As the leaves begin to change, and the days grow shorter, that cool evening breeze can only mean one thing: it is officially fall. It doesn’t matter if you’re into pumpkin lattes, comfy sweaters and chilly hikes, or if you’re more of the haunted house and horror movie type, making the most out of fall is kind of a Pennsylvania thing. While there’s certainly no shortage of fall vibes on campus, it would be a personal disservice to miss out on what the local area has to offer throughout the season.
Of course, you’ve got the classics, like Old City in Philadelphia, with fall favorites such as Menagerie Coffee’s honey spiced cortado, Franklin Fountain’s “Great Pumpkin Sundae” and historic ghost tours, but if you need a little help finding unexpected things to do this autumn, here is a quick guide to a few local fall festivals and events.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Sitting just 15 minutes from campus, Morris Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy fall foliage and get away from the stress of college life. The 92-acre arboretum features 2,500 different plants, as well as 17 different types of trees. In October, it will feature several season-specific exhibits, including its annual scarecrow walk and a pumpkin cottage. Whether you are interested in plant life, wildlife, history or simply just want to take in the views, Morris Arboretum is the perfect nature escape.
Radnor Township Fall Harvest and Great Pumpkin Patch
Experience a bittersweet slice of seasonal nostalgia at the Fall Harvest & Great Pumpkin Patch at the Willows Park on Oct. 5. The festival features tractor rides, pumpkin painting, food vendors, live entertainment and more. There is simply no better place to bring back that feeling of fall from one’s childhood.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a beloved Chinese tradition in celebration of the harvest moon. On Oct. 5 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Chinatown, the festival will celebrate its 30th year in Philly. Performances will include singing, dancing, opera, Kung Fu, moon pie-eating contests and more.
This festival is much more than a celebration, though. Philly’s Chinatown has been named one of the most endangered historic places due to displacement in the country. This festival is not just another fall event, but it is a way for Chinatown locals to preserve their culture and show their resilience despite the threats their neighborhood has faced in recent years. It’s a great chance to try some new things and support an integral Philly community.
Bryn Mawr Farmers Market
Few things can top biting into a fresh, locally grown apple on a crisp fall day. Lucky for us, the Bryn Mawr Farmers Market is only two stops on the SEPTA from Villanova station every Saturday. With produce from local farms and food from local vendors, one day at the market can fulfill all one’s autumnal appetites.
Eastern State Penitentiary
For those who think that fall is all about haunted houses and horror movies, “Halloween Nights” at the Eastern State Penitentiary is perfect for you. Though the penitentiary is already considered one of the most haunted places in the country, from September to November, it operates five haunted attractions on select nights to offer even more of a thrill. Besides the haunted houses, there is also entertainment, food and drinks available, making for a perfectly terrifying fall night.
An Eagles or Phillies Game
I think it would be a crime if I were to compile a list of fall activities near Philly without mentioning the Phils or the Birds. Nothing screams fall more than the roar of the fans at the Linc or the crack of Bryce Harper’s bat in a big moment during Red October. Personally, I think attendance of at least one Eagles game and Phillies playoff game should be a graduation requirement. One cannot live in this area for at least four years without experiencing either these spectacles. They are truly rites of passage for those in Philly.
