East Passyunk Fall Festival Returns With Live Music, Pumpkin Carving, Trick-or-Treating, Dog Costume Contest & More

South Philly’s most anticipated autumn celebration, the East Passyunk Fall Festival, returns on Saturday, October 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., bringing a day filled with local art, live music, family fun, and fall festivities. Founded in 2012 by Elissa Kara, owner of Nice Things Handmade, this all-ages event has grown into one of the city’s largest neighborhood traditions, transforming East Passyunk Avenue into a vibrant corridor of creativity and community.

Presented in partnership with the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, Fall Fest will close East Passyunk Avenue to traffic between Morris and Dickinson Streets, centering around the Singing Fountain, with festivities extending to Mifflin Triangle, The Gateway, and Broad Street. The event will feature over 110 local artists, makers, vintage vendors, and community organizations, alongside participating Avenue businesses offering special pop-ups and fall-themed activities.

Guests can expect pumpkin carving, live music, trick-or-treating, food and drink vendors, and craft stations, with highlights that include the South Philly Costume Contest, the Dog Costume Contest, and a special Halloween Yarn Pop-Up featuring the Drunken Knitwits and South Philly Yarn. The festival is free to attend and open rain or shine, with food, drinks, and select activities available for purchase.

Event Highlights

• Halloween Yarn Pop-Up (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
  At the Singing Fountain, Drunken Knitwits and South Philly Yarn will host a make-and-take craft station and debut their latest viral yarn bomb installation.

• South Philly Costume Contest (11:00 a.m. for kids, 11:45 a.m. for adults)
  Hosted by South Fellini, the contest invites participants to don their most “South Philly-inspired” looks—whether it’s a hoagie hero, sports fanatic, or parking-cone prince. Guest judges include Tony Trove (South Fellini), Brittney Goldberg (Heavy Metal Hair), and Casey Parker (Pistolas Del Sur).

• Dog Costume Contest (12:30 p.m.)
  Hosted by Monster Minders at the Singing Fountain, the contest will feature local celebrity judges and adoptable pets from Street Tails Animal Rescue.

• Live Music (2:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
  The day will close with an afternoon of music and dancing near the Singing Fountain, led by DJ Linz X Mars.

• Local Pop-Ups
  Participating businesses include August Moon (permanent jewelry), Creations by Coppala (dried flower crowns), NRS Boutique, and Spellbound Studio (Halloween braids and tinsel extensions), among others.

For founder Elissa Kara, Fall Fest is a celebration of what makes South Philly special.

“When I started Fall Fest back in 2012, I just wanted to bring artists and neighbors together to celebrate creativity and community,” said Kara. “Thirteen years later, it’s grown into one of South Philly’s favorite traditions—a day that perfectly captures what makes this neighborhood so special: art, small business, families, and a lot of heart.”

Fall Fest continues to embody the essence of East Passyunk Avenue: local pride, creativity, and inclusivity. With its mix of family-friendly entertainment, small business showcases, and neighborhood spirit, this beloved event remains a must-attend tradition for anyone looking to celebrate fall in Philly.