Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Women’s Film Festival
This weekend kicks off another Women’s Film Festival in Philadelphia. The 10-day activation features almost 100 different films spanning dramas, comedies, documentaries, short films, features and live performances from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1. Opening night this Thursday will take place at the Perelman building of the Philadelphia Art Museum, and then the festivities move to the Graham Auditorium at Moore College of Art and Design for three days, and then, the festival will then wrap up at the Neighborhood House Performance Center for the remainder of the activation.
For a full list of screenings, panels and other events at this female-focused festival, Philadelphians can head to the official website.
Frankford Hall’s Oktoberfest
On Saturday, Sept. 23, Philadelphians can head to Fishtown to check out Frankford Hall’s Oktoberfest celebration, which will feature different performances and activations happening throughout the day from noon to 2 a.m. Some highlights include performances from an authentic Bavarian “oompah” band, a kid’s craft table, a balloon artist, a face painter and more.
Food and drink wise, visitors can also indulge in a Bavarian cheesesteak, bratwurst sausage roll, beyond veggie sausage role and plenty of other options themed for the event.
1210 Frankford Ave., frankfordhall.com
Fishtown Feastivale
While in Fishtown, Philadelphians can also head to the area’s Feastivale, which also takes place this Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 8 p.m. The day will feature outdoor food and drink, DJs, music, family fun, carnival games, a charity celebrity dunk tank, artists and makers, vendors and community groups, plus much more.
While there for the 10th annual activation of this event, Philadelphians can indulge in fare from the area’s bars and eateries, with everything from burgers to brisket, Bavarian pretzels to bratwurst, cheesesteaks to veggie sausages, baked goods to local pickles, and everything in between on the docket.
On top of food, drinks and shopping, visitors can also come ready to dance in the streets to music at three different DJ stages programmed by the Frankford Tiki Bar, Johnny Brenda’s and Fishtown District itself. A full list of vendors and offerings can be found online.
Camden Adventure Aquarium Fintastic Fall Days
This new activation at the CAA kicks off this week on Sept. 21 and will run until Nov. 5. Fintastic Fall Days features aquatically-themed displays of lit-up gourds showcased throughout the Aquarium, both floating on the surface and sunken deep below among sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals, a release states.
Additionally, Philadelphians can also find hands-on activities for kids like pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences included with admission, plus a $5 option to paint and take home their own pumpkin masterpieces. The activation will also feature some new food on the menu including sweet potato tots, a smoked maple sausage pizza, a pumpkin fish cone (aka a pumpkin-flavored waffle cone served with vanilla or chocolate soft serve), plus some new pumpkin drinks options served at the Flying Fish beer garden among some of the options.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com
Center City District Restaurant Week
This weekend is the last opportunity to check out everything that Center City District Restaurant Week has to hold (until Sept. 23.) The 116 venues participating will be serving up three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus starting at just $45 per person, but for the first time, diners will also have the opportunity to enjoy a $60 premium option at select locations. And additionally, a two-course $20 lunch option will also be available at certain spots.
Menus for Center City District Restaurant Week can be found for both indoor and outdoor dining, as well as take-out from select venues. And for those 21+ dining in, there will also be beverage options curated from an activation with some Beam Suntory spirits, including Knob Creek 7-Year Rye Whiskey and Haku Vodka for purchase. Full menu and reservation information via Open Table can also be found online.
Philadelphia Fall Arts Festival
Taking place at the Kimmel Cultural Campus on Sept. 23, the 3rd annual free Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest will feature entertainment from over 50 arts organizations, bite-sized performances, a free performance from The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the chance for locals to see the first public viewing of the innovatively designed Maene-Viñoly Concert Grand Piano.
In a fitting homage to the late musician-architect Rafael Viñoly, the piano will be on display for the public to enjoy in the very building that he designed, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, a release states. In partnership with Rafael Viñoly Architects, the special exhibition marks the piano’s first appearance in the United States. The festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on that date and will be followed by a Philadelphia Orchestra concert at 3:30 p.m.
