Summer becomes autumn on Tuesday, bringing with it harvests, comfort food, flannel, seasonal flavors, and cool things to do.

You’ll have to pick and choose amongst festivals galore this week unless you have some kind of power I wish I had: There’s the Philly AIDS Thrift block party, South Street Fall Fest, Manayunk Oktoberfest, and Fall for the Arts Festival in Chestnut Hill.

Kensington’s community garden has a new name and is throwing a party to celebrate, Parks on Tap moves to Mt. Airy, and Twisted Tail is hosting its annual Whiskey Bonanza.

If you want to party for a good cause, Christ Church is holding a benefit featuring Stephen Fried, Clean Water hosts its 26th annual fundraiser at Xi West, and KB Foundation’s end-of-summer fundraiser is in Bala Cynwyd.

It’s a big week for theater in Philly with the premiere of Horsegirl & Cowdaddy, the Bob Dylan adaptation Girl from the North Country, and the parody production SAW The Musical.

The Gritty 5k is running this weekend, while Unapologetically Jewish’s Social Media Contest wraps up with its awards ceremony at Mazel Tov Moment.

Retired general H. R. McMaster will be at the Museum of the American Revolution, which also hosts a two day conference, The Declaration’s Journey: A Convening on the International Legacy. Post Haste is host to two Climate Week talks on how drinks get made and what happens to your glasses later. We also have a live taping of CityNerd coming to Resurrection Philadelphia.

For music fans we have the Sex Pistols and Willie Nelson &  Neil Young in town, plus Coltrane 100, a celebration of the legendary jazz pioneer’s music and connection to Philly.

Open Wardrobe is back this week with clothes for those looking for employment, Eastern State Penitentiary have a new art exhibition, and the National Liberty Museum is screening the documentary Cold War in Philly: Flyers vs. Russia 1976.

• • • • Things to do this week
      • Things to do this weekend
      • Ongoing things to do

Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY

SAW The Musical, Horsegirl & Cowdaddy, Christ Church benefit, Open Wardrobe, Parks on Tap, Place-Based Art at Eastern State, Cold War in Philly, Coltrane 100, Climate Week at Post Haste, Clean Water fundraiser, H. R. McMaster talk, Unapologetically Jewish Mazel Tov Moment, Whiskey Bonanza, Willie Nelson &  Neil Young, KB Foundation fundraiser, Girl from the North Country

THINK SAW WAS HILARIOUS? THIS MUSICAL IS FOR YOU! Now through October, SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw is live at the Walnut Street Theater through October 25 for afternoon and evening performances. $35-$177. 825 Walnut Street

SEE A WORLD PREMIERE PLAY. The Wilma Theater and New York-based theater Soho Rep present the world premiere of Horsegirl & Cowdaddy, opening September 22 to October 4. Playwright and screenwriter DJ Hills tells the story of a 30-something trans woman navigating love and self-determination in rural Pennsylvania. $42-$89. 265 S. Broad Street

SPEND AN EVENING IN THE GARDEN. Join Christ Church Preservation Trust for An Evening in the Garden: A Benefit for Christ Church Preservation Trust September 22 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Enjoy music, a cocktail hour, a silent auction, plus a lively conversation with NY Times bestselling author Stephen Fried, author of Rush: Revolution, Madness, and the Visionary Doctor Who Became a Founding Father all to benefit the preservation of the historic Christ Church campus and collections and make future public programs possible. $125. 20 N. American Street

LOOKING FOR WORK? NEED CLOTHES? HERE’S WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. The Wardrobe welcomes everyone looking for work to their five locations (Exton, Kennett Square, Norristown, Philadelphia, and Upper Darby) on September 23 from 11am to 5pm for this month’s Open Wardrobe event where participants receive free clothing, accessories, toiletries, and free headshots! RSVP is required. Free. Various locations

DRINK BEER IN A MT. AIRY. Parks on Tap comes to Cliveden Park September 23 through September 27 from 4 to 10pm (noon to 10pm Saturday and Sunday).The roving beer (and cocktail and food) garden provides a great excuse to bring your friends and your kids to happy hour in a natural green space. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park. Free admission. 6415 Musgrave Street

CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF A NEW ARTIST RESIDENCY AT EASTERN STATE. Past, Present, Possible: Place-Based Art at Eastern State, a new three-year artist residency and exhibition series kicks off with a star-studded panel and reception on September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Free. 2027 Fairmount Avenue

ATTEND A VIP DOCUMENTARY SCREENING. In the midst of the Cold War, the 1976 Winter Olympics became a battlefield for America’s Centennial. The Philadelphia Flyers met the Soviet Red Army team on the ice. See that great battle immortalized at Cold War in Philly: Flyers vs. Russia 1976 – VIP Reception & Screening, September 23 from 6 to 10pm at the National Liberty Museum. $50-$125. 321 Chestnut Street

CELEBRATE COLTRANE’S BIRTHDAY WITH A MUSIC FESTIVAL. Ars Nova Workshop presents COLTRANE 100, a citywide festival with performances, conversations, exhibitions, community events and educational programs honoring legendary musician John Coltrane’s impact on music and the roots of his legacy in Philadelphia. Featuring Sun Ra Arkestra, Terri Lyne Carrington, L’Rain, Marilyn Crispell, Tyshawn Sorey, and many more. September 23 through September 27. Full festival passes and individual event tickets available. Free-$185.40. Various locations.

TAKE PART IN CLIMATE WEEK AT POST HASTE. Post Haste proudly hosts two casual Climate Week gatherings that trace what goes into a cocktail and what happens to the glass after last call. On September 24 at 5pm Rabbit Recycling and Remark Glass will show how circular recycling works, and on September 25 at 5pm Fell to Earth Vermouth and Green Meadow Farm tell the story of how ingredients become a cocktail. Pay as you go. 2519 Frankfort Avenue

PARTY TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF CLEAN WATER ACTION. Come to Xi West September 24 from 6 to 9pm for Watershed to Water Tap – Clean Water’s 26th Annual Fundraiser & Celebration in Philadelphia, an evening of recognizing local champions with awards for their environmental work, an online auction and raffle, and good food and drinks in support of Clean Water Action’s work. $60-$1000+. 3939 Chestnut Street

COME TO A LECTURE FROM THE ADULT IN THE ROOM. The Museum of the American Revolution proudly presents its 2026 Carl M. Buchholz Lecture with Retired US Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster September 24 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. The lecture will focus on George Washington, his leadership and legacy, and the role of the military in our democracy today. The event will also be available via Zoom; in-person attendees are treated to food and drink. $20-$500. 101 S. 3rd Street

CROWN THE WINNER OF UNAPOLOGETICALLY JEWISH! Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media’s third annual Unapologetically Jewish Social Media Contest culminates at The Mazel Tov Moment September 24 at 6pm at The Weitzman. hosted by Chef Tova, the winner of the Social Impact and Audience Favorite Awards will be presented in an awards ceremony along with a presentation and celebration. $15. 101 S. Independence Mall E. 

APPRECIATE THE BROWNEST OF THE BROWN LIQUORS. Twisted Tail hosts its 12th Annual Whiskey Bonanza September 24 from 7 to 10pm (6pm for VIPs). Enjoy food trucks, a cocktail competition, rare and hard-to-find-spirits, and a keepsake Glencairn tasting glass, plus over 100 whiskeys and spirits to taste. VIPs get in an hour early and are treated to a pig roast. $70-$85. 509 S. 2nd Street

DON’T BURN OUT OR FADE AWAY. Just come to The Mann September 24 at 7pm (doors at 5:30) for a co-headlining performance from Willie Nelson & Family / Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts with special guest Ty Myers. $62.15-$306.26. 5201 Parkside Avenue

EAT EPIC BBQ. SUPPORT PHILLY KIDS. Only once a year will Top Chef Nick Elmi make barbecue, and it’s always for the KB Foundation’s end-of-summer fundraiser — September 24 at 7pm, at the Pump House in Bala. All proceeds go to mentoring Philly kids from middle through high school. Also: Open bar, cigar bar, candy bar and games. FWIW, KB is Jalon Hurts’ fav org. $100. 605 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd

SEE A BOB DYLAN MUSICAL. An American story of resilience in uncertain times adapts songs by Bob Dylan in Girl from the North Country, opening at the Arden theater September 24 and running through October 25. $42-$72. 40 N. 2nd Street

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

Sex Pistols, Gritty 5K, Declaration Conference, Philly AIDS Thrift block party, South Street Fall Fest, Manayunk Oktoberfest, Kensington’s Wild Botanical Garden Renaming Party, Fall for the Arts Festival, CityNerd Live

NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS. Celebrate 50 years of Anarchy in the UK with The Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter and special guests Bad Nerves live at The Fillmore September 25 at 8:30pm. $28-$108 29 E. Allen Street

WATCH GRITTY’S BIRTHDAY 5K. The Gritty 5K presented by Penn Medicine takes off from Xfinity Mobile Arena September 26 at 7:30am on a 3.1-mile circuit featuring “Karaoke, Stop & Listen to 95,” a finish line hot dog, and more. Runners registration is closed; just show your support! 3601 S. Broad Street, Lot E 

CONSIDER THE INTERNATIONAL IMPACT OF OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. On September 25 and 26, the Museum of the American Revolution hosts The Declaration’s Journey: A Convening on the International Legacy, two days of panels and roundtables featuring U.S. and international scholars. See the full conference schedule here. Free, registration required, luncheon lectures admission is $50. 101 South Third Street

CELEBRATE PHILLY AIDS THRIFT. Philly AIDS Thrift is celebrating their 21st birthday with a block party September 26 from noon to 6pm featuring food trucks, live music, craft and vintage vendors, games and more. Free. 710 S. 5th Street

OK YOU KNOW WHAT SOUTH STREET IS JUST GONNA BE LIT ON SATURDAY. On September 26 from noon to 7pm, this year’s South Street Fall Fest goes epic with a different theme across 7 blocks including a Ren Faire hosted by Queen & Rook, a skate park, a macabre masquerade, and of course, Oktoberfest at Brauhaus Schmitz. There’s food, music, games, art, vendors, and more. Pay as you go. 100-800 South Street 

CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST IN MANAYUNK. Love City Brewing hosts Manayunk October Fest September 26 from noon to 6pm with commemorative mugs, specials, contests, and more. Pay as you go. 4323 Main Street

PARTY FOR THE NEWLY NAMED COMMUNITY GARDEN IN KENSINGTON. On September 26 from noon to 3pm, Kensington Corridor Trust hosts a Wild Botanical Garden Renaming Party. Free. 3236-56 Kensington Avenue

FALL FOR THE ARTS IN CHESTNUT HILL. Germantown Avenue closes down to traffic September 27 from 11am to 5pm and transforms into Fall for the Arts Festival, a family-friendly and pet-friendly venue for live art demonstrations, kids activities, live music, food and drink, and shopping. Free. 8000-8600 Germantown Avenue

NERD OUT ABOUT URBANISM. Join urbanist, data enthusiast, and YouTube creator Ray Delahanty with special guest Dr. Jay Arzu at Resurrection Philadelphia for CityNerd Live in Philly: The City’s Scorecard September 28 at 7pm. You’ll be treated to a lively discussion and Q&A that also benefits 5th Square Advocacy, Philadelphia’s urbanist 501c4. $30. 123 S. 17th Street

ONGOING EVENTS

Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.

EXPERIENCE THE INTERNATIONAL FRINGE MOVEMENT. The annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival returns September 8 through 27. The FringeArts fest features over 1,000 performances by national, international and Philadelphia-based artists of all disciplines in spaces across the city. More than 40,000 attendees are expected. Visit the festival calendar here. Tickets, venues, and genre of performances vary greatly. $5-$50. Locations citywide  

NEED AN ALTERNATIVE TO SIPS? Fishtown TAPS takes place every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm through September 29, offering a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, along with appetizer specials to neighborhood favorites across Fishtown. Pay as you go. Various locations throughout Fishtown

DONATE TO HELP THE JUSTICE IMPACTED. Now through October 1, CEO Philly is calling for donations for its upcoming holiday event to support the justice impacted. They’re looking for new packaged hygiene items, socks, pants, and t-shirts, and gloves, blankets and scarves for both men and women. Contact Regnarian Jenkins, Senior Community Intervention Specialist, at his email Rjenkins@ceoworks.org or call his direct line 445-238-3379 for more information on what and how to donate. 245 North Broad Street

SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK. More than 20 Philly parks will host Park Friends Movie Nights this summer and fall through October 16. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive before dusk. Check with your local Park Friends Group for updates and schedule changes. Free. Various locations

SEE ART THAT REMINDS US WE ARE STILL CONFINED TO A SINGLE PLANET. No Other Place to Go puts the psychological weight of climate change on display through the lenses of five artists. On view at InLiquid Gallery through October 17; gallery hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday. Free. 1400 N American Street

STROLL THE STREETS OF CENTER CITY. Open Streets: West Walnut returns for the fall on Sundays from September 13 to October 25 from 10am to 5pm. In addition to shopping and eating, Center City District provides free entertainment with buskers, strolling performers, dance groups, a family-friendly zone, games and activities for kids, and more. Pay as you go. Walnut Street between Broad and 19th streets and S. 18th Street between Locust and Chestnut streets

VIEW SELECTIONS OF JESSIE KRIMES’S WORK. Mural Arts Philadelphia and The Fabric Workshop and Museum present Jesse Krimes: Elegy Quilts, on view through November 1. Museum hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free, donations suggested. 1214 Arch Street

FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the 2026 season through the fall tours at 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees are treated to fun, mind-bending magic relevant to the historic and off-beat Old City locations on the tour. Philly Magic tours also partners with local charities on passes and group outings for fundraisers and free tours for deserving school classes. $32.40. Tours meet behind the Bourse near 4th and Ranstead streets

EXPLORE THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The American Philosophical Society’s These Truths: The Declarations of Independence tells the story of America’s founding through early Declaration printings and treasured artifacts. Open through January 3, 2027. Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free, donations welcome. 104 S. 5th Street

LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street

TAKE A FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHWEST PHILLY. Stuff your face with Jamaican, West African, and Southern African American cuisines while walking it off on Woodland Avenue during your Africatown Food Tour, scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:30am and 1:30pm. $56. 5741 Woodland Avenue

MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY