Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Out & About MNYK will return to Manayunk on Saturday, Oct. 3, in celebration of National Coming Out Day. This year’s programming includes a queer-inclusive group run, drag story time, an open-air drag show, a karaoke dance party and a special presentation of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.'
The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with Philadelphia Runner’s Out & About 5K with Queer Run and Hoka. At 11 a.m., Philly Drag Mafia’s Brittany Lynn will host a Drag Story Time in Art Alley on Gay Street, followed by an open-air drag show at 1 p.m. A Karaoke Dance Party will take place at 2 p.m.
Out & About MNYK will conclude on Saturday with two performances of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ at Venice Island Performing Arts Center at 6 and 9 p.m., with doors opening at 5:15 and 8:15 p.m.
Main Street, manayunk.com
Night of Lights returns this weekend for its 9th celebration, with illuminated fun scheduled from Oct. 2 to 5. Throughout its run, the streetscape exhibition will transform Chestnut Hill’s Germantown Avenue into a vibrant four-night visual experience, shining a light on local history, architecture, and landscapes from 7 to 9 p.m.
The fun all begins Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy with the annual 'Flip the Switch' ceremony. This year’s lighting design will illuminate the Conservancy’s historic headquarters, and from there, visitors can make their way down Germantown Avenue, where projected video exhibitions will stretch from the 8600 block to the 8100 block.
Along the route, live music, local storytellers, interactive activities, vendors, giveaways, and additional First Friday programming will also be in full swing. Additionally, on Sunday, Oct. 4 (at 10 a.m.), the Conservancy will host its first free, family-friendly book reading at Hilltop Books.
Germantown Avenue, chconservancy.org/programs/night-of-lights
Reel October kicks off a month-long celebration at the Philadelphia Film Society ahead of the 35th Annual Film Festival, which begins in just a few weeks. The festivities start Oct. 1 with two weeks of curated 35mm screenings featuring “classic, rare, and artistically influential films”, all presented on celluloid.
As the Society notes, it’s a chance to experience these films the way they were meant to be seen — on a big screen with projected light on actual film. The line-up includes features like ‘The White Ribbon’, ‘The Five Heartbeats’, ‘Rachel Getting Married’, ‘Jawbreaker’, ‘The Exorcist’ and more. Tickets (starting around $12) are available online.
The 35mm series will lead directly into the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival, running Oct. 15 to 25, with a packed lineup of premieres and community programs at venues across the city. Badges and tickets for the Fest are currently available online.
1412 Chestnut St., filmadelphia.org
On Saturday, Oct. 3, hundreds of dogs and their humans will head to the Navy Yard for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society’s 20th annual Mutt Strut, a fall festival and 1.5-mile dog walk that combines four-legged fun with a fundraiser for Philadelphia’s homeless pets.
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. at the Navy Yard's Marine Parade Grounds and runs until 2 p.m.
Pups can dress to impress for a Halloween costume contest. There will also be plenty of ways for dogs and their humans to burn off some energy, including agility and lure courses, field games, paw-print painting and pet portraits.
4747 S. Broad St., pawsmuttstrut.org.
Christ Church Burial Ground’s Brew N’ History Tour returns Oct. 2 to 4. Guests will make five stops throughout the historic burial ground, with each story paired with a curated sampling of local craft beer connected to the historical figure or tale being shared at the gravesite.
Visitors will encounter Revolutionary-era leaders, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and other notable Philadelphians, from Benjamin Franklin to one of the city’s famous tavern keepers.
Tickets cost $21 with the tasting and $12.51 for the tour only. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
420 Arch Street, brewnhistorytour2.
Adventure Aquarium’s Fintastic Pumpkin Glow is back on site through Nov. 1, and the series will once again showcase glowing pumpkins “of all shapes, sizes and species” floating alongside sharks, rays and other aquatic animals.
Locals can look forward to the return of the Aquarium’s Paint-A-Pumpkin activities, live underwater pumpkin carving, plus the “Bones or No Bones” animal skeleton show, a Meet the Divers event and festive fall décor throughout the space. Seasonal treats will also be served up on site.
For little ones ages 2–5, families can also take advantage of the Pre-K Kid’s Adventure Pass, offering free, unlimited Aquarium admission for a year. Tickets (starting around $32) are available online.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com
Every October, Saint Peter the Apostle Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with the annual Blessing of the Animals. Set for this Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 3 p.m., all creatures “great and small” are welcome to receive a personal blessing from the clergy. Note, dogs should be leashed, while cats should arrive safely in carriers. Pet treats and refreshments will be available, and each family will receive a free St. Francis medal. No RSVP is necessary, and all are welcome to attend.
This tradition is closely connected to St. Francis, whose life was marked by a love and respect for the natural world. More information can be found online.
1019 N 5th St., spaphilly.org
MORE: 7 spooky Halloween pop-ups to check out in Philly
