September Events, Festivals, and More in Philadelphia in 2026

As summer begins to wrap up, there are even more special events and fun things to do in Philadelphia and suburbs. As a special bonus this year, the September weather is particularly nice (I apologize if saying this jinxes everything!), which makes being outside a dream. Take in a Philly Fringe performance, eat your way through South Philly Sausage Festival, and go see the scarecrows at Peddlers Village. For something a little more low-key, visit a local orchard for apple picking or shop at one of the many farmers markets still packed with summer produce and baked goods.

Get creative for First Friday at East Falls Glassworks

East Falls Glassworks is one of our favorite places for something completely different. On September 4, 2026 (and other First Fridays), they offer complimentary drinks and snacks while you watch talented glass blowers do their thing in fun demonstrations. You can also submit a design for a glass piece that may come to life in front of your eyes.

If you can’t make First Friday, they offer workshops for ornaments, stemless wine glasses, and paperweights. We absolutely love the glasses we made here.

Learn about the city’s most devastating epidemic

Every Friday in September, step inside one of Philadelphia’s darkest chapters with a special tour of Christ Church Burial Ground focused on the devastating Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793. As you explore the historic cemetery, you’ll hear the stories of the thousands who died, the desperate medical treatments doctors tried, and the ways the epidemic forever changed the city. It’s a fascinating—and sobering—look at what happened when a terrifying disease brought the young capital to its knees.

Attend a Saturday Firstival

All year long, 52 Weeks of Firsts showcase all the fascinating things that started in Philadelphia. These Saturday Firstivals happen every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm through the end of the year and include stories, family activities, and entertainment.

• First signing of the Constitution: Meet Ben Franklin, hear a fife and drum, and learn about the early leaders who signed the U.S. Constitution at National Constitution Center (September 5)
• First Continental Congress: Before the Declaration of Independence, there was the First Continental Congress. Hear stories about the meeting that set the stage for independence at Carpenters’ Hall (September 12)
• First naming of the U.S.: In 1776, “The United States of America” was said for the first time at Independence Hall. Visit to learn more about formulating the name of the new nation (September 19)
• First Ronald McDonald House: Today, families everywhere benefit from the warmth and services of Ronald McDonald House, and it all started here. Visit the house to learn more about the important care community (September 26)

Go apple picking at a local orchard

September is the ideal time for apple picking. From Golden Delicious to Pink Ladies, local orchards are full of them all. In addition to pick-your-own, many places offer hayrides and other seasonal activities.

Solebury Orchards in New Hope is always the place we recommend most. It has more than 20 apple varieties and some of the best apple cider donuts around. Highland Orchards in Chester County is another great option now, and their corn maze opens September 20. Linvilla Orchards also has at least 20 types of apples and lots of activities, if you’re willing to brave the crowds, which can be overwhelming. Their Pumpkinland opens September 12. See our detailed article for more recommendations.

Choose your favorite scarecrow at Peddlers Village

Peddler’s Village is always a priority for us to visit in the fall. Not only does Bucks County have beautiful leaves, but the 150+ scarecrows at Peddler’s Village are impressive. They’re on display around the Village from September 7 through October 26, 2026, and you can even vote on your favorites. The superheroes, historical characters, scary scarecrows, and funny ones change yearly and are all worth seeing. If you want to participate in the fun, there are scarecrow-making workshops on September 19, 20, and 26. Bring your creativity and they’ll provide the instructions and everything you need to go home with your own life-sized creation.

See shows at the Philly Fringe Festival

The month-long Philadelphia Fringe Festival is in its 29^th year of bringing all things creative to the area. From September 8-27, 2026, there will be over 330 shows at more than 100 venues, including film, circus performances, dance, and more to experience.

Draw with goats

I’ve you’ve ever wanted to learn to draw a goat with goats, now is your chance! On September 19, 2026, from 1-3pm, you can learn to draw goats at the Farm at Awbury in Germantown. Local artist Barbara Katus will be teaching techniques. Did I mention there will be goats!?!

Eat your way through South Philly Sausage Fest

If a day of eating and shopping sounds like heaven to you, don’t miss the 10th annual South Philly Sausage Fest on September 19, 2026. From noon until 7pm, the area near Broad Street and West Passyunk Avenue will be filled with food, drinks, and lots of vintage gems to browse. Mike’s BBQ, Heavy Metal Sausage, Brewery ARS, and Otto Distilling are just a few of the local favorites you can sample. The flea market opens at 8am, so get there early to check out the best items.

Enjoy a late-season farmers market

We have a bit of an obsession with farmers markets, and late summer is outstanding for checking out the vine-ripened tomatoes, wildflowers, and general bounty of the season. Our top choices are Headhouse market for its setting and variety of vendors and food trucks—especially cheese from Birchrun Hills Farm and homemade pierogies from Mom-Mom’s Polish Food Cart. Others worth visiting across the city include Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market for mushrooms from Primordia Farm and Tex-Mex BBQ from North By Texas and Clark Park Farmers’ Market for focaccia from Lost Bread. If you’re in Center City, never miss the chance to check out Second Daughter Baking Co. and Hands on the Earth at Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market.