are cozier to find yourself in than at 

 on Ridge Avenue. With its squishy mismatched armchairs, autumnal-colored walls, and stained-glass art, it’s the perfect place to get some work done with a latte, or meet friends for a cup of tea and a board game. Eremita’s 

 sound delicious: lattes in the form of maple pistachio, orange cardamom, and pumpkin cinnamon.

What could be cozier than making candles and drinking wine? This 

 lets you wander around its “Scent Cellar” with glass in hand to sniff more than 60 fragrances and blend scents into two custom 8-ounce candles. 

 for the candle-obsessed person in your life.

Give me a rainy day and hours to kill in a bookstore anytime. It’s easy to lose track of time at 

, the Queen Village staple that boasts a quarter acre of used books across several rooms and multiple floors, often stacked halfway to the ceiling. With its wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and hand-written signs, the shop is full of little nooks and crannies and furnished with mismatched, well-worn chairs where you can settle in with a book and get lost in everything from historical fiction to self-help.

The Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop (Northern Liberties)

While studying abroad in England more than a decade ago, I developed a daily tea ritual. 

 understands the importance of that ritual, and they’ve created a cozy space where you can slow down and enjoy an international selection of teas and herbal blends. They occasionally host events, like 

gong-fu cha, or Chinese teatime, on Oct. 18.

Looking for a warm, cozy place to enjoy an autumn afternoon? Here are four spots in Philly sure to give you maximum coziness.

Where to Spend a Cozy Fall Afternoon in Philadelphia

Where to Spend a Cozy Fall Afternoon in Philly

NextFab is a collaborative, membership-based makerspace that provides access to tools, technology, education, events, and services to help people turn their ideas into products. The business was 

 and was originally part of the University City Science Center’s business incubator. After a stint in South Philadelphia, NextFab 

settled into its current location in Norris Square in 2020

Here are three hobbies you can pick up at NextFab:

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use consumer-grade 3D printers? Now you can, and you can pick and print a design from NextFab’s curated project files. The course will teach you how to set up the printers for clean, precise prints, as well as how to troubleshoot common issues.

You’ll finish this two-hour course with a brand new custom belt that you made yourself. Get step-by-step guidance in safe splitting, beveling, burnishing, and hand punching.

Be the most popular person in your friend group once you learn to sew, stitch, and hem on a consumer-grade sewing machine. Once you complete the course, you’ll have made your very own tote bag and can keep practicing on NextFab’s Singer home sewing machines.

NextFab is a membership-based makerspace that helps people turn ideas into products. Here are three hobbies you can pick up at NextFab.

Learn to Make Cool Things at NextFab in Philadelphia

Learn to Make Cool Things at NextFab 

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which 

awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

Call Your Mother | 1500 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

 (I was there to experience it!) is now coming to Philly. Call Your Mother features an extensive menu of East Coast deli classics, like a bagel and schmear or bacon, egg, and cheese, as well as inventive takes like the Meatball Bagel with fresh mozzarella, pesto, and spicy honey marinara, all melted on a cheesy garlic bread bagel. They’re planning a Rittenhouse Square location soon!

Cantina la Martina at Human Robot | (Brewerytown & Kensington)

 closed its flagship Kensington location, owners Chef Dionicio Jiménez, a James Beard Awards finalist, and Mariangeli Alicea Saez partnered with 

. Try the loaded nachos with a protein of your choice, guacamole, and chips with a beer pairing, and gluten-free burrito bowls.

, this omakase bar led by Chef Tom LoMonte promises an intimate and warm 16-course experience, with fish sourced from Japan, New Zealand, and Spain. You can also order a la carte nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls. Aogami is located beneath Chabaa Thai Bistro.

Holy Guacamoly | 3737 Lancaster Ave. (University City)

 and a build-your-own meal format. Try their Holy Guacamoly bowls with rice, beans, veggies, proteins, and toppings of your choice. The menu also includes taco boxes, birria ramen, and desserts.

Carolyn’s Modern Vietnamese | 2015 Walnut St. (Rittenhouse Square)

 is rooted in Vietnamese heritage with a Louisiana soul, and dishes are inspired by the energy of French cafés. Standout dishes include the daikon grits fries with Cajun aioli, herbs, and pickled okra, and the corn and crab congee with fried shallots and butter lime corn.

Panco | 2300 S Croskey St. (South Philly)

Craving cutlets? Owned by restaurant veteran 

, this takeout shop in South Philly’s West Passyunk neighborhood promises to deliver you bites of happiness. 

 includes various types of katsu, such as katsu-don and katsu parmesan, plus small bites and vegetarian options.

Mixteca | 2113 E. York St. (East Kensington)

This New York agave bar and restaurant moved into the former site of Martha. 

 will serve agave interpretations of classic drinks as well as alcohol-free options. Though the New York site has a limited food menu, Philly’s will be extensive with dishes such as hamachi ceviche and Yucatan shrimp tacos. Patrons can dine at either the bar, lounge, outdoor patio, or private mezzanine.

Anh Em Bar & Kitchen | 1252 S. 21st St. (Point Breeze)

 is turning staple Vietnamese comfort and street foods into an elevated experience at its 45-seat restaurant. Dishes include seared octopus, baked lemongrass chicken rice platter, and bánh mì (think Vietnamese hoagie). The restaurant also serves vegan options such as bánh xèo, a savory, crispy crèpe.

Tien’s Cafe | 450 E. Wyoming Ave. (Feltonville)

Craving more Vietnamese food, but don’t live in South Philly? Check out 

, a family-owned sit-down restaurant in North Philly. Diners can warm up with a variety of rice noodle soups or cool off with Vietnamese black iced coffee. The cafe is open every day except Tuesday.

Bar Cicci | 1620 Sansom St. (Rittenhouse)

Restaurateur Ellen Yin’s latest venture is giving guests a taste of Italy. 

’s inspired by Yin’s trips to Northern Italy and the country’s casual drinking culture, which is why it has an all-day cafe and 

In Crust We Trust | 965 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Inspired by Black culinary traditions, the pizza at 

 is not your typical slice of tomato pie. Each slice represents a different part of Philly, from the Uptown Crown (topped with oxtail, tomato, mozzarella, roasted peppers, collard greens, and tomatoes) to The Bottom (jerk chicken, jerk mozzarella, pineapple, hot honey). The food at this pizzeria is also halal.

Manna Bakery | 110 W Berks St. (Fishtown)

You may have seen this pop-up at farmers markets around Rittenhouse and Headhouse Square, with lines wrapped around the block. Now you can pick up its Levantine and Palestinian-inspired pastries at 

’s new brick-and-mortar shop. Signature menu items include herby cheese fatayer, creamy Basque cheesecake with seasonal flavors, and pistachio passion fruit cookie tarts.

Burrito Feliz | 4403 Chestnut St. (Spruce Hill)

 grew into a fleet of bright green trucks spreading Mexican cuisine around the city. Now the taqueria has found a permanent home in West Philly, where it serves favorites such as beef birria tacos, baja shrimp tacos, and chicken tinga.

Sister Robert’s Coffee | 2015 N 63rd St. (Overbrook)

, a new coffee shop and bookstore. Munch on sandwiches such as “Aching For Bacon” served with bacon, eggs, and melted cheese on a waffle; “The Fairmont” served with provolone cheese, grilled chicken, pesto, red peppers, and mayo on focaccia; or the “Chiwaffle Genesis," a classic chicken-and-waffles combo. The cafe is also looking for musicians to host events at no cost in its space now through September.

Chibanos | 1127 Pine St. (Washington Square West)

 is another pop-up that’s finally found a permanent home after much anticipation. This shop serves Chinese-Cuban sandwiches, inspired by the owner’s family recipes. Chibanos serves breakfast all day, with a variety of sandwiches and sweets for sale. Grab either the signature “Chibano,” which brings Señora Fong’s roast pork, ham, Swiss, haam choy, and mayo, or the “Chikibano,” with braised chicken, Chinese broccoli, and douchi garlic mayo.

Vegans Are Us | 1016 Race St. (Chinatown)

This New Jersey-based restaurant is bringing its vegan twist on soul food to Philly. 

 has moved into Chinatown Square, introducing customers to plant-based options like the “Ultimate Beast Mac & Cheese Burger,” “Philly V-Steak, and “Double Spicy Chicken Stacker.”

Blue Warbler | 8001 Germantown Ave. (Chestnut Hill)

From coffee to cocktails, this restaurant serves diners all day long. The 

brainchild of Chestnut Hill’s Fred Mogul

, the menu combines Mediterranean, Jewish, Persian, Balkan, and American cuisines to create casual yet unexpected combinations of pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.

Café Tinto | 1701 N Front St. (Fishtown)

Do you ever get a midday craving for breakfast? Well 

 serves it through the afternoon. Specializing in Colombian food and coffee, you can order empanadas and guayaba pastries IRL or have them delivered via DoorDash.

Officially open for regular dining with a 

winery downstairs and a restaurant upstairs

, this spot allows diners to pick their preferred vibe. Maybe you're in the mood for a tasting of small-batch wines, or perhaps you prefer to hang out with a signature cocktail and seasonal plate? All are options.

The Garden at City Tavern | 138 S 2nd St. (Old City)

 City Tavern was closed for around six years. Now 

 its yard for outdoor dining, drinks, and colonial history programming.

Winners Ice Cream | 1610 South St. (Graduate Hospital)

Created as a place to celebrate the wins in life, 

takes on South Street with small-batch ice creams in flavors like MVPeanut Butter Crunch and Summer Slam Strawberry. If you swing by, make sure to write your successes on a sticky note and add it to the 

Soufiane at the Morris | 225 S 8th St. (Washington Square West)

Combining a Parisian brasserie with Moroccan influences gets you 

, you can order dishes like escargot and bone marrow.

Philly Surf Club | 699 N. Broad St. (West Poplar)

, Beverage Director Nico Diaz and Culinary Director Natalie Maronski laid down permanent roots with this 

 in the Divine Lorraine building. All drinks are inspired by different beach towns from around the globe. I'll be getting my cocktail with a rubber toy on top when I order 

South Philly Barbacoa at Triple Bottom Brewing | 915 Spring Garden St. (Poplar)

The widely recognized Chef Cristina Martinez is expanding her South Philly Barbacoa concept to 

 on Spring Garden Street. After selling her authentic Mexican lamb tacos and sweet tamales at pop-ups at the brewery (which City Cast Philly 

highlighted for its apprenticeship program)

, the collaboration is becoming official with a 

Mr. Edison | 200 S Broad St. (Rittenhouse Square)

The newest restaurant coming from big-time restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow is the Thomas Edison-inspired supper club, 

 with a Ferris wheel-adorned bar, you can expect extravagant meals with live music.

Love City Brewing & Sophie’s BBQ | 4323 Main St. (Manayunk)

The taproom and BBQ joint have joined forces to be your one-stop shop for beers and brisket inside the former Fat Lady Brewing. 

 offers everything from BBQ sliders to smokehouse nachos. 

 has an extensive drink menu, with plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, and leans on Philly-centric naming. City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz recommends trying the smoked chicken sandwich.

Mod Spuds | 1424 South Street (Graduate Hospital)

 to make its grand return, but in the meantime, Chef Ange Branca is introducing us to her latest concept, 

. Originally a one-month residency at Comfort & Floyd, Branca’s Philly and Malaysian spin on the classic loaded jacket potato took off. The new brick-and-mortar features the Mod Spud (baked beans, chili con carne, scallion), Philly Spud (cheesesteak, pepper relish), and a build-your-own-spud option.

Universal Bread Bakers | 2921 E. Thompson St. (Port Richmond)

Philly’s culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious spots that have recently opened.

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