The leaves are starting to change color, short sleeves are being substituted for sweaters and Pumpkin Spice everything is out on the shelves, which means that fall is back in Philadelphia! When imagining fall, many think of pumpkin patches, hayrides and all the festive activities that come along with the season. It can be hard to picture a traditional fall in the middle of a big city. But if you are new to Philadelphia, or if you just can’t get enough of all this city has to offer, here is your guide to having the most festive fall season yet!
There are many ways to celebrate fall around Philadelphia that are unique to the city. At Franklin Square, Halloween Mini Golf will be offered throughout October. Gather some friends and get competitive! This family-friendly, 18-hole course is fun for all ages, even with no prior mini-golf experience! The park is transformed into a spooky wonderland of ghouls, pumpkins and Halloween-themed music. If you are looking for something a little more scary, Eastern State Penitentiary hosts its annual Halloween Nights Festival during September and October. There are five haunted houses at this event, ranging in themes from circus clowns to Al Capone. There are also opportunities for s’mores, ghost stories and spooky exhibits. Be ready for an immersive environment of twists, turns and jump scares inside the abandoned prison.
If you’re looking for classic fall aesthetics, and don’t mind a commute out of the city, the Philadelphia area has many small, locally-owned farms that you should check out! Places like Linvilla Orchards (Media, PA), Shady Brook Farm (Yardley, PA) and Peddler’s Village (Lahaska, PA) offer pumpkin patches, hayrides, apple cider donuts, corn mazes and more! Even better, they can all be accessed by SEPTA’s Regional Rail from 30th Street Station, though an Uber or other form of transportation will be necessary once getting off SEPTA.
Though not autumn-themed, Philadelphia is sporting a fantastic concert lineup for the fall of 2024. In September, familiar favorites like Nicki Minaj, Twenty One Pilots and Pearl Jam will be playing at the Wells Fargo Center. In October, Wells Fargo will be just as star-studded, with Jelly Roll, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Timberlake coming to town. During the Fall, other concert venues around the city will be abuzz, like the Mann, the Met and the Fillmore, who are hosting artists like Meghan Trainor and Sting. If you prefer music that is a little more unique to Philadelphia, we have you covered! The annual Philly Music Fest will be happening from Oct. 21-27. Twenty-three bands will be hitting different stages across the city as a fun-filled week, where proceeds are donated to music programs for Philadelphia youth. This year, the headliner is Amos Lee. This will surely be a week you will not want to miss if you love music!
If going out does not sound appealing, especially after a long week of classes — fear not. You can do plenty of fun fall activities from home! Invite over some friends and have a festive movie night! Get nostalgic with movies like “Halloweentown” and “Hocus Pocus,” or seek a little thrill with some horrors like “Scream” or “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Baking is also a great way to get in the fall spirit. This time of year is full of unique flavors, like apple, pumpkin and maple. Make an apple pie, pumpkin bread or host a pretend cooking show to see which of your friends can incorporate these flavors into a dish the best way!
One of the best things about fall is the beautiful nature it offers. Leaves turn the most stunning shades of red, orange and yellow. You may think that being in the city means you can’t tbe immersed in the fall foliage, but that’s not the case! Walking trails located at Wissahickon Gorge and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge are adorned with tons of trees that get really vibrant in the fall. Grab some hiking boots and trade the skyscrapers for some foliage for the day!
No matter what your hobbies are, fall in Philadelphia offers something for everyone. In the midst of a busy schedule, it is extra important to slow down and enjoy the world around you. Fall is the perfect season to do this because it is not too hot, not too cold and everyone is in the mood for festivities. These activities are also the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the city we live in. If you have parents, friends or loved ones visiting, it could be a fun way to show them where you live. So, get out there! Try something new! You never know what your new favorite fall tradition will be! Happy fall!