Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

Looking for some things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered. 

Fall into Florals

This Sunday, Oct. 16, the W Hotel Philadelphia will partner with Franklin and Whitman for a special make-your-own Botanical Steam workshop. Taking place at the hotel’s Secret Garden from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., the event will feature all-day access to W Philadelphia’s WET Deck Bar and heated pool, and a custom Franklin and Whitman botanical steam make and take. 

Those who attend will also get a fall cocktail from Chester County-based Revivalist Gin (and additionally, W Philadelphia’s WET Deck Bar menu will be available with low-ABV drinks and mocktail options), plus a sample of the custom collaboration scent between Franklin and Whitman and W Philadelphia. Lastly, anyone who books a spa treatment for that day will receive a complimentary enhancement from W’s wide menu of upgrades.

 1439 Chestnut St., marriott.com

Whiskey + Fine Spirits Festival

Taking place at Lincoln Financial Field, Philly Mag’s Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival will kick off this Thursday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. The activation, as always, will feature a range of premium spirits—but now there will be tastings from 45-plus wines for the first time ever in the event’s history.

As a release states, while there, Philadelphians can indulge in more than 250 different types of premium whiskey, scotch, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and cordials from around the world, while also enjoying handcrafted cocktails and bites from a number of food vendors, including Village Whiskey, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Bank & Bourbon, Eclat Chocolate, Dim Sum House by Jane G’s, Tradesman’s, Blume, Delco Steaks, Time, Veda, Darnel’s Cakes, Hudson table, Brü Craft and Wurst, and more.

The festival will also boast an on-site Fine Wine & Good Spirits so you can take some spirited treats home with you. And finally, there will also be meet-and-greets with industry reps, games, music and entertainment, plus interactive spirit lounges to check out. Ticket information (including how you can purchase a VIP option) can be found online. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Simon’s Heart, which helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest in children. 

 One Lincoln Financial Field Way, phillymag.com

Museum of Illusion’s Halloween Activation

The MOI boasts 60+ visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, immersive rooms and special Philly installations unique to this location. And now for this fall season, some of there activations have undergone a spooky transformation that Philadelphians can check out for themselves. 

Some highlights from the Museum of Illusions includes the Head on the Platter illusion, which visually makes whoever is in it look body-less or like a floating head. Another exhibit, modeled after Philly’s own Elfreth’s Alley uses a gigantic mirror installation to make visitors look as though they are hanging off the side of the building in a photo. Speaking on the idea of keeping it local, there will also be an upside-down Philly diner-themed room with more photo ops, and Benjamin Franklin himself is on display towards the entrance of the museum.

401 Market St., moiphilly.com

Walk4Hearing

Taking place this Sunday, Oct. 16, Philadelphians can head to the Navy Yard to join in on the PA Walk4Hearing 5K. Coming from the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)—who continues to raise funds for hearing loss programs—the activation aims to end the stigma associated with hearing loss on a national level. This is done through education, support and assistance, including with events such as this weekend’s.

Registration for Walk4Hearing begins at 9 a.m., with a stage presentation at 10:30 a.m., and then the main event kicking off at 11 a.m. The total distance comes out to be 3.1 miles, and the activation will also feature children’s activities, refreshments, and entertainment. This family-friendly event is expected to host 1,500 participants and counting, and more information can be found online. 

4701 Intrepid Ave., walk4hearing.org

OktoBBQfest

Philadelphians can head to Holy Que Smokehouse in Lahaska this Saturday and Sunday to join in on OktoBBQfest, which starts at noon each day and will run until 6 p.m. or until items sell out. While there this weekend, guests will receive one complimentary German brew with the purchase of a bratwurst sandwich or platter. And as a bonus, OktoBBQfest is happening the same weekend as Peddler’s Village’s highly-anticipated OctoberFEAST 2022.

And as a release states, in addition to OktoBBQfest, Holy ‘Que Smokehouse has recently added a variety of rotating new menu items including the Fried Chicken Sandwich (buttermilk brined country fried chicken topped with pickled relish), Fried Mac and Cheese Balls (composed of three-cheese mac rolled, seasoned and flash fried into a tasty treat), Texas Red Chili (served with or without corn bread croutons), and Queso Waffle Fries (with the option to add brisket or pulled pork).

5788 Lower York Road, Lahaska, holyque.com