Top Five Fall Festivals

Fall brings with it cooler weather, shorter days and, here in Philadelphia, festivals nearly every weekend. To help you wade through all the food, music and arts fests taking place this autumn, here are five of our favorites.

1. Kennett Square Mushroom Festival

*Dates:* September 12–13
*Where:* Kennett Square, PA

For two days each September, mushroom lovers from all over the region pile into sleepy Kennett Square to celebrate the noble fungi. Expect farm tours, secrets from growers and dishes from the area’s best chefs.

Best bet: While in Kennett Square, make sure to check out the market at Talula’s Table. You might not be able to get a dinner reservation, but you can get some of their housemade sausage.

2. Riverfront Ramble

*Date:* Saturday, September 19th
*Locations:* Market Square Memorial Park, the Wharf at Rivertown, Chester City, Ridley Township Municipal Marina, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and Governor Printz Park

This 14 mile-long extravaganza — with parties at locations all along the route — truly has something for everyone, including boat rides, car shows, free concerts and a pirate festival.

Festival tip: Make a Ramble plan. It’s impossible to see everything at this mammoth festival, so gather your fellow attendees and figure out which attractions are your priorities.

3. New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival

*Dates:* September 26-27
*Location:* Main Street, New Hope, PA

This annual, juried art show draws more than 125 artists and craftspeople from all over the Northeast U.S. In addition to the art, you’ll find lots of live music, food from local restaurants and an activity booth for kids.

Festival tip: The festival is rain-or-shine, so bring your umbrella.

4. Midtown Village Fall Festival

*Date:* Saturday, October 3
*Location:* 13th and Chestnut Streets

The stretch of 13th Street that has become known as Midtown Village is an area of concentrated goodness when it comes to eating, drinking and shopping. On festival day, the merchants take to the streets with special sales, demonstrations and lots of delicious food.

For families: Make sure to check out the moon bounce at the Little Villagers area.

5. Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival

*Date:* Sunday, October 4
*Location:* Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA

Every year, Chestnut Hill celebrates the arrival of fall by closing down Germantown Avenue (between Willow Grove and Rex Avenues) to cars and throwing a grand arts and music festival that stretches more than a mile in length.

Travel tip: Skip the hassle of finding a parking spot; take public transportation instead!

If these festivals aren’t ringing your bells, there’s also the Neighborhood Street Festival on Baltimore Avenue (Sept. 5), Philly Fringe and Live Arts Festival (Sept. 4 – 19), the Doylestown Arts Festival (Sept. 12/13) and the East Falls Arts by the River Festival (Oct. 3).

— Published August 28, 2009