As the leaves begin to change color and the Holiday Season approaches, Philadelphia comes alive with countless fun and exciting events. Some of the fall events in Philadelphia maintain traditions that have lasted over 100 years. Others have just started in recent years, but have taken the city by storm. From film festivals to legendary haunted houses, these Philly events will help you make the most of autumn:
Philadelphia Film Festival
Philadelphia_Film_Festival
Lights. Camera. Action. As one of the most anticipated fall events in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Film Festival presents a carefully curated collection of over 100 short films, feature films, animated films, and more. Every year, over 25,000 movie-lovers descend on the city to take in a few independent flicks. And, a few of the lucky ones even get to meet their favorite actors and directors. Show up between October 17th and the 27th for award-winning films, keynote speeches, and amazing after-parties.
Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia_Marathon
If you’re looking to challenge yourself physically and mentally this autumn, you might want to sign up for one of the top 10 running events in the U.S.: The Philadelphia Marathon! You can choose to enter the full marathon, half marathon, 8k run, or the kids fun run. Expect to meet 30,000 new running partners, twice as many spectators, and thousands of good-hearted volunteers. And, if your feet haven’t become too sore, you can even participate in a Philadelphia Walking Tour.
Old City Fest
Old_City
Old City Fest represents the best free fall event in Philadelphia. Every year, North Third Street and Arch Street shut down to all motor vehicles, allowing for a pedestrian paradise filled with countless food and drink vendors, edgy designers, art galleries, and much more. Bring the kids for exciting entertainment on the family fun zone stage and plenty of other kid-friendly activities. And, if you’re visiting from out of state, you can even make the Old City Fest part of your Philadelphia Old City Tour.
Terror Behind The Walls
Terror_Behind_the_walls
The people at Eastern State Penitentiary know how to make Halloween even scarier. Every fall, they turn this dilapidated prison into one of the premier haunted houses in the country. And, since the prison serves as fertile ground for ghost hunters, psychics, and mediums, you never know whether that frightening ghoul that’s jumping out of a cell is real or just an actor. Plus, a single ticket gives you access to 6 different attractions: Lockdown, Infirmary, Machine Shop, Blood Yard, Quarantine 4D, and Breakout. Scary!
Army-Navy Game
Army-Navy Game
For 120 years, the Army-Navy Game has served as a classic fall event in Philadelphia. Yeah, the game has been played in New York, Baltimore, East Rutherford, and other cities a handful of times. But, it’s Philly’s game. The Army-Navy football match stirs up the military rivalry like no other event. And, the winners gain bragging rights for a full year. If you find yourself lucky enough to attend, you can bet that both sides will leave it all on the field for a chance to bring home the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
