Philadelphia Is the September Scene for Food, Festivals, Fun

Summer may be slipping away, but the Philadelphia region's events calendar is packed with dynamic events and experiences for September. Discover some of what residents and visitors to Philadelphia and its surroundings can discover this month.

September is the month for music. The Philadelphia Orchestra will mark the beginning of its 125th season with works that celebrate the orchestra's legacy and identity within the context of the American orchestral music tradition. This season will also serve as a prelude to the 250th birthday celebration for the United States in 2026 with musical works that will feature historically underrepresented composers such as William Grant Still, Louis Ballard, Amy Beach, and Julius Eastman. More information about the Philadelphia Orchestra's performances is available online.

The 13th annual Haverford Township Music Festival will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 9 p.m. Performers include jazz musician Sasha Dobson, alt-folk-rock band Arbouretum, and rockabilly artists Dibbs & the Detonators. More information is available on the festival's website.

September is the perfect month to experience the tranquility of late summer and early autumn in the Philadelphia region. The Schuylkill River Trail allows bicyclists and walkers to explore the city's green spaces. Fairmount Park offers trails and golf courses with outdoor activities for any leisure enthusiast.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks will host the 2025 Bite for the Fight Food Festival on Saturday, Sept. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. Featuring culinary creations from Philadelphia-area restaurants and food professionals, this fundraising event supports the Fight On McKenna Foundation's mission to help families whose children are battling pediatric cancer.