PHILADELPHIA, PA — Halloween costumes, live music, pumpkin carving and more than 110 artists and makers will fill the streets of South Philadelphia when East Passyunk Fall Fest returns for its 14th year on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The free, family-friendly celebration will transform East Passyunk Avenue into a neighborhood block party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing together local businesses, artists, families and their four-legged companions for a day of seasonal activities.
Hosted by Nice Things Handmade in partnership with the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, the festival will close East Passyunk Avenue to vehicle traffic between Morris and Dickinson streets. Additional festivities will extend toward Mifflin Triangle, The Gateway and Broad Street.
This year’s celebration features trick-or-treating, a dog costume contest, live entertainment, outdoor arts activities and a screening of the Halloween film Hocus Pocus.
“When I started Fall Fest back in 2012, I just wanted to bring artists and neighbors together to celebrate creativity and community,” said Elissa Kara, owner of Nice Things Handmade and founder of the festival.
What began as a gathering of artists and neighbors has grown into an annual celebration of South Philadelphia’s independent businesses and creative community.
“Fall Fest is our grand finale to the season, and it’s all about celebrating local makers, supporting small businesses, and giving families a fun, safe way to enjoy Halloween on the Avenue,” Kara said. “I can’t wait to see everyone there!”
More Than 110 Artists and Makers Take Over the Avenue
Shopping for handmade creations will be a central attraction, with more than 110 artists, crafters, vintage sellers and small businesses setting up along East Passyunk Avenue and in the PPA parking lot.
Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, ceramics, artwork, candles, clothing, accessories, vintage merchandise and other creations.
Participating vendors include Abigail Demsas Ceramics, Art by Alicia, Carnivorous Houseplants, John Westcott Watercolors, Mario Zucca Illustration, Philly Candles, South Philly Co-op, Street Cat Ceramics, Tiger Snake Vintage and Witchy Philly Candle Co., among many others.
At the Singing Fountain, Drunken Knitwits and South Philly Yarn will present a Halloween-themed yarn installation and pop-up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests can meet the artists and participate in a make-and-take craft activity.
Four artists will also paint live near the fountain from noon to 4 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to watch artwork take shape throughout the afternoon.
Costumed Dogs Take Center Stage
One of the festival’s most anticipated attractions is the Dog Costume Contest, hosted by South Philadelphia dog-walking business Monster Minders.
The competition begins at noon at the Singing Fountain, with registration opening at 11 a.m.
Dogs can compete in four categories:
- Best Overall
- Best Foodie Costume
- Best Pop Culture Icon
- Best Dog/Human Duo
Complimentary pup cups will be available for registered dogs beginning at 11 a.m., while supplies last.
The event will also feature adoptable dogs from Street Tails Animal Rescue, giving visitors an opportunity to meet animals looking for permanent homes.
Costumes are encouraged for both people and pets throughout the festival.
Trick-or-Treating, Pumpkins and Hocus Pocus
Families can explore East Passyunk Avenue during the Creepy Crawl Trick-or-Treating event, beginning at 11 a.m.
Participating businesses will display spider decorations in their windows, helping children identify locations offering Halloween treats.
Candy, sponsored by FCCB, will be available while supplies last.
At The Gateway near Broad and Tasker streets, families can participate in pumpkin carving from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided while supplies last, with support from the South Broad Neighborhood Association.
Movie fans can enjoy an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus beginning at 12:30 p.m. near 11th and Tasker streets. The film will be shown on an outdoor movie truck.
The festival will also introduce Halloween-themed photography experiences.
South Philly Time Capsule will operate a Polaroid-style photo booth in the PPA parking lot, while Mendel Productions will offer Halloween-inspired portraits near East Passyunk Avenue and Morris Street.
Live Music and Drumming Fill the Streets
Entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon, beginning with DJ Linz X Mars performing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the PPA parking lot.
At 1:15 p.m., approximately two dozen drummers from Batala will bring a live percussion performance to the Singing Fountain and East Passyunk Avenue.
Live music at the Singing Fountain will follow from 2 to 4 p.m.
The combination of music, street performances and interactive activities will create a festival atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
Local Businesses Join the Halloween Celebration
Restaurants, shops and other businesses along East Passyunk Avenue will participate with seasonal menus, special promotions and Halloween activities.
A Novel Idea will offer Halloween books for readers of all ages, along with astrology and tarot readings from 3 to 6 p.m. Astrology readings cost $25 for 15 minutes, while tarot readings cost $20 for 10 minutes.
Little Yenta Books will welcome New Yorker cartoonist Natalie Horberg for free live portrait drawings.
Eastern Pass Tattoo Co. will offer discounted Halloween-themed flash tattoos and free temporary tattoos.
Frame Fatale, at 1813 E. Passyunk Avenue, will feature a Dead Frames sale and Halloween window display.
P’unk Burger, at 1823 E. Passyunk Avenue, will offer specials including $6 smashburgers, $6 Beyond Cheeseburgers and $7 select milkshakes.
Kouklet & Tanda Brazilian Bakehouse will introduce a festival-specific fall menu, while Lucky 13 Pub will feature a lunchtime flatbread pizza special.
Other participating businesses include August Moon Boutique, Good Buy Supply, Hazel Moon Ceramics, Passyunk Pilates, Stitch and Story Consignment and The Bottle Shop.
This Time Tomorrow will offer an opportunity to design personalized trick-or-treat bags, with pricing to be determined.
Several neighborhood businesses will continue their Halloween celebrations into the evening.
Cantina Los Caballitos will host a Halloween costume party beginning at 10 p.m., featuring DJ GR/EG Mezcalexander and costume prizes.
Pub on Passyunk East is also planning a Halloween celebration in conjunction with its 20th anniversary.
Event Details
- What: East Passyunk Fall Fest, featuring more than 110 artists and makers, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, live music, a dog costume contest, craft activities and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Select participating businesses will offer additional activities later in the day.
- Where: East Passyunk Avenue between Morris and Dickinson streets, Philadelphia, PA 19148, centered around the Singing Fountain. Additional activities extend toward Mifflin Triangle, The Gateway at Broad and Tasker streets, and nearby locations.
- Cost/Tickets: Free admission. Trick-or-treating and many activities are complimentary. Food, beverages, shopping and select activities are available for purchase. The festival takes place rain or shine.
- More Info: Festival updates and additional details are available at visiteastpassyunk.com/events/fall-fest. Visitors can also follow @nicethingshandmade and @eastpassyunk on social media.
Festival Schedule at a Glance
- 11 a.m.–4 p.m.: Artists and makers market, Halloween yarn pop-up, DJ Linz X Mars, photography pop-ups and neighborhood business activities.
- 11 a.m.: Creepy Crawl Trick-or-Treating begins along East Passyunk Avenue.
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Pumpkin carving at The Gateway, Broad and Tasker streets.
- 11 a.m.: Dog Costume Contest registration opens at the Singing Fountain.
- Noon: Dog Costume Contest begins at the Singing Fountain.
- Noon–4 p.m.: Live painting near the Singing Fountain.
- 12:30 p.m.: Outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus near 11th and Tasker streets.
- 1:15 p.m.: Batala drum performance at the Singing Fountain and along East Passyunk Avenue.
- 2–4 p.m.: Live music at the Singing Fountain.
East Passyunk Fall Fest has grown considerably since Kara founded the event in 2012, becoming a neighborhood gathering that connects residents with independent businesses, artists and community organizations.
For families, the festival offers a daytime Halloween celebration with activities for children and pets. For visitors interested in shopping locally, the makers market provides an opportunity to discover handmade goods and support regional artists.
With costumes encouraged and activities spread throughout the Avenue, the celebration brings together the creative energy and neighborhood character that have made East Passyunk a destination for Philadelphia’s fall festivities.
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