The best fall festivals and events in Philadelphia

Fall in Philadelphia is marked by crisp weather, vibrant foliage, and a quintessentially Philly lineup of events and celebrations. A few annual favorites like the Fringe Festival and the Puerto Rican Day Parade are joined by newcomers like Arts Montco Week and a revamped Halloween celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary. Be sure to check venues for current COVID-19 protocols.

Thousands of bold performances across the city make up this four-weeklong celebration of contemporary art and innovation. The festival features the work of local independent artists and includes performances by FringeArts. (Through Oct. 3, ticket prices vary, various locations, 215-413-9006, fringearts.com) 🎟️ Buy tickets

This new festival is a free, weeklong celebration of arts and culture, highlighting more than 200 arts and culture venues in Montgomery County. Explore everything from LEGOLAND Discovery Center to dance classes and art galleries. (Through Sept. 26, free, various locations, valleyforge.org)

This Halloween favorite is new and improved with festival-style programming featuring 15 attractions. If you’re feeling fearless, take on the two haunted houses. For those who want to be more spooked than scared, enjoy live performances and Halloween-themed bars and take in the special-effects shows. (Sept. 24-Nov. 13, $34 general admission, $30 group tickets, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., 215-236-3300, easternstate.org) 🎟️ Buy tickets

The golden block is the backdrop for this celebration of Philadelphia’s vibrant Latino community and culture. Come out for a day of live music, dancing, and food. (Sept. 19, free, N. 5th Street between Huntingdon and Somerset Streets, feriadelbarrio.org)

This annual parade along the Parkway features thousands of marchers, dancers, and spectators for a day of celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino culture. Keep the party going at an outdoor after-party in Centro de Oro at Fifth and Lehigh. (Sept. 26, free, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, elconcillio.net)

The oldest festival of its kind in the country, Design Philadelphia is back to highlight the work and innovation of local architects, designers, and creative professionals. Attendees can view various exhibits and installations that showcase design excellence. (Oct. 6-17, Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., deisgnphiladelphia.org)

This Philly tradition brings out thousands of runners to race (or run or walk) down Broad Street during this cherished 10-miler. Cheer your runner on from the safety of home by streaming it online or watching on NBC10. (Oct. 10, broadstreetrun.com)

The party is on with the return of this annual block celebration. DJs and local bands will provide the soundtrack to a day of craft beers, games, food and fun. (Oct. 16, free, Washington Avenue from 15th Street to 17th Street, blocktoberfest.org)

Take in the art and workspaces of more than 300 artists at Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, the largest tour of art and creative studio space in the country. The event includes virtual and in-person events that span dozens of Philadelphia neighborhoods. (Oct. 16-24, various locations, philaopenstudios.org)

The 11-day festival puts more than 100 of the most critically acclaimed independent films on screen for local film enthusiasts to enjoy. Attendees will take in shorts, feature-length films, and hear from directors and actors. (Oct. 21-31, $75 for students, $175-400, various locations, filmadelphia.org) 🎟️ Buy tickets

For two days, rowers of all levels take to the Schuylkill for one of the largest rowing events in the country. For the best spot to watch, head to the Three Angels statue at Boathouse Row, about a mile from the finish line. (Oct. 30-31, $62-243 to race, Schuylkill, hosr.org)

This annual film festival spotlights short and feature-length films created by Asian filmmakers that center the Asian experience. Attendees can connect to other passionate members of the Asian film community. (Nov. 4-14, various locations, paaff.org)

Runners can take in the views of historic Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill as they race through the city in one of the nation’s top 10 marathons. The big race takes place on Sunday with a half-marathon, 8K run, and kids races taking place throughout the weekend. (Nov. 19-21, $10-140 to run, 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, philadelphiamarathon.com)

The first and oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country is back with the floats, characters, and bands we know and love, brought to us by 6ABC and Dunkin. (Nov. 25, free, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, facebook.com)

» READ MORE: Find more in our complete fall arts guide