Going to college in Philly, we're so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: we’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
—Arielle Stanger, Print Editor
Oct. 6–9: Harvest Weekend @ Dilworth Park
Ring in the beginning of fall with all the best seasonal activities—from the classic pumpkin carving to apple cider making—in Center City’s Dilworth Park. Sip on a specialty cocktail, listen to live music, and eat seasonal foods from local vendors all weekend. Free, 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., 1 South 15th St.
Oct. 7: After–Hour Picnic @ The Woodlands
Start this spooky month in style at the cemetery: Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the Woodlands by moonlight, watch the weeping willow sway with the fall chill, and listen to a haunting live orchestra that's sure to make its way into your nightmares. It's the graveyard–core moment that your emo middle school self always imagined. $10 entrance fee, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., 4000 Woodland Ave.
Oct. 8: Fall for the Arts Festival @ Chestnut Hill
From live music to stage performances, maker’s village to sustainability hub, Fall for the Arts Festival has it all. With more than 200 artists, artisans, and decorative arts vendors along the historic Germantown Avenue, the festival guarantees happiness on a Sunday afternoon. Come down to the festival to grab a drink, and stroll through the street to buy wearable arts and handmade home accessories. Free, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 8514 Germantown Ave.
Oct. 8: Old City Fest @ Old City
This annual fall festival features food, fashion, and culture all in the historic district of Old City, Philadelphia. With over 100 vendors participating, there’ll be no shortage of fun events and great food to try at the center of Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene. Free, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Old City, Philadelphia.
Oct. 9–15: Philly Music Fest @ Various Locations
7 Nights. 25 Bands. 1 Scene: It’s the Philly Music Festival. Featuring new artists each night from indie rockers to coffeeshop pop, this citywide festival is a clear incentive to travel through Philly and see all the venues this music city has to offer. Even if you don’t know any of the words, you’ll undoubtedly have the time of your life dancing the week away with all your friends. $29–$98, various times, various locations.
Oct. 12: YèShì Chinatown Night Market @ Chinatown
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation is returning its night market after a four–year hiatus. Live music, arts and crafts, entertainment, and food from neighborhood restaurants and food trucks—what could be better? Support Chinatown businesses and check it out. Free, 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., Chinatown along 10th Street and Race Street.
Oct. 13: Salsa and Bachata Class @ FDR Park Boathouse
Look, we’re all tired of the same two frat dance moves. It’s time to spice things up! In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, FDR Park is hosting a free dance class to learn how to finally move those feet. Bring along a dance partner (think your crush, your best friend, the next person you cross on Locust Walk). Get ready to impress the next time you have to dance with some sexy footwork. $10, 7:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m., 1500 Pattison Ave.
Oct. 19–29: 32nd Philadelphia Film Festival @ Philadelphia Film Society
Every October, Philadelphia Film Society hosts the singular event of the year: Philadelphia Film Festival. With curators gathering cinematic splendor from the most prestigious film festivals around the globe, PFF offers an extravagant collection of films: from the most critically–acclaimed and highly–anticipated to the most eccentric and offbeat, you’re in for a ride through the ever–so–strange world of cinema. And don’t forget to attend masterclasses, Q&As, and all kinds of special events. Tickets starting at $12, various locations.
Oct. 22: “They Were Roommates” @ The Penn Museum
Remember that weird friendship with your best friend in high school where you kissed sometimes? No? Well, I know I’m not the only one because our history is littered with JFKs and Lem Billings (look it up if you don’t know about this iconic secret romance friendship). In collaboration with the LGBT Center, Penn Museum is presenting a panel of experts on the hidden history of queer expression throughout antiquity. Free with student ID, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., 3260 South St.
Oct. 22–Jan. 21: Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris @ The Barnes
Famed French artist Marie Laurencin's vision of “Sapphic modernity” is on display at the Barnes beginning at the end of this month. Going against the grain of modern European art, her works center women and subtly hint at the queer experience. Dive into her world—1920s Paris with a twist—at this upcoming exhibit. $5 with student ID, various times, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Oct. 23: Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniv. Tour @ Wells Fargo Center
Ms. Lauryn Hill and Fugees are coming back to Philly this October to perform the album of all albums. Hill and her solo debut achieved so many firsts—the first hip–hop record to win Album of the Year, and the first woman to win five Grammys in one night. Celebrate the monumental album’s quarter century birthday. Tickets starting at $64.50, doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
Oct. 25: Depeche Mode @ Wells Fargo Center
Touring their new album Memento Mori, electronic music band Depeche Mode is coming to Philly this October. From their 80s hit “Just Can’t Get Enough” to 1990’s “Enjoy the Silence,” the group has achieved longevity and icon status in the UK. Their newest work was released to critical acclaim, making Depeche Mode well worth seeing. Tickets starting at $69, show at 7:30 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
Through Oct. 29: The Artist’s Mother @ Philadelphia Museum of Art
Described as an American icon and a Victorian Mona Lisa, James McNeil Whistler’s Portrait of Artist’s Mother has been widely featured in various works of fiction and within pop culture. Displayed for the first time in the city in 142 years, Whistler’s iconic work will join with other Philly local artists’ works inspired by the portrait in an exhibition that explores the circumstances surrounding the portrait’s creation and its legacy in Philadelphia. Free with museum admission, doors at 10:00 a.m., 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29: Southeast Asian Market @ FDR Park
Stuffed chicken wings, coconut sticky rice, and fresh–pressed sugarcane juice—there’s nowhere else in Philadelphia where you can find these delicious Southeast Asian street foods. If you’re tired of cheesesteaks, come down to FDR Park and support the open community space and cultural hub of refugees and immigrant members from Southeast Asia. Free entry, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m., 1500 Pattison Ave. & S. Broad St.
All Month Long: Linvilla Orchards
Convince your only friend with a car or cram into a 30 minute Uber and head to Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pa. for some wholesome fall fun. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, hop on a hayride, and pet a sheep—your inner child will thank us. Tickets start at $11, Pick–Your–Own open everyday from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., hayrides must be booked in advance, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, Pa.
All Month Long: Mütter Museum
Have you ever wanted to see a dead woman preserved in soap? The livers of conjoined twins Chang and Eng? 1,300 of what they call “wet specimen?" Countless skulls, tumors, and severed body parts? If you’re in a spooky mood this October, walk just over the South Street Bridge to the Mütter Museum, learn about medical history, and try not to throw up. $15 with student ID, open Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 19 S. 22nd St.
