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Discover food, photography, flowers, the First Amendment, and more this month
Your September 2026 guide to Philly cultural events
Gauri Mangala
Feel that September breeze? Soon the leaves will start changing, and it's finally time to enjoy those comfortable after-work walks around Philadelphia again. The fall arts season is suddenly in full swing, including the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. But there’s a lot more going on beyond Philly’s theater world, including markets, exhibitions, and neighborhood festivals. The rest of September offers plenty of ways to enhance your next stroll.
Editor’s note: The BSR Weekly Roundup will resume in late September. Thanks for your patience during our search for a new associate editor!
Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park
Saturdays and Sundays through October 31
FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue and South Broad Street, Philadelphia
The Southeast Asian Market is back on the east side of FDR Park from 10am to 6pm on weekends, rain or shine. This is your one-stop shop for Thai tea, Khmer traditional remedies, Indonesian Halal food, and more than 70 booths of food, beverages, jewelry, clothing, and more.
No Other Place to Go
Through Saturday, October 17
InLiquid Gallery, 1400 North American Street, Philadelphia
We're starting to witness autumnal changes differently in the era of rapid climate change. InLiquid Gallery’s new exhibition examines photography through the lens of capturing climate change. The featured artists investigate photography’s capacity to not only capture rapid ecological change, but also the grief and anxiety rendered through observation. The exhibition is open every week, Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 6pm.
Inaugural First Amendment Day
Wednesday, September 9, 10am-5pm
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is partnering with the National Constitution Center for a new annual celebration of the First Amendment, including free admission to the center and special programming, including a guided walking tour through Old City and an interactive Free Expression creative studio where you can create your own posters, editorial cartoons, buttons, collages, protest signs, and more.
20/20 Photo Festival
September 10-19, 2026
Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
Calling all photography enthusiasts! The 20/20 Photo Festival is back with city-wide programming including workshops, artist talks, photo walks, and book fair activities. Join an interactive collage workshop at Tattooed Mom or a guided photo walk at the Barnes Arboretum with head gardener Katie Jacoby. From amateurs to award-winning photographers, there is something for everyone.
3rd Annual Spring Garden Sunflower Festival
Saturday, September 12, 12-8pm
1700-1900 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia
The Spring Garden Civic Association is back with the third installment of this widely popular community event, presented alongside 5th District Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. The festival will feature Philly-local vendors, a Kids’ Play Zone, a beer garden, live music, and plenty of sunflowers, of course!
Open Streets: West Walnut
Sundays starting September 13
Walnut Street (Broad to 19th) & 18th Street (Chestnut to Locust), Philadelphia
Eight blocks of Walnut Street will be transformed into car-free public space for pedestrians this fall on Sundays. Presented by Fulton Bank, Open Streets: West Walnut will host clothing pop-ups, live music, Double Dutch lessons with Philly Girls Jump, Bubble Magic, mini golf, and more. There is fun for the whole family!
cinéKIDZ at the Library
Saturday, September 19, 12-3:30pm
Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia
cinéSPEAK presents its inaugural season of cinéKIDZ, inviting children ages 3 to 10 and their caregivers for an afternoon of music, arts and crafts, and short films from around the world, as well as complimentary refreshments. The first event of this monthly series will feature a live performance by award-winning Ants on a Log, with music centered on positivity, social justice, and silliness. Food and beverages will be provided by BlkBerry Juice Bar and Macho’s Delish Mix.
John Coltrane at the North Philadelphia History Festival
September 25-27, 2026
Power Market, 1835 Oxford Street, Philadelphia
One of the most gifted jazz musicians of American history called North Philadelphia home. Scribe Video Center is back with a new installment of the North Philadelphia History Festival, this time celebrating the legacy of bandleader and saxophonist John Coltrane. The program includes three days of live performances, film screenings, exhibitions, oral history installations, and tours, all led by Philadelphia-based artists, historians, and filmmakers. Stop by the John Coltrane House at 1511 North 33rd Street before or after your visit.
Fall for the Arts Festival
Sunday, September 27, 11am-5pm
Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia
Chestnut Hill's 42nd annual Fall for the Arts Festival offers a family-friendly chance to meet local artists, watch them work, and try your own hand at the art. There's also lots of live music and more than 300 vendors taking over historic Germantown Avenue. (Rain date is Sunday, October 11.)
At top: Saxophonist John Coltrane. (© Chuck Stewart Photography, LLC/Fireball Entertainment Group.)
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