The region is filled with activities and places to explore as the season changes from summer to fall.
ABOVE PHOTO: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest & Spruce Street Harbor Park — Photo courtesy Blue Cross RiverRink
visitphilly.com
Fall is a season of transition. Temperatures drop, leaves change and the days grow shorter. The one constant? Awesome things to do in Philadelphia.
Philly goes all-in on autumn adventure, so break out the hoodies and get ready for a pumpkin-picking, cider-sipping, thrill-inducing good time in Philadelphia in fall 2022.
First thing’s first: The clock is ticking on the spellbinding Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Don’t miss out!
Ready to bust a move (or your gut)? Fall brings major live performances to Philly as Mary J. Blige, The Killers, Lizzo and Post Malone perform to packed houses while comedians Chris Rock and Kevin Hart bring big-time laughs.
It’s go-time, sports fans. Fall is the magical time of year in Philadelphia when all five pro teams are active at the same time. The Phillies and Union continue their respective playoff pursuits as the Eagles, 76ers and Flyers kick off their 2022-2023 seasons with championship aspirations.
And the inaugural Philadelphia Polo Classic comes to Fairmount Park for an afternoon of high-stakes horseback action.
Hit the streets and raise a glass at major fall street festivals like South Street Fest, the Midtown Village Fall Festival and Roxtoberfest.
Spooky season gets underway with a number of family-friendly celebrations, including Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village and The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Head to Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary for more serious thrills in an abandoned historic prison.
Read on for our guide to the biggest events and best things to do in Philadelphia and the Countryside in fall 2022. (a partial list)
Harry Potter: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Through Sunday, September 18, 2022
The brand-new touring exhibition all about Harry Potter’s Wizarding World is making its world premiere at The Franklin Institute. And the immersive exhibition is as-advertised: The paintings move, the candles float, the mandrakes scream and the dementors — well, they’re creepy! Check out sets and costumes from the blockbuster movies and have some fun with interactive experiences that bring the magic of Hogwarts to your fingertips. You’ll brew potions, launch a quaffle on the Quidditch pitch and earn points for your favorite Hogwarts house. Bonus: The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package features two complimentary tickets to the exhibition and hotel parking (valued at up to $100). Wicked!
The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest & Spruce Street Harbor Park
Through Sunday, September 25, 2022
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest transforms this Delaware River waterfront destination into the perfect summer hangout spot, complete with a roller rink, a boathouse-style lodge, a Ferris wheel and plenty of playful spaces to chill out. The nearby riverside Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect escape for visitors looking to relax and locals hoping to unwind. Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy hammocks, patio and arcade games, musical performances, and tasty treats from local purveyors while strolling the boardwalk at this warm-weather attraction.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Meet Me on South Street
Through Thursday, October 27, 2022 (Thursdays only)
South Street is back, y’all! Every Thursday through the end of October, score food and drink deals at dozens of South Street bars and restaurants, in addition to special shopping and arts experiences as part of the Meet Me on South Street series. We’re talking $5 beers and $7 sandwiches at Brauhaus Schmitz, unreal happy hour specials at Bridget Foy’s, ladies’ night specials (including drinks on the DJ’s tab!) at the legendary Dobbs on South, 75-cent pierogies at Tattooed Mom and much more. Each week has a distinct theme, so check the official South Street Headhouse District website for the latest info on weekly events and specials.
Various locations including Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
Light: Installations by Bruce Munro at Longwood Gardens
Through Sunday, October 30, 2022 (Thursdays through Sundays)
A decade after British artist Bruce Munro first exhibited at Longwood Gardens, he returns with Light: Installations by Bruce Munro, comprising eight installations situated both indoors and outdoors. Don’t miss works like Field of Light, featuring 18,000 illuminated stemmed orbs lit by fiber optics along Longwood’s Large Lake, and a giant sphere made of 1,820 recyclable bottles in the East Conservatory. Visitors to the attraction can also enjoy illuminated fountain performances — set to different music each night — on Thursdays through Sundays through October 30, 2022.
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Major Live Performances in Greater Philadelphia
Dates vary by event
The temperatures may be cooling down, but Philly’s live performance schedule is just heating up. Check out some of the major acts swinging through Philadelphia this fall.
Pearl Jam at Freedom Mortgage Pavillion (September 14, 2022)
Mary J. Blige at the Wells Fargo Center (September 22, 2022)
Chris Rock at The Met Philadelphia (September 23-25, 2022)
The Killers at Wells Fargo Center (September 27, 2022)
Lizzo at the Wells Fargo Center (September 29, 2022)
Panic! at the Disco at the Wells Fargo Center (September 30, 2022)
Post Malone at the Wells Fargo Center (October 6, 2022)
Kevin Hart at the Wells Fargo Center (October 7, 2022)
Demi Lovato at The Met Philadelphia (October 12, 2022)
Gorillaz at The Met Philadelphia (October 14-15, 2022)
The Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction at Wells Fargo Center (October 21, 2022)
Notable Performing Arts Shows in Greater Philadelphia
All the world’s a stage. Philly’s performing arts scene returns in style this fall:
Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest at the Kimmel Center: This free event — presented by the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra — features a diverse sampling of arts and culture performances at the Kimmel Center. Take in the free sights and sounds, and participate in a number of family-friendly activities while hearing about local organization’s fall performance schedules. Bonus: Enjoy a flash sale with access to $20 tickets for more than 100 performances (September 17, 2022).
“Annie” at Miller Theater: Get ready to laugh and cry at director Jenn Thompson’s rendition of the classic musical about a charming red-headed orphan finding her way through a hard-knock life (October 1-16, 2022).
“Cinderella” at the Academy of Music: This enchanting adaptation of a fairytale favorite kicks off Philadelphia Ballet’s season in grand fashion (October 13-23, 2022).
“Les Misérables” at the Academy of Music: Journey back to the drama and upheaval of 19th-century France in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of this Tony Award-winning musical tour de force (November 2-13, 2022).
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
Big Sporting Events in Greater Philadelphia
Dates vary by event
Game on! All five of Philly’s major professional sports teams are active this fall:
Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park: Wild Card Fever is running rampant in Philadelphia as the Phils set their sights on their first playoff appearance in more than a decade. The Fightins host the Toronto Blue Jays (September 20-21, 2022) and the Atlanta Braves (September 23-25, 2022) to close out the month and the regular season at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field: Go Birds! The Eagles welcome the Minnesota Vikings for a Monday night showdown in their 2022 home opener (September 19, 2022) before hosting former coach Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars (October 2, 2022), the dreaded Dallas Cowboys (October 16, 2022), the cross-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers (October 30, 2022) and the Carson Wentz-led Washington Commanders (November 14, 2022).
Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park: The Union — who have spent much of the 2022 season at the top of the Eastern Conference standings — head into fall looking to secure a first-round bye in the MLS playoffs. They host Orlando City SC, who are battling for a playoff berth themselves (September 10, 2022), before welcoming Mexico’s C.F. Pachuca for an international friendly match to close out September (September 24, 2022). The regular season wraps up with a home match against Toronto FC (October 9, 2022).
Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center: The Fly Guys kick off the 2022-2023 season at home as they skate against the New Jersey Devils (October 13, 2022) in their first of 41 home games. Check out the Wells Fargo Center website for the full slate of games in South Philly this season.
Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center: Clap your hands, everybody! The Sixers return to the court in October with their eyes set on a championship run. The home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks (October 20, 2022) is sure to be a hot ticket in South Philly. Other big-time home games this fall include matchups with the New York Knicks (November 4, 2022), Phoenix Suns (November 7, 2022), Utah Jazz (November 13, 2022) and Brooklyn Nets (November 22, 2022). Check out the Wells Fargo Center website for a complete list of home games.
Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village
September 5 – October 31, 2022
Get a jump on (slightly) spooky season at the charming Peddler’s Village, located about a 45-minute drive north from Center City Philadelphia. Beginning on Labor Day, more than 100 scarecrows (ranging from silly to scary) pop up all over the village as part of an annual competition among local residents and organizations. In between shopping and dining, check out all of the scarecrow creations and vote for your favorite via a paper ballot or through the village’s mobile app. On October 15 and 16, 2022, visitors can sample beers in the beer garden — in their own custom stein — enjoy fare from food trucks and delight in German brass music and folk dances during the OctoberFeast celebration.
Peddler’s Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska
Philadelphia Fringe Festival
September 8 – October 2, 2022
For nearly a month, avant-garde performance meets street theater during the annual Fringe Festival. This year, the festival brings more than 200 performances, ranging from circus arts to comedy, to traditional and unexpected venues throughout the city. Some of the most-anticipated events for 2022: Spokaoke, a karaoke-like experience that asks brave participants to reenact historic speeches in front of a packed audience; the U.S. premiere of celebrated French choreographer Jérôme Bel’s self-titled choreographed autobiography; and the Philly premiere of An Untitled Love, an evening-length work from acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham.
Various locations including the Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street
Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards
September 10 – November 6, 2022
It’s go-time for the orange gourds at Linvilla Orchards. This two-month celebration features daytime activities like hayrides, straw bale mazes, apple slingshots, pick-your-own pumpkin activities and pony rides. After nightfall, things get slightly spookier with moonlit hayrides around the farm or to the nearby witch’s house.
Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
Center City District Restaurant Week
September 12-24, 2022
Dig into dining deals at more than 60 (yes, as in six-zero) of Center City’s most popular restaurants during Center City District Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants — including spots like Bistrot La Minette, Forsythia, Gran Caffe L’Aquila, Square 1682 and Volvér — offer fixed three-course dinner menus for $40 per person and select lunches for just $25. Brand new for 2022: The Dinner and a Show promotion offers discounted tickets to some of Philly’s most famous arts and culture institutions, including the Kimmel Center, the Academy of Music, Miller Theater and Wilma Theater, as well as select performances from The Philadelphia Orchestra. While Restaurant Week runs for two weeks only, these discounted tickets are available now through the end of the year.
Various locations including Forsythia, 233 Chestnut Street
La Guagua 47 Short Film Screening and Fiesta at the Kimmel Center
Thursday, September 15, 2022 | 5 p.m.
This free short-film screening kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month in style. Bursting with uplifting music and moving dance numbers, La Guagua 47 tells the story of SEPTA’s 47 bus route and its impacts on Philadelphia’s Latino community. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a pre-film meet-and-greet. The 6 p.m. screening is followed by a dance party featuring a live Latin band and pay-as-you-go food and drink.
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
September 16-18, 2022
The fall edition of this twice-a-year event — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country — brings paintings, glassware, sketches and more art to Rittenhouse Square for an outdoor gallery featuring work by talented artists and crafters. Stay tuned to the event’s website for more details about featured artists.
Rittenhouse Square, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square
Arts Montco Week
September 16-25, 2022
More than 200 arts organizations and cultural venues across Montgomery County celebrate Arts Montco Week with a bevy of performances, exhibits and special programs. Many events are free and take place daily throughout the 10-day celebration. New for 2022: The first-ever Montco Jazz Fest kicks off with a performance from the All Star Big Band at Pottswown’s Rivet Canteen & Assembly on September 21, 2022. Stay tuned to the official website for full details.
Various locations including Rivet: Canteen & Assembly, 238 E.t High Street, Pottstown
Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest
Saturday, September 17, 2022 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This free event — presented by the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra — features a diverse sampling of arts and culture performances at the Kimmel Center. Take in the free sights and sounds, and participate in family-friendly activities while hearing about the fall performance schedules from more than 50 arts and culture organizations in Philadelphia.
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
Mexican Independence Day Festival at Penn’s Landing
Sunday, September 18, 2022 | 2-8 p.m.
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, 2022. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day (officially Friday, September 16, 2022) at this Sunday celebration on the waterfront — part of PECO’s free multicultural series. Expect a day of authentic Mexican food, art and live music.
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Dine Latino Restaurant Week
September 19-23, 2022
Organized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Dine Latino Restaurant Week aims to boost business at the region’s can’t-miss Latino-owned restaurants. The fall edition of this twice-a-year dining event takes place during National Hispanic Heritage Month, giving even more reason to celebrate. The deal is straightforward: Buy two dinner entrees at a participating restaurant and receive an appetizer or dessert for free. Stay tuned for a list of participating restaurants.
Locations TBA
Festival O22
September 21 – October 2, 2022
After a two-year hiatus, Opera Philadelphia’s popular and innovative Festival O returns for its fourth iteration as Festival O22 this September. The 12-day event, which coincides with the launch of Opera Philadelphia’s 2022-2023 season, features live performances, opera film screenings and panel discussions at venues across the city. The centerpiece of the festival is a new production of Gioachino Rossini’s rarely performed Otello at the Academy of Music, running from September 23 through October 2, 2022.
Various locations including the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
September 23 – November 12, 2022
I scream, you scream, we all scream… because we’re inside an abandoned prison. Eastern State Penitentiary opens its cell blocks after dark to create an immersive and terrifying Halloween experience full of thrills and chills. In addition to five different haunted house attractions, Halloween Nights features historic tours, live music and themed bars and lounges inside the 10-acre historic site.
Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
Delaware River Festival at Penn’s Landing
Saturday, September 24, 2022 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
It’s a day of fun in the sun at this riverfront party taking place on both sides of the Delaware River. The best part? Everything is free! Enjoy rides on the RiverLink Ferry between Philadelphia and Camden, face painting for the kiddos, admission to the Independence Seaport Museum and paddle boat rides in the Penn’s Landing basin. How’s that for a little Philadelphia FREEdom?
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Philly Arts & Music Festival at The Navy Yard
Saturday, September 24, 2022 | 1-8 p.m.
This inaugural Navy Yard art and music festival features a day of live music performances, artisan vendors and grub from local food trucks. While the festival’s focus is on local artists and performers, the event is capped off by a set from world-renowned jazz musician Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
The Navy Yard, 4747 S. Broad Street
Fall for the Arts Festival in Chestnut Hill
Sunday, September 25, 2022 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A large stretch of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill transforms into an open-air arts and crafts marketplace during this annual early-autumn event. More than 100 talented artists from across the region set up shop along the avenue, selling photographs, watercolor paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and more. Between bouts of browsing and shopping, jam out to live music in front of two performance stages, or grab an alfresco meal at six restaurants offering outdoor seating.
Germantown Avenue between Willow Grove Avenue and Rex Avenue
Puerto Rican Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Sunday, September 25, 2022 | Noon-3 p.m.
Thousands of spectators line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for this annual parade and celebration of Latino culture. More than 1,500 marchers make their way down the parkway each year, performing traditional Latino music, poetry and dance. The theme for the year’s event is “The Puerto Rican Dreamers.”
Benjamin Franklin Parkway & North 21st Street
The Philly POPS: The Godfather Live at The Mann Center
Thursday, September 29, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterpiece during this supersized screening at The Mann Center. The Academy Award-winning film (10 times over) plays on three enormous screens as The Philly POPS perform Nino Rota’s Oscar-nominated score live.
The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue
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