Fall is here, and Fairmount Park Conservancy’s event calendar is full of free and low-cost ways to get outside and enjoy Philadelphia’s Parks. With something for everyone, the upcoming season features dancing, hiking, boating – and even a concert with fireworks!
Special Events
William Still Walk
Saturday, October 3 | 10 AM – 2 PM
West Fairmount Park
Step into the history of the Underground Railroad with the Conservancy and UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences, Inc. during our annual William Still Walk, honoring the “Father of the Underground Railroad” and the freedom seekers who traveled through present-day Fairmount Park. (Free)*
*This event is currently sold out. Please email programs@myphillypark.org to join the waitlist.
To learn more about the Underground Railroad and William Still before the walk, come for a virtual screening of North to Freedom on Wednesday, September 30. (Free)
Play for Parks
Friday, October 16 | 7 – 9 PM
West Fairmount Park
The Conservancy is throwing a party for Philly parks and you’re invited! Join us for a free night of live music, food trucks, fireworks, and more at the historic Welsh Fountain. West Philly’s own Chill Moody will present Moody’s Klubbhouse featuring the house band and special guests, with music kicking off at 7 PM, and a fireworks finale at 8:50 PM. (Free)
Gran Fiesta de los Muertos
Saturday, October 24 | 5 – 8 PM
FDR Park
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at FDR Park! Join the Conservancy and artist artist Cesar Viveros at the Gateway Plaza for an evening of music and dance performances, face painting, food from FDR Park’s Latino Market, handcrafted goods from Mercado de Latinas vendors, and more. (Free)
Plus: drop by for a hands-on art workshop at the Gateway Plaza on Thursday, October 22 from 4 – 6 PM. Meet artist Cesar Viveros and help create the Día de los Muertos installation that will be featured during the Gran Fiesta and viewable until Monday, October 26. (Free)
Love Your Park Fall Weekend
Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15
Citywide
Love your park, love your city! Spend a fall weekend giving back alongside hundreds of volunteers at 100+ neighborhood parks across Philadelphia. Love Your Park is a partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the Park Friends Network. Volunteer registration will open in early October. (Free)
Fall Program Series
Trolley Trail Run + Walk
Wednesday, October 7 | 6 – 7:30 PM
West Fairmount Park
Run or walk through park history! Join the Conservancy, Philly Running Alliance, and We Walk PHL for a 4.5-mile trail run or 2-mile walk along the historic Trolley Trail, with stops at remnants of the Fairmount Park Trolley that operated 1896-1946. Stick around afterward for a pizza party celebrating the first season of Trolley Trail Run + Walks. (Free)
Community Paddle Boating
Sunday, October 11 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Saturday, November 7 | 10 AM – 2 PM
FDR Park
Stop by the FDR Park Boathouse for a free 20-minute paddle boating session on Edgewood Lake! Kid-friendly binoculars are provided to spot turtles, ducks, and maybe even a great blue heron – the long-legged shore bird the boats are shaped after. (Free)
Park after Dark
Tuesday, October 7 | 6 – 8 PM
Tuesday, November 17 | 6 – 8 PM
East Fairmount Park
Join astronomer and educator Buddy Muhler for a one-mile guided moonwalk. Learn a little about nocturnal wildlife and local history, and take in the night sky through a guided telescope observation. ($15)
¡BAILAR en FDR!
Friday, September 25 | 7 – 11 PM
Friday, October 23 | 7 – 11 PM
FDR Park
Bring your dancing shoes to FDR Park’s Gateway Plaza! The program begins with a one-hour dance lesson followed by a social dance with DJ Valentin of Dance Philly. All experience levels welcome. (Free)
Yoga in the Park
Sunday, September 27 | 10 – 11 AM
Sunday, October 25 | 10 – 11 AM
East Fairmount Park
Start your Sunday morning free outdoor yoga led by Eunmi Chang from Eunmi’s Sound Healing & Yoga. All ages and experience levels are welcome. (Free)
Parkside and Centennial District Walking Tour
Sunday, October 11, | 10 AM – 12:30 PM
West Fairmount Park
Explore the scenic, historic Parkside neighborhood on foot with science educator and Parkside Journal founder Michael Burch. ($10)
Volunteer Opportunities
With 10,200 acres of park land in Philadelphia, volunteers play an important role in keeping our city green. Activities include plant care, litter removal, and managing invasive growth. Gloves, tools, and snacks are all provided — all you need to bring is a love for Philadelphia parks. (Free)
Cobbs Creek Community Workday
Tuesday, September 29 | 9 AM – 12 PM
FDR Park Community Planting
Tuesday, October 3 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Cobbs Creek Community Planting
Saturday, November 7 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Looking for a team opportunity? The Conservancy’s corporate stewardship program offers unique, hands-on outdoor volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia’s parks for corporate groups. Click here to learn more.
We Walk PHL
There’s still time to get your steps in this fall! Now in its 10th year, We Walk PHL bring free weekly walking groups to 26 parks across Philadelphia through October 31. Explore a new park, meet your neighbors, and work towards your wellness goals along the way. All are welcome!
Click here for the fall 2026 schedule and join the We Walk PHL Facebook group to connect with fellow walkers. We Walk PHL is a partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. (Free)
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Photos by Albert Yee for Fairmount Park Conservancy.
