6 free things to do in Philly this month, October 2018

free things to do

Philly in the fall is an amazing place to be. There are so many amazing activities and events going on and the best part is that some of them are free. Here are six fun and free things to do in Philly this month. 

6 free things to do in Philly this month 

Celebrate Mural Arts Month

October is Mural Arts Month and Philadelphia is a city full of amazing and colorful murals. Every single neighborhood has beautiful artwork that really embodies the city’s culture. The city’s Mural Arts Program is celebrating all month and has a lot of free events offered to the public to celebrate the positive impact the thousands of murals in the city have had. 

The whole month of October, Various times and locations, muralarts.org

POST- Philadelphia Open Studios Tour 

A behind-the-scenes view of art in the making. POST allows a sneak peek into some of the city’s most creative spaces. For two weekends in October over 300 artists will open their doors and allow people to ask questions, experience what their art process is, see what it is like behind the scenes and more. There are different dates for different parts of the city that are offering tours. POST is perfect if you are looking for free things to do in Philly. 

Oct.6-14, Various times and locations, free self-guided tours, philaopenstudios.org

free things to do in Philly

Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival

The Schuylkill river hosts a plethora of different boat races, but Dragon boats are by far the most unique. The annual celebration of ancient Chinese dragon boat racing is filled with colorful and decadent boats that resemble huge dragons. You will truly have to see if to believe it.

October 6., 8 A.M.-5:30 P.M., Schuylkill River Trail, Philadelphia, philadragonboatfestival.com

Rittenhouse Craft Fair 

The annual craft fair located in Rittenhouse Square is held twice a year for a weekend and the people of Philadelphia go nuts for these intricate and unique crafts. The festival features works by 140 presenting artists who exhibit everything from jewelry to glassworks.

Oct. 12-14, 11 A.M.- 6 P.M., Rittenhouse Square, 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Philadelphia, friendsofrittenhouse.org

Head of the Schuylkill Regatta

If the Dragon Boats weren’t enough head back to the Schukyll to watch elite high school and collegiate level rowers compete in one of the toughest fall competitions in the country. Be apart of this forty-eight-year tradition with this two-day heart-pounding event. A treat if you are looking for fun free things to do in Philly. 

October 27-28, Races are various times, Kelly and Fountain Green Dr., Philadelphia, hosr.org

First Friday in Old City

On the first Friday of each month Old City’s galleries, studios, shops and restaurants open their doors for First Friday, in a unique and memorable exhibition of the neighborhood’s vibrant arts scene.

October 5, Various times and locations, Old City, Philadelphia, oldcitydistrict.org