For many, the second weekend in October brings a very welcome three-day weekend in honor of the holiday now known as Indigenous Peoples Day in Philadelphia.
And leisure-seekers looking to fill the long weekend with autumn adventure and fall fun will find an abundance of both in Philly.
The city honors Indigenous peoples at events all weekend long and plays host to annual autumn happenings that come in the form of haunted houses, fall street festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations.
Also on the docket for the long weekend in Greater Philadelphia: big-time events like WWE Extreme Rules at the Wells Fargo Center, the Fine Craft Fair in Rittenhouse Square and the Chester County Balloon Festival.
Looking for help with a Philly excursion? Call the Independence Visitor Center to speak with a visitor experience expert at 800-537-7676 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m seven days a week. They’ll help you navigate all the great things you can do right now in Greater Philadelphia.
Below, find the best things to do for Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, October 7-10, 2022.
The Museum of the American Revolution examines the culture of Native Americans and their role in the American Revolution during the annual Indigenous Peoples Weekend celebration. On Saturday, Indigenous performers demonstrate traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) social dances in the museum’s outdoor plaza. Inside, visitors learn about the complicated and crucial roles that Indigenous peoples played in the Revolutionary effort through pop-up talks and special film screenings. The museum also hosts a “relaxed morning” for guests with autism and their families on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 9-10:30 a.m.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
October 8, 2022 – October 2023
Indigenous artist Nathan Young’s immersive yearlong sound installation outside of Pennsbury Manor — a reconstruction of William Penn’s home along the Delaware River in Bucks County — invites visitors to reflect on Indigenous peoples’ connection to land. As a member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, Young’s work is intended to foster a deeper appreciation for the tribe’s heritage and homeland through the sounds of wind, water and wildlife.
Where: Pennsbury Manor, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville
This annual family-friendly event celebrates Native American, First Nation and Indigenous communities in Philadelphia with a day of art, culture and live performances. The daylong celebration — featuring traditional music, drumming and ancestral dances — is meant to elevate Indigenous voices and start a dialogue about their history in Philadelphia and beyond. The event is pay what you wish, with a suggested donation of $10.
Where: Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach Street
Get a jump on your holiday shopping while supporting local makers. This annual three-day event in Rittenhouse Square highlights high-end creations from some of the region’s most celebrated makers, crafters and artists. Booths throughout the park house one-of-a-kind pieces from more than 150 master woodworkers, glass blowers, jewelry makers, visual artists and more.
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square
This celebration of all-things Fishtown features food from neighborhood staples like Front Street Cafe, Middle Child Clubhouse and Kensington Quarters; adult beverages from Tonewood Brewing and Stateside Vodka; live performances from Snacktime Philly and Minka; and DJ sets all day long. Local vendors are also on site offering handmade crafts and artwork. Tickets are required.
Where: Front Street between Girard Avenue and Master Street
Philadelphia’s reputation as a wrestling town goes back decades, and Philly fans have two huge opportunities to show why that reputation is well-deserved. Before Lincoln Financial Field hosts Wrestlemania in 2024, Philly welcomes WWE superstars for the fan-favorite Extreme Rules. Expect few rules, high stakes and an electric Saturday night atmosphere in South Philly. You won’t want to miss this one, wrasslin’ fans.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
Take flight — or simply enjoy the views from the ground — at this gravity-defying fall festival in Chester County. Over the course of two days, more than 20 hot air balloons take to the skies for tethered and untethered flights offering sweeping views of the surrounding area. Back at ground level, grab a drink in the beer garden, let the kiddos run wild in the kid zone and enjoy live music from local bands. Festival admission is included with the purchase of a balloon ride, or can be paid for separately for non-riders.
Where: Willowdale Steeplechase Grounds, 101 E. Street Road, Kennett Square
The league-leading Philadelphia Union host Toronto FC in the regular season finale at Subaru Park. Expect a rowdy crowd in Chester as a dominant Union squad heads into the postseason with one goal in mind: winning the MLS Cup.
Where: Subaru Park, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester
Dates vary by event
Longwood Gardens is spectacular all year long, but the botanical attraction shines a little brighter this autumn thanks to two special celebrations.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Soak in the sights and sounds at a few of these live performances in Greater Philadelphia. Then, check out our complete guide to 30-plus can’t-miss shows coming to Philly stages this fall and winter.
Where: The Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (4)
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
‘Tis the season to raise a glass at Oktoberfest celebrations taking place throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd Street
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (5)
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
East Butler Avenue & South Ridge Avenue, Ambler
King of Prussia Mall, 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia
Good Samaritan Field, 212 W. Lancaster Avenue, Paoli
Ridge Avenue from Lyceum Avenue to Leverington Avenue
Philly takes spooky season to the next level as haunted houses, terrifying Halloween attractions and goosebump-inducing ghost tours pop up throughout the region each fall. Ready to scream? Check out the super-scary Halloween Nights inside Eastern State Penitentiary, or hop aboard a spooky hayride in the ’burbs at Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres or The Valley of Fear.
Where: Various locations including Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
With the changing leaves and falling temperatures, fall is an excellent time of year to curl up at a cozy bed and breakfast in Greater Philadelphia. Make your next visit extra-special with a stay at one of Philly’s nine most charming bed and breakfasts.
Where: Various locations including Akwaaba Philadelphia, 3709 Baring Street
As a highly walkable city, Philadelphia offers visitors a chance to discover bits of history lurking around nearly every corner. Looking to delve a little deeper into the city’s rich history? Check out a few of the top guided tours in Greater Philadelphia.
Where: Location vary by tour
After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at one of Philly’s great new restaurants. The city’s award-winning food scene is joined by plenty of new restaurants worth checking out in their own right — from the upscale Italian steakhouse Fiore Rosso and uber-exclusive sushi spot Omakase by Yanaga to casual eateries like the food truck-turned-restaurant La Chingonita in Fishtown.
Where: Various locations including Omakase By Yanaga, 1832 Frankford Avenue
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Halloween Nights, Oktoberfests, the Philly Bike Ride, legendary comedians and more...