If you’re spending time in Philadelphia this fall, you’re in luck! There are plenty of events to enjoy, from outdoor adventures to performances, artistic endeavors, and more. No matter how you like to spend your time, you are sure to find something to do in Philadelphia in the autumn. Check out some of the biggest events coming to Philadelphia this fall. 

The Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to Philly for two weeks in the beginning of September. Philly Fringe features experimental and avant-garde theatre pieces from artists across the Philadelphia area. This festival models itself after the longer, famous Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Check out some innovative theatre pieces from local artists! 

Hispanic Heritage Month runs nation-wide from September 15th through October 15th this year. In Philadelphia, festivities begin with the Feria del Barrio, a celebration of Latin culture, art, and music. Hispanic Heritage Month continues with a Puerto Rican Day Parade, Mexican Restaurant Week, and other celebrations of Hispanic culture throughout the city. 

Philadelphia is home to Eastern State Penitentiary , a former prison that once housed famous criminals like Al Capone. The penitentiary is now used for historical tours, but in the fall, they give haunted tours. The Terror Behind the Walls tour at Eastern State Penitentiary is a Halloween-season favorite in Philly, and one of the most famous haunted tours in America. 

Every early fall and winter, Philadelphia’s Center City District holds Restaurant Week. A range of popular, upscale, high end Philadelphia restaurants across Center City participate. Each restaurant offers a prix fixe three-course menu for $35 a person, and some restaurants also offer a prix fixe three-course lunch menu for only $20 a person. Philadelphians eat at their favorite restaurants or those they haven’t had a chance to try for a reduced, fixed price. 

OutFest, a celebration of the National Coming Out Day Festival, returns to Philly this fall. Philadelphia OutFest is the largest celebration of its kind, taking over Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. This block party spans over 10 blocks, and features drag shows, bar specials, food, music, shopping, games, and live music at a main stage. In 2019, Philly OutFest is scheduled for Sunday, October 13th. 

The Philadelphia Film Festival is back in 2019 for its 28th year. This festival lasts for 10 days, and features both local and foreign independent films, from short films to feature-length films and even animated movies. The films are shown across various venues in theatres across Philadelphia. 

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is one of the most famous Regattas in the country, attracting rowers ranging from amateur level to Olympic rowing teams. This year will be the 49th year of the Regatta, which brings in both rowers and spectators. Spectators can watch the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta on either side of the Schuylkill River, either on Kelly Ave or Martin Luther King Drive. 

The Philadelphia Marathon is the last big event of the fall, as runners gather to journey on 26 miles of exercise. The race goes through Old City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art area, and along Boathouse Row. This exciting race will attract runners from the Philadelphia area and even from around the country. Smaller races take place during the same weekend in November.