October in Philadelphia: A Month of Creativity, Spookiness, and Celebration!

Welcome to an Exciting October in Philadelphia!

This month, the City of Brotherly Love is bursting with creativity, culture, and community spirit as we celebrate a variety of vibrant events. From the 20th anniversary of the DesignPhiladelphia Festival, showcasing nearly 100 exhibitions and workshops, to the spine-tingling fun of Franklin Square’s haunted mini golf, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join as Caletta opens its doors in Fishtown, bringing innovative Mediterranean dishes to the forefront of the dining scene. Experience the magical Night of Lights in Chestnut Hill, illuminating the streets with captivating projections and live music. Don't forget Fishtown’s first overnight food truck market, a haven for late-night foodies! And as the leaves change, embrace the season with lively harvest festivals featuring scarecrows, pumpkins, and festive activities. Get ready to dive into a month filled with adventure, artistry, and autumnal delights!

Celebrate 20 Years of Creativity at the DesignPhiladelphia Festival: October 1-13, 2024!

This exciting 13-day festival spotlights the city's vibrant design scene with nearly 100 free exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and demonstrations. Venues across the city, including the Center for DesignPhiladelphia and Cherry Street Pier, will host a diverse array of talent from local designers in fields like product design, architecture, and urban planning. The festivities kick off with a free anniversary party at Cherry Street Pier on Tuesday, where the first drink is on the house! Join them to explore how design influences our daily lives and to connect with Philadelphia's creative community. Don’t miss out on this celebration of innovation and artistry!

Haunted Holes: A Spooktacular Mini Golf Adventure at Franklin Square!

Get ready for some spooky fun at Franklin Square’s Spooky Mini Golf, happening throughout October 1-31, 2024! This seasonal twist on Philly Mini Golf invites you to putt your way through 18 haunted holes, complete with eerie lights and chilling soundtracks. As you navigate the course, you'll encounter Halloween-themed decorations and iconic Philly landmarks, including the LOVE sculpture and Elfreth’s Alley, all enveloped in a delightful fog. Tickets are required, so gather your friends and family for this unique Halloween experience. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the spirit of the season while having a blast in Center City! Don’t miss out on this frightfully entertaining adventure!

New Arrival: Caletta Opens in Fishtown!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 3, 2024, as Caletta makes its debut in Fishtown, part of the beautiful Hotel Anna & Bel. Designed by chef Tyler Akin, this exciting venue combines adventurous Mediterranean fare with the cozy ambiance of a piano bar, setting it apart from his other spot, Bastia. Guests can savor exquisite dishes such as Italian sturgeon caviar paired with Sardinian flatbread and ribeye spiedini drizzled with walnut pesto and grilled radicchio. In addition, Caletta features an innovative cocktail menu, highlighted by creations like the honey nut squash and turmeric-infused Cicero Can’t Hang and the refreshing gin-sake-pomegranate Saturn Descent. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a night out with friends, Caletta is sure to provide a memorable experience. Visit them at 1401 E. Susquehanna Avenue and join in the excitement!

Chestnut Hill Shines: Join the Night of Lights!

From October 3-9, 2024, Chestnut Hill will be aglow with the enchanting Night of Lights, a stunning public art display that brings history to life. This event will showcase vibrant projections of historical images from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy's archives on storefronts along Germantown Avenue. Each night will be filled with live music from talented local artists and engaging family-friendly activities. The festivities will officially begin on Friday at 6:45 p.m. with the thrilling “Flip the Switch” ceremony, after which the lights will illuminate the area from 7 to 9 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the charm and heritage of Chestnut Hill in a spectacular way! Join the unforgettable week of light, music, and community connection.

Fishtown’s Overnight Food Truck Market: A Late-Night Feast Awaits!

From October 3 to November 3, 2024, Fishtown will introduce Philadelphia's first overnight food truck market, perfect for night owls seeking tasty bites into the early morning hours. Inspired by global night markets, this outdoor venue will showcase six food trucks every Thursday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Kicking off the inaugural weekend are popular vendors like Farina Pasta Bar, Bake’n Bacon, and Mister Softee, with the lineup changing weekly to keep things exciting. Guests can enjoy a pay-as-you-go system for delicious meals and craft beverages, all within a lively atmosphere and plenty of seating. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in late-night culinary adventures! Head over to The Back Lot at The Fillmore, located at 29 E. Allen Street, for an unforgettable food experience.

Discover the Arts: First Friday in Philly!

On the first Friday of every month, Philadelphia comes alive as galleries, shops, and attractions open their doors to celebrate the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with extended hours and special events. This month promises a range of exciting highlights: at the Museum for Art in Wood, don’t miss the haunting exhibition "Strange Woodcraft: Weird and Eerie Sculpture," featuring surreal pieces by over a dozen artists—admission is free, with a $5 donation encouraged. Meanwhile, East Passyunk will be buzzing with sidewalk sales, discounts, food specials, live music, and pop-up events from 30 local businesses. Elfreth’s Alley invites you to explore its rich maritime history with a focus on Ben Franklin’s Gulf Stream mapping, while the Science History Institute hosts "School Lunch Unboxed," an engaging event featuring games, crafts, and free snacks. In Chestnut Hill, the neighborhood will host a day filled with live music, restaurant specials, and gallery previews. Finally, at the Barnes Foundation, the Sofrito Latin Jazz Duo will set the mood with captivating performances as visitors explore the galleries. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s creative spirit!

Celebrate the Season: Harvest Festivals in Greater Philadelphia!

As autumn unfolds, Greater Philadelphia invites you to embrace the season with vibrant harvest festivals. At the Morris Arboretum, the annual ArBOOretum festival transforms the landscape into a whimsical celebration of fall, complete with a Scarecrow Design Contest where visitors can vote for their favorites along a charming scarecrow walk, offering prizes of up to $300. Don’t miss the stunning Morris Pumpkin Cottage, adorned with hundreds of pumpkins at the end of the picturesque Pumpkin Promenade, running through October 31, 2024. Over in Bucks County, Trauger’s Farm Market hosts a delightful Oktoberfest, offering horse-drawn wagon rides, kettle corn, and pick-your-own flowers in a family-friendly atmosphere. Kids can enjoy activities like a haunted greenhouse, face painting, and the ever-popular Chippy the Clown on select weekends. Admission to Trauger’s Oktoberfest is free, with pay-as-you-go food trucks and a small fee for wagon rides, available every Saturday and Sunday through October 27, 2024. Experience the joy of the harvest season with these exciting events!