Get ready for fall with Fairmount Park Conservancy’s calendar of park events. Check out this guide to a variety of activities perfect for the season. Visit a nearby park for outdoor movies, evening hikes, pumpkin decoration, science activities for kids – and much, much more:
1. Welcome a new season at the West Park Harvest Festival
Join the Conservancy for a fun-filled weekend at Welsh Fountain in West Fairmount Park to welcome the fall season. On September 20 and 21, celebrate the official beginning of fall at the West Park Harvest Festival. This free event will feature a movie screening of Little Giants, a hay maze, pumpkin decorating, Let’s Rock Recess, face painting, and other fall-themed family activities. This event is in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. (free)
Friday, September 20 | 6 – 10:30 p.m. & Saturday, September 21 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
2. Hit the trail and discover local history
Hiking is the perfect fall activity as temperatures cool off and the leaves begin to turn. The Conservancy has a great line-up of unique guided hiking opportunities this fall, offering opportunities to learn more about local history, the night sky, and more.
Walking in William Still’s Footsteps
Join the Conservancy for an Underground Railroad history hike and talk in West Fairmount Park honoring the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” William Still, and all those freedom seekers who traversed the lands of present-day Fairmount Park. The 3.5-mile loop hike will visit places of historical significance, some with connections to the Underground Railroad. Stops include Ridgeland Mansion (c.1762), Boelsen Cottage (c.1684), and physical remnants of the Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad, which was a means of clandestine conveyance for freedom seekers in the mid-19th century. Event is in partnership with “Conductor Dee” Patterson of UGR3Day Underground Railroad Experiences Inc. (free)
Saturday, October 5 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tree Tour along the Trolley Trail
Join the Conservancy and Andrew Kirkpatrick, Urban Greening Coordinator with Parks and Rec’s Farm Philly Program, for a two-mile tree identification hike along the historic Trolley Trail. Learn to identify commonly found trees based on leaves, branches, and bark. ($15)
Sunday, October 13 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park after Dark Moonwalk + Stargazing Party
Join the Conservancy and astronomer/educator Buddy Muhler for a two-mile guided moonwalk and telescope observation. On a short hike along the Lemon Hill Rim Trail participants will learn about the history of the area and the forest’s nocturnal animals, and take in views of the Schuylkill River at night. The hike is followed by a planet or star observation and a telescope-powered view of the moon’s surface. ($15)
Tuesday, October 15 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Parkside Past, Parkside Present: Neighborhood & Centennial District Walking Tour
If you prefer a neighborhood tour over a woodland hike, this guided walk is a great way to learn the history of Philadelphia’s historic Parkside neighborhood. Parkside is where the city grid meets green space, and is home to a wealth of history, cultural legacy, and architectural significance. ($15)
Saturday, October 12 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
3. Explore science and nature at Philly’s best playground
The Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park was recently recognized as Philadelphia’s Best Playground in Philadelphia magazine’s Best of Philly® 2024. Join theConservancy at this award-winning playground in FDR Park for one of the free Playground Pop-Ups where families can try out North America’s biggest swing (seriously!) and participate in kid-friendly storytimes and workshops. This fall, the Conservancy’s pop-up series theme is “Science and Nature” – perfect for the playground’s natural setting next to Pattison Lagoon. (free)
Wild & Wacky Science Experiments with educator Buddy Muhler
Saturday, October 19 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
4. Flow into fall with outdoor yoga
Bring a mat and let nature inspire a tree pose on Sundays near Lemon Hill Mansion in East Fairmount Park! Tula Yoga and the Conservancy offer one-hour, all-level classes from 10 to 11 a.m. every weekend. ($10)
Yoga in the Park
Every Sunday through November 10, 2024 | 10 – 11 a.m.
5. Bailar at the Boathouse in FDR Park
Want to learn how to dance salsa and bachata? ¡Vamos a Bailar en FDR! Join the Conservancy at the historic FDR Park Boathouse for an all-levels dance lesson from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. followed by a social dance from 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. hosted by DJ Val Flores & Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa. (free)
Friday, September 27 | 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Friday, October 25 | 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.
6. Take a social stroll with We Walk PHL
We Walk PHL organizes weekly community walking groups in parks across Philadelphia. The Conservancy is excited to announce that the program is expanding to new locations this fall. The fall season began on September 1 and runs through October 31. (free).
View all sites and walk schedules.
7. Watch outdoor movies
Over 35 Philly parks are hosting free movie nights this summer and fall, featuring family-friendly favorites like “Back to the Future,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Barbie,” “Shrek,” and many more. These screenings continue through mid-October and are organized by Philadelphia’s Park Friends Groups, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Conservancy. (free)
The Conservancy is also hosting a “Friday Flicks at the Fountain” series in West Fairmount Park throughout October. Each screening will start with family-friendly activities at 6 p.m., with movies starting at 6:45 p.m.:
- Friday, October 4: Hocus Pocus (PG)
- Friday, October 11: Addams Family (PG)
- Friday, October 18: Coco (PG)
8. Celebrate tradition, culture and remembrance at Day of the Dead in FDR Park
Save the date – November 1 – for the return of “Gran Fiesta De Los Muertos,” a Day of the Dead celebration in FDR Park. Participants will learn about the traditions and artistic practices of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos. Stop by for art activities, performances, and more. (free)
Get all event announcements and updates through the Conservancy’s weekly newsletter.
9. Save the date for Love Your Park Fall Weekend
Every year, Park Friends groups in Philadelphia dedicate a weekend in November to a citywide clean-up of neighborhood parks. Save the date for Love Your Park Fall Weekend 2024, November 8-10. To learn more about your local park friends group and volunteer opportunities in the meantime, check out loveyourpark.org.
10. Volunteer with Fairmount Park Conservancy
Fairmount Park Conservancy Volunteer Workdays keep Philadephia’s public spaces healthy through weeding, invasive plant removal, trash pick-up, trail maintenance, and more. Fall is an important season as vegetation changes and natural lands get ready for winter. Every person’s stewardship makes a difference in the long-term health and sustainability of the city’s green spaces.
- Farm Philly Weekly Volunteer Days at Carousel House Farm: Tuesdays | 5 – 7 p.m.
- Skew Arch Bridge Volunteer Workday: Thursday, September 19 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Cobbs Creek Community Garden Workday: Wednesday, September 25 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, please visit myphillypark.org, and follow the Conservancy on Instagram and Facebook at @myphillypark.
