PHS Pop Up Gardens celebrate Fall season with plenty of fun

When the spring hit, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) brought back both of its Pop Up Garden locations —on South Street and in Manayunk— for the 2022 season. Each outdoor venue came back in full force in March of this year, and soon will close up for the winter season—but not before hosting some colorful and energetic fall activations. 

Both Pop Up Gardens will boast new food and beverage items as the city transitions towards cooler, crisp autumn weather, as a release states. And, as the gardens blend horticulture and culinary elements every year, visitors will also be able to enjoy the transition of Fall foliage in the spaces as well. Overall, guests can expect plenty of hearty bites and snacks, seasonal spices, and popular fall beer and cider flavors.

Events will also be lining the calendars at both locations. 

“Barktoberfest” already set its sights on the South Street location with contests, costumes, steins, food/drink specials, adoptable pups and even special dog treats from Amelie’s Bark Shop. But, if you’re still in the Oktoberfest spirit, PHS’ Manayunk location is still celebrating prost-style. 

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, the festivities will officially kick off with Dragtoberfest, sponsored by Ommegang. This event will feature special drag performances by Astala Vista, Poochie, Venus Mystique, Lucy Moth, and Monika Polanco, and will be hosted by Stefani Steele. Then, the Pop Up will host a celebration of Bavarian culture on Sept. 30 with Polkadelphia. The event will feature a traditional Oompah band, beer sampling and giveaways.

On Oct. 1, the celebrations continue with music from Paul Green Rock Academy, prizes, giveaways, Oktoberfest beer samplings, and free kid’s pumpkin painting/face painting all day long, all sponsored by Twisted Tea. Then, as a release states, on Sunday, Oct. 2, guests can enjoy Fall season with their four-legged friends at Dogtoberfest Yappy Hour with Brixxy & Co. This fun, “Fido-friendly” event is sponsored by DogFish Head and Sam Adams and will  highlight Oktoberfest beer and food specials, prizes, giveaways, promotions, and lively musical performances by acclaimed Philly brass-band, SNACKTIME.  

Down on South Street, the Fall season will also boast some unique experiences in the form of with macrame workshops, plant swaps and giveaways, plus a special Garden Party on Sunday, Oct. 2. While at the party, Philadelphians will be able to listen to a classical music concert by rising-star soloists and chamber ensembles from the classical music mentoring program, Astral. The line-up of talent (who were provided musical equipment from WRTI 90.1FM) include the AKRAI violin and cello duo, saxophonist Valentin Kovalev, oboist Mitchell Kuhn, and mandolin and domra musician Ekaterina Skliar. 

With the Fall season also comes the spooky season, and to celebrate the popular holiday, the Manayunk Pop Up Garden will host special Halloween events including a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening with a live shadow cast featuring The Transducer Players and Brittany Lynn as Dr. Frank N Furter on Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. 

Also on the docket for the city includes Leaf Printing on Oct. 20 (South Street) and Oct. 26 (Manayunk), and October Plant Swaps on Oct. 3 at both locations. Registration and more details on time are available online. 

Both locations have been known to provide perfect settings for groups and gatherings, and with the outdoor vibes, that still rings true. However, the Manayunk location has taken this notion up a notch by expanding its private event capabilities with all-new shaded spaces to accommodate 20-200 guests, so you can experience the beauty and social atmosphere rain or shine.

The release puts the appeal of both spots in the fall perfectly: Whether you’re a plant lover looking for hands-on education and enrichment, or simply want to enjoy the social ambiance and lush fall foliage of both gardens, you won’t want to miss visiting the PHS Pop Up Gardens before the end of their seasonal operations on Oct. 31.  

The Pop Up Garden at Manayunk (106 Jamestown Ave.) will be open 7 days a week (hours differ), and The Pop Up Garden at South Street (1438 South St.) will follow a similar schedule. For more information on the PHS Pop Up Gardens, visit PHSonline.org