By: Melanie Dubenko

Another summer has come and gone, and Philadelphia is finally settling into the crisp, cozy fall mood we all love. While we look forward to warm apple cider, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and haunted houses, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas prepare for the thousands of visitors that will come to fulfill their comfy, cozy autumn bucket lists. Even though classes have already begun, activities await outside of class, so to help you prepare, here’s your go-to list for things to do in and around Philly this fall (P.S. look for a **  to see my favorite pick of the season)!

Looking Forward to Wholesome Harvests?

• Fall Fest at Shady Brook Farm: Sept 12th – Oct 30th
  • (931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067)
    • Known for its pumpkin and apple picking, this is a great place to go with family and friends. They also have live music during their Party on the Patio, every Friday and Saturday through the end of October!
• Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards: through the end of October
• ** Merrymead Farms: all season
  •      (2222 S Valley Forge Rd, Lansdale, PA 19446)
    • This is definitely my favorite farm visit each year, as I’ve been visiting annually since I was a baby! Wholesome activities for the whole family including: corn mazes for every age group (with a 5-acre maze that the adults can complete), a beautiful tractor hayride that showcases the lands, gem mining, an animal farm, “The Range” that has apple launching and paintball, and my favorite hand-dipped ice cream (they have over 32 flavors, so there’s plenty of options for everyone). A must-do for my fall list every year!
• Myth and Magic at the Museum at Glencairn Museum: October 31st from 2:30-5pm
  • (1001 Cathedral Rd #0757, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009)
    • This event, based on the Harry Potter books, features a mythical scavenger hunt, prizes, spooky decorations, and more! Costumes are welcome and encouraged, making this the perfect spot for families to visit and bring the little ones along! (No registration required)

  Interested in a Crafty Corner?

• Made in Philadelphia Marketplace at Dilworth Park (Sept 5th – 27th)
• Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest at The Kimmel Center (September 13th)
• Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village: September 8th – October 26th
  • This event showcases unique, hand-crafted scarecrow designs created by local Philadelphia artists and organizations. The event is free, but while you’re there, you can stop by one of the many stores or restaurants in the village and pick up a sweet treat and a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a loved one (my favorite is The Lahaska Bookshop– I never leave without a book or two to gift)!

Fright Night Enthusiast?

• Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary: September 19th – November 8th
  • (2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130)
    • The ESP offers 11 special attractions, so there’s a specialty room for every horror lover! PLUS, you can always upgrade your experience with VIP admission, a Hospital Flashlight Tour, or a Hidden History Tour! Find more information at https://easternstate.org/halloween/vip-experiences
• Pennhurst Asylum Haunted Attractions: September – Beginning of November 
  • (601 N Church St, Spring City, PA 19475)

Prefer a Serene Autumn Scene?

• Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens: through September 28th
  • 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348

• Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival 
  • (October 4th – October 19th on Saturdays and Sundays)
    • 74 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

Love an Instagram-Worthy Neighborhood?

• Peddler’s Village (Lahaska, PA)
• Jim Thorpe, PA
• New Hope, PA
• Bryn Athyn, PA

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HFU Tiger Fall To-Dos

With all the exciting activities available outside of campus, let’s give a little rundown of all the events happening inside our campus grounds! So, without further ado, here are my top must-attend events on our beautiful HFU campus this fall: 

1. Saturday, October 4: Top Golf Trip @ 6 pm
2. Saturday, October 18: Homecoming Tigerfest
3. Saturday, October 25: TRIP– Lincoln Mill Haunted House @ 7 pm
4. Wednesday, October 29: Trunk or Treat @ 4 pm
5. Thursday, November 6: Film Club Movie Night 
6. Friday, November 14: Drama Club Presents: Revenge Roadtrip @ 6-8 pm
7. Saturday, November 15: TRIP– Laser Tag @ 6 pm
8. Tuesday, November 18: Distinguished Writers Series with Daniel Torday @ 6:30 pm

*You can check out the latest events updates on the school’s Google activity calendar for more info on how to register for events, and to see daily happenings around campus*

Now, if you’re not quite ready to let go of those relaxing chill-by-the-pool vibes, and you want to take one last longing look at summer, check out Lily Marchiafava’s article, One Last Look at Summer, and see what our Tigers did during their vacation break!

Melanie Dubenko is a Senior at Holy Family University, majoring in English. She plans to graduate in December 2025.