Ensemble Arts is bringing back a seasonal favorite.
The Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest is set for this Saturday, Sept. 13, with a jam-packed schedule of cultural fun in store from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hosted at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the free-to-attend event will boast festival-style performances, tours of the Marian Anderson House, and the chance to interact with more than 50 regional arts organizations. While perusing around, visitors will be immersed in the worlds of tap, jazz, ballet, opera, Broadway, classical demonstrations and more.
“Our annual Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest is central to our mission as a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the transformative power of the performing arts and arts education with the widest possible audience,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. “Built around the power of partnerships and our commitment to amplifying local artistry as well as global talent, this festival is a reminder that our city’s arts and culture community is stronger together.”
Both stages at the Kimmel will feature performances from shows coming to the city as part of Ensemble Arts’ 2025-26 Broadway season, plus, other local institutions. Talent in attendance includes performers from the Tony-winning Best Musical ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ and ‘The Sound of Music’, The Philly Pops, Opera Philadelphia, Esperanza Arts Center, Project 440, the Philadelphia Ballet, Née Danse/Theatre, the Chocolate Ballerina Company, SHARP Dance Company and more (a full schedule can be found online.)
The event will also be stocked with different tables and activations offering unique experiences like a ‘Keep Music Alive’ instrument petting zoo, and a table from the local Alice Paul Museum for Gender Justice (the latter is an institution honoring the late suffragette and subject of ‘Suffs’, a Tony Award-winning musical premiering in Philadelphia next January.)
Another fun addition to the occasion comes from ‘Back to the Future The Musical’ (premiering in Philadelphia this November.) The famous DeLorean will be parked outside the Kimmel Center for photo opportunities for fans. Attendees are also welcome to engage in friendship bracelet-making in honor of ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ (premiering in Philadelphia in October), or, check out a new activation dubbed “organ pumps.”
With the latter, the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will showcase the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ, during which, guests are invited to lie on the stage of Marian Anderson Hall to feel the vibrations of the massive instrument. This is a one-time opportunity during the Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest taking place at 1 p.m. Other hall tours will happen at noon and 2 p.m.
Plus, the Philadelphia Orchestra is commemorating its 125th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, visitors are welcome to record anniversary messages and share their Orchestra memories in a special video booth that will be set up in the Commonwealth Plaza. If you can’t make it out to the Festival on Saturday, the booth will also be open during the Orchestra’s Opening Weekend concerts from Oct. 3 to 5.
Curtain Call, the cafe and lounge space inside the Kimmel will also be open with food and beverage offerings (including Broadway and Orchestra-themed cocktails and mocktails). Attendees will additionally be treated to a special in-person flash sale offer during Fall Arts Fest — 50% off tickets to over 70 shows across the upcoming season.
To find out more information about the Philadelphia Fall Arts Festival at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (300 S Broad St.), visit ensembleartsphilly.org
