Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier
Pumpkin season has officially landed at Morgan’s Pier, bringing fall flavors, festive cocktails and six weeks of waterfront fun. Beginning Sept. 24, the venue will be decked out with foliage, flowers, a new menu and the return of the Pier’s Pumpkin Patch. This season also features a schedule of events and pop-ups like pumpkin carving (offered daily), live entertainment and dog-friendly Yappy Hours.
The fall menu brings a mix of dishes like smoked pork belly tacos layered with butternut squash and a pear and kale pizza topped with mozzarella and toasted pistachio. This year, there’s also a limited-edition Get Apple Sauce’d cocktail adorned with a homemade cider donut.
221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., morganspier.com
Delicious City’s Hoagie Throwdown
Call it a food fight, call it a wrestling match — either way, hoagies are throwing down in Philadelphia this weekend.
Set for this Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 4 p.m., the second year of this quirky event promises “more sandwiches, competition, entertainment, and classic Philadelphia-style chaos.” During the event, guests will receive a complimentary beer or soft drink and unlimited samples of every competing sandwich. Those who attend will also have the power to decide the winner by voting for their favorite.
And of course, the competition extends beyond the sandwiches — live professional wrestling from Pro Wrestling Entertainment and their longtime rivals, BTA, will also be happening throughout the afternoon. Between the wrestling matches and hoagie battles, guests can also enjoy craft beer from Other Half Brewing, music, merchandise, wrestler face painting, giveaways, and a few other surprises along the way. Tickets start at around $63 and $38 for kids.
1002 Canal St., deliciouscity.ticketspice.com
‘SPORTS!’
‘SPORTS!’ is the latest experience from Obvious Agency, and this one-night-only “theatrical competition” is set for Saturday, Sept. 26. Part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, this outdoor performance is said to be for anyone who was “ever picked last, faked a stomachache to get out of gym class, or simply got the message that sports weren’t for you.” The experience will take place at The Lawn at uCity Square and will put the audience in the action of the game, letting everyone pick a team to help determine who actually wins.
As the release puts it, expect physical comedy, big feelings, lots of balls, and a playful look at competition, belonging, queerness, aging, and all the ways our bodies can surprise us. The fun starts with a tailgate at 3 p.m. with OutLoud Sports Philly, followed by the SPORTS! showdown (5 p.m.) and a post-game sports movie screening with cinéSPEAK (7:30 p.m.) Basically, it’s immersive theater for people who’d rather be in the bleachers. Tickets (starting at around $25) are available online.
3701 Filbert St., obvious-agency.com
‘Coltrane 100’
This week, legendary jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer John Coltrane would have celebrated his 100th birthday. To mark the centennial, Ars Nova Workshop is bringing his enduring musical legacy to life with a citywide celebration.
On Sept. 24, NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington will lead a performance of ‘A Love Supreme’ featuring L’Rain. The next night (Sept. 25) will bring several creatives together from different generations with ‘Irreversible Entanglements.’ The group will be joined by special guests Odean Pope (a friend of Coltrane’s who developed his craft through informal sessions at the Strawberry Mansion home) and others.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the festival expands with ‘Divine Offering’, a special program led by vocalist and composer Michelle Coltrane, daughter of John and Alice Coltrane. The performance series culminates on Sunday, Sept. 27, with a meeting of two contemporary improvisers. A full schedule of events and locations can be found online.
Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens
Visitors have one more weekend to experience Longwood Gardens at its peak during the Festival of Fountains season, running through Sept. 27. The activation features vibrant indoor and outdoor displays, fountain performances, three immersive treehouse experiences, giant water platters, and scenic trails through the Meadow Garden, lined with wildflowers and tall grasses.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org
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Keywords
Things to do,
Philadelphia events,
Philadelphia festivals,
Philadelphia food and drink,
Philadelphia arts and entertainment,
Morgan’s Pier,
Fall Fest,
Fringe Festival