Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

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

NoLibs Bloody Mary Mash

It’s the second weekend for the Monster Mash: Northern Liberties Bloody Mary Challenge, and it’s also the last chance to check what the 13 spots participating have created. The competition is set for Oct. 22 and 23, and each venue throwing its hat in the ring will try to set its best and most unique Bloody Mary contender up for a vote—and the results span different varieties of the drink using bacon, chicken, pickles, and even pesto being thrown into the mix.

Participating contenders include Figo Ristorante, North 3rd, North Bowl, Jerry’s Bar, Anejo, SET NoLibs, Urban Village, El Camino, Cantina Dos Segundos, Standard Tap, The Abbaye, Heritage, Bourbon and Branch, Urban Village Brewing, and Silk City. Each competing restaurant will feature a Halloween-themed Bloody Mary with different themed fixings. After trying them, patrons can rank their drinks in four categories (right spice, taste, “bling,” and halloween-i-ness) with an overall winner taking top honors. Brunch and lunch reservations are encouraged.

Multiple locations, explorenorthernliberties.org

Tela’s Pumpkin Painting 

At Tela’s Market & Kitchen this weekend, Philadelphians will be able to get more than just the fresh offerings and breakfast/lunch/dinner service there. On Oct. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m., Tela’s will be offering a family-friendly pumpkin decorating event outside of their Fairmount venue. For $20, tickets will get you one pumpkin, decorating supplies, your choice of one pumpkin beer or one pumpkin cocktail, and your choice of one pumpkin muffin or a slice of pumpkin loaf. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite. 

1833 Fairmount Ave., telasmarket.com

“Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia- The Philly True Crime Tour”

From Founding Footsteps, this new trolley-driven experience will bring Philadelphians all around the city to discover the darker side of its history. Topics being covered include the nation’s first serial killer, H.H. Holmes (who spent some time unfortunately, in Philly) plus some local stories including Gary Heidnik, a certified genius with a penchant for locking his victims in a pit he dug in his basement—which would later become a partial inspiration for Buffalo Bill from ‘Silence of the Lambs.’ 

There will also be some lighter topics covered on the tour spanning jewel heists, how corrupt politicians manipulated the court system and more tales all told through storytelling, live music and video presentations. As a release states, the tour runs Thursdays through Saturdays throughout October. Tickets are $48 and include one cocktail from PJ Clarke’s (6th And Walnut inside the Curtis Building), which is where the tour starts and ends. 

foundingfootsteps.com

Paddle Penn’s Landing 

This weekend is the last time to check out Paddle Penn’s Landing at the Independence Seaport Museum. While there, families can spend their afternoon paddling around the Penn’s Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, or paddleboat. Hours are currently weekends-only from noon to dusk, and note that all Paddle Penn’s Landing activities are $12 per person for a half-hour rental.

And speaking of excursions, the Museum’s Kayak Excursions will be offered through Oct. 22. During these bouts out on the water, visitors can choose between six specially curated tours designed to give unique perspectives of the Delaware River. Excursions range from three to ten miles and offer beginner to advanced options, and guided paddle trips are between $50 to $85 per person. Tickets, which can be found online, must be purchased in advance.

211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., phillyseaport.org

Craftsman Row Saloon Halloween Pop-up

There’s only a few more chances to check out Craftsman Row Saloon’s Halloween pop-up, which has transformed its space and menu for the month of October.

The venue is now decked out with the ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ decorations. Then, on the menu, some spooky updates include the Haunted Mac and Cheese ($14, four cheese blend, pumpkin, toasted breadcrumbs and pumpkin seeds), Mummy Dog ($11, a puff pastry wrapped hot dog, crinkle fries and ketchup-mustard dip), Jack’s Burger ($16, two smashed patties, American cheese, maple-candied bacon, pumpkin aioli and pumpkin seed topping on a martin’s potato roll which can be made vegetarian) and more. 

And it wouldn’t quite be a trip to Craftsman Row without some milkshakes. Two new additions have hit the menu: This is Halloween (made with Bassetts chocolate ice cream, crushed Oreos, house-made Jack cookies, black rock candy, Oreo cookie crumble and black sprinkles), and the Gravedigger (made with Bassetts pumpkin ice cream and a donut crumble, vampire donut, rock candy and Halloween sprinkles). Philadelphians can check it all out for themselves at the Jeweler’s Row venue until the end of the month. 

112 S. 8th St., craftsmanrowsaloon.com