From pumpkin picking to art exhibits and wine vineyards, here are the best things to do this fall in Philadelphia. 
FallFest at Shady Brook Farms
Leave behind the city for a fun, fall day at Shady Brook Farm’s FallFest. After a quick 45-minute drive, visitors can find apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a five-acre corn maze, sunflower fields, bonfires, games, petting zoos and live music on the weekends. For a special, festive treat, visit the farm at night to see their bright and colorful Halloween display, Eerie Illuminations. Opens Sept. 9, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, 215.968.1670, shadybrookfarm.com
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Opening Night Celebration
Starting another year of music with a bang, The Philadelphia Orchestra will take the Verizon Hall stage on Sept. 28. To inaugurate the 2022-23 season, the Orchestra welcomes Canadian Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin to join them in performing Coleman's Umoja, Anthem for Unity Saint-Saëns' "Piano Concerto No. 2" and Dvořák's "Symphony No. 8." 300 S. Broad St., 215.893.1999, philorch.org
Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
Established in 1970, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is one of the largest rowing competitions in the world. The Regatta welcomes over 90,000 participants, including college crews, high school crews, master rowers, elite rowers and world champions. More than 30,000 spectators attend the two-day festival every year, and after a virtual regatta in 2020, the rowers will once again be racing down the Schuylkill in-person on Oct 29 and 30. hosr.org
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Nothing quite says spooky like a Halloween-themed, 200-year-old penitentiary. The prison may no longer hold America’s lawbreakers, but their Halloween Nights festival is certainly not to be missed. Through Nov. 12, venture through two haunted houses, have drinks at The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell, listen to live music at Junkyard Jams and more. 2027 Fairmount Ave., 215.236.3300, easternstate.org
Auburn Vineyards
October is Pennsylvania Wine Month, so stopping by a vineyard is a must. A short 45-minute drive from Philly is one of our favorites, Auburn Vineyards. Spend an afternoon or evening at The Enoteca, a European-style vineyard wine bar that offers wine, cheeses, woodfired pizza and gelato on a gorgeous, Wisteria-covered patio. While sipping on one of Auburn Vineyard’s signature wines, guests can also enjoy live performances from local musicians. 117 Sharptown Auburn Road, Pilesgrove, N.J., 856.769.9463, auburnroadvineyards.com
Photography by: Gerda/Unsplash
