By Christina Bassler, Communications Associate
The leaves are changing and the pumpkins are ready to be picked—that means it’s time for some fall-tastic events! Here at Parks & Rec, our staff and partners have prepared a host of autumnal activities.
Check out these fall faves!
Events are listed in order by date.
Apple Pressing on Forbidden Drive
Wissahickon Environmental Education Center—300 W Northwestern Ave., 19118
Saturday, September 25, 2021
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us on Forbidden Drive (across from Cedars House Cafe) for this annual celebration of autumn. Help make fresh apple cider using an old-fashioned cider press. Enjoy a taste of the finished cider, homemade apple butter, and vote on your favorite apple variety. All ages. No registration is required. Read more about it.
Promo X Smith
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse—3500 Reservoir Dr., 19121
September 25, 2021
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a free performance by Project Moshen followed by a fun family dance class hosted by the company. Project Moshen is an all-women performing arts company. They will inspire children, teens, and adults to get up and move to the music! It’s an opportunity to celebrate differences and while connecting through a communal experience. Read more about this energizing event.
¡BAILAR en FDR! Salsa Class & Social Dance
FDR Park—Broad St. And Pattison Ave., 19145
October 01, 2021
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Want to learn how to dance salsa and bachata? ¡Vamos a bailar en FDR! Join us every 1st & 3rd Friday at the historic boathouse overlooking the park’s central lake. Experience culture, meet new people, and discover a fun and enjoyable way to keep yourself fit by moving your feet. Hosted by DJ Val Flores & Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa. Tickets are for an hour of dance lessons from an experienced instructor. All levels of experience are welcome. If you wish to stay, there’s a free (donations encouraged) social dance from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Learn more about the event and the ticket prices.
Walk With a Doc – hosted by WeWalk PHL
Pennypack on the Delaware—8201 State Rd., 19136
October 2, 2021
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Walkers can enjoy a stroll on the lovely trail in Pennypack on the Delaware Park with a doctor who will answer questions about healthy living. Dr. Caitlin Azzo is the physician who will walk with the group. Read more about this healthy-living event.
Pennypack Fall Festival & Arts and Crafts Show
Pennypack Environmental Center—8600a Verree Rd., 19111
Saturday, October 2, 2021
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take part in cider-making, pumpkin-painting, and more! There will also be over 40 vendors showing off their wares. This free event will put you in the fall spirit! Learn more about the festival.
Haddington Woods Bird Walk
Northwest corner of 63rd St. and Market St.
October 2, 2021
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Look for migrating birds with the environmental educators from Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center. Haddington Woods is one of the hidden gems of Philadelphia’s park system. Meet at the northwest corner of 63rd and Market Sts. Wear hiking shoes. Read more about this and other Cobbs Creek area events.
Fall Festival & Concert in Tacony Creek Park
Tacony Creek Park—559 E. Olney Ave, 19120
October 2, 2021
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn with nature, culture, and community at Tacony Creek Park. Join us at the big field between Rising Sun and Olney Avenues for a festival and concert. The festival will feature nature games, arts & crafts, giveaways, and more. The concert features a Tacony Creek-themed muscial performance! Professor Randy J. Gibson and his Double Portion Ensemble will perform Gibson’s Tacony Creek Suite album in its entirety. The concert will start at 3 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to Grover Washington Jr. Middle School (201 E.Olney Ave.). This event is part of River Days of the Alliance for Watershed Education. It is co-produced by the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership and Olney Culture Lab of Culture Trust Greater Philadelphia.
Sketching the Wissahickon with Jane Klein
Meet at Rex Avenue Trailhead
October 6, 2021
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Take an easy hike into the Wissahickon and enjoy drawing outdoors with a group of like-minded enthusiasts. Bring a sketchbook, a favorite pencil, and an appreciation for the beauty of the Wissahickon. You may also want to bring a towel or blanket to sit on. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artis, you’ll enjoy the sounds of the water and the smells of early autumn. Practical guidance will be provided to those who are interested. Register for the event.
Campfire, Bats, and Owls!
Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center—700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy., 19143
Friday, October 15, 2021
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gather ‘round the campfire to roast some marshmallows and swap scary tales. Then take a nighttime stroll to look and listen for bats and owls. It’s sure to be a HOOT! Check out this and other events at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center!
Learn to Fish at the Frankford Boat Ramp
Frankford Boat Launch—5650 Tacony St., 19137
October 14, 2021
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Learn how to catch one of the many fish species found in the tidal Delaware River. Rods, tackle, bait, and basic instruction will be provided. First come, first served. We have rods to loan out and worms for bait. You are welcome to bring your own rod. No fishing license is necessary; state license requirements are waived for these events. Great for youth & adults who are new or intermediate anglers. Meet by the ramp within the park. Take the access road just south of Dietz and Watson and follow it to the river. When you hit the river, turn left and you’ll see us! Pre-register for this event.
Applefest at Fox Chase Farm
Fox Chase Farm—8500 Pine Rd., 19111
Saturday, October 16, 2021
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
You will apple-solutely love this apple-themed farm event. There will be apple-butter making, hayrides, music, and more. Learn more about this event hosted by the Pennypack Environmental Center.
Tree Planting in Tacony Creek Park
Tacony Creek Park—meetup location to be determined.
Saturday, October 16, 2021
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Don’t you just love the foliage change in Philly? Help us plant the next generation of trees to gaze upon during future fall seasons! Join us for tree planting in Tacony Creek Park. All tools and materials will be provided—including snacks! Pre-registration is required. Register for the event.
Special thanks to Tookany/Tacony-Frankford (TTF) Watershed Partnership and Riverfront North Partnership. Made possible by partnership with Bank of America and Arbor Day Foundation.
Movies By The River – “Hocus Pocus”
Glen Foerd—5001 Grant Ave., 19114
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
6 p.m.
Amuck, amuck, amuck! Don’t miss out on the spooky classic, “Hocus Pocus,” playing for free on the Delaware Waterfront. Bring your blanket, pack a picnic, and cozy up! And while costumes are optional, why miss a chance to wear that superhero outfit you worked so hard on? Read more about it.
Fall 2021 Citywide Yard Tree Giveaway
American Swedish Historical Museum—1900 Pattison Ave., 19145
Saturday, October 23, 2021
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
TreePhilly is giving away free trees for Philadelphia residents to plant in their yards this spring. Trees are available for request while supplies last and pre-registration is required. Fill out this form to request up to two trees for your household.
Apple Hunt & Cider Pressing
Pennypack Environmental Center—8600a Verree Rd., 19111
October 23, 2021
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Children ages 3-6 can join us with an adult to search for apples and then help while we make cider. See more event details.
